John Two-Hawks is the headliner on Sunday.
But Jim Swiggart promises that's just the tip of the talent iceberg in Eureka Springs.
Go & Do
We’ve Got Talent
When: 2:3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Eureka Springs City Auditorium
Cost: $5-$10
Information: (479) 253-8369
"I began my musical career in 1955, singing an opera role in the auditorium in Eureka Springs, and have seen personally the incredible opportunities for young people who are building their life skills in this beautiful setting," says Swiggart, longtime general director of Opera in the Ozarks.
"We've Got Talent," now in its third year, features some of those young musicians in a fundraiser for the Carroll County Music Group, a 501(c)3 nonprofit which provides financial assistance for those who wish to attend a music camp like Opera in the Ozarks.
"They have done an amazing job and have developed an extraordinary event," Swiggart says. "All of our performers are donating their talent and time to this cause, and some travel quite a ways to participate -- students from the Springdale area, Rogers, Decatur, Eureka, Berryville. [And] this unique event is an example of adults using their talent to open the door for our youth as they discover the importance of music education.
"This musical variety concert is a must-see. [And] a sold-out AUD will mark the beginning of 40 to 50 young musicians going to a summer experience that will change their life. "
Each performer will present a six- to seven-minute program, Swiggart says, with Grammy nominee Two-Hawks as the finale. Included among the groups scheduled to appear are the Ozarks Chorale, the Berryville High School Choir, the Boomwhacker Band, Elite Dance Studios, Naturally Brass Quintet, the Berryville High School Drum Ensemble and the Berryville High School Concert Choir.
Native American flutist Two-Hawks, of Oglala Lakota origins, has Grammy and Emmy nominations, Platinum Album awards, has seen his music featured in Fox Searchlight movies, HBO films and programs by The History Channel.
Two-Hawks remembers standing in front of a record player -- he was about 4 years old, he says -- and knowing that someday he "wanted to be on the other side of that speaker." It was 17 albums later that his "Wind Songs" CD was nominated for the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Native American Music Album.
Two-Hawks and his wife, Peggy Hill, moved to Eureka Springs in November 1999 to pursue the dream of making music.
"One of the things taught in the Lakota culture for centuries is that if a person has a vision and does not work toward living that vision, that life has been wasted," says Two-Hawks. "So it is very, very important to me to make this life count -- to try the best I can to live out the vision."
Changing the world requires each person to heed the advice of Two-Hawks' grandfather, who always encouraged humility.
"Go last," Two-Hawks remembers his words. "In everything in life, go last."
And on Sunday, he will, taking the stage last to put young musicians first.
"I consider it a privilege to perform my music in support of an event that helps young people reach their full musical potential," Two-Hawks says.
Becca Martin-Brown can be reached by email at [email protected] or on Twitter at @nwabecca.
NAN Our Town on 03/05/2015