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AUGUST 31, 2017

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VOLUME 43, NUMBER 52 ARKANSAS TIMES (ISSN 0164-6273) is published each week by Arkansas Times Limited Partnership, 201 East Markham Street, Suite 200, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72201, phone (501) 375-2985. Periodical postage paid at Little Rock, Arkansas, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ARKANSAS TIMES, 201 EAST MARKHAM STREET, SUITE 200, Little Rock, AR, 72201. Subscription prices are $42 for one year, $74 for two years. Subscriptions outside Arkansas are $49 for one year, $88 for two years. Foreign (including Canadian) subscriptions are $168 a year. For subscriber service call (501) 375-2985. Current singlecopy price is 75¢, free in Pulaski County. Single issues are available by mail at $2.50 each, postage paid. Payment must accompany all single-copy orders. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents without the written consent of the publishers is prohibited. Manuscripts and artwork will not be returned or acknowledged unless sufficient return postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope are included. All materials are handled with due care; however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for care and safe return of unsolicited materials. All letters sent to ARKANSAS TIMES will be treated as intended for publication and are subject to ARKANSAS TIMES’ unrestricted right to edit or to comment editorially.

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COMMENT

From the web In response to an Arkansas Blog item on the flooding in Houston: Problem is many of these flood-prone homes are built by contractors who are able to bend regulations to build in flood plains. People love to buy home near water for many reasons. Houston is a great example of a city that has seen many episodes of damaging flooding over the years ... yet they keep rebuilding (or building new) homes in a flood plain. Houston’s population equals that of the whole state of Arkansas. The flooding right now is affecting a total area that would take up 2/3 of Arkansas. It really is unimaginable how bad life there is going to get in the coming weeks. Tom Cotton and others of his kind wanted to punish President Obama with their rejection of FEMA flood insurance expansion, even though the Obama administration wanted to structure flood relief in a way that made the cities and municipalities responsible for building in flood-prone areas. Always interesting to me that Republicans claim they want accountability, but somehow twist it so that they make devils out of the opposing party who originated the idea of accountability. Artificial Intelligence

Land-use planning One recent event in the long process of the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) process of pushing the I-30 Crossing project on Little Rock keeps bothering me. The last meeting of the Regional Planning Advisory Council of Metroplan provided a disturbing view of the state

of Metroplan and our community. There the new law allows concealed handguns was no opportunity for opposition to be carried in several places where statements. Tab Townsell, Metroplan it was previously against the law for director, who styles himself as a civilians to carry them. The new law progressive “new urbanist,” presented allows concealed handguns into certain ARDOT’s canned presentation on why private establishments, including those it is inevitable that we widen all our that serve alcohol. Guns and alcohol freeways in Little Rock. don’t mix. There is strong evidence that Townsell blamed this need to people under the influence of alcohol are expand our urban freeways on “land- at an elevated risk of violent behavior, use planning” by regional municipalities. including gun violence. This is the most disingenuous statement I have spoken to many business of the entire I-30 Crossing debacle. owners who were not aware that this The construction of our urban change is coming. I want Arkansas freeways, especially I-30 and I-630, has business owners to know that they had more effect on land use in Little are free to make the choice about guns Rock than any other factor. The public on their private property. Any private subsidy of freeway construction in business owner, including those who Little Rock has more to do with land own or operate establishments that use, sprawl and racial division than any serve alcohol, can prohibit the concealed land-use planning event in our history. carry of handguns by posting a sign, We need to call the I-30 Crossing clearly readable from at least 10 feet project what it is: a taxpayer-subsidized away, stating that “carrying a handgun inducement for sprawl. It is not good is prohibited.” for Little Rock or North Little Rock Eve Jorgensen and represents the dark ages of urban Little Rock planning. Why are Townsell, Mayor Stodola, Dean Kumpuris, Gene Fortson and others selling us down the freeway expansion river? As the title says, doing the same-old Tom Fennell same-old gives the same-old results. Little Rock The media tells about education failures daily, with stories about young people doing horrible things. The low state test results and the international PISA scores I am a member of the Arkansas show proof of not learning well. For chapter of Moms Demand Action for developed countries, the United States Gun Sense in America and I am worried ranks near the middle of the pack, even that people do not know what is about though only Norway and Switzerland to be legal in our state. On Sept. 1, 2017, outspend us. Why not change? a new law goes into effect in Arkansas Since the early 1800s, public schools that makes several dangerous changes taught the masses. In the 19th century, to our gun laws. Among other changes, we used the European model of placing

SOSO = SOSO

New gun law

students in grades based on age. Schools mainly produced people able to work in factories across the nation. At the time, even young children knew how to use tools and respected adults, but lacked literacy. Books were scarce even in schools. Factories made the industrial revolution and served as a model for schools in the education revolution. The factory model is still used today. However, the industrial revolution is long over and most children start school at a level more advanced than their counterparts in the last century. Private schools began when Catholics could not tolerate public school Protestant practices, and started their own schools. Community-oriented Catholic schools keep children together at least eight years, and are still successful today. The 20th century gave us charter schools and vouchers. Vouchers allow parents to pick a school and use public money for expenses. Charters get public money and autonomy in return for a contract to close if unsuccessful. Since maintaining one large school rather than several smaller schools is less costly, most charters build community by keeping students together on a campus for at least eight years, like Catholic schools. Marketing comes into play to attract students. Controlling population helps charters get and keep a good reputation. The result is a few highly successful charters and a number not doing so well. School leaders are too busy running the factories to create community schools. Today’s illiteracy and bad behavior are created by a corrupt environment without the tools needed to learn. If we vacate the factory model in favor of a

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arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

WEEK THAT WAS

Clemency for McGehee Governor Hutchinson announced his intention to grant clemency for death row inmate Jason McGehee, as the Parole Board had recommended earlier this year. This would commute his death sentence to life without possibility of parole. McGehee was convicted Jan. 8, 1998, of capital murder for killing John Melbourne Jr. The presiding judge recommended clemency. The Boone County prosecutor and sheriff objected. “In making this decision I considered many factors, including the entire trial transcript, meetings with members of the victim’s family and the recommendation of the Parole Board,” Hutchinson said in a statement. “In addition, the disparity in sentence given to Mr. McGehee compared to the sentences of his co-defendants was a factor in my decision, as well.” McGehee, 41, was supposed to be executed on April 27, but after the state Parole Board recommended him for clemency, a federal judge delayed his execution because he said state law required a 30-day comment period on the clemency recommendation.

Death scheduled for Green Hutchinson has announced a Nov. 9 execution date for Jack Gordon Greene. Greene was convicted of the 1992 Johnson County murder of Sidney Burnett, a retired preacher, who was beaten with a can of hominy, stabbed, shot and mutilated. Court efforts to stop the execution are expected. Greene’s lawyer says he’s mentally ill. “Capital punishment should not be used on vulnerable people like the severely mentally ill,” John C. Williams, assistant federal public defender, said.

assets of more than $1 billion. The support foundation specifically helps colleges and universities in five states — Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Texas. It reported $680 million in assets on its 2015 federal tax form. The biggest gift reported that year was $31 million to the Arkansas Community Foundation. The gift dovetails with the enormous investment made by the Walton family in the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art up the road in Bentonville, home of the discount store corporation that made the Walton fortune.

Waltons give big to establish UA School of Art

Future of the LRSD

The Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation has made a $120 million gift to establish a School of Art at the University of Arkansas. It’s described as the largest gift ever to a U.S. university in support of a school of art. The Charitable Support Foundation is a separate entity from the Walton Family Foundation, with

At an event last week organized by state Sen. Joyce Elliott (D-Little Rock) and other local legislators, six members of the state Board of Education, Education Commissioner Johnny Key and Little Rock School District Superintendent Mike Poore fielded questions from citizens for almost two hours about the future of the district and the growth of charter

AUGUST 31, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES

schools in the area. A crowd of over 100 attended. Last week, the Education Department’s Charter Authorizing Panel gave preliminary approval to three applications from charter organizations hoping to begin schools in Little Rock (a fourth was denied). But the authorizing panel’s decisions are subject to review by the state board and likely will be taken up in October. Two existing charter schools in Little Rock, eStem and LISA Academy, expanded enrollment this school year, and eStem plans to keep adding more seats over the next several years; the eStem and LISA expansions were approved by the state board in March 2016. Many of the questions at the gathering concerned charters. Though state board members remained largely silent throughout the event, two key members separately told a reporter afterward that they were undecided about the three applications soon to land on their desk. Brett Williamson and Susan Chambers supported the expansions of

eStem and LISA last year, but both indicated they were considering a stakeholder group’s recommendation to put the brakes on further charter growth, at least for now. Williamson said he was “open to voting differently than I have in the past” based on “the reports we’ve gotten lately at the board level — and just hearing all the concerns from the community, the people. ... My eyes have been opened.” Chambers said the Charter Authorizing Panel and the state board need to begin evaluating charter applications in the context of the overall impact on the community, not just the merit of each proposal. “At some point, are we saturated?” she asked. However, she wouldn’t say whether she believed a tipping point has been reached and said more data was needed. Besides charter growth, the other big question of the evening was the return of local governance to the LRSD. Key told the crowd there is “no timeline” for a return to an election or anything else at this point.

Aid politics

OPINION

he still-unfolding catastrophe in ance program. Houston is, first, a human tragedy. He alone among But when politicians try to tell you Arkansas conMAX that a time of enormous human tragedy gressmen voted BRANTLEY is not a time to talk about politics, it likely against that legismaxbrantley@arktimes.com means the politics are embarrassing to lation. He said he them. could have been persuaded to vote for Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), for exam- flood aid if the money had come in cuts ple, doesn’t want to talk about his vote elsewhere in the budget. Then-Sen. Mark and that of many other Texas Republi- Pryor tried to use Cotton’s heartlessness can congressmen against aid packages against him. But. Cotton’s opposition to for Northeastern states after Hurricane Obamacare helped him defeat Pryor. CotSandy. Politics later, they say. ton also voted against numerous other No, let’s talk politics now, when we categorical Sandy spending bills: FEMA’s can anticipate the future, not merely react. disaster aid fund, mass transit, housing, And let’s remember misjudgments of the veteran facilities, rebuilding sea walls in past so that they are not repeated. For my a national park and even the Coast Guard, part, I choose to remember then-U.S. Rep. those heroic lifesavers targeted by Trump Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who voted time for budget cuts this year. and again against legislation to help the Obamacare and federal disaster aid Sandy-stricken in New Jersey, New York are both products of a belief in univerand Connecticut. sal responsibility for general welfare. Cotton argued that the aid packages Each seems expensive until it’s your sick were bloated. But there was no bloat in child or your homeless neighbor without the legislation to replenish the fund that resources to cope. pays claims under the federal flood insurSo we must talk politics.

Anti-Obama

onald Trump has proved be- anathema to everyyond doubt that he is the most thing the party of uninformed president in history, Lincoln ever stood ERNEST DUMAS but he also grasps better than anyone in for. They don’t get the media or his party that he was savvy it: The president enough to pick the only moment in his- cannot renounce his base. Hurricane tory that he could be elected president: Harvey will give him a momentary bump, the retirement of Barack Obama or, he but his approval ratings are stuck at 35 saw it, the banishment of Barack Obama. percent. Much lower and he becomes That provides the central motive for easy bait for Robert S. Mueller III, whose everything he does. It spawns each of his Russian investigation closes in every day. serial failures and every small success. It Trump ran for president with one is what he wakes up thinking about every strength no other Republican had: He morning. He is the Anti-Obama, and he had steadfastly claimed that Barack must prove it every day, by finding a way Obama was a fraud who was a usurper to demolish any record that Obama was of the American throne because he ever president of the United States and to was born in Kenya, not Hawaii as birth the extent that the black man did things records and newspaper birth announcethat were popular, like responding to ments showed, and was probably a Musdisasters, to be seen as transcending him. lim. He finally admitted, meekly, during But many in his party — congressio- the campaign that Obama was a citizen, nal leaders, GOP stalwarts like former but still he promised to undo everything Sen. John Danforth of Missouri, even the black president had done. the Republican National Committee — He did not run for president in 2012 just don’t get it. Bewildered by the pres- because he could not have won. Obama’s ident’s refusal to singularly condemn retirement and the nearly certain prosthe white supremacists and neo-Nazis pect of Democrats nominating a destrucwho rioted at Charlottesville, Va., and tible candidate gave him his one chance. murdered a woman and injured others, All the early campaign publicity about they publish vivid denunciations of the Trump’s history fed the narrative of a extremists and pronounce the ideology man who would try to save the vanish-

Days before Harvey hit, for example, Donald Trump said we must roll back requirements to consider climate change and sea-level rise when building roads and bridges. Seems unwise today, doesn’t it? Trump doesn’t believe in climate change. But many scientists believe the warmer Gulf waters helped build Harvey’s wind speed and take up more water, increasing both the storm surge and storm rainfall. Billy Fleming, a University of Arkansas graduate, spent three years studying Houston as a Ph.D. candidate. He’s posted insightful assessments on Twitter about the political issues that have been ignored there. Coastal land management, for example. Building in flood zones. Also a lack of adequate investment in floodprotection measures before a disaster, not after. He writes that the Harvey disaster in Houston is not just an act of God but “is the product of a disinterested political class in Houston — the physical manifestation of a decades-long failure of government.” It’s not a local problem. Houston is of national consequence as a petrochemical producer and industrial port. Most military fuel is produced in refineries near Houston, Fleming writes.

Our shared stake — in both the military-industrial complex and humanity — demands that we move whatever mountains of money are necessary to help Houston rebuild. No congressman should dare suggest repaying one bad turn by Texas congressmen and the likes of Tom Cotton after Sandy with another bad turn. We can guess that Tom Cotton will not issue a statement post-Harvey such as he issued to defend his vote against Sandy aid: “I pledged throughout my campaign to confront America’s debt crisis and today I upheld that pledge by voting against legislation that would have added another $10 billion to our staggering national debt because it did not offset that funding for the national flood-insurance program with equal spending cuts.” Such talk was missing from Cotton in recent Arkansas needs for disaster aid. But — if he is serious about eliminating unnecessary spending — there’s that wall he and Donald Trump want to build. Better we should open the gates at Laredo to the Mexicans who’ve volunteered to help their sometimes hostile neighbors to the north rebuild.

ing white culture. His father had been jailed in a violent Ku Klux Klan rally in New York City and father and son had fought off charges that their housing developments wouldn’t rent to African Americans and Latinos. Together with his bluster, attacks on immigrants and name-calling, it brought millions of working-class white voters into the Republican primaries and swamped his baffled opponents. The party had never seen such gusto in campaign crowds. Although he lost the popular vote by 2.9 million, he handily carried all the Confederate states except Virginia, and with the help of angry working-class white men narrowly carried the Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Why would he do or say anything that might cool the ardor of the people who transported him above the standard 30 percent Republican electorate and into the White House? He wasn’t born to commit suicide. Starting Inauguration Day, Trump began dismantling all that Obama had done that could be reached by executive order or regulation. He withdrew the United States from the historic climate treaty, signed by every nation in the world except North Korea, Cuba and Syria. His Environmental Protection Agency chief follows Trump’s directive to roll back every rule to reduce atmo-

spheric and water pollution adopted the previous eight years and further back if he can. His Cabinet and advisers, along with private beseeching from Republican leaders, persuaded him not to abandon the Iran nuclear agreement, but he employs a strategy of goading Iran into breaking it so the rest of the world will join him in scrapping the Obama treaty. This week, he reversed Obama’s ban on passing on military armaments like automatic weapons and assault vehicles to police departments and pardoned the Arizona sheriff who was charged by Obama’s Justice Department with violating the law by brutalizing blacks and immigrants, explaining that Obama had been unfair to the man. He has condemned leaders of his own party for not killing Obamacare and for not already repealing the Obama-era financial reforms that sought to avoid another banking collapse and bailout. He had promised Wall Street that he would do that and roll back Obama’s taxes on wealthy investors that help shore up Medicare and the health care system. But Congress just sits there, still in thrall to Barack Obama. Proclaim himself an enemy of white supremacists and nationalists who hate brown-skinned immigrants — why would he do that?

