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.
Friday, April 18
Good Friday closings
The following agencies will be closed today in observance of Good Friday:
mPine Bluff City Hall and related offices
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
mJefferson County Courthouse and related offices
mArea Agency on Aging Senior Centers are closed, however all other agency offices are open.
Good Friday service set
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will present the Seven Last Sayings of Christ at 6 p.m. Good Friday. Guest speakers will be the Revs. Cheryl Highsmith, Johnny Orr, Marvin Mosby, Krissy Harris, Reginal Alexander, Lanette Frazier, and Michael Chism. The Reverend Charlene N. Boone is the pastor at St. John AME. The public is invited to attend, according to a news release.
Civil Rights film to show locals
The city of Pine Bluff invites the community to a commemoration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a special screening of the documentary series “Eyes on the Prize III: We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest.” The screening will be held at 6 p.m. April 18 at the Black Box Theater in the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The film will be followed by a panel discussion at 7 p.m. featuring Jimmy Cunningham and Bobby Sykes, who are in the film. Admission is free and open to the public. “The featured episode, directed by renowned filmmaker Muta’Ali, provides an intimate look at the historic 1995 Million Man March in Washington, D.C.,” according to Stuff in The Bluff. The event commemorates the month in which King was assassinated.
Genealogy Society to meet
The Jefferson County Genealogy Society will meet at 1 p.m. April 18 at the main Pine Bluff Library, 600 S. Main St. There will be a presentation by the library on the topic: Ellis Island Records. The public is invited to attend, according to Kenneth Gray, Jefferson County Genealogy director.
Police set Easter Egg Hunt
The Pine Bluff Police Department will host a City Wide Easter Egg Hunt from noon to 2 p.;m. Friday at First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road. “Bring the entire family out and enjoy free food, games, prize eggs and more,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Parking is available at the Dollar Tree parking lot on East Harding. Transit will transport attendees to the event site. Please note that there is no parking allowed on Commerce Road, according to the news release. Sponsors include the PBPD, city of Pine Bluff and First Ward Living Grace pantry. Details: (870) 730-2073.
Saturday, April 19
House of Bread to give away food
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will be open for its monthly food giveaway Saturday from 11 a.m. until all food boxes are gone. Proof of address must be at least a driver’s license, identification card, or utility bills. Details: Saint Mary Harris, pastor/apostle of House of Bread, (870) 872-2196.
Blues Jam to honor Clark
Port City Blues Society will host the second annual Steve Clark Blues Jam “in memory and celebration of a kind friend and faithful member” at 8 p.m. Saturday at RJ’s Grill and Bar, 128 S. Main in downtown Pine Bluff. Numerous blues musicians from the central and south Arkansas area will participate in the live jam, according to a news release. Admission is $5 per person and will go to support Port City Blues Society’s youth music lesson scholarship fund in Steve Clark’s name. There will also be other voluntary opportunities to contribute to the scholarship fund.
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.
Sunday, April 20
Sunrise service set at Saracen Landing
Easter Sunrise Worship on the Lake will be held at at 7 a.m. Sunday at Saracen Landing. The speaker will be the Rev. Learthur Shelton, pastor of Open Door Christian Church. Participating churches include Barraque Street, New Direction, New Jerusalem, New Morning Star, New St. Hurricane, Old St. James, Rose Hill, St. Mark, and St. Peter’s Rock. Pine Bluff Collective Revival is presenting the service, according to a Facebook post.
NCC hosts Easter observance
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will host its Youth Ministry’s Easter presentation at 11 a.m. Sunday. The children will sing as well as make speeches. An Easter Egg hunt will be held after service. The youth ministry’s pastor is the Rev. Rod Goodwin. New Community’s pastor/apostle is Patrick Lockett.
New United church observes Easter
New United Missionary Baptist Church, 5601 Cheatham St., will conduct its Easter program at 11 a.m. Sunday. The pastor is the Rev. Woodrow Jackson Sr.
