Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com or use our newsroom email pbcnews@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Monday, March 31
Mayor to tell state of the city
Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers will deliver the annual State of the City Address at 6 p.m. March 31 in the Pine Bluff Convention Center Auditorium. This event will provide an overview of the city’s progress, key initiatives, and future plans, according to a news release. The address will highlight accomplishments over the past year, ongoing projects, and strategic priorities for the future. Flowers will discuss advancements in economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and community engagement. The community is invited to attend.
Through Monday, March 31
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Art league hosts landscape exhibits
The Pine Bluff Art League is hosting an exhibition depicting Landscapes & Abstracts in the East wing of the Donald Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., until March 31.
Nominations open for historic places
Preserve Arkansas is seeking nominations for the 2025 list of Arkansas’s Most Endangered Historic Places. The nomination deadline is March 31. Preserve Arkansas accepts nominations year-round, but those submitted after March 31 will be considered for the following year’s list, according to a news release. Nomination information, program guidelines, and an online nomination form may be found at PreserveArkansas.org. Details: (501) 372-4757 or info@preservearkansas.org.
LIHEAP applications available
Entergy Arkansas customers who need help paying their winter utility bills can apply for up to $475 in assistance through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program’s regular assistance application period runs through the end of March, officials said, or until funds are expended while crisis assistance applications will be accepted through April 30. An online application is available for most Entergy Arkansas customers at www.getliheap.com, but applications can also be made in person at local community-based organizations.
Tuesday, April 1
Club Scrub to host event on healthy eating
The Ivy Center for Education’s Future Medical Professionals, Club Scrub, will host a workshop featuring Michael Turley, a registered and licensed dietitian from Jefferson Regional Medical Center. The session will be held from 6-7 p.m. April 1 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences South Central Medical Center, 1601 W. 40th Ave. Turley will highlight “the power of making healthy food choices for a better, healthier future,” according to a news release. Students in grades 7-12 interested in health careers, along with parents and guests, are encouraged to arrive by 5:45 p.m. and enter from the rear of the facility. To join by Zoom, use Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Password: 351061. Details: kencol1@msn.com or mattie1908@gmail.com.
Rick Sikes’ art on display at UAM
Little Rock artist Rick Sikes’ recent artworks, including paintings from his “Sapience” series and prints from his comic book “Humbaba,” are on display in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello through April 1. At 1 p.m. April 1, Sikes will give a portrait demonstration, which is free and open to the public, in the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
Beginning Tuesday, April 1
Workforce youth program sets events
Be Pro Be Proud, a workforce development initiative led by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, announced dates and locations for the 2025 Draft Day Series. Be Pro Be Proud will travel to 11 locations across Arkansas, providing career exploration and interview opportunities to high school students by matching their interests and skill sets with relevant career options, according to a news release. Area events will be held: April 1: Grand Prairie Center, Stuttgart. April 3: Pine Bluff Convention Center, Pine Bluff. April 8: University of Arkansas at Hope/Texarkana, Hope. April 29: El Dorado Conference Center, El Dorado. For other dates and locations or details visit AR.BeProBeProud.org.
Through Tuesday, April 1
Black Hall of Fame grants available
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation, is providing funding opportunities for nonprofits that serve African American or underserved populations in Arkansas. Eligible nonprofits with programs focused on education, health and wellness, youth development, strengthening families and economic development are encouraged to apply, according to a news release. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, hospitals, public schools, and government agencies are eligible to apply now through April 1 at www.arcf.org/ABHOF. Organizations that do not qualify for tax-exempt status are not eligible.