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What happened

ay back in April 1994, Hillary Rodham Clinton held a press conference concerning Whitewater, the granddaddy of all phony Clinton scandals. Pressed about whether she and her husband should have known that their Ozarks real estate partnership was doing badly and paid off its loans, she responded flippantly.

“Shoulda, coulda, woulda,” she said. “We didn’t.” Editorialists pronounced themselves offended. She was even dubbed a “congenital liar,” although the facts eventually showed that the Clintons’ partner, Jim McDougal, had actively deceived them about their investment. But you never saw a straightforward account in the scandal-mongering press. That would have spoiled the fun. From Whitewater through Benghazi, the Clinton Foundation and her accursed emails, it became a familiar pattern. Hillary Clinton was arrogant, corrupt, deceptive — essentially a brass-plated bitch. Each time the actual evidence revealed no real crime, her detractors simply moved on to the next damned thing. It was like something out of “Lord of the Flies.” “Lock her up,” crowds chanted, although that was never going to happen. Sorry to say, but among Hillary’s most ardent detractors were certain of the MSNBC All-Stars and The New York Times columnists currently rending their garments over the misbegotten presidency of Donald Trump. I’ve yet to notice even one acknowledge his or her role in the ritual stoning. To summarize, a recent report from Harvard’s Shorenstein Center documented that Clinton scandals drew “sixteen times the amount of news coverage given to [Hillary’s] most heavily covered policy position.” Her emails alone drew four times more negative coverage than the old P***y Grabber’s treatment of women. On the day FBI director James Comey released his ill-advised, ultimately withdrawn letter hinting at previously undiscovered emails, the Times’ entire front page above the fold was devoted to the story. Sample headline: “With 11 Days to Go, Trump Says Revelation Changes Everything.” As, indeed, it did. Anybody who denies Comey’s intervention settled the election can’t have looked at the data. So anyway, there was Hillary last week giving us the shoulda, coulda, woulda version of her 2016 election loss. Given that any baseball fan can name pitchers 8

AUGUST 31, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES

who never got over surrendering dramatic home runs, maybe her contrition shouldn’t be GENE surprising. LYONS “Every day that I was a candidate for president,” Clinton writes in her new book, “What Happened,” “I knew that millions of people were counting on me, and I couldn’t bear the idea of letting them down — but I did. I couldn’t get the job done, and I’ll have to live with that for the rest of my life.” But what really eats at Hillary is her failure to confront the Bully-in-Chief when she had the chance. In a recorded excerpt on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” she remembers thinking “This is not O.K. … It was the second presidential debate, and Donald Trump was looming behind me. Two days before, the world heard him brag about groping women. Now we were on a small stage and no matter where I walked, he followed me closely, staring at me, making faces. It was incredibly uncomfortable. He was literally breathing down my neck. My skin crawled.” Indeed, replays show the big galoot lurching around the stage like the villain in a teen slasher film. All he lacked was a pair of overalls and a chainsaw. Hillary recalls asking herself what to do: “Do you stay calm, keep smiling and carry on as if he weren’t repeatedly invading your space?” she said. “Or do you turn, look him in the eye, and say loudly and clearly: ‘Back up, you creep, get away from me! I know you love to intimidate women, but you can’t intimidate me, so back up.’ “I chose option A. I kept my cool, aided by a lifetime of difficult men trying to throw me off. I did, however, grip the microphone extra hard. I wonder, though, whether I should have chosen option B. It certainly would have been better TV. Maybe I have overlearned the lesson of staying calm, biting my tongue, digging my fingernails into a clenched fist, smiling all the while, determined to present a composed face to the world.” Better TV maybe, but Option B risked disaster. A classic New York blowhard surrounded by bodyguards all his life, Trump revels in name-calling contests. There are no depths to which he won’t sink. But then I don’t think Hillary Clinton owes me an apology at all.

Cotton’s plan

as cunning, but there have been some missteps here and there. His bordering-ontreasonous letter AUTUMN to Iran will likely TOLBERT be seen in a more and more negative light as time passes. Certainly, as the spotlight on him shines brighter and brighter, he will have some explaining to do about his refusal to stand with Arkansas rice farmers and support the opening up of the Cuban rice market. It’s not surprising he would go against his constituents; since he came back After the events in Charlottesville, home to run for office there have been Va., Cotton came out with what questions and speculation about how appeared on the surface to be a strong much time he really spends in Arkansas statement against racism. He was and how much he really understands lauded on both sides for his words. But the issues facing the state. But none of if you read his statement a little more that stopped him from visiting Iowa closely, twice he mentions the rights earlier this year for no other explainable of “Americans” and “fellow citizens.” reason except to prepare for a run for the He may be taking a stand against White House. He insists he is running racism, but his nationalism is on full for re-election for his Senate seat in display. He does mention the “rights of 2020, but, like a lot of other observers mankind,” but he makes it clear that of politics, I am not so sure. his concern is only for U.S. citizens. One thing is certain: Congressional This distinction is important, as Cotton, Republicans are getting ready to do despite his claim to be a member of the something, all right. They are getting United Methodist Church, seems to ready to keep on standing around abandon the tenets of that denomination and acting concerned while Trump when it comes to immigration, refugees victimizes entire communities. All talk. and caring for America’s neighbors. No action. Impeachment is a pipe dream. Indeed, just hours after releasing that The invoking of the 25th Amendment statement, Cotton was back touting his is even more unlikely, and to be honest, efforts to pass the Reforming American probably rightfully so, due to the Immigration for Strong Employment potential for abuse. The GOP, in concert Act, also called the “Raise Act,” which with right-wing evangelicals, made its prioritizes English-speaking, highly choice when it decided that Trump was skilled immigrants over those who the party’s “imperfect vessel” and that a are seeking refuge and reuniting with conservative Supreme Court was worth family members, immigrants who are the well-being and civil rights of everyone willing to work low-wage, physically except straight white Protestant males. taxing jobs to make a better life for their I cannot imagine a shift. They will stay children. Cotton, by promoting the Raise the course in the hopes they pass tax Act, completely ignores the needs of his reform for the wealthy, further erode home state’s agriculture industry. But, as the separation of church and state, kick many Arkansans know, and one hopes poor people off of their health care more will figure out, Cotton represents and gain more control of the judiciary. Cotton. Arkansas is just a tool to propel Cotton will continue to issue statements him to what seems to be his ultimate expressing concern when absolutely goal: the White House. He is banking necessary, but he will also continue to on the far-right to carry him there. It support legislation and policies that appears he will stand by his man Trump appeal to the far right to get the ultimate until the ship goes down. prize of the presidency. Somebody get Who knows whether he truly supports the moisturizer because, unless Robert Trump or is just waiting to make his Mueller turns up something that leads move when he figures out which way to Trump’s resignation, it looks like we the wind blows for 2020. Cotton is an are in for three more years of handopportunist. I’d almost describe him wringing. ith the amount of recent handwringing by the Republican Party, you’d think its members were getting ready to do something. It seems that every week, one or more GOP members of Congress come out with a statement denouncing the words or actions of President Trump or his supporters. They are troubled. They are concerned. They are disappointed. To those casual followers of politics who get their news from headlines and sound bites, these elected officials probably seem to be saying all the right things. Our own U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton has done a bit of that hand-wringing himself, but don’t be fooled. His actions, just like the rest of the GOP, speak otherwise.

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Game on

his entire opening game preview, I suppose, has a giant asterisk accompanying it. If the havoc that Harvey wrought upon Texas makes its way nor’easterly, then the Arkansas season debut Thursday night in Little Rock may be in jeopardy, and I suspect would not be rescheduled if such a cancellation came to pass. Arkansas may need that presumably easy win for bowl consideration later, but let’s presume for the moment the Hogs do get to take on Florida A&M at War Memorial Stadium.

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It won’t be pretty even if the conditions hold out. Arkansas, despite having a bewildering lack of voter support in the early polls, is the far superior team and for Hog fans, this novelty of an opener piques the curiosity in so many ways. As we touched on a few weeks ago in this space, the questions that surround this team are pretty numerous, and a MEAC also-ran does not look like the type of opponent that will help answer any of those queries. Nevertheless, the Rattlers probably have spent much of the week reading about a scrappy 2012 LouisianaMonroe team that figured to play the patsy at War Memorial Stadium and ended up leaving with a program-defining win, and one that also completely shook up the core of the state program here for a good while. At the risk of a jinx, Austin Allen’s health is the paramount issue of concern throughout this season. The Rattlers will obviously feel like, with nothing to lose, they should model their defensive approach after the one Louisiana Tech used to shocking success in the 2016 opener. In that game, Allen’s mobility and durability were tested early and frequently, and that was when he had a more proven cast of safety valves at tight end and slot receiver. Now, Arkansas is a little light on skill position seasoning, although there were zero concerns about Allen’s ability to find new targets and develop a quick rapport with his supporting cast after the spring and summer scrimmages. You can bet, as well, that this game will be the first of many that signifies some kind of tribute to Frank Broyles. It won’t be quite as emotional as a Fayetteville-based homage, but the recently departed coach, athletic director and all-around visionary put his stamp on games at War Memorial over the years, too. All things considered, though, this event will be humdrum and paint-by-numbers for the Hogs, and won’t even qualify as the most entertaining spectacle in the aging venue this month (Guns N’ Roses claimed that honor with a bullet back on Aug. 5). Bret Bielema’s going to get to put a lot of reserves to work, and one of the really intriguing facets of a game likely to be

bereft of them is how some of those younger Hogs show out in front of what should be around 50,000 folks. One of BEAU the freshmen most WILCOX expect to see is tailback Chase Hayden, and based on early returns, he might well be good enough to steal carries away from incumbent sophomore Devwah Whaley, and not just in lopsided matchups like this one figures to be. Hayden has the feel of being an immediate dynamic addition to not only the offense, but potentially special teams as a kick returner, and his pedigree (father Aaron was an AllSEC tailback for Tennessee before fashioning a short NFL career) merits attention. On the defensive side, FAMU’s shifty receivers will put the new 3-4 unit overseen by defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads to work early. Arkansas floundered so badly trying to rush defensive linemen into the backfield over the last two years that it makes sense to try to shore up the middle of the field. Anyone who doubts whether this experiment will work is justified in having a little healthy skepticism, but when you recall the likes of Trevor Knight — not exactly a Cam Newton type of burner, mind you — scorching through a barren middle of the Hog defense last year vs. Texas A&M, you probably need to be a bit more openminded about this transition. Will there be rough spots? Certainly. Against the Rattlers, you would hope those do not surface, and it will be a relief to fans to see linebacker Dre Greenlaw out there again after injuries robbed him of most of 2016. We’ve predicted a customary, dutiful rout by the Razorbacks here, and assuming this game goes off without any undue weather-related hitches, that’s what it will be. But, as always, the season opener will tell a story beyond what the uneven competition might suggest. Harking back to that 2012 disaster against Monroe, you’ll recall that the game before it at Fayetteville was a really ragged 49-24 win over FCS opponent Jacksonville State. The defense was absolutely befuddled at times, Knile Davis looked tentative and lacking burst in his return to the field after losing the entire 2011 campaign to injury, and Tyler Wilson wasn’t totally sharp. It had fans uneasy and nervous, sentiments that ended up being wholly justified a week later. FAMU should not expose too many of the Hogs’ flaws, but even seeing a few shortcomings now can be useful down the road. And since John L. Smith doesn’t preside over this program anymore … .

THE OBSERVER NOTES ON THE PASSING SCENE

Under the totality

You can look at the sun with the naked eye while it is totally eclipsed. It’s a strange feeling to stare at something your eyes have avoided by instinct since the day you were born. What we observed was almost unfathomably beautiful and truly defies description, though we’re giving it the ol’ college try here. The crickets began to sing in the woods, and the temperature dropped 15 degrees. Around the black disk of the moon and ghostly corona of the sun, the brighter stars and planets swarmed through the darkness. Out on the lake, the image of the eclipse played on the rippling water, and when The Observer looked around, This year, The Boy grown gray, Yours we were greeted with a 360-degree dusk Truly, Spouse and Junior wound up at at the horizon, red and yellow and black, St. Joe State Park in Farmington, Mo., a the daylight still out there and trying to lovely little place that’s half green oasis retake the world. and half moonscape, the parched and It was like that for two minutes or so, and other than Junior’s birth, it was the most beautiful thing we’ve ever seen in this life, bar none, no exceptions. We turned Spouse’s face and planted a kiss on her in the half-light, grabbed Junior and hugged him; told them both they were loved and thought the unspoken: that I was glad to be there with them and alive in a world so full of wonder. Your Old Pal doesn’t exaggerate when we say dusty tailings of a vast old mining opera- it was life-changing. tion having been opened to ATV riders While we’re usually content to and dune-buggy riders. Our eclipse perch observe in the moment rather than was a huge expanse of manicured grass through some gadget, we shot video of on the shore of a lake that shimmered in some of totality with our phone. When the lee of tree-lined hills. Perhaps 75 oth- we watched it later, The Observer realers were there, coming from as far away ized he’d laughed all the way through as Minnesota, New York, New Mexico the dark, gibbering in unmitigated awe and The Queen’s England. like a person in the thick of an LSD The buildup was pretty much what trip. “It’s like a hole in the sky!” we you got if you watched in Little Rock: exclaimed at one point, to no one in first a monster-bitten cookie, then the particular. Thinking of it all now, it moon coming on, upstaging her more feels like a beautiful dream we had, not brilliant sister. The last few moments quite real, not quite imaginary. There’s before totality were extraordinary, a lot of stuff we say we’ll never forthough. The light became queer and get, but that moment will truly and dreamlike; blue, purple, almost unfo- surely be among our deathbed recolcused, iridescent, if iridescent can be lections, as we cast off the mooring said to be a color. Then, in the span lines and set sail for the Far Shore, a of a second, the moon dropped fully reminder that the intermittent loveliover the sun like a lid on a deep well, ness of this existence, however much covering us. we get of it, was worth all the pain.

he Observer and family decided last minute to ditch work and school to make for central Missouri on Aug. 21 so as to be among the millions of folks who did the same to catch the shadow of the moon, creeping coast-to-coast during the eclipse. As a lad, we’d seen a partial eclipse. The Boy Observer was helping tear off and replace the roof of a house over in the Broadmoor neighborhood in Little Rock at the time. We remember the dusky light, the wispy horsetails of sunlight on the concrete, projections of the eclipse crescent refracted through the trees, an hour so full of strangeness that it caused even sunburnt old roofers to pause.

“It was the most beautiful thing we’ve ever seen in this life.”

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Arkansas Reporter

BEATING THE METER: Two hundred and sixty residences, including 80 apartments, have had energy audits.

Free energy In Camden, an innovative program is helping electric customers get expensive, energyefficient upgrades, without feeling the pinch on their bill. BY DAVID KOON

here’s no such thing in this world as a free lunch, but Ouachita Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Camden, may have found the next best thing for its customers: an innovative program that uses the savings from energy-efficient upgrades to customers’ homes — including big-ticket items like air conditioner replacement — to offset the cost of those upgrades, with the cooperative financing the cost of improvements through the customer’s electric bill. The program is called HELP Pay As You Save; HELP is an acronym for “Home Energy Lending Program.” Under the plan, residents can get thousands of dollars in improvements to their homes at no upfront cost to them, while seeing their monthly bill go down. It might sound too good to be true, but it’s just swapping the expense of energy inefficiency for the expense of energyefficient upgrades. Under the program, which 12

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ARKANSAS TIMES

was instituted last spring and has since upgraded 260 residences in the Ouachita Electric service area, including around 80 apartments, customers request an “energy audit” of their homes from the co-op. Through a series of tests and inspection of ductwork, the heat/AC unit, insulation and windows, crews come up with an estimate of how much a customer could potentially save on his monthly electric bill if he were to make improvements. If there are enough savings to be had and the customer is in good standing with Ouachita Electric, the customer can then have all the work completed at no upfront cost to him. Payments for the work are folded into the customer’s monthly payment, and are calculated to be slightly less than the amount the customer saved due to the upgrades. That means most customers see a savings on their monthly bill, even after expensive work is done.

