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@pbcommercial.com to make additions or changes.
Monday, March 16
City Wide Mission meets
The City Wide Mission will meet Monday at 1 p.m. at Stewart Memorial CME Church, 911 S. Maple St. The guest speaker will be Brenda Barnes of Mulberry Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer. The Rev. Fred Williams is pastor of Stewart Memorial.
Meeting for caregivers set
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will hold its Caregivers Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting virtually March 16 from 11 a.m to noon. The presenters will be Jill Thompson, program director with the Alzheimer’s Association Arkansas Chapter. The topic will be New Alzheimer’s Treatment, according to a news release. Join the Microsoft Teams meeting here. Use Meeting ID: 210 219 876 957 49, Passcode: iD3Fj6TX . Dial in by phone using +1 312-625-2266,,651405264# and phone conference ID: 651 405 264# . Details: Carolyn Ferguson at Area Agency, (870) 543-6309.
Pine Bluff School District board meeting set
The Pine Bluff School District board of directors will conduct their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the Jordan-Chanay Administration Building, 1215 W. Pullen Ave.
Items on the agenda include, but are not limited to, public comments (up to 6:30 p.m.), election of board officers, special recognition, superintendent’s report, new business including approval of fiscal year 2025 legislative audit and approval of the 2026-27 academic calendar, and a hearing.
Beginning Monday, March 16
Gould church hosts revival
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church of Gould will host its spring revival March 16-18 at 7 p.m. The theme will be “Renew, Restore, Revive” (Isaiah 57:15.) Guest ministers will be the Rev. Stanley Blair of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Moscow, speaking Monday; Apostle Patrick Lockett, pastor of New Community Church in Pine Bluff, speaking Tuesday; and the Rev. Ronald Neal of New Bethel Ministries in Winchester, speaking Wednesday. The Rev. Phillip Puckett, pastor of Mt. Moriah, is the host pastor. The public is invited.
Tuesday, March 17
Urban Renewal board to meet
Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency will hold its regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Generator 435 S. Main St. Details: (870) 209-0323.
Pine Bluff Quilt Guild to meet
The Pine Bluff Quilt Guild will hold its monthly meeting March 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St. A program on applique techniques will be given by Ellen Jordan and Sonia Green. The guild members are also actively working on a mystery quilt for 2026; new members are welcome to join in, according to a news release.
Beginning Tuesday, March 17
Dog obedience class set
The Southeast Arkansas Kennel Club is sponsoring a seven-week dog obedience class starting March 10. The class will meet from 7-8 p.m. at Hestand Stadium. The cost is $65 for the seven weeks, and registration is due at the door. Details: (870) 879-3384 or (870) 209-3384.
Wednesday, March 18
Church news deadline set
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Fridays. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesdays. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Articles are accepted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Beginning Wednesday, March 18
Registration open for MASH Camps
Arkansas high school students can get hands-on health care experiences such as suturing workshops, field trips, CPR training and heart dissection at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences MASH camps across the state this summer. Application deadlines vary by camp, ranging from March 18 to May 8. A list of camps, their dates and application deadlines are available at bit.ly/3EITDy6. Medical Applications of Science for Health (MASH) camps are a free, two-week program for high school juniors and seniors where they can explore team-building exercises, visit health care settings, learn at various workshops, and shadow health care professionals.
Thursday, March 19
Sheraton Park residents to meet
Sheraton Park Neighborhood Watch and Taylor Association Meeting will meet at 6 p.m. March 19 at Grace Episcopal Church, 4101 S. Hazel St., in Brown’s Building in the back of the complex. The guest speaker will be Tiger Dockett with the Pine Bluff Street Department. Everyone is welcome to attend and learn more about this operation, according to a news release.
