Hot Springs Hot Spots Magazine - April 2015

hot springs

APRIL 2015

RED DOOR STUDIOS pg 18

LOTUS pg 6 ARTS & THE PARK PG 12

THE HOOK-UP pg 28 HSHotSpots.com

FOOD FIGHT PG 23 CRAWLIn’ ON CENTRAL PG 32 #hshotspots

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

HOT SPRINGS HOT SPOTS CREATIVE/ART Marisa Rodgers EDITOR Josh Williams

April 2015 brings in a new era. A fresh start. A new beginning. Or, it was supposed to, anyway. There are a few “firsts” that are being delivered, some to be proud of, and some, not at all. It’s an extremely sad day when our state “representatives” are more concerned about their own ignorant fears, shortcomings and bigoted personal views, than giving every person the respect they deserve as human beings. Since when did archaic religious doctrine dictate our lawmaking? I guess that’s what we get when we elect a war-mongering, ego-maniacal, religious zealot with a thousand dollar suit and a five cent head to make our decisions for us. Way to go, Arkansas. Let’s live like it’s 1850, good job.

Can’t tell you how proud I am to call you home.

On a brighter note, Hot Springs will will be alive with art and culture soon. We will explore the first annual Arts and the Park Festival, where the downtown and surrounding area will be inundated with artists of all types for the first 10 days in May. Actors, musicians, chefs, painters, dancers and artists of all shapes and sizes will be offering their unique works for our enjoyment. We will also get up close and personal with a half-marathon (and new 5K) and its inaugural winner, that is championing a couple wonderful charities.

Additionally, an old friend, complete with a makeover, comes beckoning your attention once again. This month also brings another edition of our Downtown Pub Crawl, complete with more prizes and more libations. We had so much fun last time that we decided to do two this year, you lucky bastards.

I hope you like this issue of our magazine. It might not be exactly what you are used to seeing from us.

We’re still going through the evolution process-it doesn’t happen overnight, ya’ know. One step at a time.

But I do think this edition will entertain, and hopefully inspire all of us to do bigger and better things.

Thanks for reading, and as always, enjoy!

PHOTOGRAPHY Jeremy Rodgers Amanda Ledbetter CONTRIBUTORS Joshua James Kristal Mackey Jim G. Miller T. Porter Montgomery SALES Josh Williams Want to Subscribe?

Go to HSHotSpots.com/Shop For advertising opportunities: info@rendercreativegroup.com or call 501-620-4520 For editorial queries: Please write to: Hot Springs Hot Spots 801 Central Avenue, Suite 30 Hot Springs, AR 71901 or email info@hshotspots.com BE SOCIAL WITH US LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/HSHotSpots FOLLOW US ON TWITTER twitter.com/HSHotSpots

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hot springs

EATS LOTUS

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HEALTHY & Superbly Fresh VIETNAMESE CUISINE

MUS I C

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NOTS PROFILING BAND MEMBER, ALEXANDRA EASTMAN

ART S ARTS & THE PARK

12 23

AN ARTS FESTIVAL FOR ALL AGES

G IVI NG TWO FOR ONE

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28

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JACK-N-BACK HALF MARATHON & THE RUN DOWN JACK 5K GIVE BACK

D O N’T M I S S ALBUM REVIEWS

FE AT U RED

18 RED DOOR STUDIOS 23 FOOD FIGHT

THE MORTGAGE ISN’T PAID BUT THEY ACT LIKE IT IS

ITS NOT JUST FOR GRADE SCHOOLERS ANYMORE

28 THE hook-UP 32 CRAWLIN’ ON CENTRAL

THe GARLAND COUNTY LIBRARY YOUR CONNECTION POINT A TOP 10 COUNTDOWN TO THIS YEAR’S DOWNTOWN PUB CRAWL

9 10 LIVE SHOW LISTINGS restaurant LISTINGS 16 34 WHAT’S TRENDING CALENDAR OF EVENTS 35 APRIL

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EATS

LOTUS

Photography by Jeremy Rodgers

Story by Kristal Mackey

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Healthy & Superbly fresh VIETnAMESE CUISINE FINDS A NEW HOME IN HOT SPRINGS and WE WELCOME IT HAPPILY to the neighborhood

Like a lotus flower emerges from a muddy pond and sits serenely on the water, so has Lotus restaurant blossomed in a vacated building on Grand Avenue to provide quality Vietnamese cuisine in Hot Springs. Located at 608 East Grand in the building once occupied by Fuji Japanese Sushi and Hibachi, Lotus opened just months ago and has been introducing Spa City residents to their selfdescribed healthy Vietnamese dishes since.

The interior of Lotus is at once minimalistic and welcoming; the bare hardwood floors and bamboo shades on otherwise naked windows contrast with the bright flowers that adorn each table. Instantly, a homey and clean Asian feel is projected, as sunlight streams in the windows and paper lanterns and umbrellas hang from the ceiling. The staff is entirely Vietnamese, which makes conversation only slightly more difficult, but lends an air of authenticity to both the atmosphere of the restaurant and, more importantly, the food.

Lotus sets itself apart from other eateries in Hot Springs by offering strictly vegetarian options.

However, even lifelong meat eaters find that the protein in the vegetarian dishes at Lotus is so well prepared and filling that they don’t miss the meat at all! The measuring stick for any Vietnamese restaurant is bound to be the Pho, which is a noodle soup typically consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat. In Vietnam, pho is popular street vendor fair and is typically eaten any time of the day. Traditionally, pho is prepared with beef or chicken, but Lotus serves their pho in a heaping bowl, with well cooked firm tofu, seasoned vegetables, and an aromatic vegetable broth. The rice noodles filling the bowl are a perfect mild compliment to the richness of the broth and the crunchiness of the broccoli, carrots, and onions. The wonton noodle soup is similar to the pho soup but is prepared with egg noodles instead of rice noodles, lending a slightly different texture to each bite.

hot springs

For a more substantial dinner, the stir-fried vegetables over crispy egg noodles (pictured to the left) is a fantastic option. The vegetable stir fry includes hearty mushrooms and citrusy lemongrass in addition to more typical stir-fry veggies, which are all mixed with a soy protein and veggie ham. The “ham” has a surprising chewiness and is seasoned so well that many patrons probably wouldn’t realize that it wasn’t meat if it weren’t labeled as such on the menu. The crispy egg noodles underneath the stir fry inevitably soak up some of the vegetable’s juices and, combined with a bite of veggies, provide a crunch that perfectly offsets the steamed vegetables. This dish, like others, can also be ordered with soft rice or egg noodles for those who would rather have a traditional noodle dish.