Unlike loan-based programs for lived its life.” Under the program, energy efficiency upgrades offered Beaver said, they were able to get the by electric companies, payment for unit replaced and other work done the upgrades under the HELP Pays while seeing a reduction in their bill, program is connected to the location even though Beaver said she keeps where the work was done, not the her home cooler since the new unit resident who lived there at the time. was installed. If a homeowner or renter moves from Beaver said the program pays for a location upgraded under HELP Pays, itself and requires no grants or supplethey inform the next resident, who mental funding to operate. Financing continues to pay for the upgrades at is handled through the National Rural the location through his electric bill. Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp., (The program is available to both at low interest rates. “No other memhomeowners and renters, though ber is subsidizing your work or my renters must seek their landlord’s work,” she said. “We’re both paying for permission.) our own, but our savings should pay Because the payments in the HELP for the work to be done.” Beaver said Pays program are included in the that occasionally the estimated savings monthly electric bill, financed through don’t equal the amount it would take the co-op and tagged to the location, to make the upgrades. In those cases, there is no required credit check to customers might see their monthly participate in the program, meaning bill go up slightly, what Beaver called any resident — including low-income a “co-pay.” residents or those with poor credit — “It’s not often,” she said, “but I have can take advantage of the program. seen a few of those.” She said the proNorma Beaver is member services gram has also helped local contracmanager for Ouachita Electric Coop- tors, keeping them busy doing home erative. Beaver said she had the home upgrades for residents, and has been she shares with her husband audited beneficial to landlords in the area and uncovered a number of problems, as a way of getting their properties including ductwork leaking 21 percent upgraded at no cost to them. of the air output into the attic. In addi“[Renters are] lowering their election, her aging air conditioning unit was tric bill and improving the landlord’s on its last legs. property,” she said. “Then if they leave, “In our case, we were having to the next tenant picks up. Maybe it’s put $300 to $400 a year into [the AC six months that the property is vacant. unit] just to keep it revved up,” she When the next tenant comes in, they said. “It was 25 years old, so it had just pick up where the previous ten-

BRIAN CHILSON

THE

HELP ARRIVES: Ouachita Electric Cooperative’s Home Energy Lending Program is helping residents lower their utility bills.

Tune in to our “Week In Review” podcast each Friday. Available on iTunes & arktimes.com

ant left off.” Linda Hodges, an Ouachita Electric customer from the small town of Louann in Ouachita County, said she learned about the program last July after her family received an electric bill for over $600. Though her house was built in the early 2000s, she said her air conditioner was working so poorly that it was too hot in the house during the summer to cook. In winter, she said, the house was so cold that they were forced to install an auxiliary butane heater. After the audit, she learned that the combined air leaks in her home were the equivalent of having a 4-foot-by-4-foot hole in one wall. Through the program, crews added insulation, new weather stripping and a new and larger air conditioning unit. Her bill this July, she said, was half of what she paid last year, averaging $310 per month for the summer, while the house stayed much cooler than before. Last winter, they never had to use the butane heater. “What people don’t realize is that it doesn’t just affect your utility bills and your personal comfort,” Hodges said. “You save money in other ways. It had gotten so hot last July that I couldn’t cook for my family in the house. We were grilling or having to eat out. That’s been totally cut out, as far as eating out, because we cook at home a lot.” While stories like that are surely satisfying to Ouachita Electric, Beaver said the program is also helping the cooperative bring down its own bills, which was why the program was instituted in the first place. “It’s actually lowering our demand,” she said. “We pay an electric bill just like our members pay an electric bill to us. We pay to Arkansas Electric [Cooperative] for the kilowatt hours we have sold, and we pay a demand charge as well. By our members participating, they are helping to lower our demand charge.” Though Ouachita Electric Cooperative’s program is unique in the state, other electric co-ops in Arkansas are considering adopting the model, including South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative, based in Arkadelphia.

THE

Inconsequential News Quiz:

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1) UA Little Rock recently posted a page on its website detailing how those who have met the additional permitting requirements to carry a concealed handgun on campus — including eight additional hours of safety training — may do so. Which of the following ISN’T among the information disseminated? A) Permit holders may carry their concealed handguns in university-owned dorms, fraternity and sorority houses, but cannot store their handguns there. B) Permit holders can bring their handguns to meetings with professors, but can’t bring them to grievance and disciplinary hearings. C) Students, professors and other faculty — up to and including the chancellor of the university — may ask a student carrying a handgun if he or she has the required concealed carry permit, but the person carrying the handgun is not required to answer. D) Permit holders may take out their shooting irons and blast a hole through any section of their textbook they don’t like, including evolution, discussion of lady parts, and any section of an American history book that reveals the Second Amendment was written to help arm and equip state-controlled militias and doesn’t guarantee or establish an individual right to own or carry a firearm. 2) A driver recently led police on a high-speed chase near Little Rock. What was weird about the chase? A) It was the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, which was stolen from an event outside a nearby Kroger. B) The driver was piloting a Hummer with a coffin strapped to the roof. C) Police broke off the chase when they passed a Sonic drive-through and remembered it was 50-cent corndog day. D) The driver was 9 years old. 3) The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, scheduled to run Oct. 6-15 this year, recently announced an addition to the festival that is sure to be a hit with film buffs. What was the announcement? A) The recent purchase of two candy-sniffing dogs to help fight the scourge of unauthorized goodiesmuggling into film screenings. B) That the new documentary “Being Jason Rapert” has been booted from the festival after a preview screening produced widespread chills, nausea and vomiting. C) That Werner Herzog, the filmmaker behind documentary greats such as “Grizzly Man,” “Cave of Forgotten Dreams,” and “Encounters at the End of the World,” will be in attendance. D) That anyone caught using a cell phone during a film screening will be made into soup and fed to stray cats. 4) Governor Hutchinson made an announcement late last week that took many by surprise. What was the announcement? A) Bentonville has seceded from Arkansas, and will henceforth be called Walmartistan. B) He intends to commute the sentence of death row inmate Jason McGehee, whose execution was scheduled for November. C) He’s resigning to start a career as an actor, saying he believes he’s got a real future in playing “crooked bank president,” “clueless vice-principal” and “rich jerk furious that a barista screwed up his coffee order” roles. D) That whoever it is in Leslie Rutledge’s office that keeps “dropping stink biscuits” in the executive restroom needs to cut it out immediately. 5) The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Thursday, Aug. 24, list of the top 10 things to do the weekend of Aug. 25-27 omitted any mention of the debut event of the Arkansas Cinema Society, a mini-film festival produced by Arkansas filmmaker Jeff Nichols that included appearances by several film luminaries, including Adam Driver, the A-lister who stars as villain Kylo Ren in the most recent installment of the “Star Wars” franchise. Which of the following events were apparently important enough that they bumped Driver and the Cinema Society’s slate of events from the D-G’s to-do list? A) A Volkswagen-only car show and swap meet in Eureka Springs. B) A fundraising dog wash in North Little Rock. C) Another car show in Mena. D) All of the above.

ANSWERS: D, B, C, B, D

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arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

KIDS IN ISOLATION

Critics raise concerns about confining kids alone at juvenile facilities. By David Ramsey Arkansas Nonprofit News Network Photo by Brian Chilson

AUGUST 31, 2017

ARKANSASâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;TIMES

n April, a 15-year-old boy housed at the Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center spent the entire day alone in a small cell. Michael (the names of juveniles in this story have been changed to protect their anonymity) was put in a hold by a guard and taken out of his classroom at the facility’s school. As he repeatedly said, “I am not resisting” and “no aggression” — a phrase used

the bathroom. This time, he was not of trouble, including mistreatment of research that for juveniles, “isolation let out at all from around noon until children in its care. When Rite of Pas- ... actually has negative public safety nighttime, when he was taken back to sage was brought in as a new contrac- consequences, does not reduce viohis regular living quarters. tor in 2016, it promised a fresh start, lence and likely increases recidivism.” “I was in my cell the whole time,” telling the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “It’s a very risky, dangerous prache said. “I was calling the staff’s name “We’re not interested in running jail- tice,” said Jennifer Lutz, an attorney and they wouldn’t let me out. I had to houses. We’re interested in running for the Center for Children’s Law and pee in my dinner tray after I got done schoolhouses.” Policy in Washington, D.C., and the eating.” According to multiple youths, for- campaign manager for Stop Solitary Rite of Passage, the Nevada-based, mer staffers and others, confining a for Kids, a partnership between four for-profit company that contracts with youth alone in a cell in Building 19 or national juvenile justice reform organiin another room zations. The research, Lutz said, shows on campus has that putting youths in such situations been regularly can cause serious psychological and used at AJATC emotional harm, exacerbate mental illas a disciplinary ness or post-traumatic stress responses response to non- and increase risk of self-harm. She violent misbe- pointed to federal data published by havior in class, as the U.S. Department of Justice that well as for more found that more than half of suicides in serious miscon- juvenile facilities occur while youths duct, with the are isolated alone in a room, and more youth sometimes than 60 percent of youths who comstaying there mit suicide in custody had a history of for much of the being subjected to the practice. There day. If a youth is is no evidence, Lutz said, that isoladeemed to be a tion improves the safety and security danger, the prac- of juvenile lockup institutions, and tice is sometimes may actually increase violent behavior. used for a period Tanner’s letter follows months of ‘LIKE THE PRISON’: That’s how one 15-year-old who of multiple days. communication with the DYS and Rite spent time confined to a cell A c c o r d i n g t o of Passage staff in which he expressed (opposite page) described his R i t e o f P a s - concerns about the use of room conexperience in Building 19 at the sage, the facil- finement at AJATC. In emails, Tanner Arkansas Juvenile Assessment ity ended the described the practice as “essentially and Treatment Center near Alexander. practice of room social isolation.” The communicaconfinement as tions were acquired from the Public a response to Defender Commission by a Freedom classroom mis- of Information Act request; Tanner behavior in June. declined to comment for this story. Under current Referencing one youth with severe policy, the com- behavioral problems, Tanner wrote, pany’s attorneys “Finding a way to effectively engage said, room con- him is key. Keeping him locked in a finement is only room is only adding fuel to his rage.” used for certain Tanner repeatedly expressed the conat AJATC to indicate compliance — the state to run the facility, declined major infractions, for a maximum of 72 cern that Rite of Passage’s internal polMichael was brought across campus to respond to specific stories like hours. They said that youths in room icies were not addressing the practices to Building 19. Michael’s, citing privacy concerns. confinement still have access to ser- he had witnessed. “There is nothing in Once used as a maximum-security AJATC, located near Alexander, vices such as education and therapy. this policy that adequately describes facility to house a program for serious houses more than 100 youths. It is In a letter last week to Division of what I have observed of youth being juvenile offenders, part of Building 19 the largest of eight juvenile lockup Youth Services director Betty Guh- placed in a locked unit, in a single room is now used to temporarily segregate facilities in the state overseen by the man, Scott Tanner, the state juvenile cell behind a locked door away from youths from the regular population at Division of Youth Services, part of the ombudsman at the Arkansas Public the general milieu,” he wrote. AJATC, in some cases confining them Arkansas Department of Human Ser- Defender Commission, raised alarms An email Tanner sent in August in single-cell units. Michael was imme- vices. These facilities, known as treat- about the practice and oversight of shows that he attempted to access diately locked in one of these units, ment centers, are intended to provide isolation in the state’s juvenile lockup individual records of youths he had empty other than a metal bed with a therapy and rehabilitation rather than facilities. “These practices must be seen confined in Building 19 during mat on it and a wool comforter. Typi- being punitive, and are required to governed by strong policy and effective recent visits to the facility — two of cally, he said, youths confined to a cell provide education that meets state monitoring,” Tanner wrote. “We, as a them for longer than 72 hours — to in Building 19 may only be let out to use standards. AJATC has a long history state, are failing at both.” Tanner cited assess how Building 19 was functioning

arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

in practice, including whether youths sent there were being provided appropriate education and therapy. Tanner found few answers, the correspondence indicates. The records were months out of date or nonexistent. (Tanner wrote that these gaps in the records “caused concern beyond my initial scope of inquiry.”) There was no information about what caused youths to be sent to Building 19, the amount of time they spent in room confinement or what services were provided to them. In some cases, despite the fact that these youths were assigned disciplinary room confinement in July, the most recent incident report on file was in May; in other cases, there was no incident report at all. One appeared to have therapist progress notes before and after the period of confinement, but none during. Another, identified as a student with special education needs, only had a note indicating that the student was not present in group therapy due to being placed in Building 19. Although Rite of Passage operates AJATC, the DYS is ultimately responsible for the youths at the facility. DYS facilities abide by a protocol in accordance with the American Correctional Association, but the division itself does not currently have an official policy on room confinement; a policy was drafted more than two years ago, but it has never been promulgated. In his letter to Guhman, Tanner called for data tracking of room confinement — in line with national standards for juvenile justice — to ensure best practices around the use of isolation and enable more intensive monitoring and review. Currently, DYS does not track aggregate data on room confinement and was unable to provide information about how often the practice is used at AJATC or other locations. Any situation that results in room confinement should be noted narratively on an incident report sent to the DYS, but the practice itself is not