UAM professor sets lecture recital
The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Division of Music will host a lecture recital by Kylan Bigby, assistant professor of percussion at UAM, on March 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Building’s Harris Recital Hall, Room 101, on UAM’s Monticello campus. The event is free and open to the public. The lecture recital will feature selections from Bigby’s newly written solo timpani book, “Echoes of the Orchestra,” according to a news release.
Women’s Connection Luncheon set
The Christian Women’s Connection will conduct its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 19 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The guest speaker will be Jeanne Saul of Harrison and her topic will be “I Hear That I Am. ” The feature will be Latasha Neeley Randle, vice president and director of community outreach for FBT Bank in Pine Bluff, giving Tips on Structuring Your Accounts. The luncheon is $20 and everyone is invited to attend. For reservations and/or cancellations contact Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302.
Beginning Thursday, March 19
PBHS artists display works at ASC
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), part of the ARTx3 Campus, will present “This Is Us,” an exhibition featuring artwork by Pine Bluff High School students, from March 19 through May 9 in the International Paper Gallery at ASC, 701 S. Main St. The show opens with a free public reception from 5-7 p.m. March 19, according to a news release. Taught by Pine Bluff High School art teacher Shalisha Thomas, the exhibition features a collection of student-created portraits exploring identity, connection and influence. Works include Alyssia Isom’s drawing “The Girl In The Red”; Kadence Marshall’s drawing “Layzie Bone”; and Lucia Charcas’s drawing “Emma Myers.” Gallery admission is free and open to the public. Details: Matthew Howard, gallery and visitor specialist, at mhoward@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Progressive Women host fundraiser
The Progressive Women’s Association (PWA) of White Hall will host its spring Rummage Sale Scholarship Fundraiser at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. March 19-20 and 9 a.m. to noon March 21. As with all their fundraisers, 100 percent of the proceeds go to the PWA’s Scholarship Fund. The nonprofit is accepting items until March 18 for the fundraiser and asks that clean clothes be on hangers or boxed, according to a spokesman.
Golden Hour features Paint and Sip
Patrons can enjoy a selection of tea or cocoa while completing a paint-by-number project during Golden Hour: Paint and Sip from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 20. The event is in the Kline Family Foundation Event Gallery in The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Ages 50 and older are invited to relax and get creative in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, according to the release. No artistic experience is required. The event is part of ARTx3’s Golden Hour programming for ages 50 and older. The event is free, but registration is required here or by calling (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call the center.
Beginning Friday, March 20
Lenten Fish Frys set
The Knights of Columbus Annual Lenten Fish Fry will be held from 5-7 p.m. Fridays through March 27 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, West Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street. People can dine in for the all-you-can-eat dinner or get carry out plates. Dinners for adults are $16 and children $10 each, according to a news release.
Saturday, March 21
Black Family Wellness Expo set
The Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. will hold the fourth annual Black Family Wellness Expo (BFWE) from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 21 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The expo will be in the Kenneth L. Johnson Sr. Health Physical Education and Recreation Complex arena, 1542 L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive. The project is held in an effort to reduce health and economic disparities and to save and improve lives in the Black community. The expo is free and open to everyone. Details: http://www.linksinc.org or the chapter’s Facebook page.
1st Ward pantry sets giveaway
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will hold a Spring Break Giveaway and special presentation to a local business from noon to 2 p.m. March 21. Families will receive free groceries and resources to help support them during the school break. The event reflects the pantry’s ongoing mission to combat food insecurity and strengthen families throughout Jefferson County, according to a news release. During the giveaway, a proclamation will be presented by state Rep. District 65, the Rev. Glenn Barnes, to Highland Pellets for their continued commitment and contributions to the Pine Bluff community, according to the release.
ASC hosts Women’s Self-Defense session
Learn essential techniques to enhance personal safety from 1-2:30 p.m. March 21 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Led by Florence “FloEssence” Love, this women’s self-defense workshop focuses on building confidence and enhancing personal safety. This class introduces practical self-defense techniques, awareness skills, and boundary-setting strategies in a safe, encouraging space. The session is open to all experience levels — no previous training is necessary. Attendees should be ages 12 and older. The cost is $15 for members and $20 nonmembers. Register by March 17 at this link or by calling (870) 536-3375.
