The Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas has a busy April planned with live music, “The Color Purple,” yoga and other programs planned.
Live@5: UAPB Jazz Ensemble — April 4
UAPB Jazz Ensemble performs during April’s Live@5 concert from 5-7 p.m. April 4 at the Arts & Science Center , 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. Additional support is provided by Simmons Bank. Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and university students and $15 for nonmembers. Complimentary beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages are included. The event is primarily for those 21 and older. 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.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Production: “The Color Purple” — April 9-13
The ARTx3 Campus will present “The Color Purple” on April 9-13 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center. The production is in partnership with the John McLinn Ross Players at UAPB.
“‘The Color Purple’ brings to life the unforgettable journey of Celie, a young Black woman in the early 20th century American South. With a soulful score that blends gospel, jazz and the blues, this musical adaptation captures Celie’s transformation from a life of hardship and abuse to one of empowerment and self-discovery,” according to a synopsis.
The production is directed by Taijee Bunch and co-directed by Michelle Young-Hobbs. Musical direction is by Laleata May, and choreography is by Daija Black.
Performances are at 7 p.m. April 9-12; 2 p.m. April 12; and 3 p.m. April 13. Tickets are $15, plus fees. Purchase tickets at artx3.org/all-events/the-color-purple, by calling (870) 536-3375 or in person before the show. The show is appropriate for ages 13 and older.
For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and public programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Matinee shows for students are set for April 10. For information about student shows, contact Kayla Earnest, theater and media assistant, at kearnest@artx3.org or call the center.
Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class — April 12 (free)
Children aged 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.
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.
Yoga in the Loft: Spring into Yoga — April 19
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 (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.
Delta Upcycle Challenge Project Showcase — April 22
The ARTx3 Campus will host the Delta Upcycle Challenge Project Showcase at 11 a.m. April 22 at the Arts & Science Center. The event is free and open to the public.
The Delta Upcycle 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 3 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 the Delta Upcycle Challenge, 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.
Auditions: ‘Memphis’ — April 26-27
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.
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 release.
Taijee Bunch 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.
Canceled: Second Saturday Family FunDay
The ARTx3 Campus will not host its monthly Second Saturday Family FunDay in April.
