
ARTS & CULTURE
By Kaydith Maddox | Photos courtesy of Walton Arts Center
Sing, Celebrate and Soar at Arkansas’ Favorite Vocal Festival
Calling singers of all skill levels and lovers of live music! The annual VoiceJam
A Cappella Festival returns this year for all a cappella enthusiasts. Jam to headliner Voctave on April 10 at 7:30 p.m., learn from industry professionals at free workshops on April 11 and cheer on your favorite group at the VoiceJam Competition on April 11 at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss this weekend honoring all things a cappella.
Kicking off the aca-amazing festival weekend is Voctave. With more than 160 million social media views of the group’s videos and albums frequently debuting in the top 10 on Billboard charts, it is sure to inspire joy in every audience. The group is taking a cappella to the next level, and you won’t want to miss its exciting performance. Tickets to this show are $10.
Formed in 2015 by producer and arranger Jamey Ray, the voices that bring Voctave arrangements to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences. The 11 members have performed across the globe, appeared on countless recordings and have performed with Grammy, Dove and American Music Award recipients including Sandi Patty, Pentatonix’s Kirstin Maldonado, Mark Lowry, David Phelps and Jody McBrayer.
Is singing right up your alley? Have you always wanted to learn from some of the country’s biggest names? A cappella workshops are open to the public and sound perfect for you. These sessions will feature a variety of topics at different skill levels such as a cappella arranging, vocal percussion, body percussion, rehearsal technique, solo singing and more. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just getting started, you’ll discover fresh inspiration and walk away ready to make more music. These workshops are free and all are welcome to come and sing!
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Leading this year’s workshops and judging the VoiceJam Competition are four a cappella experts. Returning this year is an award-winning singer, vocal percussionist, arranger and educator, Rob Dietz. Joining him is Jamey Ray, Voctave’s producer and arranger; Natalie Weiss, acclaimed singer, vocal coach and creator of viral sensation Breaking Down the Riffs; and Drew Ochoa, an award-winning a cappella singer in the barbershop style with his quartet, After Hours.
Tickets to the VoiceJam Competition are $31.05. Want to see the Voctave show and the competition? Get a combo ticket for $31.85. Purchase tickets at www.waltonartscenter.org, by calling (479) 443-5600 weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or in person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Upcoming Show Dates & Times:
BODYTRAFFIC | Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. | $10 tickets
The Comedy Zone: Brad Upton | March 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunny Sweeney | March 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Cahoots NI’s Secrets of Space | March 10 at 6 p.m.
African Rhythms Alumni Quintet | March 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Some Like it Hot | March 17-22
John Crist Live! | March 28 at 4 and 7 p.m.
Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales | March 31 at 6 p.m.