Wednesday, April 2
JRMC CEO to speak at Chamber lunch
Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 2 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The guest speaker will be Brian Thomas, CEO of Jefferson Regional Medical Center, accompanied by a panel from Jefferson Regional Urology Associates. Lunch will be catered by Lybrand’s Bakery & Deli and will cost $15. Lunch must be paid in advance, according to the Chamber newsletter. RSVP to the Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
Chamber to honor women
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the International Women’s Day Event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 2 in the Kline Family Foundation Gallery at ARTSpace on Main. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres catered by Pine Bluff Country Club, beverages provided by MK Distributors Inc., and live music. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by calling the Chamber at (870)535-0110 or emailing Jennifer Kline at Jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Thursday, April 3
Free virtual ACT event set
The Ivy Center for Education Inc. will present a free virtual ACT Boot Camp April 3 — from 6-8 p.m. The workshop will cover the reading and science sections of the test. The presenters are Charity Smith-Allen and team from Fetterman and Associates. Students in seventh through 12th grades and parents are urged to join the workshop. Use the Zoom Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Details: kencol1@msn.com or mattie1908@gmail.com.
Leadership event includes local doctor
The Women’s Leadership Collaborative and Women’s Business Leadership Center will host the ninth annual Women’s Leadership Conference April 3 in Centennial Hall of Reng Student Union at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Breakout session speakers will include Dr. Tochi Amagwula Keeton, board-certified obstretician-gynecologist and obesity medicine physician at Healthwise Wellness in Pine Bluff. Keeton will lead “Sustainable Success: Balancing Health and Career for Women Leaders.” The keynote speaker, Lenore Trammell, serves as chief administration officer, chief compliance officer, and general counsel at Big River Steel, according to a news release. To register or for details, visit AStatealumni.org/WLC or contact WBLC@AState.edu.
Small Works has local artist
The Arkansas Arts Council’s annual touring visual arts exhibition, Small Works on Paper, will open on April 3, at the Community Creative Center in Fayetteville. The exhibit includes work by Alexia Lams of Pine Bluff, according to a news release. The artwork will be on view in the McCoy Gallery from April 3-30. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A reception will be held April 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, April 4
Live@5 features UAPB Jazz Ensemble
UAPB Jazz Ensemble performs during April’s Live@5 concert, from 5-7 p.m. April 4 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The jazz ensemble is the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s premiere jazz group that performs styles including swing, contemporary, funk, progressive and the standards. This ensemble tours locally and nationally, according to a news release. Live@5 is presented by MK Distributors. The event is primarily for those 21 and older and drinks will be served. Wristbands will be provided to those under 21. For more information, contact Lindsey Collins, interim director, at lcollins@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
PBSD sets bank openings
Pine Bluff School District will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Pine Bluff School Banks. On April 4, events will be held at 9 a.m. at Pine Bluff High School; 9:45 a.m. Pine Bluff Junior High School; 10:30 a.m. Southwood Elementary School; 11:15 a.m. Forrest Park/Greenville Preschool; and noon James Matthews Elementary School, according to a flier.
Through Friday, April 4
Trucking group offers scholarships
For the ninth year, the Arkansas Trucking Association plans to award scholarships of up to $7,500 to students interested in pursuing careers as medium- and heavy-duty truck technicians. Applications will be accepted through April 4 for students beginning coursework in August 2025 or January 2026. ATA plans to name the 2025 recipients in May. Details: Sarah Newman at sarahnewman@arkansastrucking.com. Find the application at https://www.arkansastrucking.com/scholarship/.
Saturday, April 5
Bowling for Babies set April 5
The community is invited to participate in Bowling for Babies to benefit the March of Dimes. From 2-4 p.m. April 5, the fundraiser will be held at Thunder Lanes Bowling Center, 1600 E. Ave. In addition to bowling, the event features community health screenings and will be presented by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. (Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter) and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter), according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Vendor opportunities are available for $150 for two hours. Sponsorship packages are available. All donations are accepted. Make checks payable to Epsilon Zeta Zeta and mail to: P. O. Box 1161, Pine Bluff, AR, 71613. Details: epsilonzz.pb@gmail.com or (870) 489-1262.
