Artist Retreat Center annouces spring/summer concert series

The Artist Retreat Center has released its spring/summer house concert schedule. In addition to the monthly Third Thursday concerts, the ARC will host touring musicians on select dates.

The center is located at 13467 Lookout Drive in Old Bella Vista and the concerts are held in the Fireside Lounge, a downstairs listening room, which offers an intimate and informal setting where participants get an opportunity to meet the performers. All shows start at 7 p.m. and there is a $10 cover charge.

For reservations or information call 479-268-6463. Seating is limited.

n THIRD THURSDAY CONCERTS -- The Third Thursday Concert on May 21, will feature Fayetteville musicians, Emily Kaitz and Dennis Collins. Both are veteran musicians who have garnered national recognition. The show will be entertaining, poignant and often hilarious. Kaitz's songs have been recorded by Chet Atkins and Trout Fishing in America among others.

On June 18, iconic singer songwriter Jed Clampit will visit the ARC. Anyone who's attended the University of Arkansas in the last 40 years is most likely a Jed-Head. Clampit has entertained audiences of all ages and generations with his blend of folk, roots, rock and country that he calls "Front Porch Contemporary."

On July 16, the young folk, rock, Americana duo of Caleb and Pat will perform. As a solo artist, Pat placed in the top five nationwide and in the top 20 worldwide in the 2013 Walmart Talent Search. Caleb is just 17 and is quickly making a name for himself, playing with some of northwest Arkansas' top players.

On Aug. 20, Bella Vista's own Ron Stratton will perform. Stratton is a guitarist and harmonica player. He writes songs intended for others to perform, as he can't imagine ever "going on the road." His lyrics have been recognized by "American Songwriter" magazine. For the show at the ARC, he'll play several of his most personal songs.

n SATURDAY NIGHT SOCIAL -- The Saturday Night Social on July 18 will bring the Arkansas-based guitar trio Finger Food to The ARC. Performing "in the round" and trading songs and stories will be Steve Davison, Danny Dozier and Micky Rigby. The three guitarists play different styles on custom or historic six- or 12-string guitars. Davison is part of the American Guitar Masters Touring Concert Series and the 2005 winner of the Arkansas Acoustic Music Festival. Dozier is a two-time winner of the Merle Travis Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. Rigby is a runner-up in the Merle Travis championship and has studied at the Fur Peace Ranch. The guitarists have recently performed at Wildwood Theater for the Performing Arts and The Oxford American's South on Main.

Community on 05/20/2015