Lotus offers several specialty dishes and most of their dishes are considered healthy alternatives to traditional breaded and fried asian fare. The Healthy Fried Rice contains green peas, lotus seeds, and pomegranate.

The Healthy Lotus Soup, offered as an appetizer, has a vegetable broth filled with lotus seeds, tofu, seaweed, and lychee. A Vietnamese salad is also available with cabbage and fried tofu. No meal would be complete without an

appetizer and Lotus’ egg rolls do not disappoint. The flaky wrapper delicately holds an inside filled with taro root, carrot, mushrooms, and several other vegetables, as well as tofu and tender vegetarian ham. Spring rolls are available with two varieties, varying in fillings.

For those who prefer to add a bit of spice to their dishes, a bottle of Sriracha sits next to the soy sauce on every table, so there is never a missed opportunity to tailor every bite to your specific preferences. The perfect compliment to a spicy, Sriracha enhanced bowl of pho is Lotus’ Special Drink.

Sweetened by floating basil seed, lychee, and green peas, the surprisingly mild water is at first simply curious and, eventually, addictive. For those less adventurous, Lotus also serves fresh juices and smoothies with varieties changing based on which fruits are in season at a given time (the avocado smoothie was wonderful). Hot or iced coffee and hot tea pots are available, and varieties of wine and beer are also offered.

Like most local restaurants, Lotus is closed on Monday, but they are open from 11a.m.-9p.m. the rest of the week. To feel like you’ve gone on vacation to Vietnam, at least for lunch or dinner, take a short drive down Grand Avenue for some authentic stir-fry or Pho noodle soup at Lotus.

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MUSIC

NOTS

From the Spa City to the Memphis Hardcore Scene: Alexandra Eastburn rocks out, makes paper mache, fakes sick and gets paid to do it

Alexandra Eastburn, 27-year-old synthesizerkeyboardist of Memphis punk band NOTS, owes her success to a simple philosophy: she doesn’t say “no” to new experiences.

She joined NOTS spontaneously after returning to Memphis from a six-week hiatus – also spontaneous – in the Mojave Desert. Eastburn’s friend, who lived in Joshua Tree, Calif., invited her to visit.

She used the time to work on various creative projects; but mostly, she wanted a revitalization. “I really love it out there,” Eastburn said. “I just recharged and then I came home.” At that time she had approximately zero years’ experience playing keyboard. Eastburn said her performances as a DJ must have given Hoffman the idea to add her on synthesizer. “I used a lot of Euro stuff from the 1980s and I guess they thought I had a good ear for that kind of sound,” Eastburn said.

Natalie Hoffman and Charlotte Watson had been playing as NOTS since 2012. Two weeks after returning

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home to Memphis in early 2014 Eastburn joined Hoffman and Watson as an official NOTS member. Later that year drummer Madison Farmer completed the outfit. “From there it unraveled really quickly,” Eastburn said. “Within four months of joining this band we were recording. I think that’s why it’s such a tense, angsty album; kind of like a live show.”

The album is certainly full of attitude. You can feel it, not just hear it. It seeps through that barrier and stands right there in the room with you. It touches you. Of course songwriting and technical arrangement are factors, but the great thing about punk rock is that it’s raw; the band’s mood and passion become a part of the record. The members of NOTS are all friends first, band mates second. Eastburn and Hoffman had known each other since college. Another ingredient: Doug Easley. Easley recorded “We Are NOTS” at Easley McCain studios where he happened to record one of Eastburn’s favorite albums, Sonic Youth’s “Washing Machine.” The recipe yields one hell of hardcore record.

“We are NOTS” is available on Goner Records. Last month NOTS appeared in Eastburn’s hometown as a part of the Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival. Now the band is home in Memphis taking a break from the road.

Eastburn, though, is not a professional musician by design. “It’s something I never, ever planned,” she said.

“It just fell in my lap like a fucking bowling ball.” In fact, until last year, she was far more active as a visual artist.

“She is extremely creative,” Eastburn’s mother, Ramona Marshall said. “She’s always been. By the time she was two or sooner, her father and I knew that she had an affinity towards drawing.” As a tike Eastburn drew pictures on virtually any available surface. The world was her canvas, so were other peoples’ belongings. “We realized quickly that we would have to get her some scratch pads,” Marshall said.

In church a toddler-aged Eastburn depicted a nativity scene on the back of an offering envelope.

Marshall recalls that the drawing was remarkably detailed for a child, that her daughter “wasn’t a typical two, three or four-year-old.” Later, when she was older, Eastburn would draw pictures of the sanctuary at Grand Avenue Methodist Church. The members of the congregation would be able to pick out their likenesses from among her charcoal pencil sketches. When Eastburn played with her dolls she didn’t just dress them up; but rather, she deconstructed the clothes and reassembled them into her personal designer line. It hasn’t gone public as of yet.

Eastburn said her parents made a home that promoted creativity, that they never implied drawing, music or making collages and papier mache was silly or unimportant. Marshall, and Eastburn’s father, Ronald Eastburn, arranged for private art lessons for their daughter. Terri Taylor of Taylor’s Contemporanea was Eastburn’s first art teacher. They remain friends even now.

In school at Hot Springs, Eastburn played clarinet. When she was about 13 years old her parents bought her a used black Pearl drum set. “I told her I would buy the drum set,” Marshall stammered, holding back her laughter, “but she had to keep it at her dad’s house. I wanted to keep the noise factor down.”

The Pearl was a basic set: bass, snare, highhat, cymbal. Except there was no stand for the cymbal. “So I come home one day and my dad had hung the cymbal from the ceiling so I could actually use it,” Eastburn said, her voice bright with nostalgic admiration. “It was so funny, but so cool.”