Garden show set for White Hall
Delta Blooms & Bees Master Gardener Home & Garden Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5 at White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Admission is free. There will be guest speakers, a plant sale, plant diagnosis, vendors and drawings for prizes. Proceeds will benefit area youth and community education programs. Jefferson County Master Gardeners will present the show, according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC/
Kids Fest plans underway
The Jefferson County Foster Care Coalition is inviting the community to be part of Jefferson County Kids Fest 2025, a free event for families from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at White Hall City Park. In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, this annual event raises awareness about foster care and child abuse prevention while bringing the community together for a day of activities, learning, and support. To host a free booth or become a sponsor, visit https://arfoster.care/kids-fest .
Thornton plans Hogskin festival
Thornton will kick off the Calhoun County Hogskin Holidays Festival at 3 p.m. April 5 at the Thornton Fire Station/Community Room in Thornton. The event will feature live musical entertainment by the “William and Friends Band'” and “Aaron Courtney,” as well as a barbecue dinner held until 6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $12 each for the barbecue. Carry outs will be available. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the event. The kickoff is sponsored by Thornton Step-By-Step Inc. For tickets or details, call Levenis Penix (870) 352-8241, Sharon Scott (870) 352-7968, or Thornton City Hall (870) 352-3576.
Beginning Saturday, April 5
Dumas church has women’s conference
Bethlehem Worship Center Church in Dumas invites the community to its 2025 Women’s Conference April 5-6. The theme is Women Pursuing Holiness and Righteousness in These Unstable Times. The Prayer Brunch will be held April 5 at 9 a.m. featuring speakers Lakesha Hilson, Arie Holley, Patrice Holley, and Aleshal McIntyre, a missionary. On April 6, 10:30 a.m. services feature a district missionary, Linda Jones. At 2 p.m., the speaker will be a district missionary, Rosie Marks, of Rehoboth Temple Church of God in Christ of Bryant.
Blues by Budweiser concerts set
The 2025 Blues by Budweiser concert series will be held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members, according to a news release. The line-up includes: April 5 — Fonky Donkey; May 3 — The Arkadelics; June 7 — Chad Marshall Band; July 12 — Tina Cossey Band; Aug. 2 — Kent Burnside Band; Sept. 6 — Big Al & The Heavy Weights; Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
Sunday, April 6
Gospel Temple honors pastor, wife
Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 1100 Oakwood Road, will celebrate the 31st pastoral anniversary of the Rev. James and Joyce Murry, at 2 p.m. April 6. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Charles Helloms Jr., pastor of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, U.S. 425 South.
Gould church honors pastor, wife
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Gould will host the seventh anniversary of its pastor and wife, the Rev. Phillip and Jurmicka Puckett, April 6. At 11 a.m., the guest preacher will be the Rev. Travis Harden, pastor of Greater Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. At 3 p.m., the guest preacher will be the Rev. Walter Witherspoon, pastor of True Harvest Missionary Baptist Church in Dumas.
Tuesday, April 8
Health agency sets grand opening
ArchWell Health Pine Bluff, a primary care agency for adults 60 and older, will hold a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 8 at its location, 2801 S. Olive St., Suite 33. The community is invited to attend. There will be food, entertainment, prizes, and tours, according to a flier. Details: ArchWellHealth.com/get-started/
Beginning Wednesday, April 9
UAPB , ASC slate Color Purple: The Musical
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Theatre Program, in partnership with the ARTx3 Campus, will present The Color Purple: The Musical. The musical will begin at 7 p.m. April 9 at the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. In addition to public performances, ARTx3 Campus will host two special school performances on April 10. Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the musical is a UAPB John McLinn Ross Players production. The event will be led by UAPB’s new Instructor of Theatre, Taijee. The Color Purple: The Musical will be held at 7 p.m. April 9-12; 2 p.m. April 12; and 3 p.m. April 13. Tickets are available for purchase at tix.com/ticket-sales/ARTx3Campus/4544. Details: ARTx3’s theater and media assistant, Kayla Earnest, at kearnest@artx3.org.