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ARKANSAS TIMES

tracked in the agency’s data system. “The lack of data collected by DYS has been an ongoing issue,” said Tom Masseau, executive director of Disability Rights Arkansas, an advocacy group that does regular observations at the juvenile lockups. “We are having a number of conversations about changes that should happen within the Division of Youth Services and reviewing all policies, and that may be among changes we make,” said Amy Webb, chief communications officer at the Department of Human Services. “But because there is not a separate tracking report, that does not mean that we don’t monitor this. All incident reports are reviewed FRESH START: Rite of Passage took over AJATC last year promising, “We’re not interby our staff.” ested in running jailhouses. We’re interested in running schoolhouses.” Thus far in 2017, DYS staff have yet to identify a single improper use of room confinement requiring further room. By email, Rite of Passage’s legal ident. Both Jason and Michael, the investigation or review. counsel wrote, “solitary confinement teenager put in a cell in April, said *** and isolation are not practices used they had been confined in a cell that he practice of confining some- by RoP in its operations at AJATC. ... had blood and urine clearly visible on one alone to a cell or room has There are serious and negative conno- the floor and wall. many names — isolation, room tations attached to both of those terms, “It’s everywhere,” Jason said. “It confinement, segregation, seclusion, none of which apply to RoP’s treat- was just disgusting in there.” When the restrictive housing, solitary confinement of the youth in its care.” While boys complained, they were moved to ment — and each term can have vary- youth are sometimes locked alone in another cell, but they said that nothing definitions. a cell in Building 19, Rite of Passage ing was immediately done to clean up “One of the major problems with noted that staffers and other youths the problem cell. Jason said that if he advocacy in this area is there isn’t one would be present in the building. A winds up in a cell in Building 19, he single nationally accepted definition of youth confined in Building 19 would just tries to sleep. “There ain’t nothsolitary confinement,” Lutz said. “In still have access to normal programing else to do,” he said. the juvenile justice system, that term ming, such as education, recreation Michael said that in March, over a sets off alarm bells for the folks who and therapy, the company said. Asked period of two weeks, he spent at least work in facilities and run those agen- specifically what that programming five hours a day confined to a cell in cies because they’re concerned that would entail in the context of room Building 19 as punishment for refusing it’s associated with harsher adult prac- confinement, Rite of Passage did not to have his hair cut. He was exploring tices.” Stop Solitary for Kids defines respond. Islam and associated letting his hair solitary confinement as “involuntary “The purpose of the removal and grow out with his interest in the faith. placement of a youth alone in a cell, placement of the youth in Building 19 On school days, he said, he would be room, or other area for any reason is not to isolate them, but to change brought to the cell after classes, from other than as a temporary response their environment based upon clinical 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; on weekends, he to behavior that threatens immediate or behavioral program needs,” Rite of would be confined to the cell all day. physical harm.” Passage attorneys wrote in an email. Although Rite of Passage declined to Rite of Passage objected to terms They described Building 19 as “a dorm- comment on specific stories, it dissuch as “isolation,” preferring the like setting but with enhanced staffing.” puted that a youth would ever have phrase “room time.” The company also Some youths housed at AJATC have been subjected to room confinement objected to referring to a cell in which a different view. “It’s like the prison,” for refusing a haircut. a youth is confined alone as a “solitary” said Jason, another 15-year-old resThe boys said that over the past

year, the most common use of room confinement came in response to classroom misbehavior (unless a more serious infraction is involved, that practice has now been discontinued after a policy change in June, according to Rite of Passage). Students who were seriously disruptive in class might be sent to an in-school suspension classroom. If they continued to misbehave in ISS, they could be sent to Building 19, where they could be confined to a cell. Rite of Passage said that aggregate data on the number of times room confinement was used in response to such scenarios was not available. In a telephone interview in May, Michael Cantrell, executive director of the southeastern region for Rite of Passage, acknowledged this practice,

left their positions at AJATC ear- time working for Rite of Passage, lier this year (before the June policy Building 19 was overused. “If you have change), said that room confinement a kid who is being extremely aggreswas used as a standard punishment sive and violent, then to calm down is for acting up in class, and that once a not necessarily a bad thing,” one said. student was taken to Building 19, he “I think that is excessive when you would generally not return for the rest don’t allow the kid to recover, when of the school day. they can’t go back to school for the rest “They absolutely used it as a puni- of the day. If this happens at 8 o’clock tive measure,” one therapist said. “If in the morning, you’re SOL.” you piss off staff members or act a As with the statements made by the fool in school, you go to Building 19. youths above, Rite of Passage, through If you get kicked out of class, out of its legal counsel, declined to respond ISS, you go directly to Building 19 and directly to any specific allegations. you sit in a cell all day. You don’t really “Those who work from the standpoint come out except to go to the bathroom. of misinformation, rumors and inadThen whenever school is over, group equate information harm the process [therapy] is over, everything is done, and ability to keep all safe,” the comthen you go back to your cottage [the pany’s attorneys wrote. regular living quarters] and you would Removing a youth from the classroom to confine him in Building 19 or elsewhere could create a federal legal issue under the Individuals with Disabilities Act if he has a disability, Masseau said. “If [the misbehavior] is a manifestation of disabilities, you can’t just change his placement because he’s acting up. You need to put in behavior supports or modify his programming in whatever way allows the child to obtain their free and appropriate public education.” “If a youth has a disability the Special Ed department will ensure his or her needs are met, and may include the use of services within Building 19,” Rite of Passage attorneys stated. *** hatever name it goes by, BUILDING 19: Once used as a maximum-security facility for serious juvenile offenders, part of the building is now used to segregate youths who commit behavioral infractions at youth advocates argue that AJATC. room confinement should be strictly limited in juvenile faciliwhich he described as a last resort, but typically have early bedtime. They’ll ties, and even short periods of confinedenied that the purpose was punitive. bring you dinner to your room but ment can be counterproductive and He described it as an effort to remove you’ll stay in your room the rest of harmful for children. “It has a detrikids from an audience. “I wouldn’t call the night.” mental effect on a youth’s treatment, it punishment. That’s draconian,” he Sometimes, the former AJATC education, physical health and mental said. “It’s a space that kids can go for therapists said, guards would pull health,” Masseau said. “Every national an hour, two hours, chill out, relax, the bed mat out of the cell in Build- standard I’ve read says that it should get themselves together and get back ing 19 so that youths only have the never be used as a punitive measure, to class.” metal frame of the cot to sit or lie on. that it should only be used when the However, a pair of therapists who The therapists said that, during their kid’s actively a danger to himself or

others, and even then calls for frequent review. It’s all geared toward minimizing the amount of time a kid is removed from the normal environment.” “It’s not helping kids emerge from facilities better equipped than when they entered,” Lutz said. “Unfortunately, it’s been the tool that’s been used for so long that staff and facilities can no longer see how ineffective it is.” Regulation on the issue of room confinement for juveniles in the state has long been murky. DHS administrative code, which has the force of law, contains more stringent limits than what has been the practice at some facilities (“it’s unclear who, if anyone, actually enforces this code,” Masseau said). While the DYS has no official policy on the use of room confinement, the division did develop a policy in 2015 at the prompting of Disability Rights Arkansas. Although it was never promulgated, Marq Golden, the DYS assistant director for residential programs, said the draft policy nonetheless served as a baseline set of expectations for both outside vendors and state staff. Golden also said that the DYS requires facilities to comply with American Correctional Association (ACA) standards. Those standards limit room confinement for juveniles to five days, stating that “the time a juvenile spends in disciplinary confinement is proportionate to the offense committed,” and establish parameters for administrative review. “They have to be accredited by ACA so that kind of secures us in that aspect,” Golden said. Although the contract requires it within one year of the start date, Rite of Passage, which took over in August 2016, has not yet secured ACA accreditation for its management of AJATC; it is expected to be accredited by April 2018. The DYS draft policy notes the fiveday maximum on room confinement for juveniles set by ACA standards,

arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

but states that even emergency isolations (a term that is not defined) should generally be limited to four hours. It leaves open the possibility of disciplinary room confinement, but suggests it should be brief, without specifying precisely what that means. “Our bottom line is this: Room confinement should not be done out of anger or simple irritation,” Webb said. “It should be done out of necessity.” However, Rite of Passage policy on the duration of room confinement is markedly different than the DYS’ recommendation that room confinement typically shouldn’t exceed four hours. The company’s current policy is that room confinement will last a minimum of four hours and a maximum of 72 hours, Rite of Passage counsel said. The company could not provide any information about the average duration of such room confinements or how often they lasted more than 24 hours. Golden said that the DYS draft policy was “written broadly to address a wide variety of scenarios, and those ‘WE, AS A STATE, ARE FAILING’: That’s what juvenile ombudsman vendors such as RoP have to address Scott Tanner wrote to DYS director Betty Guhman (above) on the the protocols beneath that to address division’s oversight of juvenile isolation. those types of scenarios. When you write a policy like this, it is written more as a general guideline and then those who abide within that have to behavior that poses a serious and tried to minimize the use of room concreate the specific rules.” immediate risk of physical harm to finement as anything more than a coolMasseau said it was necessary for any person,” a 2016 U.S. Department down period of less than an hour. “I the DYS to promulgate an official pol- of Justice report recommended. “Even don’t think a prison cell is right for icy on room confinement and isolation. in such cases, the placement should be young kids, and I never did,” he said. “The failure of the Division to do so brief, designed as a ‘cool down’ period, *** has resulted in confusion and incon- and done only in consultation with a sked in May whether Rite of sistent practice throughout the facili- mental health professional.” The JuvePassage had any internal polties,” he wrote in an email. “Staff are nile Detention Alternatives Initiative, icies or protocols governing untrained in the appropriate response which is supported by the Annie E. under what circumstances room conmethods in the event a youth needs Casey Foundation, states that even finement is used as a response, Cantrell a time out, often triggering further in an emergency situation, isolation said, “There’s not really a policy that incident. Without an official policy, should never exceed four hours; at that spells that out, because every kid is there is no requirement that the staff point, a youth should be transferred to so different. You start trying to put and facility officials follow generally a mental health facility or medical unit. XYZ [triggers room confinement], then accepted guidelines to protect the A 2015 report developed by the Council what happens is I have a reporter sayhealth and safety of the youth. And in of Juvenile Correctional Administra- ing, ‘Well, the kid didn’t do XYZ.’” turn, there is no method for enforce- tors (CJCA) advised that “isolating Asked whether there were poliment of or accountability for those youths … as a consequence for negative cies or protocols governing how long staff who deviate from those generally behavior undermines the rehabilitative a youth would be confined in isolaaccepted guidelines, because that is all goals of youth corrections.” tion, Cantrell said, “It really depends that they are — guidelines.” Ron Angel, who served as director on their behaviors and when they’re Webb said that the DYS “recognizes of the DYS from 2007 to 2013, said he calm and ready to rejoin the program. that it needs to be promulgated and should have discontinued the use of ... Generally, our goal is that the kid we are in the process of getting that Building 19 (at that time used to house is not there more than 24 hours. I going.” Asked about a timeline, Golden sex offenders) altogether. “I should mean, that’s our goal. Has there been said, “I don’t know a specific timeline have gone ahead and done away with an instance or two where that’s been within a year.” that concept, because it was prison,” longer? Yes.” National standards are generally Angel said. “You can quote me on that When the Arkansas Nonprofit News moving away from punitive isolation — if I could go back in time, I would Network reached out to Cantrell again practices. “In very rare situations, shut that building down. Or remodel in July, he declined to speak by telea juvenile may be separated from it into something that was more of a phone, and Rite of Passage’s attorneys others as a temporary response to therapeutic setting.” Angel said that he provided written responses to further

AUGUST 31, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES

questions. It was in the intervening month that Tanner, the juvenile ombudsman, began to express concern about Building 19 and room confinement at AJATC. Golden, the DYS official, soon arranged a meeting with Rite of Passage, on July 10. “I provided them the [draft policy] and informed them that they would have to follow that,” he said. “I told them that they could not use that facility in that manner if they were using it improperly. They were in agreement.” On July 25, Tanner wrote in an email, “Rite of Passage has yet to furnish adequate policy supporting these practices … This practice, as we discussed, exposes the state and your program to risk. … I will continue to broad stroke this intervention as social isolation and an unacceptable practice until it is demonstrated to me to be supported by adequate policy, practice and monitoring.” Golden responded to Tanner, “I am in agreement that they should be drafting an internal policy.” On Aug. 5, Rite of Passage provided Tanner with a June-dated policy on in-school interventions that contains the following language in bold text: “Being removed from school and placed in the cottage/building 19 DOES NOT warrant a student being locked in his or her room all day.” However, the newer policy does not appear to otherwise provide clear parameters for the use of room confinement; Tanner later wrote that none of the policies provided address some of the practices he has observed at AJATC. Attorneys for the company told the Arkansas Nonprofit News Network that as of June 20, Rite of Passage no longer used room confinement in response to misbehavior in class and ISS and described that practice as a holdover from G4S, the for-profit company that previously ran AJATC. Rite of Passage, which took over in August 2016, eventually determined that the practice “lacked the consistency and disciplinary value RoP sought to provide its youth.” Company policy, according to Rite of Passage counsel, now dictates that room confinement at AJATC can only be used as a response in four situations: when the youth is a danger to self or others (including fights), destruction of property, committing a class A felony, or possession of harmful contraband. It could also be used if a youth requests room confinement “due to emotional stressors.” Although Rite of Passage does not CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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Your bike is a vehicle on the road just like any other vehicle and you must also obey traffic laws— use turning and slowing hand signals, ride on right and yield to traffic as if driving. Be sure to establish eye contact with drivers. Remain visible and predictable at all times.

arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

The Arkansas Times, in partnership with First Security Bank, will honor its fourth class of Women Entrepreneurs this October, and we want to know who you believe should be in the spotlight. Here’s what to keep in mind: • Your nominee must be a woman who started her own business or took over a business and is still the owner/operator. • She must be an Arkansan. • She must be in business currently and have at least one year in business by the time of your nomination. • We welcome nominees who are LGBTQ.

• She must fit in one of these industry categories: food, professions (teachers, doctors, attorneys, financial advisors, etc.), nontraditional, retail and design, and two new categories - trailblazers (women who do not have their own business but have led their profession to success – pastors, teachers, CEOs, writers, etc.), and those women entrepreneurs outside of Pulaski County.

NOMINEES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 Submit your nominee and her contact information to Kelly Jones, kelly@arktimes.com, and we will announce our honorees in September. A panel of judges will determine the finalists, and they will be announced by industries in the following issues:

OCTOBER 5, 12, 19, AND 26

PAST HONOREES: WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS CLASS OF 2016 COMMUNITY BUSINESS Heather Smith Mary Jo Siikkema Javonne Jordan Lindsey Gray Bernice Osei-Danquah Lisa Marshall Rene Hooper Collin McReynolds

PROFESSIONAL & DESIGN Sarah Catherine Gutierrez Erin Eason Brittany Sanders Amy Milholland Gina Radke Kristi Dannelley Amy Denton Mary Nash

TRAILBLAZERS Sarah Anne Vestal Maggie Young Erma Jackson Jan Ham Berlinda Helms Nicole Hart Mireya Reith Supha Xayprasith-Mays

ARTS & EDUCATION Tina McCord Helen Scott and Cindy Scott Huisman Kristy Carter Vicki Farrell Nicole Winstead Bess Heisler Ginty Shamim Okolloh Kathryn Tucker

A luncheon hosted by First Security Bank is planned.

First Security Bank and The Arkansas Times are not affiliated 20

AUGUST 31, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES

keep aggregate data, it estimated that over the course of a typical month in the past year, less than 6 percent of the AJATC population — around half a dozen youths — were sent to room confinement in response to an emergency situation. The current policy described by Rite of Passage could allow for the use of room confinement in certain situations that do not involve immediate risk of harm to self or others; Rite of Passage did not provide an estimate of how often it has been used in such situations. “We know that when young people are in isolation, there’s lots of needs that aren’t being met,” Lutz said. “They’re sent to facilities by judges to receive rehabilitation and treatment. Maybe they’re there for drug and alcohol treatment, or mental health counseling. Every minute in solitary is a minute they’re not getting that treatment. Many of these kids have serious educational deficits, and they have a constitutional right to an appropriate education. They’re not getting it when they’re in solitary confinement. What we often see — in a best-case scenario — assignments are slid under the door, and it’s come and collected later.” Rite of Passage did not respond to specific questions about how the daily schedule or programing would operate for youths in room confinement. (For example: Would a student work on schoolwork alone in the cell, or interact with his regular teacher?) “Youth in reassessment adhere to the same daily schedule as the rest of the youth on campus,” Rite of Passage counsel said. “Building 19 has a schedule that supports school, meals and programs.” It’s time for facilities to develop alternative approaches to locking kids in a cell, Lutz said. “Imagine you heard about a neighbor who locked their 15-year-old with mental health issues in a small linen closet for six hours and then removed them,” she said. “No. 1, would you think that would solve anything? And No. 2, that would be child abuse. Why is it any different for these kids? It’s harmful, it’s damaging, it’s abusive, and it doesn’t solve anything.” This reporting is courtesy of the Arkansas Nonprofit News Network, an independent, nonpartisan news project dedicated to producing journalism that matters to Arkansans.

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A pop-up full-fledged, guerilla, art gallery, inside of CLUB SWAY night club, 412 SOUTH LOUISIANA ST. in Little Rock, from 5 to 9 p.m. ANTIGALLERY: Not a Gallery is a multi-media, multi-disciplinary art event featuring the works of Arkansas LBGTQ artists and allies.

2ND FRIDAY ART NIGHT is promoting a new and improved downtown walking art

experience including music and artists on the streets. Visit Old State House, Nexus Coffee, CALS, Cox Creative, Butler Center, Copper Grill, HAM, McLeod Gallery and Bella Vita Jewelry plus look for music and artists on Main Street! And check out the Antigallery at Club Sway. Free trolley makes stops in the order listed above roughly every 20 minutes.

