Season tickets are now on sale for the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s two annual lineups of touring shows and musical performances: the 37th annual Season of Entertainment and the fifth annual Season at the Blue Lion.

 

For More information or to reserve tickets for either season, contact the UAFS Box Office at 479-788-7300.

 

Season of Entertainment

 

Performances by world-renowned jazz musician Branford Marsalis and best-selling country music artist Martina McBride, combined with a musical rendition of “Cinderella,” ensure that the Season of Entertainment 37 will be one local residents won’t want to miss.

 

The season schedule also features performances by the university’s theatre department and concerts by university music students.

 

Considered “the most respected living U.S. jazz instrumentalist” by the Las Vegas Sun, Branford Marsalis will treat Fort Smith to a jazz concert showcasing his premier talent.

 

A Louisiana native, Marsalis has performed jazz and classical music for nearly 40 years and has released more than 30 albums.

 

As part of her Christmas tour, Martina McBride will perform much of her new CD, scheduled for release in August. Boasting 14 Grammy Award nominations, McBride has released 13 albums throughout her successful 25-year career.

 

The national touring show “Cinderella” brings all the classic moments from the story as well as new twists. The Rogers and Hammerstein adaptation features songs including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”

 

“Cirque Mechanics: Pedal Punk” is a Steampunk-inspired show featuring bicycles, cyclists and machinery. The New York Times hailed the show as “exceptional, evocative, eye-catching and grossly entertaining.”

 

“Gentri: The Gentleman Trio” will present an evening of lush orchestrations and rich three-part harmony. Their signature sound, described as “cinematic pop,” calls on the Gents’ classical training. Their album, “Rise,” debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Classical and Classical Crossover Charts.

 

Stacey Jones, associate vice chancellor for campus and community events said “the season has something in it for everybody.

 

“It’s one of the most balanced season’s we’ve ever had,” Jones said. “We have some of the top performers in the world in the areas of music and theatre performing in this year’s season. For western Arkansas residents, this is a lineup that will offer world-class entertainment for a short drive and a reasonable price.”

 

Season tickets for the Season of Entertainment are $195 at the UAFS Box Office in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center. Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 1. The season runs from Sept. 7 to May 1.

 

The complete Season 37 schedule follows:

 

Sept. 7: Branford Marsalis, 7:30 p.m., ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center.

 

Oct. 4: UAFS Symphonic Band Concert, 7:30 p.m., ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center.

 

Oct. 10: UAFS Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m., ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center.

 

Oct. 19-21, 23-24: Theatre @ UAFS production, 7:30 p.m., Breedlove Auditorium.

 

Oct. 30: Gentri: The Gentlemen Trio, 7:30 p.m., ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center.

 

Nov. 8: “Cirque Mechanics: Pedal Punks,” 7:30 p.m., ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center.

 

Nov. 16: UAFS Jazz Concert, 7:30 p.m., ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center.

 

Nov. 20: Campus Lighting, 5:30 p.m., Campus Green.

 

Nov. 26: Martina McBride Christmas concert, 7:30 p.m., First National Bank Exhibit Hall.

 

Nov. 30: Season’s Greeting Concert, 7:00 p.m., ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center.

 

Feb. 15-17, 19-20: Theatre @ UAFS production, 7:30 p.m., Breedlove Auditorium.

 

April 4: UAFS Symphonic Band Concert, 7:30 p.m., ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center.

 

April 17: UAFS Jazz Concert, 7:30 p.m., ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center.

 

April 23: “Cinderella,” 7:30 p.m., ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center.

 

May 1: A Grand Night for Singing, 7:30 p.m., ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center.

 

Season at the Blue Lion

 

Fort Smith residents can enjoy four musical performances next year as part of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s fifth annual Season at the Blue Lion.

 

Robert Tepper will perform with Chris Cameron Sept. 28; the Tejas Brothers will perform a concert of “Tex-Mex Honky Tonk” music on Oct. 24; Bumper Jacksons will bring their eclectic musical style for a Jan. 17 concert; and UAFS music faculty members will close out the season with a concert Jan. 30. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Lion Downtown, at 101 N. Second St.

 

Known for his hit song “No Easy Way Out,” featured on the Rocky IV soundtrack, Tepper has released four pop albums, most recently “New Life Story.” Tepper will perform with Chris Cameron, a UAFS alumnus and prominent local musician who has found acclaim for his formidable blues sound.

 

With a blend of polka, country, blues and other musical genres, the Tejas Brothers have established themselves as an innovative Texas musical quartet. Formed in 2006, the group has become one of the best live acts in Texas with their electrifying and fun show.

 

With a style compared to “an old-time barn dance in downtown New Orleans, “the Bumper Jacksons will play a vast range of styles, from waltzes to hard-swinging grooves and drinking songs. The group’s unique sound earned them the accolades of 2015 Artist of the year and 2013-2015 Best Folk Band at the Washington Area Music Awards.

UAFS faculty members will display their talents at the Music Faculty Showcase concert, which will include instrumental, vocal and piano faculty members performing in tandem with trumpet, percussion and chamber ensemble pieces and various solos.

 

Stacy Jones, associate vice chancellor for campus and community events, praised the variety of this year’s Blue Lion schedule.

 

“There are some styles of music here that are different than what we’ve done in the past, but it is nothing but true entertainment value for everybody in attendance,” Jones said. “We’re excited to be having top-notch national artists as well as local artists grace the Blue Lion stage this year.”

 

Season tickets cost $50, and only 250 tickets are available for each performance. Individual show tickets go on sale on Aug. 1. The season runs from Sept. 28 through Jan. 30.

The four-show series at the Blue Lion at UAFS Downtown is separate from Season of Entertainment.

 

About the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is the premiere regional institution of Western Arkansas, connecting education with careers and serving as a driver of economic development and quality of place in the greater Fort Smith region. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty and staff, affordable tuition rates, and a diverse on-campus culture allow UAFS students to fully explore their areas of interest in ways that prepare them for post-graduate success academically, professionally, and personally. To find out what makes UAFS just right for you, go to www.uafs.edu.