Thursday, April 10
Air Force band ensemble to perform
The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble of United States Air Force will perform several free Arkansas concerts. On April 10 at 7:30 p.m., the band will perform at the University of Arkansas at Monticello UAM Fine Arts Center in Monticello as part of UAM Jazz Week. All concerts are free and open to the public. Tickets are required. Request tickets and see dates, times and other locations for concerts at afbandtix.org. The show is approximately 75 minutes.
Through Friday, April 11
WH club sets ‘Egg My Yard’ Fundraiser
The White Hall High School JROTC Booster Club is hosting its “Egg My Yard” fundraiser. Booster Club volunteers will secretly deliver and scatter eggs in participants’ yards the night of April 19, in time for Easter morning. If it rains, eggs will be bagged and left at the front door. All proceeds support the White Hall High School JROTC program, helping fund leadership development, competitions, and other cadet enrichment opportunities. Egg packages include a personalized Easter Bunny Note and Candy-Filled Eggs: 24 eggs – $32; 50 eggs – $55; 60 eggs – $62; and 100 eggs – $80. The order deadline is April 11 or once the club reaches 100 participating homes. To order, visit https://egg-my-yard-97749.cheddarup.com . Payment Options: Pay at checkout or via CashApp: $Jessapersons. For questions, email whitehalljrotcboosterclub@gmail.com or contact Jessica Persons: (870) 718-3382 or Tabatha Reeves: (870) 510-5641.
Knights host fish fry Fridays
The Knights of Columbus annual Lenten Fish Fry is being held from 5-7 p.m. every Friday in March and the first two weeks of April at St. Joseph Catholic Church, West Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street. People can eat in for the all-you-can-eat dinner or get carry-out plates, according to a news release. Dinners for adults are $16 and $10 for children.
Saturday, April 12
Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class set
Ages 3-6 are invited to Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class: Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! from noon to 1 p.m. April 12, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Melanie Madkin of Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Program aims to foster a love of the world of literacy in a quiet and nurturing environment with this monthly event. The program is free. Register by April 8 at artx3.org/all-events/literacy-april-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and public programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call the center.
Pleasant Grove set health fair
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1801 S. Indiana St., will host a community health fair from 9 a.m. to noon April 12. The guest speaker will be Kanisher Wooten Caldwell, nurse practitioner. There will be diabetic and cholesterol screenings, blood pressure checks, diet and exercise routines, breast cancer awareness, prostate health and other information, according to a flier.
Behavioral center sets awards dinner
Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare System will present its first Mental Health Advocacy Awards Dinner at the Pine Bluff Country Club at 6 p.m. April 12. The program will honor leading mental health advocates from the five Arkansas counties served by SABHS, according to a news release. Honorees are Noel “Bud” Bryant, Kymara Seals, Judge B. Park Eldridge Jr., Britt Talent, Misti Douthit, Felicia Cobb. The dinner will be prepared by award-winning executive Chef Jamie McAfee and his staff. The gala is also planned as a recurring annual fundraiser, according to the release. Tickets are $100 each. Sponsorships are Gold, $5,000; Silver, $2,500; and Bronze, $1,000. Each level includes a designated number of tickets. Details: https://sabhs.org/m-dinner.html.
White Hall plans Easter Egg Hunt
White Hall Chamber of Commerce will host an Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. April 12 in White Hall City Park. It will be fun for all ages, according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallChamber/ The event will include games, prizes, bike giveaways, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and candy. The event is free.
Beginning Monday, April 14
UAM offers $500 scholarship at event
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will hold a priority registration event for fall 2025 classes April 14-15 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for new first-time freshman students and new transfer students. This event is for those who plan to attend UAM’s Monticello campus, the UAM College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) or the UAM College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM). New freshmen and new transfer students will receive a $500 scholarship if they register for fall 2025 classes during this priority event and attend UAM’s campuses in the fall 2025 semester. Terms and conditions may apply, according to a news release. Students must RSVP by April 9 to reserve a time to register for classes. In-person registration is required. An RSVP link is available at https://www.uamont.edu/admissions/recruitment.html. Details: UAM Admissions Office at admissionsoffice@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1026.
