Main Street Batesville will celebrate the opening of the Fellowship Bible Church in the restored and repurposed Landers Theater Building on Friday, August 13, as part of 2nd Friday. The opening lasts from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Attendees will be able to tour the building; refreshments will be served. A ribbon cutting is set for 6:00 p.m. The restoration effort took over two years; the results are extremely impressive.
The World Mission Outreach, led by president Quebec Miya, will host a benefit concert across the street in the pocket park following the opening. The concert will run from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. It will feature outstanding local bands, including The Anointed Ones, Impact, Brothers of Unity, The Awakening, and GodFrame.
GodFrame, the event headliner, is a contemporary Christian recording artist from Batesville whose distinctive sound incorporates Rap, Pop, R&B, Soul, Rock. His last performance at the Pocket Park attracted the largest crowd yet for the downtown music venue. The Awakening is a newly-formed group that includes several members of the popular Christian rock band Titus 3.
World Missions Outreach (WMO) is a world mission organization currently operating in the United States, South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland. The organization is currently focused on connecting churches in the United States with churches in the southern part of Africa. Revivals, crusades, youth rallies, and mission conferences are mechanisms for accomplishing the mission. “From Batesville with Love” is a benefit concert to support the work of the mission. There is no admission fee but attendees are encouraged to make a donation. Concessions will be sold and a raffle will be held, both will also benefit the mission. Proceeds will be used to support local missionaries traveling to Southern Africa in December.
The popular Punch Bowl Harvest band will perform on the new stage at the Cinnamon Stick Sandwich and Coffee Shop at 151 W. Main. Admission is free. Simply Southern Playhouse Music Theater, at the corner of Main and Broad, will present area musical greats Danny Dozier, Tim Crouch, and Gary Rounds in concert. The concert is set for 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Admission is $5/$2 for children 12 and under. Concessions are available for purchase. The intimate venue seats about 120, so plan to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
The Batesville Area Arts Council will feature acclaimed artist Sheila Parsons in the gallery at 246 E. Main from 5:00 to 8:00. Heuer’s Shoes and other downtown businesses will be open until 8:00 p.m. Elizabeth’s restaurant will also be open. 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. For more information, contact Paula Grimes at 870-793-4632.