Eastburn graduated from Hot Springs High School. She began studying at Memphis College of Art in 2006 after receiving a scholarship. As a student she

hot springs

ALBUMS ON REVIEW installed several exhibitions including one in Hot Springs in 2010. After she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2012 she embarked on a period she called an “explosion of solo art.” She joined an artist residency in Baltimore known as Holy Underground. There she collaborated with friend and fellow artist Ariel Claborn to fill an entire room with papier mache. The installation, made entirely of shredded newspaper, was called “Imagine the Angels of Bread.” “It was like walking in to a ‘Rugrats’ cartoon,” Eastburn said.

She again used papier mache to design a theater set for a 2014 show titled “Madhatted” at Theatre Works in Memphis, Tenn. Among her other works are mixed media collages for which she uses mostly recycled material just as she did for papier mache sculptures. One of Eastburn’s and Marshall’s mutual favorites is a large wall mural displayed Adam Farmer’s Memphis gallery, Glitch.

In the spring of 2014 Eastburn faced one of her biggest fears: public performance. “Ally said there were certain things in her life she wanted to overcome and getting up in front of people was one of those,” Marshall said. “That always frightened her.” Eastburn’s friend Morgan Jon Fox wrote a play titled “Claws.” He wrote a part specifically for Eastburn. She, hesitantly, decided to act in the play. She doesn’t say “no” a lot.

Eastburn said the play received good reviews, but it also led to her day job. In the down time between touring with NOTS and working on her solo projects, Eastburn is a standardized patient. One of the members of the “Claws” audience was involved with University of Tennessee Medical.

She saw Eastburn perform and thought she would be perfect to pretend to be sick so future doctors can hone their diagnostic skills and practice their bedside manners. “It’s so like crazy, but fun,” Eastburn said. “I get a script and I have to pretend to have these different diseases.”

Eastburn said she loved coming back home to Hot Springs for VOV and hopes to come back both to play with NOTS and to show her solo work. Some of her artwork is on display on her website at alexandraeastburn.com. It’s likely Hot Springs, Memphis and much of the world will see more from Alexandra Eastburn. She has talent like most of us have debt, but more important, she just doesn’t miss an opportunity.

“These last few years,” Eastburn said,” I have got in the habit of like, just not saying ‘no.’ ‘Do you want to come live in the desert?’ ‘Uh sure.’ ‘Do you want to be in a play?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘You want to be in a band?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘You want to get paid to play sick?’ ‘Absolutely.’

Story by Joshua James

GILL LANDRY SELF-TITLED

Louisianan Gill Landry spent his early years playing the indoors and outdoors of New Orleans, one of America’s most musical cities. He has dabbled in a number of creative outlets from photography to painting.

He’s probably better known as a member of bluegrass juggernaut Old Crow Medicine Show (OCMS), for whom he has played banjo, guitar and other instruments since 2004. He is also a contributing songwriter for OCMS, but in his self-titled third studio album, Landry’s lyrical abilities are on full display.

“Waiting for your Love” and “Emily” are somber in tone and lyrically complex. They’re love-and-loss

The Sonics This is the Sonics

Honestly, I didn’t know what to think when I was scrolling through the new release section of iTunes and came across this. I thought it was a typo,

ballads with the catchy melodies of pop love songs but without the frivolity. Landry has a raspy country voice on the baritone side. It’s a soothing listen and many of his folk-country-pop melodic couplets conjure memories of John Prine and Bob Dylan.

Landry recorded the album in Nashville. The record benefits from guest contributions by the likes of Nick Etwell, trumpeter of Mumford and Sons and Robert Ellis on guitar. Laura Marling adds vocals on the duet, “Take this Body,” which is arguably the best song on the album.

Landry’s solo work is significantly different from the OCMS material, which may drive away fans who are looking for more of the same. The most noticeable difference is tempo. When I said these songs are ballads I meant it. The one exception is “Fennario,” a slightly more up-tempo, Southwestern style ditty featuring some guitar and trumpet pieces reminiscent of a mariachi band. The other nine tracks on the record are slow, thoughtful and purposeful compositions whose lyrics discuss the nature of relationships and either lament or celebrate the motives behind human actions; but, the album never quite fully comes to life.

On a one-to-10 Landry’s new album is a seven that would’ve been an eight were there only a couple tunes that made a foot tap in lieu of a head drop or a tear fall. Gill Landry is on the ATO label and is available at gilllandrymusic.com. — Review by Joshua James or a remastered album, maybe? But, sure enough, it is indeed a new album. Why is this a big deal you ask?

Well, The Sonics turned on the amps in the early 1960’s in Tacoma, Washington as a garage rock band. Yes, the early 1960’s. They were tough, they were loud, and they were good. They’ve released some of the most ferocious records of their time and it seems, 50 years later, they want to show that they’re still alive and kicking.

This is the Sonics shows things have only

gotten better with age. Heavily reminiscent sounds by every decade of garage rock since the 60’s show The Sonics hypnotically energetic and raw style of music, living a well and comfortable life. “Bad Betty” and “I Don’t Need No Doctor” put a smile on my face when I tried to picture these grandpas stomping distortion boxes and shredding the saxophone. In the end, these guys just prove you don’t need a little blue pill to rock out. — Review by Jeremy Rodgers

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VENUES

LIVE SHOW LISTINGS

700 CENTRAL AVE.

305 MALVERN AVE.

711 CENTRAL AVE.

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FRI SAT THURS FRI SAT THURS FRI SAT

4/10 4/11 4/16 4/17 4/18 4/23 4/24 4/25

FRONTIER CIRCUS (AR) Garage Rock; MARVIN BERRY (AR) Rock Fiscal spliff (AR) Rock/Alternative; AJ GAITHER (AR) Rock; WillIAm Blackart (AR) Gothic Folk Elliot Brood (CAN) Folk; ADAM FAUCETT (AR) Alt-Americana WAYNE SHARP AND THE SHARP SHOOTERS (LA) Blues/Rock FOUL PLAY CABARET (AR) Burlesque HEAVY GLOW (CA) Psych Rock; ROOT SELLER (AR) Rock mya’s madams (AR) Drag Show Sounds del mar (TX) Rock