Beginning Tuesday, April 15
WH school district sets art show
The White Hall School District Art Department will present: “The Earth without ART is Just EH,” a student artwork showcase, at the White Hall Community Center. Opening night will be held April 15 from 5-7 p.m. Art will be on display April 16-17 during the center’s business hours and closing at 2 p.m. April 17, according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC/ “Join us in celebrating the creativity and talent of our students! You will not want to miss this showcase,” a spokesman said.
Through Wednesday, April 16
Westerman announces art contest
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) announced the annual Congressional Art Competition for 2025 is open to receive entries from high school students across the Fourth District of Arkansas. Entries are to be submitted in person by April 16. An appointment is recommended to drop off artwork at any of the following District Offices: Pine Bluff – 211 W Third Ave., Ste. 245, Pine Bluff; Hot Springs – 101 Reserve St., Ste. 200, Hot Springs; El Dorado – 101 N. Washington Ave., Ste. 406, El Dorado; and Russellville – 500 W. Main St., Ste. 110, Russellville. Winners will be announced the week of April 21. Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by congressmen, according to a news release. The rules, checklist, and release form for the competition can be found on House.gov.
Friday, April 18
1st Ward pantry sets Easter Egg Hunt
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will host a City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt at noon April 18. “We invite families from Pine Bluff and surrounding areas to join us for this exciting day of fun and fellowship,” according to a news release. “Bring your baskets and prepare for an afternoon filled with joy as we celebrate Easter together!” For more information about the event or how you can get involved, contact First Ward Living Grace Pantry at (479) 301-1096.
Saturday, April 19
Yoga in the Loft set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Yoga in the Loft: Spring into Yoga from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 19, at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Instructor Florence Love “FloEssence” will guide participants in gentle stretches, mindful breathing, and soothing meditation techniques to cultivate balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. This event is for ages 13 and older, and is suitable for all levels. It is part of the ARTx3 Campus’ flex pay program with a minimum cost of $5; $15 is recommended. Register by April 15 at artx3.org/all-events/yoga-april-2025 or call or call (870) 536-3375. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and public programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call the center. This event is sponsored by Angela White Smith — eXp Realty.
Sculpting event set
The ARTx3 Campus’ workshop, Sculpting with Angi Cooper — originally set for Saturday, — has been moved to April 19. The free mixed-media workshop will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Participants will learn how to create nature-inspired sculptures from materials such as cardboard. There is no cost to participate and all supplies are provided, according to a news release. Cooper is the ARTx3 Campus’ teaching artist-in-residence for February. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/sculpting-with-angi-cooper or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Programs Director Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Beginning Monday, April 21
UAPB observes Founders week
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will celebrate its 152nd Founders’ Celebration April 21-27. Events include: April 21 — Activities will begin with a Campus Tree Planting event, according to a news release. April 22 — The annual campus kickoff will be held April 22. April 26 — The week progresses with various campus and community events that build up to the Black and Gold Weekend, showcasing the UAPB Golden Lions Black & Gold Spring football game April 26 at 2 p.m. April 27 — The celebration culminates with the Annual Sunrise Service and AM&N National Alumni Association Breakfast. Details: UAPB.EDU and official UAPB social media channels.
