2nd Friday Downtown Wander and Wonder Walk Begins Second Year
Arkansas singer/songwriter Ken Smith will perform a free concert on the Pocket Park Downtown Stage on Friday, August 14, at 6:30. Smith will make two consecutive 2nd Friday Downtown appearances; he will also be featured in September. Ken Smith started playing guitar at the age of 8, and started writing songs at the age of 13. He formed the Arkansas based rock band Society’s Child in 1994 as a bass player, back up vocalist, and songwriter for the band, performing throughout Arkansas. Their song “Father,” written by Ken Smith, was released on the Cry Rock label in 1995. In 1998 Ken went solo performing his own brand of acoustic rock/pop across the southern US, and has opened and performed on the same bill as bands like Black Oak Arkansas, Pat Travers, Bad Finger, Janis Joplin’s original band “Big Bother & the Holding Co,” Devon Allman, Tony Spinner, Ashton Shepard, Earl Thomas Conley, Foghat, Jimmie VanZant, and many more. He released his first full length solo CD titled “Still Alive” in 2004. Ken also released a single from the album, the song “Memphis.” It became a featured song on a Depot Records Compilation CD in 2005. He released a second independent CD “The Black Sheep Diaries” in 2005. His latest album release is “In the Eye of the Beholder.”
Paintings by Batesville artist Douglas Harding will be on display at the Batesville Area Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery. Harding is a 2008 Lyon College graduate whose work has been exhibited at the Kresge Gallery. He also worked as a costume designer for the Lyon Holloway Theatre. Harding believes that “art is a process which becomes more powerful as it builds momentum during its creation, a powerful force compelling its viewers to think outside of the box.” He adds, “I want the viewer to experience my art for themselves with little guidance on my part. As I make art, I have my own feelings about it; by watching others.” The gallery is located at 246 E. Main. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
The Simply Southern Playhouse Music Theater at Main and Broad will feature the Randy and Stephanie Wade Band playing acoustic and bluegrass favorites. 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.
MorningSide Coffeehouse at 616 Harrison Street will continue its popular Open Mike format from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Admission is free. Coffee, tea, and baked goods are available for purchase. Musicians looking to perform are welcome.
The August walk launches the second year for the monthly downtown celebration, which attracts both local residents and visitors from around the region. Main Street Batesville executive director and walk organizer Paula Grimes credits the walk’s success to “effective promotion, a balanced and constantly evolving slate of activities and events, and community members who appreciate the importance of downtown revitalization.”
Most Main Street businesses, including Elizabeth’s Restaurant and the Paper Chase Bookstore, 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.