Tuesday, March 24
Early voting starts for run-off
The Primary Run-Off election will be held March 31 at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Early Voting begins March 24 during regular office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will end March 30 at 5 p.m., according to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. Locally, run-offs will be held between: County Judge candidates — Efrem B. Neely Sr. and Judge Gerald Robinson; and Justice of the Peace District 1 candidates — Jackie Tillmon and Alfred Carroll. In the Republican primary, a run-off in the Secretary of State’s race will be held between Sen. Kim Hammer and Bryan Norris.
Saturday, March 28
Pop’s to open new site
Pop’s Barber/Beauty Shop & More will hold its grand opening at its new location from noon to 4 p.m. March 28. The community is invited to attend. There will be giveaways, food, drinks, and drawings for prizes, according to a Facebook post. The new site is on Main Street in downtown Pine Bluff.
WH plans Easter Egg Hunt
An Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 10 a.m. March 28 in White Hall City Park. The event is presented by the White Hall Chamber of Commerce, according to a Facebook post. “Join us Saturday, March 28 at 10:00 a.m. SHARP at White Hall City Park for our annual Easter Egg Hunt,” a spokesman said. There will be thousands of eggs, Easter Bunny photos, bike giveaways in each age category and free family activitiesd. “Don’t be late; the eggs are gone in seconds.”
Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class — March 28
The ARTx3 Campus will host Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class from 10:30-11:30 a.m. March 28 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. “The class is a joyful, interactive experience that nurtures early reading skills through movement, music and play. Created especially for children ages 3-6, this class invites young learners and their caregivers to explore stories, letters, sounds and language in a fun, welcoming environment,” according to a news release. The program is free, but registration is required by March 24 at this link or at (870) 536-3375. The program is sponsored by McFarland Eye Care.
City sets Women’s History event
The city of Pine Bluff will host the 4th Annual Hidden Figures of Pine Bluff: Women’s History Month Celebration March 28 at 6 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. This event honors the unsung women whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on Pine Bluff. Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving women. Nominations are open and can be submitted online. The deadline is noon March 10. Submit nominations at: tinyurl.com/HiddenFiguresPB. Details: Mar’Tavius Proctor at (870) 730-2004 or mproctor@cityofpinebluff-ar.gov.
Monday, March 30
Mayor plans State of the City Address
The city of Pine Bluff invites the community to attend Mayor Vivian L. Flowers’ 2026 State of the City Address at 6 p.m. March 30 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The mayor will reflect on the progress made over the past year and share her vision for the continued growth and advancement of Pine Bluff, according to a news release.
Through Monday, March 30
TOPPS takes applications for food program
TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) is planning to apply for the Arkansas Special Nutrition Summer Food program. TOPPS is a sponsor if you are planning a summer program that needs to feed children 18 and younger and would like to participate under TOPPS, according to a news release. The deadline to apply will be March 30. TOPPS won’t take applications past the deadline. “You must identify your location. You and your staff must attend training, and your location must pass a DHS (Department of Human Services) approval and a fire inspection,” according to the release. For details, contact Paulette Barnes Purchase at (870) 850-6011. Annette Howard Dove is the founder/director of TOPPS Inc.
Tuesday, March 31
Run-off date set
The Primary Run-Off election will be held March 31. Early Voting begins March 24 during regular office hours, 8:30a.m. to 5 p.m. and will end March 30 at 5 p.m., according to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. Run-offs will be held between: County Judge candidates — Efrem B. Neely Sr. and Judge Gerald Robinson; and Justice of the Peace District 1 candidates: Jackie Tillmon and Alfred Carroll. In the Republican primary, a run-off in the Secretary of State’s race will be held between Sen. Kim Hammer and Bryan Norris.