FRI/SAT FRI/SAT FRI/SAT FRI/SAT

4/10-11 Loose Cannon (AR) Rock 4/17-18 Professor Tele (AR) Rock 4/24-25 Highway 49 Band (AR) Country/Rock 5/1-2 Professor Tele (AR) Rock

FRI SAT FRI SAT FRI SAT FRI SAT FRI SAT

4/3 Justin Walker (AR) Country 4/4 Jeff and Dan Clanton (AR) Blues 4/10 Moonshine Mafia (AR) Rock 4/11 Gable Bradley Band (AR) Country 4/17 Dirk Quinn Band (PA) Experimental Blues 4/18 JAWBONE & JOLENE (AR) Blues 4/24 JOHN JORDAN (AR) Blues 4/25 DAVE ALMOND (AR) Country, Rock 5/1 ATM JAZZ TRIO (AR) Jazz 5/2 BLUESBOY JAG & THE JUKEJOINT ZOMBIES (AR) Blues

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1442 AIRPORT RD.

336 CENTRAL AVE.

4330 CENTRAL AVE.

THURS SAT FRI SAT THURS FRI SAT

4/9 4/11 4/17 4/18 4/23 4/24 4/25

Kydryd Spyrts (AR) Rock Matt Webb (AR) Rock Even Money Players (AR) Rock Even Money Players (AR) Rock Kydryd Spyrts (AR) Rock Just Sayin (AR) Rock The Big Dam Horns (AR) Rock $5 cover

EVERY SUN EverY Mon EverY TUES EverY WED EverY THURS EverY FRI EverY SAT

LARRY AND JACQUE (AR) Rock JOHN CALVIN BREWER (AR) Classic Rock/Blues SALT & Pepper (AR) Jazz/Blues Blues Jam (AR) Blues JAZZ NIGHT (AR) Jazz OHIO CLUB PLAYERS (AR) Rock, Blues OHIO CLUB PLAYERS (AR) Rock, Blues

THURS FRI SAT FRI SAT FRI SAT

Cliff Berry & The Jockey Band (AR) Hard Rock Blane Howard (TN) Country Mayday by Midnight (AR) Rock R&R (Ray and Randy] (AR) Rock Brian Martin (AR) Roots Christine Demeo Band (AR) Rock Stephen Neeper & The Wild Hearts (AR) Rock

4/9 4/10 4/11 4/17 4/18 4/24 4/25

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arts

ARTS & THE PARK ARTISTS OF ALL WALKS, TRADES, AND MEDIUMS CONVERGE ON DOWNTOWN HOT SPRINGS FOR A FESTIVAL THAT IS SURE TO INSPIRE THOSE OF ALL AGES

Story by Josh Williams

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Hot Springs has a storied past with an extremely varied list of building blocks; healing thermal waters, gangsters, baseball players, scantily-clad ladies, horse racing, casino-style gambling, under-handed government officials, beautiful natural surroundings, and artists. A plethora of artists. Painters, culinary geniuses, literary masters, musicians, actors—this town is rife with artistic expression. Finally, a new festival will be held to celebrate our local creative people.

The Arts & the Park festival will be held in historic downtown Hot Springs from May 1-10. This festival is a collaboration of several local entities; the Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance, Hot Springs National Park, Visit Hot Springs, and the magnificent artists and their supporters.

Just about all of the downtown landmarks will be utilized as performance venues, so there will be no shortage of variety in this artistic showcase.

The festival kicks off on Friday, May 1 with the old stand-by, Gallery Walk, where Emergent Arts will unveil a new interactive kinetic sculpture. A theatrical production by local entertainment stalwarts, Red Door Studios, will also be on display. The play Derby Day, will run April 30-May 3 and May 7-10 at Low Key Arts. The other theatrical offering will be from the Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Company, with a rendition of Cinderella, that will presented at The Five Star Theatre from May 1-3 and May 8-10.

The festival also features a Studio Tour on May 2-3, and ArtFest – an outdoor art fair with live music, artisans and vendors at Hill Wheatley Plaza, near the Hot Springs Visitors Center on Saturday, May 9. Guest presenters John Bramblitt, a blind artist photographed above, and Dan Dunn, a speed painter. Bramblitt will hold workshops at Emergent Arts on May 7-8, and Dunn presents “PaintJam” at the Convention Center on May 9.

hot springs Kids can express themselves through mural painting at the C4K Paint Party on Saturday, May 2.

The Farmers and Artisans Market will host several events: A docent-led sculpture tour will take place on Saturday May 2, and Art Springs in Hot Springs, an outdoor fine-craft fair will be on Sunday, May 3. Orgullo Azteca will perform traditional Latin American dances at the Market on Tuesday, May 5.

Hot Springs National Park will host several events including the Village Big Band concert at Arlington Lawn on Saturday, May 2, and Kundalini Summit: Yoga for Creativity will be offered on the same day, in the morning, at the same location. The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs leads a Plein Air Paint Out on Monday, May 4. Artists will also be showcased along Bathhouse Row and The Promenade, painting scenes depicting the Park’s natural beauty, throughout the festival.

Linda Palmer’s “Champion Trees” exhibition will be on display at The Ozark Cultural Center Thursdays-Sundays.

The Arlington Hotel gets in on the action, hosting the Jackson House Style Show and Auction on Sunday, May 3. The Hamp Williams Building will host Food Fight, a competitive chef battle sponsored by the Culinary Exchange, on Monday, May 4 (see page 23). Summerfest Uptown, the seasonal Park Avenue

Community Association fete, will be going strong on May 9 with a barbecue competition.

The literary portion of the festival has some very strong entries, with book signings and poetry readings from established poets and authors taking place at The Fine Arts Center on Tuesday, May 5. A live taping of the UALR-produced & highly acclaimed radio show, Tales from the South, will take place at the Superior Bathhouse and Distillery on Wednesday, May 6. Maxine’s, a Hot Springs landmark, will host its legendary weekly open-mic night, now in its 26th year, on Wednesday, May 6, as well.

