Best Of The Rest

Almost everything that happens on the Arts Center of the Ozarks stage is produced by the ACO.

So when Kathi Blundell, administrative director, chooses shows to present, she's looking for "things we don't produce that can add some sparkle to the season -- and oftentimes, that will be music."

New last year as part of the Serendipity Series were three concerts collectively called Main Street Music Nights. Well-received by patrons and musicians alike, the shows took place in the downstairs art gallery, creating an atmosphere much like a house concert, Blundell says.

"It was so great to sit back, have a glass of wine and enjoy the music in an intimate setting," she says. "People loved getting to interact with each other and the musicians, too."

This year's Main Street Music Nights will include:

Aug. 8 -- Music to Rob A Train By: An Evening with The Coverlets

Leo Mazow and Brittany Stephenson are The Coverlets, a unique Fayetteville musical duo with roots in American folk, rock, and country from the Depression to the present. Train robberies, drought and unrequited love will be part of this American folk song journey, Blundell says.

"Leo Mazow is a very distinguished art historian at the University of Arkansas, known nationwide, but he also happens to play a great guitar," she adds. "And he's a big Thomas Hart Benton scholar, so there might be some art involved, too."

Nov. 22 -- Brick Fields: Up Close and Soully Personal

Larry Brick and Rachel Fields of Eureka Springs have come together to create what Blundell describes as "very cool Ozark Delta blues. We've never done anything with the blues, so this will be a unique Deep South evening."

Jan. 10 -- Walkin' the Line with Chris Cash

Chris Key Cash played at ACO's recent Wrecking Ball, and Blundell found herself fascinated with his unique indie rock sound. But Cash is also known for his audience participation tactics and the ability to create create mashups of cover songs mash. "It's like watching a stand-up comedian with iPod attention deficit disorder do your favorite cover songs with a new twist."

Back for a second year will be "Tales From the South: On the Road," set for March 15, a radio showcase of Southern writers with host Paula Morell.

"It's the written word, read by their authors. It was so fascinating and fun last year, that we're bringing this very Southern evening back with new works and more fun!" Blundell says.

And the final performances rounding out the Serendipity season are traditions at ACO:

Nov. 15 & May 2 -- ACO Chorale: Making Beautiful Music

This great musical ensemble features vocalists from all over Northwest Arkansas, creating beautiful music together. They perform the best in choral music from a wide variety of composers to entertain area audiences.

Dec. 7 & April 25 -- Arkansas Winds Community Concert Band: A Musical Year

This amazing 65-piece concert band features area professional and talented amateur musicians from all over Northwest Arkansas, who combine their skills and love of music to entertain and delight. The Holiday Concert is offered free as a gift to Northwest Arkansas.

A Serendipity Pick 3 package is available at $30 for ACO member adults, $20 for ACO member students, $40 for nonmember adults and $24 for nonmember students by calling 751-5441 or at acozarks.org.