FREE TROLLEY RIDES!

Follow Rock Candy on Twitter: @RockCandies

arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

Arts Entertainment Diversify A Q&A with producer Dondrae ‘Ferocious’ Vinson.

ANITA MARASCHINO

AND

BY T.J. DEETER

ip-hop has a long history of He said, “When I first heard the beat bragging. Reppin’ your status it was jammin’, and I liked the song just comes with the territory. a lot, so that made me want to jump It’s built into the culture. Few artists on it even more.” That was a major use humility as a source of pride, but moment — Pimp C is one of my favorite that isn’t the case for local producer rappers/producers. Then they asked Dondrae Vinson, who goes by the name if he had any advice for young artists, “Ferocious.” Vinson’s taught hip-hop and he said, “Do real music, it’s all production workshops on U.S. Embassy- good to use programs, drum machines, sponsored trips to Gambia, Mauritius but put some live bass in your stuff. and Seychelles, and after working with a Some organs. Make it organic.” So to “who’s who” list of the top talent around hear Pimp C say all that stuff was like the state and industry greats — the a legendary moment in life. But at the late Pimp C of U.G.K., Bishop Lamont, station, they catch [the interview] and Grammy-nominated R&B singer Case play it when they come back from comand Slim of Atlanta R&B quartet 112: mercial. He hangs up, and the dude He’s still proud to call Little Rock home. says, “Aw, man, we lost it.” Like he What follows is a Q&A with the pro- didn’t capture the interview ... supposducer: edly. So nobody ever heard any of that. I met you back when you worked We were so pissed. [But] I have that with DatHeat. How’d that start? as memory, right hand to God, that’s One of my buddies brought a tape to really what happened. school and let me hear some demo stuff How did you transition to being Bware and Gsizz [Bware’s brother] had hired as a songwriter? put together. After high school, I played We put a video on Facebook of me Sizz some beats and he was like, “Your and Sizz working on a song in the stushit’s hot, man.” So, he played me some dio. Isaac Hayes III (Ike Dirty) saw the ‘GO HARD OR GO HOME’: Or, do both, if you’re Ferocious — a hip-hop producer who’s chosen to keep shop in Little Rock even as his star rises on the Atlanta scene. stuff he had been working on and we video and sent me five instrumentals. I clicked. Courtney [Nex Ray, also known wrote two songs in a day and sent ’em as Next2C] had already worked with back and he was like, “Man, come down I actually like, and to this day Dirty is that’s important. them. From there it became DatHeat. to Atlanta.” I go down there and I meet still my guy. What did you do on Big Piph’s The first mixtape we did was the “Flame him and he wants to sign me to a deal And this was all related to work newest, “Celebrate?” Flowas” in 2002. with his publishing company. So I did with Case on “Heaven’s Door?” I executive produced it, meaning Tell me about [your work with] that in 2009. Yeah, I did two songs at first, then that he sat down with me [prior]. I Pimp C. Explain what that means. we found out that one of those would was present at every session. I was I did Xxzotic’s “Go Hard or Go So a publishing deal is [you] sign be the single, the one he shot the video there to oversee all his vocals — basiHome Vol. 2,” and “Caught Up” was under a company to write X amount for. The third I did was the bonus song cally anything he needed to make the one of the songs we did with just her on of songs, for a period of time, and they on the physical copy. songs better, I accommodated where it. Xxzotic [April Mills] was signed to work to shop those songs. I did everyWhy not to go to Houston or I could. I did produce one song called, NextPage at this point. There had been thing on the back end because I didn’t Atlanta? “You Said.” talk that they were gonna get Pimp C want to be in the hole — if your songs I have always been a person who is How do you plan to move forward [to feature] on the song. We were both don’t get placed, you’ll never recoup anti- the popular thing to do. I don’t from here? like “OK, whatever.” Three or four and you’ll be in debt. I just believe in want to do it because of that reason. SecThe way I have always thought about weeks later, she called and said, “Yo, the music that much. When it comes to ond, I love the city of Little Rock, man. it is: I try to do as many different things Pimp did the verse.” He also did the business, I’m about ownership. I never I love the local scene, and I feel like as possible so at least two will break. video and there was a big video release did this to have any short-term money. I’d be doin’ the city a service — work- Diversify. I do a lot of commercials and [party with] radio promo at Power 92 I knew I wanted this to be a career. I’m ing with homegrown talent and doin’ stuff — VH1 reality shows, the stuff [KIPR-FM, 92.3] They called him and also about building solid relationships. other stuff, so they can have somebody you hear in the background. The goal asked how he came to get on the song. I like meeting and working with people that’s within the industry. I feel like is movie stuff, that’s the big money. 22

AUGUST 31, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES

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UPCOMING EVENTS Arkansas Arts Center Terry House Community Gallery

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ANITA MARASCHINO

Lucie’s Place Turns Five!

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14-17 21-24

Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas ReStore & After 2017

THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS in Conway and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro kick off their fall gallery seasons this week, UCA with the installation “Vertebrates” by Ben Butler and ASU with the “2017 Faculty Biennial.” Butler, a former instructor at Rhodes College in Memphis and the Memphis College of Art, will also show drawings at UCA Downtown, 1105 W. Oak St. His work is inspired by nature’s scaffolding and evolution. Also at UCA: “Equivocal Exposures,” work by several photographers who approach the medium in different ways. Curator Georgia Erger will give a talk about the show at 1:40 p.m. Sept. 7 in Room 143 of McCastlain Hall on the UCA campus. ASU’s “Faculty Biennial,” in the Bradbury Art Museum, is accompanied by three solo shows of works by other ASU faculty, including the late Roger Carlisle, who taught at ASU for 40 years. ASU instructor Cara Sullivan, associate professor Shelley Gipson and new faculty member Claudia Salamanca will also have solo shows; Sullivan will give a talk about her work, which she calls “more than a nod to the lowly weed,” at 3 p.m. Sept. 6 at the gallery. DEL SHORES, THE writer and director of the 2000 independent cult classic “Sordid Lives,” will be in attendance at a screening of the film’s sequel, “A Very Sordid Wedding,” which a press release says “explores the questions, bigotry and fallout of what happens when gay marriage comes to communities and families that are not quite ready to accept it.” Presented by The Weekend Theater, the screening takes place at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, at UA Pulaski Technical College’s Center for the Humanities and Arts (CHARTS), and features a Q&A session with Shores after the film. Tickets are $20-$45, and are available at weekendtheater.org. MASON MAULDIN (1981-2013) was a Little Rock musician, athlete, pilot and, according to a remembrance from Arkansas Times’ Observer a few days after his untimely death, a “worldclass cutup.” In commemoration of what would be Mauldin’s 36th birthday, Mauldin’s former bandmates from Big Boots have partnered with Max Recordings to release a six-track EP featuring some gems fronted by the late musician, “recorded, rescued, mixed and mastered by Darian Stribling and Jordan Trotter at Blue Chair Studio” and available at maxrecordings.com. LITTLE ROCK DESIGN and development agency Few has named Zack Hill, director of digital services at CJRW, as its new chief executive officer. David Hudson formerly acted as both chief technology officer and CEO for Few, and Hill’s appointment to CEO, a press release said, will “create more space for [Chief Creative Officer Arlton Lowry] and Hudson to spend time doing what they love, and what led them to found Few in 2014.” For more information on Few, visit few.io. WHEN THE ARKANSAS TIMES went to press, Matt O’Baugh and Katie McGowan of Sherwood’s Black Cobra Tattoo at 6505 Warden Road, the two tattoo artists who competed in season six of Spike TV’s “Ink Master,” were still in the competition, competing for a grand prize of $200,000. The current season, called “Ink Masters: Shop Wars,” involves a twist in which eliminating one team means that a veteran team from a past season may be introduced — in this case, Sherwood’s own McGowan and O’Baugh. “Ink Master” airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. For more information or to view past episodes, visit spike.com/shows/ink-master.

The Studio Theatre Presents “Fun Home” Embassy Suites Hotel

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FLEABANE: Work by Cara Sullivan at ASU.

The Studio Theatre

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Heifer Urban Farm Pavilion

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Statehouse Convention Center

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30 OCT

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140th Anniversary President’s Scholarship Gala Arkansas Times Bus Trips

Arkansas Times “MAD” Bus to ZZ Top! Arkansas Times Bus Trips

Arkansas Times “MAD” Bus to Brad Paisley!

Argenta Farmers Market grounds

Whole Hog Roast King Biscuit Blues Festival

Arkansas Times Bus Trips

Arkansas Times Blues Bus to King Biscuit Blues Festival

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From your goin’ out friends at

arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

AUGUST 31, 2017

ARKANSASâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;TIMES

$99

per trip

(INCLUDES LIVE MUSIC ON BUS, ADULT BEVERAGES, ROUND TRIP TRANSPORTATION TO EL DORADO & EVENT TICKET)

CENTRALARKANSASTICKETS.COM

6PM ROBERT RANDOLPH & THE FAMILY BAND 7:30PM THE XX AMBASSADORS 9PM ZZ TOP

4:30PM ASHLEY MCBRIDE 6PM CHASE BRYANT 7:30PM HUNTER HAYES 9PM BRAD PAISLEY arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

THE

TO-DO

LIST

BY STEPHANIE SMITTLE

DUSTI CUNNINGHAM

` THURSDAY

HOT SPRINGS JAZZFEST

Various times. Downtown Hot Springs, various venues. Free-$50.

COMING TO THE LOONY BIN: Susanna Lee, a Kansas City comedian who’s been blending stand-up and sex-positivity for over a decade, shares a bill with Gabe Kea and Dusty Slay. Loony Bin this week.

THURSDAY 8/31-SATURDAY 9/2

SUSANNA LEE, GABE KEA, DUSTY SLAY

7:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat., 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. The Loony Bin. $8$12.

If comedy is about pushing boundaries, Susanna Lee is a consummate comedian. Over a decade ago, the Kansas City native pushed her act right out of the boundaries of the genre itself, into something more like red neon cabaret. Lee, who’d helped shape the burlesque revival in Kansas City circa 2006, began blending her burlesque act (under her stage name, “Lucky Deluxe”) with her comedy act, playing R-rated guessing games with the audience about fictional sexual encounters, Mad Lib-style — and, when the occasion called for it, shedding her garb altogether. Though Lee’s set at The Loony Bin this weekend won’t necessarily involve the striptease bits, she believes that comedy is best when it pokes at vulnerabilities and taboos, and not, as she told Kansas City’s The Pitch in 2012, when it plays safe. “We can make this world less lonely by being honest and giving people truth with which to relate,” she said. Lee’s joined by Gabe Kea, a U.S. transplant whose bio notes his interests as “hockey, beer and reinforcing Canadian stereotypes,” and Dusty Slay, a Nashville-based road dog whose latest album, “Son of a Ditch,” details the glories and pitfalls of growing up in an Alabama trailer park, like tornado warnings and transferring gasoline from a lawnmower to a four-wheeler by way of a drinking straw.

AUGUST 31, 2017

8/31-SATURDAY 9/2

ARKANSAS TIMES

The Labor Day holiday is one of those Broadway St.) with the 106th Army National times of the year when Hot Springs shows its Guard Band; the Southern Arkansas University rowdy tourist-town roots. If the weather’s nice, Jazz Ensemble at noon; Won and trumpetist out-of-state visitors line the seats on the “duck Mike Vax with the jazz ensemble from Universitours” of the National Park. Beer foam nearly ty of Arkansas at Monticello (Go, Boll Weevils!) oozes from inside the doors of Rocky’s Corner, at 1 p.m.; the Anything That Moves combo with somehow still ice cold. A new herd of pedes- Won, Vax and trombonist Bob Dowell, 2 p.m.; trians wanders by the National Park Aquarium Calle Soul with a Latin jazz set, 3 p.m.; and the and wonders silently whether it’s a drug front. New Breed Jazz Band of New Orleans at 4 p.m. Boat cops make a cursory patrol of the water- (For Little Rockers averse to Hot Springs on the ways, reminding the selectively forgetful that holiday, catch New Breed Friday night at StickLake Hamilton is not a sovereign state. Tod- yz Rock ’n’ Roll Chicken Shack). For Jazz in the dlers on Bathhouse Row spot the figures in Streets, organizers suggest bringing a lawn chair the storefront of the Josephine Tussaud Wax along and patronizing a local vendor or business Museum and collapse into tears. And, for the rather than toting a cooler in. On Sunday, there’s natives of the blues- and jazz-loving variety, a Jazz Mass at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (228 the city becomes home to two concurrent off- Spring St.), 10:45 a.m., featuring the legendary beat festivals: Hot Springs Jazz Society’s an- (no, really, look him up) Bill Huntington on bass; nual festival, detailed here, and a blues festival Chris Parker on piano (he’s the guy that wrote (see below). Saxophonist/flautist Allen Won the “No Tears Suite” based on Little Rock Nine — probably one of the few people on the planet member Melba Patillo Beals’ memoir, to be who’s played at Carnegie Hall, CBGB and The premiered at Central High School’s 60th anBlue Note — makes a visit to Spa City to sit in niversary commemoration in September); Jay with various ensembles. First, Won sits in at Payette on drums; Matt Dickson on saxophone; the infamous Ohio Club with the local Clyde and Shelley Martin on flute, alto and soprano Pound Trio for an evening of jazz, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. saxophone. On Sunday afternoon, the Stardust Thursday evening, no cover. Won pops up the Big Band Tea Dance goes down at the Arlington next night at the Five Star Theatre (701 Central (239 Central Ave.), 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the Ave.) in “Classical & Jazz Blow Out,” a concert door and free for anybody under 18. Finally, Legoof works that straddle the line between … you ria’s Rhythm & Rocks Jazz Bistro, a new venue at guessed it, classical and jazz. He’s joined by em- 723 Central Ave., celebrates its grand opening on cee Shirley Chauvin and mezzo-soprano Diane Labor Day with two concerts from Jonathan ButKesling, the Arkansas Brass Quintet and a jazz ler, the South African guitarist whose debut single combo called Anything That Moves. Tickets is cited as the first by a black artist to be played range $35-$50, depending on whether you eat on the radio in apartheid-era South Africa. Butler dinner there before. On Saturday, a free concert plays at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. and tickets range $45-$65. the Society calls “Jazz in the Streets” gets going For tickets to see Butler, call 701-4799. For tickets at 11 a.m. under the Broadway Sky Bridge (100 to other festival events, visit hsjazzsociety.org.

SATURDAY 9/2-MONDAY 9/4

ARKANSAS TRAVELERS VS. NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS

6:10 p.m. Sat., 2:10 p.m. Sun.-Mon. Dickey-Stephens Park. $7-$13.

You’ve almost blown your chance to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” nonironically in the year 2017. Almost. Lucky for you, there’s still one weekend left for minor league baseball in Little Rock, and it’s a three-game series against That Other Arkansas Team, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. For Fayetteville natives or UA graduates in Little Rock who have steered

clear of declaring loyalties in these sorts of matters, there’s no straddling the fence this weekend. Take a stand, man. Take a selfie, too; the players will be on the field with fans at noon before Sunday’s game for “Photo with a Travs” Day.

IN BRIEF

KACIE SKELTON

THURSDAY 8/31

‘FOCUS’: North Carolina rapper and producer Tsukiyomi performs at The Parlor Tattoo’s music venue, The Sonic Temple, Friday night with Stalker, Voodoo Child, El Pharaoh and KobraRoxx.

FRIDAY 9/1

TSUKIYOMI

8 p.m. The Parlor Tattoo, 4603 E. Broadway St., North Little Rock. $5.