Tuesday, April 22
Delta Upcycle Challenge set
The ARTx3 Campus will host the Delta Upcycle Challenge (D.U.C.) Project Showcase at 11 a.m. April 22, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The event is free and open to the public. The challenge’s goal is to encourage the younger generation to create innovative solutions to reduce waste going to landfills or being littered, and promote a cleaner environment through an artistic lens. It is open to students in grades three through 12. Finalists of the challenge are invited to showcase their designs at the event, which culminates in an awards presentation. For more details about D.U.C., visit artx3.org/delta-upcycle-challenge. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and public programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Thursday, April 24
GOP dinner to feature AG
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin will be the featured speaker for the Jefferson County Republican Committee’s Lincoln-Reagan Dinner, according to a flier on the White Hall Community Center Facebook page. The dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 24 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. The Wood Shed will cater the dinner. Tickets are $50 each; $400 for a reserved table of eight; and $500 for a reserved table of 10. Details: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC/
Beginning Friday, April 25
Encounter 3 Women’s Conference set
Ministry leader and authorGail Stith will present The Encounter 3 Women’s Conference April 25-26. Encounter 3 is free and open to the public. On April 25, the conference will be held at First Trinity Church of God in Christ, 800 S. Catalpa St. Prayer will be led by Saint Mary Harris, an apostle, from 6-6:45 p.m. The 7 p.m. service will feature Carolyn Traylor as the guest artist and Brenda Jefferson, an apostle, as the guest speaker. The conference will feature a “Back To The Altar Choir” directed by Kimberly Clay, executive pastor at Anointed Praise & Worship Ministries. Area singers are invited to participate. Rehearsal is one hour before service. The host is the pastor of First Trinity, Aaron Withers, and the theme is “Back to the Altar,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. On April 26, Stith’s book signing will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The guest artist will be Richard “88 Fingers” Turner Jr. Details: Gail Stith at (870) 872-3899 or prieststith@yahoo.com.
Beginning Sunday, April 26
Auditions open for ‘Memphis’
The ARTx3 Campus will host auditions for “Memphis” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26 and 2-4 p.m. April 27 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Passionate singers, dancers, and actors are sought to join this high-energy show, according to the news release. “‘Memphis’ is a Tony Award-winning musical inspired by true events, set in the 1950s underground dance clubs of Memphis, Tenn. It follows a daring white radio DJ and a talented Black club singer, both striving for stardom. Together, they break cultural boundaries and spark a revolution as rock ‘n’ roll takes over,” according to the mews release. Taijee directs, with musical direction by La’Leata May, and choreography by Miles Meckling. The production is sponsored by Simmons Bank. Details and registration are available at artx3.org/all-events/memphis-auditions. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and public programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Through Wednesday, April 30
Art league hosts Reeves’ exhibit
The Pine Bluff Art League will hold a photography exhibition titled “The Art of Nature” by African American and PBAL artist Glenda Reeves at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The exhibition will remain on view through April 30.
Thursday, May 1
Chamber plans Business Expo 2025
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce invites participants to build their network at Business Expo 2025: America At Work, an event for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations. Business Expo will be held May 1 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The breakfast speaker will be Bobby Gosser, president and chief executive officer of Baldwin & Shell Construction Co. The Business Expo Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. May 1 followed by the program at 8 a.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Business Expo Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. followed by the program at 8 a.m. Tickets are $25 for members; $30 for non-members. A seated table for eight is $300 for members; $350 for non-members, according to a news release. The trade show featuring various booths will open for the Business VIP Hour from 9-10 a.m. and then open to public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booth fees are $250 for members and $360 for non-members. For non-profit organizations, there are limited free spots in the Community Spotlight section. For Expo questions, contact Chamber Director Jennifer Kine at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110 or visit the Chamber’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pinebluffchamber.
Through Thursday, May 1
Superintendents’ scholarships open
The 2025 Anthony, Gathen, Rainey and Tolbert Scholarships are available. The deadline for applying is May 1. These scholarships were created by retired former school district superintendents, Frank Anthony – Pine Bluff, Thomas Gathen – Dollarway, David Rainey — Dumas, and Andrew Tolbert — Warren. The $1,000 scholarships to be given at each school district were developed to assist students from low-income families in going to college, according to a news release. To be eligible, the student must be a graduating senior from the school district’s Class of 2025, have a minimum grade point average of 2.50, and provide a letter detailing what makes them deserve this honor and their career education choice. Applications are available at the school counselors’ offices of each district.
Sunday, May 4
Star City church hosts free concert
Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Star City will host a free concert featuring the spring tour 2025 of Joseph Habedank. The concert will be held at 6 p.m. May 4. Although admission is free, a love offering will be accepted, according to a news release. Details: JosephHabedank.com .