Wednesday, April 1
Chamber sets April luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 1 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main Street. The featured speaker will be Tim Adams, director of events at Saracen Casino Resort, according to the Chamber newsletter. Lunch will be catered by Southern Edge and costs $15 in advance. To pay for lunch or for details, contact the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Through Wednesday, April 1
Black Hall of Fame offers grants
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation, is offering grants 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. Proposals will be accepted online now through April 1, according to a news release. Details: https://www.arcf.org/apply/nonprofits/apply-for-black-hall-of-fame-grants/.
Thursday, April 2
Chamber plans crawfish boil
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a crawfish boil from 4-6:30 p.m. April 2 at ARTX3 Campus alley way, 701 S. Main St., according to the Chamber newsletter. There will be crawfish and chicken tenders, drinks and music. Tickets are $50 for Chamber members and $60 for non-members. Call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110 for tickets.
Through Friday, April 3
AKA offers scholarships
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is accepting applications for the 2026 College Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Delta Omega Omega Chapter in partnership with First Sisters Outreach Inc. The program will award a minimum of $1,000 scholarships to graduating women from Pine Bluff High School, Watson Chapel High School and White Hall High School who plan to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Apply early and submit all required materials by April 3. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements outlined in the 2026 scholarship guidelines and complete the application online. For more information, students and parents may contact the scholarship chairmen at akadooscholar@gmail.com or lcarlock77@gmail.com.
Through Saturday, April 4
Unified Christian Alliance offers scholarship
The Unified Christian Alliance Inc. is accepting applications for the 2026 scholarships from area high school seniors who plan to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Applications can be obtained from the school counselors, according to a news release. Applications are due April 4 and guidelines must be met. For more information, contact Jennifer Lee, Unified Christian Alliance president, at jenniferlee1321@yahoo.com.
Sunday, April 5
New United hosts Easter service
New United Missionary Baptist Church, 5601 Cheatham St., will present an Easter program at 11 a.m. April 5. The Rev. Woodrow Jackson Sr. is the pastor.
Tuesday, April 7
Project Transformation to feature Terrell
Donna Terrell, award-winning news anchor for FOX16, will be the special guest for a question-and-answer session with program director the Rev. Samantha Meadors at Project Transformation Arkansas’ fundraising luncheon at noon April 7 at Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive St. The mission of PT Arkansas is to transform communities by engaging children, college-age young adults and churches in purposeful relationships, according to a news release. In the summer of 2022, PT Arkansas launched its first summer program, engaging young adults, partnering churches and volunteers to serve more than 50 children in two host churches in under-resourced neighborhoods in Pine Bluff. Tables at the luncheon are $1,000 for eight people. For details on sponsoring or attending the Pine Bluff or Little Rock luncheons, contact Meadors at SMeadors@PTArkansas.org or (501) 650-0565, or KD Reep, director of development, at Kelli@FlywriteCommunications.com or (501) 766-1260. Details: https://projecttransformation.org/arkansas/.
Alliance announces Draft Day
The Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County has partnered with Be Pro Be Proud to bring the Draft Day Southeast Arkansas event to Jefferson County on April 7. Draft Day for Southeast Arkansas will take place at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Alliance is calling area employers to participate in the event. Draft Day strategically matches high school students with employers based on corresponding interests, talents and needs. There are currently 115 high school seniors signed up for interviews and 17 school districts registered to participate, according to the Chamber newsletter. Visit the Company & Training Resource Guide at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/4b06cd72-fd34-42f6-a54b-eedcca6c6a44.pdf?rdr=true for additional information or contact Nancy Lee McNew at nancy@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Thursday, April 9
Business start-up event set
Startup Junkie will host the Pine Bluff ARise Tech Commercialization Sprint as part of ARise (Arkansas Innovators, Startups, and Entrepreneurs), a statewide program that helps people start and grow businesses. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 9 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S Main St. The tech commercialization sprint will feature expert-led sessions on legal protections for ideas, funding pathways, and early product development. The sessions will be led by experienced startup advisors who have worked directly with founders and understand what it takes to launch and grow a company, according to a news release. Seats will be limited to a first come, first served basis with limited seats available. Those interested in attending the tech commercialization sprint can register at https://luma.com/vrce42a0.
