2nd Friday
Downtown Continues
Musical Focus
Music at Four Venues Highlight Monthly Event
Live music at four locations highlights the April edition of the 2nd Friday Downtown Wander and Wonder Walk. “The popularity of the free live musical performances has really helped create an identity for 2nd Friday,” says Main Street Batesville executive director Paula Grimes. “What has developed is a monthly music festival, featuring a constantly growing line-up of outstanding musicians.” Grimes is also quick to point out that most of the downtown merchants will continue remain open until 8:00 p.m. and said “we do appreciate the merchants who stayed open even with cold weather and rain preventing us from hosting any outdoor activities for the past three months, and we especially appreciate the people who supported those merchants.”
The musical events include:
MorningSide Coffeehouse. 616 Harrison Street. Open Mic 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Free; coffee, tea, and baked goods available for purchase. Musicians looking to perform welcome.
Healing Grounds, 363 E. Main. Favorite Artists Open Mic Night. 6:00 – 10 p.m. Popular local entertainers share the stage, including acoustic rocker Eric Van Williams, bluesman Grady, female vocalist Cherr, and Jody Hughes of the group January Falls performing solo.
There is no admission charge, but Healing Grounds owner Deb Dalwrymple will pass the hat for the musicians. Coffee drinks, tea, soft drinks, and snacks available for purchase.
Elizabeth’s Restaurant, 231 E. Main. 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Diane will be serving wonderful food and David Grimes will play guitar and sing country and southern rock favorites.
Pocket Park. Randy and Stephanie Wade (of Randy’s Music), and Friends will hit the stage at the park, performing bluegrass, country, rock and other crowd-pleasers. 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Free. The Pocket Park is located at 315 E. Main across from the Landers.
In addition to the music, the Batesville Area Arts Council Gallery will host a reading and book signing by Batesville author Mark Rorie at 6:30 p.m. Rorie will read from his new children’s book, The Polk Bayou Kids and the Search for Civil War Gold. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Rorie plans to do a series of children’s adventure novels featuring the Polk Bayou Kids. The Gallery will be open from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with work from area artists. Refreshments will be served. The Batesville Arts Council gallery is located at 246 E. Main.
Most Main Street businesses will be open until 8:00 p.m. The 2nd Friday Downtown Wander and Wonder Walk is a project of Main Street Batesville in cooperation with the Batesville Area Arts Council and participating merchants.
