Third Stage Of Pavilion Nearly Ready

Monday, April 7, 2014

Now we know more of the cutting-edge lineup that will inaugurate the first season of the Arkansas Music Pavilion in its new Rogers location: Steve Miller Band, Foreigner and Boston.

What, was Benny Goodman unavailable?

WHAT'S THE POINT?

A pivitol moment in the construction of the Arkansas Music Pavilion presents an opportunity to celebrate its potential for expanding the popular music offerings in Northwest Arkansas, making the region an even better place to live.

Hey, the '70's called and wants its music back!

OK, the joker in us just couldn't resist. In reality, it's looking like a great year ahead for music enthusiasts and the people urgent in their desire to ensure Northwest Arkansas expands the amenities residents, visitors and potential residents want.

Promoters took advantage of a beam-signing ceremony -- recognition of placement of the uppermost structural element for the 5,430-square-foot stage -- to announce the addition of the three bands everybody had on their turntables and eight-track players back in the day. Their music stands the test of time and no doubt leaves area residents with more than a feeling that the 2014 season will be one to remember.

Whether it's a rock'n'roll band or other styles of music, the AMP has started a schedule of entertaining shows that include performances by Alison Krauss (the real one, in case local law enforcement officers are checking) and Union Station, Darius Rucker, Steve Martin with Edie Brikell, Jake Owen, and Willie Nelson.

Of course, for concert-goers, it will feel like the first time they've been to the AMP, because it will be. In this first season in Rogers, the facility itself will be a major star, giving peace of mind to officials at the Walton Arts Center by providing a critical piece to their strategy for drawing different kinds of acts to the region with multiple venue options. The $11 million pavilion alongside Interstate 540 in Rogers will finally get a permanent home, courtesy of a land donation by philanthropist Johnelle Hunt, who also provided a $3 million interest-free loan for construction; plus two $2.5 million donations by Walmart and the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. It got its start in 2005 in Fayetteville and operated at two locations there between 2005 and 2012, but that was yesterday.

The Rogers venue will have a seating capacity of 3,000 in permanent seats, space for 4,000 more people on its sloped lawn and 294 boxed pre-sold box seats.

There's still plenty of construction to be done before the AMP gets on the road again toward meeting Northwest Arkansas' concert demand. Organizers say it's still on track to open in June.

We're looking forward to this new venue and the musical experiences that lay ahead, but also to the permanent AMP's contributions to Northwest Arkansas as a great place to live.

CASUALTIES OF WAR

To honor the men and women in our armed forces and remind our readers of their sacrifices, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers is publishing Department of Defense announcements identifying Americans killed in active military operations.

Marine Lance Cpl. Caleb L. Erickson, 20, of Waseca, Minn., died Feb. 28 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Commentary on 04/07/2014