Beginning Thursday, April 9
Historical conference set at Monticello
The Arkansas Historical Association will hold its 85th annual conference April 9-11 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, the UAM Trotter House, and the Monticello Country Club. A tour April 10 will take attendees to the Taylor House on the former Hollywood/Valley Plantation. More information and conference registration are available on the association’s website at www.arkansashistoricalassociation.org.
Beginning Friday, April 10
Canaan hosts Women’s Empowerment events
Canaan Christian Center, 7890 Middle Warren Road, will host the 2026 Women’s Empowerment Conference presented by host pastor Sheryl Banks. The sessions will be 7 p.m. April 10 for men and women and 9 a.m. to noon April 11 for women. Guest speakers will include Jessica Yarbrough, Sheilar Hatton-Bone, and Roslyn Burks-Adams. Psalmists will be Michelle Johnson and Zetoria Curry. Registration for the Saturday luncheon is $40 and payable by cashapp at $SherylLBanks1.
Saturday, April 11
Extension Service offers Child Care training
Free Best Care Child Care provider in-service training is set for April 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in the Parish Hall, 412 W. Sixth Ave. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with Best Care training starting at 9 a.m. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch. This training session will be provided free by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Jefferson, Dallas, and Cleveland county Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agents Mary Ann Kizer, JoAnn Vann, and Austin Compton. Five in-service hours are available by attending this event. The pre-registration deadline is April 8. Call Kizer at (870) 534-1033 or email mkizer@uada.edu to pre-register.
Area Agency sets bass tourney
The Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas (AAASEA) will host its 28th annual Reeling for Meals Bass Tournament on April 11 at Regional Park on the Arkansas River. This annual tournament raises critical funds for AAASEA’s Meals on Wheels program. Tournament winners will receive a $2,500 cash prize, with cash prizes guaranteed for the top 10 places. The entry fee is $110 per two-person team, which also includes entry into the $500 Big Bass Pot. Day-of registration will include an additional $25 fee. Details: (870) 543-6300, toll-free at 800-264-3260, or email Samantha Stichert at sstichert@aaasea.org.
Beginning Sunday, April 12
Art league hosts ‘Deltascapes’ exhibition
The Pine Bluff Art League will host a new exhibition, “Deltascapes,” from April 12 through July 5 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center. This exhibition will depict local scenes by art league artists and will hang in the east wing of the center. For more information, contact Co-President Claudia Spainhour at (870) 718-1058. For details on the art league, visit pbal.org or email mediapinebluffartleague@gmail.com.
Through Monday, April 13
Synergy grant applications available
Synergy Forum Inc. began accepting grant applications Feb. 9 for its 2026 grant cycle. Registered non-profit organizations: IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, government agencies, and the hospital in Jefferson County are eligible to apply. Synergy Grants fund projects for the benefit of residents in Jefferson County in the areas of the arts, education and social services, according to a news release. Grant applications should be requested by March 12 completed and submitted on or before 5 p.m. April 13. For grant applications and details, email Amy Hunt at synergyforumgrants@gmail.com.
Through Wednesday, April 15
Superintendents’ scholarships available
The Anthony, Gathen, Rainey, and Tolbert Scholarship is now open for applications. This scholarship was established by retired former school district superintendents: Frank Anthony from Pine Bluff, Thomas Gathen from Dollarway, David Rainey from Dumas, and Andrew Tolbert from Warren. Interested students can obtain applications from their high school counselors. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is April 15.