The musical performances abound at the festival, with the Village Chorale performing at the First Presbyterian Church. The Woodlands Auditorium in Hot Springs Village will feature Donnie Mathis on May 2.

The Ohio Club will host its Blues Jam and Jazz Night on Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 7. Adair Park hosts concerts throughout the festival, and Mid-America Science Museum will host an evening of music for event sponsors on May 7, curated by The Muses Creativity Project.

As you can see, Hot Springs will be having an “artgasm” for the first ten days in May. I caught up with Mary Neilson, one of the festival organizers, and asked her what this

festival means for Hot Springs. “This is a wonderful celebration of Hot Springs’ vibrant arts community. These events offer something for everyone, young and old. It’s an opportunity to see artists in their element; creating, living, breathing art. I encourage everyone to come support this event.”

David Watkins, the City Manager gave his take on the festival. “Our downtown is a center for art, culture, history and diversity in this region. Art will continue to play a leading role in the rebirth and resurgence of the Central Avenue Historic District and adjoining neighborhoods. This is an opportunity to experience the exhilaration of living and breathing on one of America’s great streets.”

Suzanne Davidson, City Director, said “The city of Hot Springs is enjoying a feeling of renewal, and witnessing evidence of revitalization in the Downtown Historic District.

Seeing emerging artists and their work is quite refreshing.”

The Arts in the Park festival is something that this community has been needing for a while. Too long, if you ask me. But, with the help of several generous donations and grants from area philanthropists and foundations, downtown Hot Springs will get the love and exposure it deserves. To learn more about Arts & the Park, or to get involved, please visithotspringsarts.org, or call (501) 321-2027.

PaintJam PaintJam

withwith DanDan Dunn Dunn speed artistartist speed

AA Celebration ofof the Arts Celebration the Arts May 1–10, 2015 May 1–10, 2015 Hot Springs Hot Springs Arkansas Arkansas Studio Tour Studio Tour ArtArt Fest Fest Plein AirAir Paintout Plein Paintout Tales From TheThe South Tales From South Cinderella Ballet Cinderella Ballet PO PO BoxBox 21358 21358 HotHot Springs, AR 71903 Springs, AR 71903 Food Fight Food Fight festival@hotspringsarts.org festival@hotspringsarts.org Artist John Bramblitt Artist John Bramblitt 501-321-2027 501-321-2027

hotspringsarts.org hotspringsarts.org

Saturday, May 9 9 Saturday, May 6:30 pmpm 6:30 Hot Hot Springs Springs Convention Center Convention Center $10$10 - children under 12 free - children under 12 free

hotspringsarts.org hotspringsarts.org

PlusPlus many more art art events! many more events!

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GIVING TWO FOR ONE

PARTICIPATING IN ONE RACE, YOU’re GIVING BACK TO TWO GREAT CHARITIES... And if that doesn’t make you feel good enough, imagine how you’ll feel after running a half marathon (or 5K) up & DOWN a mountain

Photography by Jeremy Rodgers Story by Josh Williams

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Spring is here. Finally. Did you know that spring fever is a real syndrome? When the temperature rises after a cold winter, your body starts to acclimate.

There is a dilation of the blood vessels, causing blood to move quickly to the body’s surface where heat can be lost rapidly. The result of this action is an extremely energetic experience, hence the name. I bet you also weren’t aware that daylight savings time was first proposed by Ben Franklin back in 1784, but not implemented fully until the end of the Second World War. You probably also don’t know Jack-n-Back is happening again on April 25. That’s right. You didn’t know Jack, now you do. Let me enlighten.

This year brings the sophomore effort from this one-of-a-kind event. This is a half-marathon that starts and ends at the intersection of highways 84 and 128 (Jack Mountain Road) in Hot Spring County. Last year, the race was the unofficial warm-up option for the

Little Rock Marathon, and with a 13.1 grade incline and boasting a 3000 feet of incline, this course will challenge walkers, relay teams and the most seasoned runners alike. Basically, it’ll kick yo’ ass.

With the inaugural year being rescheduled due to inclement weather and this being a “destinationstyle” race that takes years to grow in popularity with the running community nationwide, the organizers have opted to include a new race this year to give other runners a chance at participation, the Run-Down Jack 5K and with the help of their newest partner and premier sponsor, CHI St. Vincents, they hope to make this event bigger, better and more exciting that can be built on for year’s to come.

These two races are also for two great causes.

One of the groups receiving funds is Higher Peaks, which provides outdoor excursions and adventures

hot springs grants for wounded veterans and their families. They partner with organizations all over the country to provide accommodations at resorts, ranches, cabins and campsites. These most deserving families can experience camping, hiking, rafting, fishing, horseback riding, ropes courses, jeep adventures and much, much more talored to the needs of the participants. After the sacrifices these brave soldiers and their families make for the rest of us, I can’t think of a better way to spend a few extra bones.

The other nonprofit that this race supports is the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center. This is Arkansas’ first hospital-based facility for victims of child abuse and neglect. It was founded by St. Joseph’s Mercy in 2003 after it was revealed that Garland County was one of the judicial districts with the most child maltreatment reports filed. Not a statistic to be proud of. The center is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to these abused children. Aside from tying these kids’ abusers to vehicles and dragging them down the highway for 10 miles, then pouring salt and lemon juice in their wounds, this is the next best thing.

I was lucky enough to catch up with the winner of the women’s division of the inaugural race last year,

Rebecca Stillie Turner. Now, Bec finished in 1:53.19 last year. She ran 13.1 miles in the time it takes to watch 22 Jump Street. That’s not a very long. I asked her about her experience.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Jack-n-Back?

A: My favorite thing about the Jack-n-Back is the variety of challenges the course offers. Your stamina is challenged with the uphill climb, your endurance is challenged with the distance, and at the end of the course, if you’ve ran it well, you get to roll out your speed. It’s a really fun course with a bit of everything.

Q: When did you decide to start running extremely long distances? And furthermore, what are the results of your last psychiatric evaluation?