St. John hosts AME bishop
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will celebrate its Resurrection Sunday worship service at 9:45 a.m. Sunday with featured speaker Bishop Silvester Scott Beaman, the presiding prelate of the 12th Episcopal District of the AME Church. The public is invited to attend.
Irby sets Wabbaseka Easter event
Author Jason Irby and the Jason Irby Innovation Foundation will present a $100 Easter Egg Hunt at 3 p.m. April 20 at the Wabbaseka United Methodist Church, 101 U.S. 79 in Wabbaseka. Youth in grades 1st through 12th are welcome to participate, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The $100 egg and $200 in prizes will be awarded to commemorate the old church building’s 100th anniversary. Irby plans to utilize the historic building as a Wabbaseka Area Farm Families Preservation Center.
Monday, April 21
City Wide Mission meets
City Wide Mission will meet at 1 p.m. Monday at Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 2121 W. 26th Ave. The guest speaker will be Joyce Murry, first lady of Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 2121 W. 26th Ave. This month’s outreach project is to provide essential needs for Diane’s Adult Day Care. “Looking forward to seeing everyone,” a spokesman said.
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
UAM choirs to perform
The University of Arkansas at Monticello Concert and Chamber Choirs will perform during the 2025 UAM Spring Choral Concert at 7:30 p.m. April 22 in the fine arts center. The concert is free and open to the public. The performance will highlight a blend of sacred and secular music. The concert choir will present a variety of styles, while the chamber choir will perform a cappella. Under the direction of Dana Ihm, associate professor of music and director of choral at UAM, the choirs will showcase works from the Renaissance through the 21st century. The evening will include compositions by Tomás Luis de Victoria, Andrea Gabrieli, Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Schubert, Z. Randall Stroope, Eric Whitacre, Ethan Sperry and Moses Hogan, according to a news release. Details: UAM Division of Music at (870) 460-1060.
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
UAM Wind Symphony to perform
The University of Arkansas at Monticello Wind Symphony will perform during the 2025 UAM Spring Wind Symphony Concert at 7:30 p.m. April 24 in the fine arts center. The concert is free and open to the public, according to a news release. Under the direction of Justin Anders, associate professor of music at UAM, the ensemble will perform selections by David R. Holsinger and Alfred Reed, as well as a variety of classic marches by John Philip Sousa, Karl L. King and Robert Browne Hall. Details: UAM Division of Music at (870) 460-1060.
PBHS 1975 Class to meet
A reunion planning meeting for the Pine Bluff High Class of 1975 will be held at the Pine Bluff Country Club at 1 p.m. April 24. Class members are encouraged to attend. The reunion is May 3, according to a spokesman.
VA sets virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. April 24. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. April 23, according to a news release. Veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. Staff will answer questions about existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims. Details: http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
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.
Saturday, April 26
Sports Hall of Fame Banquet set
The Jefferson County Sports Hall of Fame Banquet will held at 6 p.m. April 26 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. “The HOF weekend will bring back some of Jefferson County’s greatest athletes, coaches and lifetime supporters back home to Pine Bluff,” said committee chairman Jeff Gross . “It will be a day like no other that this city has ever seen to assemble so much athletic talent in one place that dates back to the past 100 years.” Tickets are available at myevent.com/jcshof.
Dialoguing With Delta youth event April 26
Dialoguing with Delta, the annual educational activity for elementary to college age students, is happening April 26 at 10 a.m. in the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Building Auditorium on campus. This session is all about “Real Talk, Real Life: Addressing Issues Facing Today’s Youth,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The session will be presented by the Pine Bluff Alumnae and Delta Eta chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., in collaboration with the UAPB School of Education. Registration is open for individuals and groups. Details: https://forms.gle/hYF7saamk6Nw4Mck7.
Beginning Saturday, April 26
Disaster case training set
Arkansas United Methodist, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation will host a disaster case management training in Pine Bluff. The two-part training will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26 and May 3 at Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive St. Participants will learn how to help victims of disasters get connected with resources, work with local disaster committees, navigate through insurance and FEMA appeals, and connect with experts who have disaster case management experience, according to a news release. Training is $10 per person. Interested participants should contact Lauren Morris at lmorris@arcf.org or at (501)-372-1116. Details: arcf.org.