Beginning Friday, April 17
Home and Garden Show set
The Jefferson County Master Gardeners will present the 2026 Home & Garden Show April 17-18 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The event will bring together garden enthusiasts, homeowners, and industry professionals for a showcase of the latest trends, products, and innovations in home and garden design, according to a flyer. There will be workshops, demonstrations, vendor exhibits, and opportunities to connect with local businesses and organizations dedicated to improving homes, landscapes, and communities. For details or to sign up as a vendor, contact the Jefferson County Master Gardeners at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, (870) 534-1033.
Saturday, April 25
Dialoguing with Delta set
Dialoguing with Delta, an annual educational activity for students from elementary to college, is happening at 10 a.m. April 25 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is presented by the Pine Bluff Alumnae and Delta Eta chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. in collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Education, according to a news release. This event will include presentations on AI and its emerging trends and practical examples. The presentations will encourage discussion about opportunities and future implications. Registration is free and open for individuals and groups. To register, visit https://forms.gle/tE213tfY9GAgWtmw6.
Sports Hall of Fame Banquet set
The Jefferson County Sports Hall of Fame will be held April 25 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center arena. A new Legend will be inducted with 20 other athletes, four coaches and others into the Hall of Fame. The first class, inducted last year, was highlighted by six All-Time Greats. Bruce Maxwell is now the 16th Legend. Tickets for the JCSHOF induction will go on sale in February.
Through Thursday, April 30
Nominations open for historic places
Preserve Arkansas is seeking community input to identify endangered historic places for the 2026 Most Endangered Places List. The list highlights historically and architecturally significant properties throughout the state that are endangered and worthy of preservation. Anyone may nominate buildings, structures, sites, and other places in Arkansas to be considered for inclusion in the list. The nomination deadline is April 30. Nomination information, program guidelines and an online nomination form may be found at PreserveArkansas.org. Details: (501) 372-4757 or email info@preservearkansas.org.
Thursday, May 7
Chamber sets Business Expo 2026
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce invites participants to build their network at Business Expo 2026: Christmas in May. Business Expo is the premier event for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations, according to the Chamber’s news release. Business Expo 2026 will be held May 7 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Business Expo Breakfast will be sponsored by Simmons Bank. The breakfast speaker will be Alicia Payseno, chief executive officer of the Arkansas Hospitality Association. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. followed by the program at 8 a.m. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members and a seated table for eight will be $300. The trade show featuring booths of area businesses and non-profits will start with the Business VIP Hour from 9-10 a.m. and will open to public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booth fees will be $250 for members amd $360 for non-members. For Expo questions, contact Chamber director Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110.
Saturday, June 13
John Legend to perform at Saracen center
Saracen Casino Resort will host its event center grand opening featuring an Evening With John Legend, A Night of Songs & Stories at 8 p.m. June 13. Tickets start at $149, plus fees, and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster. Legend is a multiplatinum artist and producer who has garnered 13 Grammy® Awards, an Academy Award®, a Golden Globe® Award, a Tony® Award and four Emmy® Awards, among others. Legend is one of only 19 people in the EGOT club.
Beginning Saturday, June 13
UAM to host summer band camps
The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Division of Music will host its “Summer Music Camps @UAM” in June and July for rising sixth through 12th graders. Students may attend one camp per session, with the option to stay on or off campus. Session I will take place June 9-13 and include camps structured to strengthen students’ performance skills on a variety of instruments and boost their confidence: “Beginner,” for rising sixth-graders, “Junior High,” for rising seventh and eighth graders, and “Senior High,” for rising ninth through 12th graders. Session II, which will take place July 7-11, is for rising ninth through 12th graders only. Students can participate in Jazz Band, Drum Major and Marching Band Leadership, Colorguard, or Marching Drumline. Jazz Band campers will focus on improvisation, theory, ear training, history and technique. Registration is required. To complete a camp application or view additional information, visit https://www.uamont.edu/academics/music/camp.html. Details: UAM Division of Music at bandcamp@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1060.