ARTS & CULTURE
By Anna Buie | Photos courtesy of Walton Arts Center
Hot Tunes and Spooktacular Shows Take the Stage in October
As cooler weather blows in and the leaves change, turn to Walton Arts Center for great musical concerts and spooky shows to get you in the Halloween mood this month.
​
Keb’ Mo’ and Shawn Colvin are bringing their iconic musical performance to the stage Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $45. For Keb’ Mo’, the journey began nearly half a century ago when he landed his first major gig in Papa John Creach’s band at age 21. Over the next 20 years, Mo’ would establish himself as a respected guitarist, songwriter and arranger.
Shawn Colvin (Photo by Joseph Llanes)
Keb 'Mo'
Shawn Colvin stopped the industry in its tracks with her 1989 debut, Steady On. In the ensuing 30 years, Colvin has won three Grammys, written a critically acclaimed memoir, maintained a national and international touring schedule, appeared on television and radio programs, and had her songs featured in major motion pictures. This will be an unforgettable night of music, so grab tickets now.
​
Go on a musical excursion with Rio Meets New Orleans Trio, featuring one Grammy-nominated and two Grammy-winning artists joining forces to celebrate two great cities. Though on different continents, Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans have a lot in common, including the liveliness of their respective music.
​
Peter Martin on piano, Romero Lubambo on guitar and Anat Cohen on clarinet reflect on these roots while showcasing their artistry to create a one-of-a-kind musical treat for Starrlight Jazz Club fans. You can visit both places musically when the trio performs Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Theater seating is $35 and cabaret seating is $55.
Beetlejuice (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
Beetlejuice earned his stripes on Broadway, and now, the ghost-with-the-most is coming to Northwest Arkansas for eight performances Oct. 22-27. Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
​
With an irreverent book, an astonishing set and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, Beetlejuice is “screamingly good fun!” according to Variety. And under its uproarious surface (6 feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love and making the most of every “Day-O”! Tickets start at $42. This show is recommended for ages 13 and up.
​
Don’t miss your chance to “shake, shake, shake senora!” Purchase a cocktail class for $39, and learn how to make two specialty-themed drinks you can enjoy with light hors d’oeuvres. You don’t need a ticket to the show to enjoy the cocktail class, but you can shake it up before Beetlejuice by adding on a cocktail class Oct. 24 at 5:30 p.m. and Oct. 25 & 26 at 6:30 p.m. Must be 21 or older to participate.
​
Let’s do the time warp again! Come spend a spooktacular night at Walton Arts Center as you get in the Halloween spirit. Dress up as your favorite Rocky Horror Picture Show character and join the annual pre-show costume contest and live music at 6 p.m. These events will be followed by a screening of this cult classic Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.
​
Tickets for all of these performances are available for purchase by visiting www.waltonartscenter.org, by calling (479) 443-5600 weekdays 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. or in person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Also Coming to Walton Arts Center:
Peter Rabbit & Friends | Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. | $10 tickets
​
Some Enchanted Evening | Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. | $10 tickets
​
Dusty Slay: The Night Shift Tour | Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
​
Barrett Baber | Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
​
Mark Normand: Ya Don’t Say Tour | Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.
​
Wheel of Fortune LIVE! | Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.
​
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical | Nov. 12-17