A: I don’t think I ever made a conscious decision to run seriously. Like Forrest Gump, I just kinda started and never stopped. Every time I think I can’t do something, I’ll surprise myself by doing it, which keeps me going every day…and your crazier than I am, Josh. Everyone knows that.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the running world in the future, if you haven’t dropped dead from a heart attack?

A: I hope to be running as an old woman. I’ve been in many a race where a much older lady is smoking me, and on top of feeling humbled by it, it is also incredibly inspiring and motivating to think that at 70 I could be beating 30 year olds…and I’m not going anywhere anytime soon, bud.

Q: Why do you do this to yourself?

A: I do it because it’s rewarding physically and mentally. You learn so much about yourself when you are pushed to your limits. I’m still pushing mine and hope to do so for many years to come…wanna race?

The second annual Jack-n-Back half-marathon & the new Run-Down Jack 5K will begin at 8a.m. on Saturday, April 25.

You can register online at jack-n-back.com or beginning at 6a.m. on race day, at Prairie Bayou Church, located at 19480 Highway 84 in Malvern. Call (501)620-4520 or email info@jack-n-back.com for more. Remember, the proceeds of this event go to a couple of great causes, so get your ass off the couch and support our community. You can walk for fun at the 5K, form teams, or you can try to beat Mrs. Turner’s time in the half. Either way, if you can’t finish the race, don’t be ashamed. The Jack Wagon will be there to pick you up.

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RED DOOR

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The Mortgage Isn’t Paid, but They Act Like It Is Story by Josh Williams

Nine years ago I was working as a manager for Tuesday Morning. I know, hilarious. A schooled actor stuffing frayed Beanie Babies and chipped Calphalon cookware into cramped department store shelving…

Living the dream, I tell ya. I picked up the newspaper on one of my much anticipated lunch breaks and saw that the Pocket Theatre was holding auditions for a Neil Simon play called Chapter Two. Now, to an actor, performing in a Neil Simon play is like a star athlete of a championship-caliber club playing against the worst team in the league. It’s not a challenge at all–it can be pretty fun–but it doesn’t really improve your “game.”

I’m not going to berate Neil Simon–The Odd Couple is great–you just don’t want to have too many of his plays on your résumé, that’s all. But this was going to be my first acting gig since my BoilerRoom days, and I didn’t have anything better to do. Little did I know, that decision to go audition for that show, at that time, at that little Pocket Theatre, would change my life forever.

After my warm-up role in Chapter Two, and some negotiating with the Pocket Theatre Board, I teamed with Chris Powers to establish Back Pocket Productions in June of 2006. We began our quest in the dark recesses of the structural relic that houses the Pocket Theatre. We basically had free reign to produce any show we wanted, and that meant making people uncomfortable. Quite fitting for the “people under the stairs.” We were ecstatic.

Our mission was simple: to present material more relevant to contemporary society and to introduce the dying art of

Photography by Jeremy Rodgers & Amanda Ledbetter

live theatre to a younger generation. In other words, we were going to be revolutionaries. The “Che Guevaras” of the theatre circuit. Well, I wouldn’t say revolutionaries, more like extremely enthusiastic dudes playing dress-up.

We had our work cut out for us.

The Pocket Theatre operates out of the old Ramble Street school building. If you’ve been there, you know how scary it is. It really does need a lot of help, so if there are any of you out there looking to make a charitable contribution this year, here’s your chance. The 121-year-old building is definitely showing its age. The roof leaks water like a sieve. The foundation and walls rock and creak like a battle-drawn pirate ship. The stench of asbestos and mold is heavier than Marty McFly’s predicaments. But that didn’t stop us. No way in hell. We were going to transform that 20’ x 40’ basement into the coolest performance space this side of Broadway.

And we did. We made it work. We spent weeks renovating that dungeon; breaking and building and prepping and painting, staining our clothes and straining our souls trying to find the perfect combination of comedy and poignancy.

We started producing shows on a regular basis. We named ourselves and held auditions and printed schedules and constructed kooky advertising and behaved like directors and found element designers and, most importantly, built an audience. An audience young and old alike. And they loved us. We were a “real company.” Sort of. We were signing autographs, though. And we were getting high

and getting laid like rock stars. But then, reality set in.

It occurred to us that after all those years of hard work, we didn’t have much to show for it. Except for our good intentions. Good intentions don’t pay the bills, though. We had a bit of a following, but we didn’t have a business, and we certainly didn’t have any money. Maybe we didn’t have enough advertising? Maybe we weren’t working hard enough? Maybe we weren’t as good as we thought… screw that.

Fast forward to June 2014. Chris Powers had moved away, although part of his soul and mustache stayed behind, and the other half of Back Pocket Productions (me) was looking to re-brand, and regroup.

I didn’t have to look very far for my inspiration. It had been working right beside me all those years. I, along with Zak Powers, Woodrow Hightower and Cameron Jones, started a new endeavor. We called ourselves Red Door Studios. It was an homage to that dank basement on the corner of Ramble and Ravine with the painted door and the creaky floor. As much as we loved that ghost of a building, we moved out of the Pocket Theatre and found a new home at Low Key Arts. We had a new board of directors. We had a new mission, a new vision. We were ready to take Hot Springs by storm...again. But this time, it was going to be for real. Like, really real. We had to change our mindset, and our product, if we truly wanted to create a sustainable business model, while giving our audience something they could truly appreciate and feel the need to support. Third time’s a charm, right?

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RED DOOR

Whilst sitting around a coffee table one evening in early July 2014, the infant organization, with the help of several different reality-altering substances, came up with an intriguing concept. “Let’s do an original interactive Halloween show, complete with flesh-eating zombies, burlesque dancers, circus freaks and vaudevillian-style MC’s. Oh, and we can serve home-brewed beer. Nah, it’ll never work. The other groups will never go for it.” But go for it they did. And how? We pitched the idea to the right people, and soon we had the green light to move forward with our first venture, H-6 or, the Hot Springs Home-brewed Halloween Haunted Horror House.

