The South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado invites the community to a celebration of art and music heritage on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
This unique event, titled “AZ Evening,” will feature author Stephen Koch and artist Kathryn Strauss presenting their book “From Almeda to Zylphia: The Arkansas Women Who Changed America’s Popular Song” (Et Alia Press , Et Alia Press). 2024).
This book profiles influential Arkansas women in music whose stories are often untold and overlooked. From early pioneers to contemporary artists, these women have made significant contributions to the music world, both locally and internationally. Notable figures featured in this book include Almeda Riddle, Sylphia Horton, Rosetta Tharpe, Dale Evans, Maya Angelou, and more, and showcase their powerful legacies in American popular song.
During the event at SAAC, Kathryn Strauss will share her artistic process and the inspiration behind her vivid portraits of these cultural pioneers. The 30 portraits of Strauss featured in the book are currently on display in SAAC’s Lobby Gallery until October 16th, marking the first time they have all been exhibited together.
Author Steven Koch, musician and host of the popular public radio program “Arkansongs,” performed some of the songs inspired by the book’s key figures and discussed their cultural influences. will be discussed.
“This book covers a wide range of musical genres and eras, from the 1800s to this year. We look forward to telling the stories of the incredible musicians featured in the book and performing with some of them at El Dorado.” I’m talking about their songs,” the author said. “We are working on a set that includes a gospel song by Rosetta Tharpe from Cotton Plant, blues from Grace Brim from Biscoe, and a calypso number from Maya Angelou, who grew up in Stamps.”
Gay Bechtelheimer, a key figure in bringing the program to El Dorado, said: “Erin Wood, publisher of Eto Aria Press, was one of my guests at the Governor’s Arts Awards Ceremony in April, and that’s when she caught my attention with her work.” Latest project. I know that whatever Erin does, she does it with scholarship, substance, and style. As soon as I found out, I knew this presentation needed to be held at the South Arkansas Arts Center. ”
Following the program, a reception hosted by Sherrell and Ben Johnson will be held in the gallery. Et Aria Press will have a copy of “From Almeda to Sylphia: The Arkansas Women Who Changed America’s Popular Song” available for autograph signing by both Koch and Strauss.
Tickets for the event are $15 for the general public and $10 for SAAC members with reserved seating. Tickets are free for students who call SAAC to reserve their seats.
For more information or to purchase tickets to “An AZ Evening,” call South Arkansas Arts Center at 870-862-5474. Click here to order your tickets from the SAAC website.
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