MUSIC
The Arkansas Chamber Singers offer a trio of Christmas concerts titled “Christmas Bells Are Ringing!” at 7 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Old State House, 300 W. Markham St., Little Rock, The program explores the tradition of bells ringing at Christmastime around the world through traditional carols and seasonal songs. Lorissa Mason conducts. Admission is free; seating is limited (doors open 30 minutes before curtain time). Visit ar-chambersingers.org.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings its “Creole Christmas” show Saturday to the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. (Special to the Democrat-Gazette)
‘Creole Christmas’
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings its “Creole Christmas” to Conway at 7 p.m. Saturday, on the stage of Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas, 201 Donaghey Ave. Part of the university’s Public Appearances series, the show features seasonal favorites in a mix of blues, jazz and ragtime. Tickets are $30-$50, $10 for children and students. Call (501) 450-3265 or (866) 810-0012 or visit uca.edu/publicappearances.
Madrigal Feast
Una Voce, a community choral ensemble for youngsters age 14-19 based at Wildwood Park for the Arts, offers its biennial Madrigal Feast, 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Wildwood, 20919 Denny Road, Little Rock. The feast “takes us back to the medieval times of fun, laughter, food, and song,” according to a marketing email blast; “(s)eating is limited and guests are asked to wear masks when not eating or drinking.” Take your own silverware. Tickets are $35. Visit tinyurl.com/5bf4n959; for more information, email [email protected].
CHRISTMAS
Christmas in the Park
The City of Bryant, in conjunction with the Bryant Youth Association and Campbell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, hosts the inaugural Christmas in the Park, 1-6 p.m. Saturday at Mills Park, 1003 Mills Park Road, Bryant. The event includes a pickleball tournament with competitive and family/beginners leagues. The family portion of the festival, starting at 3 p.m., includes a family fun run, Christmas music performed by local school and church groups, a story time with the Saline County Library, food trucks and crafts. Santa Claus will be on hand for photos. A portion of the proceeds from registration fees goes to the Bryant Youth Association. Visit cityofbryant.com or email [email protected].
Christmas and Candlelight
Historic Washington State Park, 100 Franklin St., Washington (Hempstead County), hosts its 38th Christmas and Candlelight, 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Homes and buildings will be festooned with period decorations (tour venues open at 1 p.m.), there will be live music and thousands of luminaries will light the streets. A horse-drawn surrey will be available for rides. Williams’ Tavern Restaurant is open, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission is $10, $6 for children 12 and younger. Parking is $5 per vehicle (cash only). Call (870) 983-2684 or visit HistoricWashingtonStatePark.com.
North Little Rock’s Argenta Public Library hosts a Taylor Swift birthday celebration on Friday. (AP file photo/Scott A Garfitt/Invision)
ETC.
Act Swiftly …
The North Little Rock Public Library System invites all Swifties to celebrate Taylor Swift’s birthday, 6-7 p.m. Friday at the Argenta Public Library, 420 Main St., North Little Rock. The evening will feature games, crafts and refreshments, alongside “a carefully curated playlist” of Taylor’s greatest hits. “Get ready to dance the night away, mingle with fellow fans, and celebrate the legacy of one of music’s most iconic stars,” a news release proclaims. “Fans are encouraged to embrace the spirit of Taylor by dressing up as their favorite era, from ‘Fearless’ to ‘Midnights.'” Admission is free and there’s no need to register in advance. Call (501) 758-1720 or visit NLRlibrary.org.
Comedian Nate Bargatze has scheduled stops in Rogers and North Little Rock on his 2025 “Big Dumb Eyes” World Tour. (Special to the Democrat-Gazette)
TICKETS
Bargatze’s ‘Big Dumb Eyes’
Comedian, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze has announced 66 dates for his 2025 “Big Dumb Eyes” World Tour, including two in Arkansas:
◼️ 7:30 p.m. May 17 at the Walmart AMP, 5079 W. Northgate Road, Rogers. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $49.50-$149.50 plus applicable fees. Visit waltonartscenter.org/amp or natebargatze.com.
◼️ 7 p.m. Sept. 21, at North Little Rock’s Simmons Bank Arena. Tickets are $39.75-$99.75 plus applicable fees, with a limit of eight tickets per household. Visit Ticketmaster.com or natebargatze.com.
Bryan Munar plays Orpheus in the North American Tour production of “Hadestown.” (Special to the Democrat-Gazette/Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
‘Hadestown’ tour
“Hadestown” (music and lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell, conceived and directed by Rachel Chavkin) will be onstage 7:30 p.m. April 25, 2 and 7:30 p.m. April 26 and 1 p.m. April 27 at Little Rock’s Robinson Center Performance Hall, 426 W. Markham St. at Broadway. Tickets are $34-$114. Call (501) 244-8800 or visit CelebrityAttractions.com or Ticketmaster.com.
