Musical Month: 13 October Concerts for Families
Hit pause on the "Frozen" soundtrack and engage the senses at a live music experience. The whole family can enjoy this weekend's (Oct. 4-5) symphony performance featuring "Karate Kid"-composer Bill Conti or popular family band Sugar Free Allstars at the Children's Library and Learning Center (Oct. 22; pictured above).
We've also included a few options for parents who want to send the kids to a sleepover and plan a date night (after all, how can you miss seeing Color Me Badd at the State Fair?)! Keep reading for details on all 13 concerts!
Oct. 4
Charlie Wilson in Concert at Verizon Arena: Showcasing new hits and old Gap Band favorites, this concert from smooth-singing Wilson will "drop a bomb on you." 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4. $49.50-$82.50. For info: (800) 745-3000, VerizonArena.com.
Oct. 4-5
Bill Conti's Academy Awards at Pulaski Academy Connor Performing Arts Center: Oscar and five-time Emmy-winner Bill Conti, conductor of the Academy Awards Orchestra and composer of film scores “Karate Kid” and “Rocky," leads the ASO in a celebration of the big screen. Get your popcorn, find your seat, and settle in for an evening of movies, music, and silver screen glitz and glamour. Performances are: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 & 3 p.m. Oct. 5. $19-$58; kids get in free with the Entergy Kids' Ticket for Sunday performances. For info: (501) 666-1761, ArkansasSymphony.org.
Oct. 9
ASO Rockefeller Quartet Concert at The Capital Hotel: Stop by after work or school for a free concert at the Capital Hotel! The concert features short, accessible pieces along with commentary from the musicians of the Rockefeller Quartet. Guests are invited to mingle after the performance. 5:15 p.m. Oct. 9. For info: (501) 666-1761, ArkansasSymphony.org. FREE!
James Cotton in Concert at Wildwood Park for the Arts: Cotton is considered the greatest living harmonica player and won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1996. Cotton’s collaborators include Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, B.B. King, Otis Reading, and Carlos Santana. 7 p.m. Oct. 9. $35. For info: (501) 821-7275, WildwoodPark.org.
Little Rock Wind Symphony Presents “Energy and Reflection” at Second Presbyterian Church: The LRWS opens its 22nd season with a concert conducted by Dr. Timothy Oliver. From the opening number, Esprit de Corps by Robert Jager, to the final selection of Apollo Unleashed, this season opening concert reflects high energy with balanced reflection provided by Ticheli’s Requiem and Jacob’s Intermezzo. The program features trumpeter Christopher Wilson performing the rousing La Virgen de la Macarena, a paso doble (bullfighting song) made famous by the great trumpet virtuoso Rafael Méndez. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9. $10, seniors $8, students are free. For info: (501) 666-0777, LRWindSymphony.org.
Oct. 10
Arkansas Chamber Singers Fall Concert: Mass in Time of War at St. James United Methodist Church: The opening concert features the incredibly lyrical "Mass in Time of War" by Franz Joseph Haydn and the uplifting, zestful "Regina coeli," K. 276, of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; both works performed with soloists and an orchestra of players from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. $22, seniors (60+) are $15; students are $10, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10. For info: (501) 377-1121, AR-ChamberSingers.org.
Oct. 10-19
Concerts at 75th Annual Arkansas State Fair at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds: Check out the musical lineup at the fair, which will please fans of all musical tastes. "Bad to the Bone" George Thorogood will kick things off on Oct. 10. The week will also include performances from country artist Travis Tritt, rockabilly legend Sonny Burgess, '90s R&B group Color Me Badd, Sisqo-fronted R&B act Dru Hill, classic rockers REO Speedwagon, and "Cooler Than Me" singer Mike Posner. Advance gate ticket prices are $5.99, and $2.99 for children ages 6-12. All concerts are included in the admission ticket. Premium upgraded concert seats are available for $15. Oct. 9-10. All tickets can be purchased online at ArkansasStateFair.com.
Oct. 17
Five Finger Death Punch & Volbeat in Concert at Verizon Arena: A raucous evening with four bands: Five Finger Death Punch, Volbeat, Hellyeah & Nothing More. 6:10 p.m. Oct. 17. $51.50. For info: (800) 745-3000, VerizonArena.com. PARENTS NIGHT OUT!
Justin Moore in Concert at First Security Ampitheatre: Arkansas-native Justin Moore brings his "Off the Beaten Path" to Little Rock, along with opening act Backroad Anthem. 7 p.m. Oct. 17. $25.50. For info: (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster.com.
Oct. 18
Music & Fun with the Kinders at CALS Main Library: A fun and lively children's concert featuring Brian and Terri Kinder. 10:30 a.m. Oct. 18. For info: (501) 918-3000, CALS.org. FREE!
Oct. 18-19
ASO Masterworks Series: "Blazing Brass" at Maumelle Performing Arts Center: Richard Jorgensen, principal trumpet with the ASO, performs during this concert including selections by composers Joseph Haydn and Anton Bruckner. Performances are: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 & 3 p.m. Oct. 19. $19-$58; kids get in free with the Entergy Kids' Ticket for Sunday performances. For info: (501) 666-1761, ArkansasSymphony.org.
Oct. 22
Kidstock at Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library & Learning Center: Bring your blankets and chairs to this family-friendly music festival. Musical groups include Sugar Free Allstars and Ellis Family Band. The fun continues with tree painting, yoga, sack races, bubbles and more. 4-6 p.m. For info: (501) 978-3870, CALS.org. FREE!
Oct. 24
Lyon College Pipe Band at CALS Ron Robinson Theater: Arkansas Sounds presents a free concert featuring traditional Scottish bagpipes, Scottish and Irish dancers, and a ceilidh (Celtic) band with guitars, accordions, uilleann (Irish) pipes, and singers. 7 p.m. Oct. 24. For info: (501) 320-5715, CALS.org. FREE!
For more October events, browse our full online calendar here.