By the end of a half-hour set in the backroom at Vino’s Brewpub in July, Tsukiyomi had trampled all over the once crisp burnt-orange jacket he’d rode in on, still sporting a totemic paper mache animal mask over the side of his head as if it were an alter ego, one only fully visible in profile. His performance in the back of the time-honored pizza-rock temple was free from any earnest attempts to involve the crowd or to spark enthusiasm; less like a performance at all and more like we were witnessing some sort of hazy breakdown in Japanese-spattered English. Tsukiyomi, a Little Rock transplant from Havelock, N.C., mixes fluid, hypnotic stage moves with trance beats and straight-up boudoir crooning (listen to “Focus” or “NYWSM”), and manages to color the whole thing in mystery despite the fact that he’s almost always spinning red-lightspecial rhymes about arched backs, wine and foreplay. Also, he does his own album art and photography, he taught himself Japanese and can definitely repeat the word “Kyoto” more times in quick succession than you can. I’m still not entirely sure what I witnessed at Vino’s, but I suspect I wasn’t the only one mesmerized enough then to decide to show up to this Rose City venue Friday to see what he’ll trample next. Stalker, Voodoo Child and El Pharaoh share the bill, with DJ mixes by Kobraroxx.

SATURDAY 9/2

MARTY STUART 7 p.m. Ozark Folk Center State Park, Mountain View. $25-$35.

Marty Stuart — pioneer of the coiffed-to-high-heaven rockabilly mullet (it’s like the rockabilly bouffant, but less kempt) and prodigy sideman for the likes of Johnny Cash and Lester Flatt — is coming to Mountain View. In a way, the Ozark Folk Center is the perfect venue for such a thing; Stuart is a verified bluegrass badass with some serious sixstringed bravado, the sort of artist that looks right at home on a patch of land where Jimmy Driftwood’s legacy reigns supreme and classes in soap making and blacksmithing are for the taking. In another way, I wonder how much of the Stone County audience will know what they’re getting into if Stuart leans heavily toward his latest, “Way Out West,” a trippy, Ennio Morricone-ish homage to the mysticism of the California desert, explored through a sort of albumlength vision quest.

SATURDAY 9/2

ISAAC ALEXANDER 9 p.m. White Water Tavern.

Were there not songs like “What Will You Make of It?” and “Like A Sinking Stone” on Isaac Alexander’s new album, I’d have trouble imagining this concert could outdo the social media spots Alexander’s posted to give notice of the CD release show, one of which features a computer with a floppy disc drive on which I’m pretty sure I played “Zork.” Like its predecessors, the Searcy native’s third solo release was recorded, mixed and produced by Joe McMahan, an ace guitarist and songwriter (Luella and the Sun) who tours with Kevin Gordon and turns Alexander’s songs into little diamonds time after time. Bonnie Montgomery, a fellow White County native, returns from a long run of shows in classic West Texas honky-tonks to open the show.

Former Circle Jerks and Joe Strummer cohort Zander Schloss shares a bill with Adam Faucett at the White Water Tavern, 9 p.m., $8. The Quapaw Quarter Association hosts architect John Greer at Curran Hall to discuss the past and potential future of the the William E. Woodruff House, 5:30 p.m. The Arkansas Razorbacks football team opens the season with a game against Florida A&M at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m. After the game, Motherfunkship performs at Stickyz Rock ’n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 10 p.m., $3-$5. Dean Skip Rutherford unveils the story of a civil rights protest in 1950s Little Rock with a talk, “The Little Rock ‘Help:’ The Untold Civil Rights Protest Symbol,” noon, Sturgis Hall, Clinton School of Public Service, free. Dallas burlesque artist Shelbelle Shamrock headlines the Foul Play Cabaret show at The Joint, 8 p.m., $10. The Museum of Discovery turns its attention to dispelling misconceptions with “Science After Dark: Mythbusting,” 6 p.m., $5. “Arkansongs” host Stephen Koch hosts Arkie-centric trivia at Stone’s Throw, 6:30 p.m., free. Thirst N’ Howl hosts a Jazz Jam open mic session, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY 9/1 Catch rapper Big Piph (Chane “Epiphany” Morrow) on the cusp of his latest release, “Celebrate,” with photographer-guitarist Joshua Asante (Amasa Hines, Velvet Kente), 9 p.m., White Water Tavern. New Orleans’ New Breed Brass Band lands at Stickyz, 9 p.m., $10. The Band Camino brings its breezy, bass-forward tunes to the Rev Room, with Jet Black Alley Cat and Illustrada, 8:30 p.m., $10-$12. Rob & Tyndall duet for happy hour at Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 p.m., free. Later, trumpeter Rodney Block, singer Bijoux and DJ G-Force team up for “Express Yourself!”, a T-shirt themed dance party for showing off your prized tee, 9 p.m., Cajun’s Wharf, $15. The Nandha Blues Band takes the stage at Markham Street Grill and Pub, 8:30 p.m., free. The Hooten Hallers hoot ’n’ holler at Kings Live Music in Conway, 8:30 p.m., $5. Trey Johnson & Jason Willmon bring their sunny harmonica-guitar blues duo to the stage at South on Main, 9 p.m., $10. The Wesley Pruitt Band performs at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming’s Silks Bar & Grill, Hot Springs, 10 p.m. Fri-Sat., free. Country radio staple Brad Paisley performs at the Walmart AMP in Rogers, with sets from Dustin

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

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arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

TO-DO

LIST

BY STEPHANIE SMITTLE

AUBREY EDWARDS

THE

SPA CITY BLUES: North Carolina belter Nikki Hill and The Akeem Kemp Band perform for the Spa City Blues Society’s Hot Springs Blues Festival this weekend.

SATURDAY 9/2-SUNDAY 9/3

HOT SPRINGS BLUES FESTIVAL

by sets from the Louisville, Ky., electric blues the band is slated to make some new fans at ensemble The Stella Vees, 6:15 p.m.; and the this year’s King Biscuit Blues Festival in Oc3:15 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 1:45 p.m.-10 p.m. SunBay Area-cultivated, now Memphis-based tober. On Sunday, there’s Jelly Brown and day. Hill Wheatley Plaza. $20. John Nemeth & the Blue Dreamers, 8:45 p.m., Kathy Kidd, 1:45 p.m.; a set from the Society’s The annual Spa City Blues Society’s whose bio notes that Nemeth’s music tackles youth band, the Spa City Youngbloods, 2:30 blues festival, a collection of concerts at Hill gun violence, class values and “the pure he- p.m.; the Hoodoo Blues Review, 3:30 p.m.; the Wheatley Plaza (629 Central Ave.) that got its donistic joy of dancing, sexuality and mari- John Calvin Brewer Band, 4:45 p.m.; Nandha start in 1997, kicks off its 21st event Saturday juana.” For this listener, though, the don’t- Blues, 6 p.m.; the venerable North Carolina afternoon with performances from the winmiss act on Saturday comes from within the belter Nikki Hill, 7:15 p.m.; and finally, a set ner of a blues competition (8 p.m. Friday, The state lines: The Akeem Kemp Band. Fronted from the Toronto-born blues history scholar Big Chill, 910 Higden Ferry Road). The solo/ by a Morrilton native who’s been playing and guitarist Anthony Gomes, 8:45 p.m. For duo champion of that showdown performs with some of the same musicians since they those looking to be more than spectators, the Saturday at 3:15 p.m., followed by a set from were kids (Juwaan Trezvant on drums and Society’s also holding workshops in rhythm the winning blues band, 4 p.m. At 5 p.m., the Kentrell Clemons on bass), it’s a powerhouse therapy, blues piano and the history of the winner of last year’s International Blues Chalof an electric blues outfit for people who diddly bow. Get your tickets or further details lenge, Al Hill, takes the stage. Hill’s followed thought they hated the electric blues, and on those workshops at spacityblues.org.

AUGUST 31, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES

IN BRIEF, CONT. Lynch, Chase Bryant and Lindsey Ell, 7 p.m., $35.

QC:

Live: 1.875" x 5.25"

CW: CD: AD:

Trim: 2.125" x 5.5" Bleed: none" Closing Date: 6/2/17

Publication: Arkansas Times

AE: PM:

It’s vocalist Genine LaTrice Perez’s turn to curate a month of “Sessions” at South on Main, and from the looks of the lineup, it’s all about the voice. Later in the month, the “Sessions” lineup includes Dazz & Brie, a solo set from the group’s formidable co-vocalist Hope Dixon, Crystal C. Mercer, CandySoul, Faron Rashelle and Samarra Samone. First up, though, are two singer/actors on a shared bill. You might have heard Crissy P (Chrisshaundra Olyssa Pullom) as Dorothy if you caught any excerpts from the Rev Room’s performance in “The Wiz: Revised” concert earlier this year.

PO:

8 p.m. South on Main. $10.

Jasmine Janae, a former church chorister and Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School graduate who’s been collaborating with saxophonist Marquis Hunt and Mood, has a lovely lilt and easy improvisation that make any comparisons to Erykah Badu or Cecille McLorin Salvant well-earned ones. If you missed Crissy P in “The Wiz,” don’t miss the Birmingham, Ala., native this weeknight. The woman is completely at home on stage and her voice is not only gloriously deep, but exceptionally well-supported. South on Main co-owners Matt and Amy Kelley Bell can count themselves lucky if all the wine glasses and those delicate chandelier fixtures over by the front window make it through the night.

Job/Order #: 294998 Operator: cs

SESSIONS: CRISSY P AND JASMINE JANAE

Jointstock features sets from Becoming Elephants, The Big Dam Horns and more, 1:30 p.m., The Joint, pay-what-you-can. Selfdescribed “gypsy punk country grumble boogie” outfit Dirtfoot from Shreveport, La., lands at Four Quarter Bar, 10 p.m. Joe Pitts and the Nandha Blues Band take the stage at Thirst N’ Howl, 8:30 p.m. The Breakneck Brawlers of Girls Rollin’ in the South Roller Derby and Queen Team of the Central Arkansas Roller Derby face off at the Conway Expo Center for a Roller Derby Double Header, 2505 E. Oak St., 2 p.m. Alex Summerlin plays for the early crowd at Cajun’s, 5:30 p.m., free, followed later by a set from Lypstick Hand Grenade, 9 p.m., $5. Brothers with Different Mothers take the stage at Stickyz, 9:30 p.m., $6. Brand: Shock Top Item #: OST2017001

WEDNESDAY 9/6

MUST INITIAL FOR APPROVAL

SATURDAY 9/2

SUNDAY 9/3 Norteño pioneers Los Traileros del Norte bring their Monterreyinspired show to the Timberwood Amphitheatre at Magic Springs Theme & Water Park, 8 p.m., $35$55. New Orleans vocalist Butterfly and DJ Nick Hudson perform for a Reggae Sunday Labor Day Party at Ernie Biggs, 8:30 p.m., $15 general admission, $25 VIP. INDIVISIBLE: Billy Fleming speaks at the Clinton School Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY 9/6

‘INDIVISIBLE ARKANSAS: RED STATES AND THE RESISTANCE’

6 p.m. Sturgis Hall, Clinton School of Public Service. Free.

As it turns out, a guy from Arkansas — the former student government president at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, in fact — worked on the White House Domestic Policy Council during Barack Obama’s first term. Remember that Google doc that came out after Donald Trump was elected president? The one called “Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Resisting the Trump Agenda?” The one that crashed almost as soon as it went live last winter, thanks to retweets from vocal progressives like George Takei and Robert Reich? This guy, Billy Fleming, was one of the doc’s engineers, and he’s returning to talk about that so-called “resistance,” the demographic of which Fleming thinks might look a little different than it did when that Google Doc went live on Dec. 14, 2016. “I would push back

on the idea that [the resistance] is all liberal or left-wing activists,” Fleming told The Politic in March. “I think especially in places like Arkansas, a lot of these people voted for Tom Cotton, and they’re extraordinarily disappointed in the way they’ve chosen to govern, they’re extraordinarily disappointed in how closely they’ve tied themselves to a megalomaniac president, and they’re coming out of the woodwork because members of Congress are doing a terrible job standing up to a terrible president.” Fleming speaks on the form of that resistance in red states like our own, and about the project he co-founded, Data Refuge, a public collaborative initiative that creates “safe and trustworthy copies,” as its website states, of federal climate and environmental data, ensuring that data remains accessible to researchers — regardless of potentially dramatic changes to the governmental programs (like the Environmental Protection Agency) in charge of its preservation.

TUESDAY 9/5 Tongue-in-cheek roots rocker Lew Card graces the stage at the White Water, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 9/6 Jazz in the Park kicks off its fall series with a free concert from Sounds So Good at the History Pavilion in Riverfront Park, with beer and wine proceeds benefiting the Art Porter Music Education, Inc.’s scholarship fund, 6 p.m. “Legacies and Lunch: 20 Years and Family Films” commemorates the opening of the Central Arkansas Library System’s Main Library in the River Market district with family films from the family of Adolphine Fletcher Terry and John Gould Fletcher, noon, Ron Robinson Theater, free. Josh Parks hosts a Blues Jam at Thirst N’ Howl, 7:30 p.m. The sibling-dominated, Texas-based quintet Folk Family Revival takes its set to Stickyz, 9 p.m., $5. Crowbar, Mortalus, Hell Camino and Abandon the Artifice play an early heavy rock show at Vino’s Brewpub, 7 p.m., $15-$17.

While skipping school and playing an alternate reality game, San Francisco teenager Marcus Yallow ends up in the middle of a terrorist attack and on the wrong side of the Department of Homeland Security. This play asks “What is the right thing to do when authorities become oppressors?

September 15-30, 2017 $16-Adults $12-Students & Seniors Thursday, Friday and Saturday night curtain time is 7:30 pm. Sunday afternoon curtain time is 2:30 pm. The Box Office and the theater open one (1) hour prior to curtain. The House opens 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Please arrive promptly. There will be no late admission. For more information contact us at 501.374.3761 or www.weekendtheater.org Our 25th Season Is Sponsored By Piano Kraft

CentralArkansasTickets.com to purchase tickets and flex passes.

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1001 W. 7th St. Little Rock, AR 72201 arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

Hey, do this!

RIVERDALE 10 WILL HOLD

ART HOUSE THEATER DAY

SEPTEMBER

ON SUNDAY, SEPT. 24TH. THIS IS A ONE-DAY ONLY EVENT AND WITH SPECIAL EVENT SCREENINGS ALL DAY LONG. EACH MOVIE WILL BE SHOWN ONCE THAT DAY. INFORMATION ON MOVIES, SHOW TIMES AND TICKETS CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.RIVERDALE10.COM

SEPT 1

AUG 31

The Baum Gallery on the campus of UCA presents its fall season of exhibitions, including BEN BUTLER: VERTEBRATES and EQUIVOCAL EXPOSURES: ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, Sept. 1 through Oct. 19. For a full schedule and gallery hours, visit www.uca.edu/art/baum.

COME CALL THE HOGS at Rebel Kettle on Thursday night. The game will be on the big screen at 7 p.m. with a fire sale on Arkansas pints at $3.50 a piece. A dollar from every pint will go towards the Frank Broyles Foundation. This month, Rebel Kettle also hosts Beer Yoga on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the beer garden and special small batch releases on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. For more events, visit www.rebelkettle.com.

SEPT 16

SEPT 15-30

LITTLE BROTHER opens at the Weekend Theater. Based on the novel by Cory Doctorow, the play centers around a San Francisco teenager who ends up in the middle of a terrorist attack and on the wrong side of Homeland Security. Tickets are for sale online at www. centralarkansastickets.com.

SEPT 23

Legendary MAVIS STAPLES performs live at Robinson Center at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster. com.

Food, Music, Entertainment and everything else that’s

Arkansas Food Bank hosts its second annual HARVEST NIGHT with food, drinks, kids’ events and live music. See firsthand the amazing facility that sources food to over 450 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and more in 33 counties in Arkansas. For tickets, visit www. arkansasfoodbank.org.