After a one-night-only, sold out show (We actually had to turn many people away—sorry to all of you, by the way.) and a $1,200 donation to KUHS 97.9, we were in like sin. Everyone had the time of their lives. We kept hearing things like, “When’s the next show? That was soooo awesome! You guys fucking killed it!” We were cheesin’ like Cheshire cats. After four months of planning, rehearsing, stressing, self-loathing and selfdoubting, we accomplished our goal. From that tiny little thought in our collective minds came something

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tangible and extraordinary. We felt like real artists.

Professionals. Bad-asses. We gave something to the world that no one had ever witnessed before. Ever. And we wanted more.

That brings me to the present. With the success of H-6, Red Door Studios has been given the oppotunity to expand its horizons on a mass scale. Not only is RDS producing another play titled Derby Day, which is written and directed by Hot Springs native and professional playwright, Samuel Brett Williams, for the Arts in the Park Festival in May 2015. They are also in the midst of producing an original radio drama authored by member, Zak Powers, entitled The Chronicles of Ice Falls, which will debut soon on 97.9 KUHS. The setting for this masterpiece is, well, here. Hot Springs… Ice Falls… get it? Sorry. This radio melodrama is in the old, noir style cops-and-robbers serial form, and it’s the kind of programming that hasn’t been experienced in decades.

We are doing about 95% of the foley work (sound effects) with raw materials and listening to countless hours of material by our predecessors. Hell, we’ve even shaved our faces and slicked our hair back with Pomade. Along

with the radio and theatre productions, RDS also has plans for a film to premiere at the next Arkansas Shorts Film Festival in January 2016. It wouldn’t be the first film we’ve done. Actually, the members of RDS have produced several short films under the name, The Understudies.

Go check out TheUnderstudiesFilms on YouTube. They are funny, weird and most importantly, original. They are what we embody. Our blood, sweat and tears. Our hearts and minds. Us, entirely, nothing more.

Red Door Studios is on the cusp of something phenomenal.

We aren’t perfect... especially me. But we have something that not a lot of groups have, and that’s camaraderie.

Experience. Love. Respect. We’re like family. We’ve been working together and playing together and fighting together for almost a decade, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. I work with some of the most amazing, intelligent and dedicated people on the planet. Everyone should be so lucky. Maybe that’s why we named ourselves Red Door. The mortgage isn’t paid off, but the fulfillment I get from working with these guys sure makes it seem like it is. That, and we do have some evil spirits following us around. (Maniacal laughter, exit).

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For more go to reddoorhotsprings.com , or visit them on Facebook. Be sure to catch Derby Day, April 30—May 10 at the Arts in the Park festival, and be listening for the Chronicles of Ice Falls, coming soon to 97.9 KUHS.

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Food Fight It’s Not Just for Grade Schoolers Anymore

Story by T. Porter Montgomery Photography by Jeremy Rodgers #hshotspots

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FOOD FIGHT

We are living at the dawn of a golden age in cooking. More meal options are available to the standard consumer than ever in recorded history. Take a stroll down any few aisles, in any grocery store, and you are presented with a variety of ingredient choices, most of which are taken for granted these days, that would have been unimaginable a mere thirty or forty years ago. In this fertile, culture-rich soil, a new breed of chefs is being “genetically engineered” right here in the Spa City. They call themselves “Exchange Culinary Group.” (E.C.G. on the street) They consist of six chefs, a mixoligist, and a baker.

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They have cooked for superstars and royalty alike, and are about as different from one another as you could attempt to make them. The chefs of the E.C.G. don’t just enjoy food, or “like” cooking. For them, there is not a waking hour of the day when food, in one facet or another, does not cross their minds. It’s a way of life, a fact which can be seen inked into the skin of most of the crew.

Learning the ar t of cooking even went as far as risking one of the chef’s lives. So when someone asks if they are passionate about their jobs? Yeah... It’s safe for you to assume that.

This coming May 4, at 5p.m., a culinary rumble of epic proportions will commence, at the Hamp Williams building at 500 Ouachita Avenue in Hot Springs.

The competition breaks down like this: The six chef’s will divide into two teams, and will compete over three rounds, constructing unique tapas dishes for you, the audience, to eat, judge and vote upon. Each round will be accompanied by a craft cocktail, for those of age, created specifically by Mixoligist Tim Daniels to pair with each round’s dishes.

The two teams will be lead by Angela NardiNix, and T. Porter Montgomery. On the one side, leading

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team “Cheffortless,” Chef Nardi-Nix has a very impressive pedigree as a 3rd Generation Chef. She has cooked for the likes of Elton John and John Popper of Blues Traveler, at The Famous Green Room in Dallas, which is the same restaurant that garnered her rating as one of the 8 great chefs of Dallas in 2006 at the tender age of 20. She is paired with her husband Zach Nix, a (sometimes) quiet, and unassuming culinary ninja who, like Chef Montgomery, hails from Colorado. “The Chefs Nix” have cooked for famous and influential people across the country, garnering a resume that looks similar to a redacted CIA action report. Just by themselves, Angela and Zach are a pair of trained culinary assassins. But because there is no such thing as “too much awesome” when it comes to food, Chef Nardi-Nix is bringing in fresh talent and raw passion for cooking, in the form of one Brett Trussel, a new found acolyte to the brotherhood of the frying pan.

What he may lack in seasoning, (pardon the pun) he makes up for in spades with heart, determination, and work ethic. A true workhorse in the kitchen, Mr. Trussel is currently apprenticing under Chef Angela, as she presides as Head Chef over the kitchen of the Superior Bath House and Brewery in downtown Hot Springs.

On the other side, leading team “50 Shades of Earl Grey” is Chef T. Porter Montgomery, a personal chef and knife-for-hire. After graduating from culinary school, Chef Montgomery apprenticed under Certified-Executive

Chef and traveling restaurant consultant, Jody Kessler. Chef Montgomery traveled with, and served as Kessler’s Sous-chef at the various restaurants that would contract him. (Think of a cross between Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares and Robert Irvine’s Kitchen Impossible.) After traveling across the country with Chef Kessler for over 3 years, he finally ended up in the ski town of Sun Valley, Idaho. Working as a caterer and personal chef, he cooked multiple times for the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rob Lowe, John Kerry, Jamie Lee Curtis, and many other members of Hollywood and business royalty, some of whom he still flies back to cook for every December.