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.
Beginning Tuesday, April 29
Pleasant Grove conducts revival
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1801 Indiana St., invites the community to its annual Spring Three Day Revival at 6 p.m. April 29 through May 1. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Don Hawkins, pastor of Barnett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Dennis W. Wilson is the pastor of Pleasant Grove. Details: Stephanie Gulley at sistergulley.pleasantgrove1801@gmail.com.
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.
Friday, May 2
‘Built For This’ worship set
Aaron and Kae Spencer of 424 Ministries will host “Built For This” (Luke 24:49) praise and worship at 7:30 p.m. May 2 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. Due to construction on Main Street, the entrance and parking will be in the rear of the building on State Street. The worship leader will be Alicia Rose. “We are creating an atmosphere for worship for those who desire it,” Kae Spencer said on Stuff in The Bluff.com. “If you’ve been longing for something different pertaining to worship, this is the atmosphere for you.” Details: (501) 503-1777 or admin@424ministries.org.
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 .
Pine Bluff AI Summit set
ReMix IDEAS and the Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce will host an AI Summit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 15 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. “Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) can help grow your business,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. “The Pine Bluff AI Summit is a must-attend event for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to enhance marketing strategies, streamline operations, and unlock new levels of efficiency and scalability.” Speakers include: David Hailey – CEO amd founder, Countifi Inc.; Don Ward – CEO amd founder, Laundris Corp.; Chris Thompson – CEO, Sober Sidekick; Jakob Michaelis – founder, Auxigen; Karen Kilroy – founder, NYX NoCode; Oginga Carr – CEO, Epiphany Consulting; and Audrey Willis – chief innovation and program officer, CodeCrew. For details or to reserve a seat, visit pbtechsummit.com.
Beginning Saturday, May 3
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: 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.
Wednesday, May 7
Chamber slates luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7 at the UAPB Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The guest speaker will be District 64 state Rep. Kenneth Ferguson of Pine Bluff. Lunch is $15 and will be catered by Grider Field Restaurant. Lunch must be paid for in advance. RSVP to the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Friday, June 6
Gun Violence Awareness set
The community is invited to the Second Annual Go Orange Day focusing on Gun Violence Awareness. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 6 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Jefferson-Lincoln County Circuit Court – 6th Division – in conjunction with Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention (GVI) are presenting the program, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Highlights include workshops, a rally with speakers, family activities and free food. Free parking will be provided. Please note that a clear bag policy will be enforced. Vendors and participants are encouraged to wear orange. Free vendor opportunities are available for small businesses and organizations. Vendor forms are available at https://files.constantcontact.com/585454b8001/0cdf682f-fff8-482e-b763-ceb07eb4adaa.pdf?rdr=true. Completed vendor forms may be returned to Rev. Eric Walden Jr. by email at ewalden@jeffersoncircuitcourt6.org. They may also be mailed or hand delivered to 301 E. Second Ave., Pine Bluff, AR (71601) by May 16. Details: Eric Walden at (870) 541-5455 or (870) 718-5123.
Thursday, June 26
Boys & Girls Club sets Heroes Banquet
Table sponsorships for the fifth annual Heroes Banquet are now being sold. The event benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 26 at First Methodist Church, 200 W. Sixth Ave. The banquet honors those who have positively impacted the community. A $600 table sponsorship will provide a reserved table for eight guests, recognition in the event program and slideshow and social media acknowledgement on the BGCJC’s platforms. An online payment may be made by requesting an invoice for submission. Checks to be mailed may be made payable to the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County and sent to P.O. Box 6027, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. In-person payment is available at the office at 200 W. Sixth Ave. Confirmation of sponsorship by May 15 is requested. For information on sponsorship, contact BGCJC at info@boysgirlsclubjc.org.