SEPT 25

UCA Public Appearances presents AN EVENING WITH DR. HENRY LOUIS GATES JR., Emmy Awardwinning filmmaker, literary scholar, journalist and one of the country’s most influential cultural critics. The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. at Reynolds Performance Hall. Tickets are on sale now at www.uca.edu/ publicappearances.

AUGUST 31, 2017

SEPT 17

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND performs live at Robinson Center at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www. ticketmaster. com.

THE SAVANNAH SHIPPING SOCIETY is a story of four Southern women stuck in a rut at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse. The ladies decide now’s the time to reclaim life. Follow their friendship in this heartwarming story. Visit www.murrydp.com for reservations and show times.

2ND FRIDAY ART NIGHT is promoting a new and improved downtown walking art experience including music and artists on the streets. Visit Old State House, Nexus Coffee, CALS, Cox Creative, Butler Center, HAM, McLeod Gallery and Bella Vita Jewelry plus look for music and artists on Main Street! Check out the Antigallery at Club Sway. Free trolley makes stops in the order listed above roughly every 20 minutes.

SEPT 20-24

The fourth annual ACANSA contemporary arts festival in Central Arkansas takes place at a host of venues in Little Rock and North Little Rock. For tickets and event info, visit www. acansa.org.

SEPT 27-28

The Regional Recycling & Waste Reduction District invites you to ELECTRONICS RECYCLING UNPLUGGED from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock in the VIP parking lot. This is a free drop-off collection for unneeded electronics, including laptops, monitors, speakers, TVs, stereos, pagers, fax machines, microwaves, toasters and other items.

THROUGH SEPT 10

The Southern drama, THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER, an adaptation of Carson McCullers’ debut novel, will be performed at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Opening night is August 25 with a few preview events, including Beer Night with Lost 40 and the Arkansas Times on August 24, which includes a complimentary pre-show beer tasting at 6 p.m. For a complete list of show times, events and ticket info, visit www.therep.org.

SEPT 21

The Arkansas Times presents PIG & SWIG at Heifer Village from 6-9 p.m. This event includes pork dishes from the best local restaurants and a sampling of whiskey, wine and spirits along with live music and a photo booth. Tickets are $35. Proceeds benefit the Downtown Little Rock Partnership. Purchase tickets online at www. centralarkansastickets.com. ■ Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas hosts its RESTORE & AFTER annual art auction at 6 p.m. at Embassy Suites. Support this important organization that works to build homes for hardworking families. Tickets are on sale now at www. centralarkansastickets.com.

SEPT 28

UCA Public Appearances welcomes the CHARLIE DANIELS BAND to Reynolds Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.uca.edu/ publicappearances.

■ There are several big shows at Pulaski Technical College’s Charts Theatre. Legendary blues guitarist Jimmie Vaughn will perform Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. And LUCINDA WILLIAMS comes to town for a fundraiser supporting the Oxford American on Nov. 2. For more info and tickets, visit www.uaptc.edu.

THROUGH OCT. 22

The Arkansas Arts Center hosts WILL COUNTS: THE CENTRAL HIGH PHOTOGRAPHS. This exhibition marks the 60th anniversary of the historic integration of Little Rock’s Central High in 1957. For details, visit www. arkansasartscenter.org.

ARKANSAS TIMES

■ Known for the best burger in town, Four Quarter Bar also serves some of the hottest live music all month long. Visit www. fourquarterbar.com for a complete list of upcoming shows. ■ Enjoy pizza, pints and patio weather at Little Rock’s original brewpub, Vino’s. For a

SEPT 14

The winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical, FUN HOME is based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir and will be playing at the Studio Theatre, Sept. 14-24. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets at www. centralarkansastickets.com. ■ LUCY’S PLACE turns five, and $5 gets you in the door for food, music and fun on the lawn of the Terry House, celebrating the work for homeless LGBTQ young adults in Central Arkansas. Tickets are available online at www.centralarkansastickets.com. ■ Priest Tyaire presents “MOMMA’S BOY” at Robinson Center. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

SEPT 22-23

SPA CON takes place at the Hot Springs Convention Center with appearances by Twin Peaks’ Sherrilynn Fenn and Stranger Things’ Shannon Purser aka Barb. For a full schedule of events, VIP passes for meet and greets and general admission tickets, visit www.spa-con.org. See more Hot Springs happenings in this issue. ■ Arkansas’ largest cycling event, the BIG DAM BRIDGE 100, rolls through Central Arkansas again. Choose from several distances on the incredibly well supported ride, or come support your friends at the finish line in downtown North Little Rock. To register, visit www.thebigdambridge100.com.

SEPT 29

The 140th Anniversary Philander Smith College PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP GALA take place from 7-11 p.m. at the Statehouse Conventioni Center. Tickets to this prestigious event are available at www. centralarkansastickets. com.

AROUND TOWN

The Arkansas Times MAD bus will take you from Little Rock to El Dorado for the grand opening of the Murphy Arts District. Friday night’s headliner is ZZ TOP. On Saturday night, it’s BRAD PAISLEY. For $99, you get a seat on the party bus, live music, food and drinks en route and a ticket to the show. Claim your spot at www. centralarkansastickets.com.

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents GO BRAHMS Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 and Sunday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. at Robinson Center. Tickets are on sale now. Visit www. arkansassymphonyorchestra.org for tickets and a complete schedule of upcoming events.

Ben Butler: Vertebrates

SEPT 26-OCT 21

SEPT 29 AND 30

SEPT 30-OCT 1

SEPT 8

FUN!

SEPT 16

One of the most influential female performers of all time JANET JACKSON performs live at Verizon Arena on her State of the World Tour. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available at www.verizonarena.com.

calendar of events, visit www.vinosbrewpub. com. ■ Colonial Wine & Spirits has several events this month. Colonial welcomes Brown Sugar Bakeshop, Sept. 1, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Enjoy baked goods paired with the perfect wine. To celebrate the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Colonial is hosting a special rosé wine tasting and mixing a signature pink cocktail on Sept. 6 from 4-7 p.m. And 24year industry veteran Tom Hayes will make an appearance at Colonial to offer samples from the Wagner Family of Wines on Sept. 13 from 4-7 p.m.

Big Dam Bridge 100

OXFORD AMERICAN AND SOUTH ON MAIN present SEPTEMBER 7, 8:00 PM

THEO CROKER QUINTET

THE FIRST SHOW IN THE 2017-18 JAZZ SERIES. DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM. SEPTEMBER 21, 8:00 PM

THE SECRET SISTERS

THE FIRST SHOW IN THE 2017-18 ARCHETYPES & TROUBADOURS SERIES. DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM. SEPTEMBER 23, 6:00 PM

NO TEARS SUITE

DON’T MISS HOT SPRINGS HAPPENINGS ON PAGE 36!

THIS IS A SPECIAL ADDITION TO OUR 201718 JAZZ SERIES. THE EVENT BEGINS AT 6:00 PM, AND IT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

ALSO IN THE ART

THEATER

30 WAYS IN 30 DAYS

“The Pervert and the Pentecostal.” The Main Thing’s summer musical comedy. 8 p.m. Fri., Sept. 1. $24. The Joint Theater & Coffeehouse. 301 Main St., NLR. 501-372-0205. “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.” The Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s production of the play based on Carson McCullers’ Book. 7 p.m. Wed., Thu., Sun.; 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. through Sept. 10. $45-$48. 601 Main St. 501-378-0405. “Fun Home.” TheaterSquared’s production of Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel, adapted as a musical by Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. through Sept. 17. $10-$47. Walton Arts Center’s Studio Theater, 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600.

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to learn more visit arkansasfoodbank.org

“The Sunshine Boys.” Murry’s Dinner Playhouse presents Neil Simon’s Vaudevillian comedy. 7:30 p.m. Tue.-Sat., dinner at 6 p.m.; 12:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Sun., dinner at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., through Sept. 23. $15-$37. 6323 Colonel Glenn Road. 501-562-3131.

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FINE ART, HISTORY EXHIBITS CALL FOR ARTISTS The Arkansas Pastel Society is accepting entries for its “Reflections in Pastel” national competition through Sept. 3. The show runs Nov. 10-Feb. 24; Christine Ivors is juror. To enter, go to onlinejuriedshows.com; for more information go to arkansaspastelsociety. com. Preserve Arkansas is accepting nominations for its 2017 Arkansas Preservation Awards through Aug. 31. Categories are neighborhood preservation, work by a craftsperson, rehabilitation, restoration, personal projects, preservation advocacy, new construction, preservation reporting in the media, preservation publication, preservation education, Excellence in Heritage Preservation and the 2019 Parker Westbrook Award. Go to preservearkansas.org to make a nomination or call 372-4757. MAJOR VENUES ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, MacArthur Park: “Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People,” screening of PBS documentary, wine reception 5:30 p.m., screening 6 p.m. Aug. 31, free, reserve at 372-4000; “Will Counts: The Central High Photographs,” marking the 60th anniversary of the desegregation of Central, through Oct. 22; “Drawing on History: National Drawing Invitational Retrospective,” works from the permanent collection, through Sept. 24. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 372-4000.

It’s the Party to the Party! On October 7th Ride the Arkansas Times Blues Bus to the King Biscuit Blues Festival! It’s the Biscuit, Baby! And we can’t wait! King Biscuit turns 32 and we are going to see Government Mule!

A P E H PA T S E ' H T T I $109 PER TICKET O T iv

INCLUDES: Transportation provided by Cline Tours (let’s go in style y’all), Entrance to the Blues Festival, Lunch at the Hollywood Café, Live Music on board the bus by Bill “Bluesboy” Jagitsch, and adult beverages.

Tickets available on centralarkansastickets.com BUS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED BY CLINE BUS TOURS.

mes i T sas s Fe n a Ark it Blue e h scu et Rid ing Bi n he K t o t An par

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arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

Dining WHAT’S COOKIN’

FLYWAY BREWING CO.’S BLUEWING BERRY WHEAT has taken flight, making it possible for the 20-month-old North Little Rock craft microbrewery to purchase a canning machine in the upcoming year. Demand for Bluewing, from a recipe by Ryan Frank and originally a summer seasonal, led owners Jess McMullen and Matt Foster to turn to a Memphis brewery and cannery to can the beer. Flyway has turned out 10,000 cases of canned Bluewing from the Memphis facility, “four times the amount that we thought we would,” McMullen said. Though Flyway has plans to add a canner and “a couple more larger tanks,” McMullen said, “we are years away from being able to produce Bluewing for the sales we do right now.” That’s a lot of ale. Flyway has 100 barrels of fermentation capacity now. Flyway’s hand-bottled beers are available in Central and Northwest Arkansas. The brewer is working on a coffee cake stout, concocted from McMullen’s grandmother’s chocolate coffee cake recipe. SPEAKING OF CANS, REBEL KETTLE is nearly out of its entry into canned beer, the Headbanger’s Ball, general manager Eric O’Connor says. Rebel Kettle canned almost 40 cases of the double IPA and limited sales to four four-can packs per person. The brewery plans to release another canned brew or two, but that’s “at least two months down the road,” O’Connor said.

DOMINO’S PIZZA IS opening a “pizza theater” — an eat-in restaurant featuring a viewing area of the pizza-making, ordertracking on a screen and a chalkboard on which people may express their creative side — in the building that formerly housed the E-Z Mart at 1402 Rebsamen Park Road. Franchisee Lance Benner says the restaurant, a departure from the Domino’s take-out model, will open by the end of the year. 32

AUGUST 31, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES

WAFFLES AND WINGS: Hedonism in the form of fried chicken, dough and sugar.

Decadent but delicious Ceci’s chicken and waffles, sugar and fat.

eci’s Chicken N Waffles — recently relocated from Bone-in does have its disadvantages, we will say. It can be North Little Rock to a strip mall in Conway — has hard to free the chicken to get a bite that is actually chicken realized the core of its signature dish: decadence. and waffle. But, with Ceci’s, it is well worth it, because — Think about what it means to eat chicken and waffles. Have as our grandmother who often scowls at those who order ever you felt that fried chicken lacked something? Have you white meat says — the flavor is beside the bone. yearned, biting through a salty crust, for sweet dough? Why The fried chicken was good enough to stand alone. A not syrup on top, too? How about adding hot sauce? simple fried chicken sandwich ($8.99) was solid and worth Maybe not. Chicken and waffles is a salty and sweet solu- ordering. Also, the sides were good, but not standout. The tion to a problem we never had. Yet, it’s incredible. Ceci’s “Soul Food sides” include mac and cheese, cabbage and offers a lusty, high-calorie hedonistic thrill by pairing the greens. If you order a chicken and waffle dinner ($11.99two. $13.99), it comes with two sides. Or, you can get the sides Instead of just any old waffle, Ceci’s offers up flavored with other dinners like fried gizzards ($10.95), fried pork waffles: red velvet, strawberry shortcake, chocolate, Belchops ($10.99), and, of course, fried chicken ($9.99). There gian, “cinnabon,” caramel or “Napoleon” (Ceci’s spin on recently was a nice special called the “Poor Diva,” a $7 Neapolitan ice cream, a mixture of chocolate, vanilla and combo with fried chicken or a small pork chop and a side of strawberry). The waffles are gigantic and colorful; the fried fries. chicken is stacked on top and covered in syrup. At your Ceci’s has a few booths and a few tables, all properly table: more syrup and hot sauce. nondescript. The menu is on a blackboard at the counter; The wings are served bone-in, which can be controverthat’s where you order. The food is then delivered to your sial. Some claim the fried chicken should always be boneless. table. Our waiter, who checked on us about five times dur-

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Ceci’s Chicken N Waffles 1600 Dave Ward Drive Conway 358-6944 facebook.com/ceciswafflesplusmore Quick bite The Half & Half ($10.50 or $13.99 for the dinner, which comes with two sides) allows you to choose two flavors for your waffle. One half, for example, soaked in red velvet and the other dripping with caramel. It’s the most expensive of the chicken-and-waffle options. But if, like us, it would be too much to eat the meal alone for a normal lunch, this is a nice way to cheaply eat for two. Hours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Other info No alcohol.

ing a 30-minute meal, was a little too attentive. Some people love always having a waiter near, but when you’re cramming food in that is messy it can be a bit awkward to say, “Yes, thank you, it’s good,” more than three times with your mouthful. Still, she was nice and chatted for a bit. She told us that a drive-through might be added so that people could do pick-up orders. She said that on the weekends there can be long lines for takeout. It’s funny to think of Ceci’s as a drive-through, because, though the surroundings are normal, the food is a luxury. It should probably not be enjoyed at speed: We felt weighed down by our meal. We were happy, but neither of us planned

to eat dinner. It was a ton of food. Ceci’s serves lunch only, which is our only complaint. Somehow, after consuming fried chicken and syrup and hefty waffles, you are supposed to head back to work. We drank three cups of coffee and did not fall asleep that afternoon, but it was close. It’s hard to fit such a rich, dense meal into midday. Yet, I’m sure we’ll find a way to go back. There is something about Ceci’s that is so obviously a treat in its combination of everything we want when we indulge — the sugar, the fried, the meat, the more sugar, the hot sauce — that it’s sure to be a place we make room for again.

HillWheatley Plaza Downtown Hot Springs

Labor Day Weekend

September 2-3, 2017

THE MENU: You order from the blackboard and take a seat; your sinful lunch will be delivered to your table.

www.spacityblues.org

Serving up fun, food and fabulous live entertainment since 1967.

AUG 29 - SEPT 23

SEPT 26 - OCT 21

MURRYSDP.COM 562-3131 arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

MOVIE REVIEW

‘THESE DREAMS’: Patricia Dombrowski, played by Australian actor Danielle MacDonald, struts down a pharmacy aisle as Killa P, an aspiring rapper from a low-rent neighborhood in New Jersey.

Young and stuck

Danielle MacDonald shines as the underdog in ‘Patti Cake$.’ BY SAM EIFLING

t 23, Patricia Dombrowski is living at home with her mother and her nana, tending bar in a New Jersey karaoke dive, dodging bill collectors and rapping her ass off — stage name, Killa P. “I’ve been grinding,” she tells her mom, explaining obliquely that she’s moonlighting in rap battles and trying to cut a demo CD. She fills spiral notebooks with lyrics, literally dreaming of the day she gets signed by the local mogul, an emerald-grilled emcee named OZ who feels like the common grandfather Sean Combs and Morpheus from “The Matrix” never realized they had. Her rhymes are a lurid mix of excess and id, hilarious and filthy, the perfect distillation of her crappy life and her wild aspirations. The best part about Patti’s existence in the small-budget, high-ceiling “Patti Cake$” is that she’s played by Danielle MacDonald, an occasional on some TV shows you’ve seen (“Glee,” “Two Broke Girls,” “American Horror Story”) and a credible rapper. Her best friend Jheri (first-timer Siddharth Dhanajay) works at a pharmacy counter and croons her choruses. They

fumble till they find a reticent, heavily pierced hermit switches. It’s also going to hinge on how much you love musician (Mamoudou Athie) who lays down beats and music. Bars and beats are the real star here, the escape guitar and brings a dash of Trent Reznor to their sound. from the brutal everyday. Patti carries her ability like Then, they try to get noticed. a martial art — the neighborhood mooks who razz her It’s the old story, really, that tracks not only with as “Dumbo” don’t believe she has a rhyme in her body, underdog sports films and a hundred others in the until an impromptu rap battle in a gas station parking movies-about-showbiz subgenre. (If you can’t hear lot ends with her the clear victor and the loser so sore the echos of “8 Mile,” turn down the T. Swift.) Where he head-butts her nose open. Her mother (Bridget Everdirector/writer Geremy Jasper wins in his feature ett) dotes on her own glory days as the front lady of an debut is in the sheer joy of telling this tale — with a almost-signed big-haired rock group, even as she slinks dose of magical realism and an unabashed thirst to into Patti’s Christmas-light-lit bar to demand Jäger shots be loved. “Patti Cake$” represents a meta story about — fuel for a drunken cover of Heart’s “These Dreams.” the movie itself, and Jasper’s own life, he’s said, being Music is the way out, even when it can’t even get you young and stuck in Jersey. In a sense, it’s also the full- out. When Patti and Jheri are parked on a hill, looking length record you’ll wish Killa P would release. out toward the Manhattan skyline, sitting on her aging How much you enjoy “Patti Cake$” will depend in oil tanker of a car, banging out beats and inventing part on how willing you are simply to chill. Early reviews rhymes, it almost doesn’t matter whether they make it have dinged it for hitting too many of the standard plot to the city. It does, of course — money’s real, sick relapoints that a rags-to-riches story has in the drawer: tives are real, the struggle is real — but they’re living like the setbacks, the near-misses the usual hope bait-and- free people for a moment, and that’s a real thing, too.

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ARKANSAS TIMES

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ARKANSAS TIMES

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Miss the Arkansas times Cash Bus!

Saturday, September 16 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

90 years

Johnny Cash Heritage Festival October 21st Featuring: Buddy Jewell Joanne Cash & Tommy Cash Roseanne Cash Kris Kristofferson

$109

Ticket includes: Round-trip transportation General admission ticket Adult beverages & Box Lunch provided by Boulevard Along for the ride.... Jason Lee Hale provides tunes & fun! Bus departs at 9 a.m. Meet at Old Ray Winder Field/UAMS Parking lot

centralarkansastickets.com arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

HOT SPRINGS HAPPENINGS

Sept. 2017 Hot Springs For a complete calendar of events, visit hotsprings.org be Saturday & Sunday, September 2nd & 3rd at Hill Wheatley Plaza in downtown Hot Springs. Tickets for each day are $20 per person. The schedule includes blues performances from John Nemeth & the Blue Dreamers, Nikki Hill, Anthony Gomes and more--as well as workshops and informational sessions. See the full lineup at spacityblues.org.

SEPT 3 LABOR DAY FIREWORKS ON LAKE

SEPT 7-9 HOT SPRINGS OPEN MOTORCYCLE RALLY

The Hot Springs Rally is the largest motorcycle rally held annually in central Arkansas. It offers something for every motorcycle enthusiast. This three-day rally includes plenty of vendors, two poker runs with a chance to win $2,000, a bike show, field events and bike games, a parade through historic downtown Hot Springs, and plenty of nationally known entertainment, including Kellie Pickler. For ticket information, visit thehotspringsrally.com.

AUG 31-SEPT 4 HOT SPRINGS JAZZFEST

The 26th HotSprings JazzFest will provide concerts throughout four days ranging from free to $50, a lineup which includes performances by the New Breed Brass Band, Allen Won and many others. Enjoy this 4-day Jazz Festival, and stop by the Broadway Street Sky-Bridge (302 Malvern

Ave) in Downtown Hot Springs for “Jazz in the Streets,” a FREE outdoor concert on September 2 from noon - 6PM. Find more details below in Weekend Jams and at hsjazzsociety.org.

SEPT 2-3 HOT SPRINGS BLUES FESTIVAL

The 2017 Hot Springs Blues Festival will

HAMILTON Fireworks will be shot from the middle of Lake Hamilton from barges located on the west side of the first Highway 7 bridge opposite the Clarion Hotel (4813 Central Ave) on Sunday, September 3, at dark. In the event of rain, the fireworks will be rescheduled for Monday evening, September 4, at the same place and time.

SEPT 16 CWA WRESTLE RAISE III – ABBY-

MANIA CWA #WRESTLERAISE III - Abbymania - will take place at the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs, AR on Saturday, September 16 at 7 p.m. This special wrestling event is a fundraiser for Abby McKenzie, and will feature Jerry “The King” Lawler, Chavo Guerrero, Jr., Matt Riviera and others. Don’t miss the chance to come out to show your support, and enjoy a family oriented live wrestling event. Purchase tickets at cwatickets.com.

SEPT 22-24 SPA-CON

SEPT 30 THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA Hot Springs Convention Center’s Horner Hall hosts a night of dancing, drinks and big band music as the Glenn Miller Orchestra swings Hot Springs on Saturday, September 30th at 6:00PM. The Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform the great tunes of an era spanning the career of the great Glenn Miller. Put on your ‘String of Pearls’ and your dancing shoes, dress sharp and come get ‘In the Mood’ at our temporary ‘Tuxedo Junction.’ Reserved VIP table seating is $35; General Admission table seating is $25. For more information contact Bill Solleder, bsolleder@hotsprings.org 501-321-2027. 36 AUGUST 31 31, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

The Hot Springs Convention Center, in conjunction with the Garland County Library, is hosting a multi-genre entertainment and comic convention, September 22-24 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. It’s not just comic books and sci-fi/fantasyrelated film and television. This convention includes pop culture and entertainment elements spanning virtually all genres, including: Horror * Animation * Anime * Manga * Toys * Action Figures * Collectible Card Games * Video Games * Webcomics * Fantasy Novels * And more! PLUS Don’t miss your chance to meet Sheryl Lee and Sherilynn Fenn, stars of the TV series “Twin Peaks,” and other special celebrity guests. See a full schedule at spa-con.org.

Live Music at Silk’s Bar and Grill at oaklawn Sept 1-2, 10 p.m. WESLEY PRUITT BAND

Sept 8-9, 10 p.m. PAMELA K. WARD & THE LAST CALL ORCHESTRA BAND Sept 15-16, 10 p.m. JOHN CALVIN BREWER BAND Sept 22-23, 10 p.m. HWy 124 Sept 29-30, 10 p.m. MOXIE

Pamela K. Ward

26th

Hot Springs

JazzFest August 31st September 4th Thursday, August 31

Saturday, September 2

Friday, September 1

Jazz in the Streets

Jazz Night at The Ohio Club Classical & Jazz Blow Out!

Free Outdoor Concert

HSJazzSociety.org HSJazzSociety@gmail.com 501-627-2425

2:24 p.m. Saturday, Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop

Sunday, September 3

St. Luke’s Jazz Mass Stardust Big Band Tea Dance Monday, September 4

Rhythm & Rocks Jazz

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SQZBX BREWERY & PIZZA JOINT 236 Ouachita Ave. LEGORIA’S RHYTHM & ROCKS JAZZ BISTRO 723 Central Avenue, Ste. 200 ARGENTENIAN COFFEE & WINE BAR 328 Central Ave VAULT AT 723 723 Central Ave Ste.100

HotSprings.org. 1-888-SPA-CITY. ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT www.arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017 37

Labor Day Weekend Jams JazzFest and hot springs Blues Festival highlights THURSDAY 7-10 P.M. JazzFest Kick Off with “Jazz Night at The Ohio Club” where the Clyde Pound Trio along with Allen Won, saxophonist and flutist from NYC, will present an evening of jazz stylings reminiscent of the early years.

New Breed Brass Band

6:00 Akeem Kemp Band 6 7:15 Leo ‘Bud’ Welch 7 8:45 John Nemeth & The Blue Dreamers 8 SUNDAY MORNING, there will be a special S JJazz Mass presented by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church with local favorites Shelley Martin, C Matt Dickson, Bill Huntington, Chris Parker M aand Jay Payette.

THURSDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHTS AT 8 P.M. International Blues Challenge competition at The Big Chill FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICAL & JAZZ BLOW OUT—a rare opportunity to experience the Arkansas Brass quintet followed by ATM (Anything That Moves) jazz combo. Included are special guests Allen Won on saxophone & flute, mezzo-soprano Diane Kesling and jazz vocalist Shirley Chauvin.

ute and Mike Vax on trumpet trumpet, ATM Won on saxophone & fl flute (Anything That Moves), the Latin jazz band Calle Soul and closing with a full two hours of New Breed Brass Band from New Orleans. Food and beverages will be available. Bring a lawn chair and settle in!

SATURDAY 11 A.M.- 6 P.M. Jazz in the Streets on Saturday, Sept 2, is a free outdoor show, under the Broadway Street Sky-bridge. Seven hours of music will include performances by the 106th Army National Guard Band, Southern Arkansas University Jazz Ensemble, University of Arkansas in Monticello with special guest clinicians Allen

SATURDAY BLUES FESTIVAL AT WHEATLEY PLAZA LINEUP 1:45 International Blues Challenge Solo/Duo Winner 2:30 International Blues Challenge Band Winner 3:30 Al Hill 4:45 The Stella Vees

SUNDAY BLUES FESTIVAL AT WHEATS LEY PLAZA LINEUP L 1:45 Jelly Brown & Kathy Kidd 1 2:30 Spa City Youngbloods 3:30 Hoodoo Blues Revue 4:45 John Calvin Brewer Band 6:00 Nandha Blues 7:15 Nikki Hill 8:45 Anthony Gomes MONDAY, Legoria’s Rhythm & Rocks Jazz Bristro will present two shows featuring Grammy Award-winning jazz guitarist and singer Jonathan Butler in this new upscale venue with a full-service bar and bistro.

OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN HAS RESCHEDULED FOR SEPT. 29 TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE AT 9 A.M. ON SEPT. 12

WEEKEND PASSES ON SALE NOW AT SPA-CON.ORG 38 AUGUST 31, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Shop shop LOCAL ARKANSAS TIMES

AR Public Policy Panel will hire a Social Justice & Racial Equity Campaign Coordinator who will build a statewide campaign that will work towards exposing and eradicating structural racism in AR. For details on the job description and where to send your resume, please visit our website at www. ARPanel.org. Deadline to submit resume is Sept. 12, 2017.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LITTLE ROCK, AR POSITION: CHIEF EPIDEMIOLOGIST/PUBLIC HEALTH EVALUATOR Responsibilities: Evaluate chronic disease programs for cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention and control; Evaluate quality improvement strategies in healthcare settings; Provide oversight for chronic disease evaluation, epidemiology, and surveillance; Monitor program performance for short-, intermediate-, and long-term intervention outcomes in population and healthcare settings; Inform programs and policy directions; Evaluate program compliance to meet funding requirements; Ensure accountability to those with fiscal oversight; Assist with writing grant applications, reports and peer-reviewed publications.

This adorable loving large puppy is around 10 months old. He is a bundle of joy and so funny to watch while playing with our dogs. He definitely hasn’t grown into his clumsy feet. He has beautiful sky blue eyes with a caring heart. Loves all farm animals and does well with turkeys, chickens and guineas. He needs a forever home...$60 is for the neutering. Has had heart guard but needs to be neutered. Please call 501-607-3100

MARKETPLACE TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION, CALL LUIS AT 501.375.2985

Education and experience requirements: Master’s degree in Public Health and/or Doctor of Public Health, plus 4 years of demonstrated chronic disease program evaluation experience (2 of which must have been supervisory). To apply, mail C.V to ATTN: Dr. A. Balamurugan, AR Dept. of Health, 4815 W. Markham, Slot 6, Little Rock, AR 72205 (reference Job ADH#5806).

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS PROBATE DIVISION In the Matter of the Estate of Donna S Williams, Deceased.

Great Dane mixed puppy was rescued from a kill shelter.

ARKANSAS TIMES

No. 60PR-17-1697 Name of decedent Donna S Williams Last known address 10305 Nash Lane Mabelvale, AR 72103 Date of death 09/06/2011 On August 23, 2017, an affidavit for collection of small estate by distributee was filed with respect to the estate of Donna S Williams, deceased, with the clerk of the probate division of the circuit court of Pulaski County, Arkansas, under Ark. Code Ann. £ 28-41-101. The legal description of the real property listed in the affidavit is as follows: Part of the Southeast Quarter of Southwest Quarter, Section 3, Township 1 South, Range 13 West, Pulaski County, Arkansas, more particularly described as follows: Beginning 549 feet North of the Southwest Corner of said Southeast Quarter of Southwest Quarter; thence North 78 feet; thence East 560 feet; thence South 78 feet; thence West 560 feet to the point of beginning. All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, properly verified, to the distributee or his or her attorney with three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit of the estate. The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the distributee is: Jonna Williams, PO Box. 251122, Little Rock, AR 72225, (501) 425-8757. This notice first published in August 31st, 2017 and September 7th, 2017.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Senior Systems Quality Assurance Analyst sought by Transamerica Life Insurance Company in Little Rock, AR. Lead complex projects & acts as a mentor to team members. Reqs Bach’s deg in Comp Sci or related field & 5 yrs of related exp w/ automated testing tools, s/ware dvlpmt & testing methodologies. Work exp must incl: 4 yrs utilizing test automation tools such as Selenium WebDriver, HP Quick Test Professional (HP unified functional tester), SoapUI, JMeter, HP Performance Center, Load Runner, Jenkins. 4 yrs w/ platforms such as Java, .Net, Web, Mobile, Mainframe. Working knowl of Mobile test automation tool SeeTest An applicant who is interested in this position may apply by submitting a resume & cvr ltr via TransCentral Intranet or fax 844-802-8795. Please ref. Requisition R20007262 in cvr letr. All Transamerica companies are equal opportunity employers arktimes.com AUGUST 31, 2017

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If your idea of fun is getting together with friends to watch your favorite college football team on Saturday or your favorite pro team on Sunday, there’s only one place to go – Oaklawn Gaming. With more than 30 big screen TVs, Silks Bar and Grill is the perfect spot for your watch party. Add a full menu of great bar food and terrific drink specials, and you’ve got yourself a pigskin party! And while you’re here, be sure to sign up for Oaklawn Rewards. For more fun closer to home, get to Oaklawn Gaming in Hot Springs National Park. Are you in?

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WITH

ARDS! W E R WN OAKLA EAR

AUGUST 3, 2017

ARKANSAS TIMES

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