Staying in Hot Springs to be closer to his father, who has been fighting cancer, Chef Montgomery has recently taken over the kitchen at Surfas Culinary District, and with the help of Chef Trey Brunk, formed the Exchange Culinary Group. Joining his friend in this epic food clash, Chef Brunk, a native of New Orleans, graduated culinary school at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. Chef Brunk has also spent time studying and cooking on two continents, matriculating home to Germany to learn old world cooking techniques to add to his cooking arsenal.

“The idea guy” of the group, Chef Trey is constantly pushing boundaries in the kitchen, often calling Porter at 2, or even 3a.m. “Porter! I just had a amazing idea! We are probably going to need liquid nitrogen though...” Trey’s new-found love of molecular gastronomy has not lessened the frequency of this phenomenon.

Also lending his considerable talent, and throwing in his knife with Chefs Brunk and Montgomery, as they hoist the culinary Jolly Roger is Vinny Kilmer. A chef born and raised in the food capital of the south, Austin, Tex. Chefs Kilmer and Montgomery arrived in Hot Springs at nearly the same time, and forged a close bond over food almost instantly. An extremely talented chef with unrivaled passion, who came up from the streets, Chef Kilmer is an avid learner who never was afforded the chance to step foot inside a culinary school. He is a self made chef who has clawed his way up to his current status though sheer talent, luck, and unwavering passion for truly great food. It’s this combination of things, that brought him to Hot Springs, and gave him both a purpose, and direction in life. He continues to hone his craft along side Chef Nix at Central Park Fusion in Hot Springs.

When you stand back and look at us, we hardly seem like we would fit together, a fact that strangers who don’t know us, have been known to comment on. But we joined together as a group of misfits, culinary scallywags, bonded by our love of food, and a desire to change the palate and the face of food in this town. We want to do things that are special... I mean really special. We want to give every person we feed that moment–when they take their first monumental bite–of clarity. Where they are forced to just stop and ask themselves “Wow.... How did they do this?” At its core, that is what the ECG is about.

Knowing that people are having fun with their food, makes it fun for us. Because any chef will tell you, the very best food happens when you’re having fun while you cook. But for us, the most fun we can have is when we get to meet each other on the culinary field of battle.

Tickets for this event are only $25 a person until April 27, when prices will increase to $35 per person.

For that meager price, you can sample 6 different plates, as well as, 3 craft cocktails, and vote for your favorite dish. Winners will be chosen based on your votes! Tickets can be purchased online at prekindle.com or in person at: Surfas Culinary District, 510 Ouachita Ave., (501)6242665 and Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery, 329 Central Ave., (501)624-2337.

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THE HOOK-UP

LIBRARY

THE GARLAND COUNTY LIBRARY OFFERS A CONNECTION POINT THAT GOES FAR BEYOND THE SHELVES OF BOOKS FROM THE PAST & VENTURES INTO SO MUCH MORE

Story by Josh Williams

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Photography by Amanda Ledbetter

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Remember when you used to have to actually read a book if you wanted to learn something about a particular subject? Or when you had to get on the microfiche to read the news? Or what about literally picking up an encyclopedia, not clicking on this Wikipedia thing, whatever that is. Anyone born before or in the 80’s knows what I mean. We didn’t have accessible Internet when I was 10. We had never even heard of a “smart phone”, let alone have one fused to our palm. There was no instant gratification. We had to work for our jollies. Technology today has given people the ability to access information about anything and everything at the drop of a hat. Or as long as it takes us to say “Okay, Google” or “Siri” anyway.

That’s something that John Wells, the Garland County Library Director, realized. He said, “Libraries are like any other institution that survives through the years. They must adapt to the times, or face becoming irrelevant. We choose to be more relevant. We want the library to be a center of our community’s civic and cultural life. We must grow, or die on the vine.”

So grow is what the library did. They rebranded, complete with a new logo and market position—“Your Connection Point.” The need to keep up with rapidly evolving technology wasn’t the only reason for the change. The library actually talked to the residents of Garland County to find out what they valued about the library and how the library could become more pertinent to their daily lives. They conducted research by holding focus groups with library patrons and staff participating together. Remember that? Actual communication; otherwise known as face-to-face encounters? I miss that.

“We found that people want the library to be an inviting place to come and connect—not only with information and programming, but with each other,” said Michelle Strause, the president of GCL’s board of directors. “The library’s staff got high, very high marks for being friendly and helpful, but people wanted more inviting colors and better places to gather in groups.” Other points raised during the focus groups centered on the accessibility and general knowledge of the library’s resources and even its physical location in the community.

digital entertainment collection with a plethora new virtual books, music and movies, which can be downloaded through Hoopla.

In total, the library contains more than 160,000 items that are available to the public. And it’s not just books and movies, either. They also have board games, video games, and even fishing poles to check out.

I bet you didn’t know that. I didn’t. There are a great many things that we didn’t know about the GCL.

In welcome response to all the feedback, the library took action. They covered up the bland, gray paint in the children’s room with happy blues, bright yellows and grassy greens. Updated child-friendly furniture was added. The higher-demand collections were moved to more prominent areas. New seating was created. New signage abounds, inside and out. They started offering tax preparation services, toddler story time, bad-movie bingo, and crochet groups for granny. Ahhh, I love the smell of progress in the morning.

This general lack of knowledge about the library and its contents was another cause of concern for Director Wells. “We found that people were quite surprised with what the library already offers. That’s what we’re missing. The people’s knowledge about us.

We offer entertainment and cultural exposure for all ages.

This new day emanates from you and your need to stay connected. Libraries are about connecting, whether its through a good read, a good movie, a meeting place or online. There is no place better suited to fulfill that mission than the Garland County public library.”

The library’s other findings from the focus groups showed that Garland County residents wanted a cleaner, more user-friendly website and higher engagement through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram—otherwise known as the “social trinity”…Hey, I kind of like that. Don’t even think about it, people. That one is mine. The improved website has made it much easier to access standard information, such as applying for a library card or viewing the calendar of events. The library also overhauled their

I am really glad to see the Garland County Library taking itself seriously, and making an effort to stay relevant in people’s lives. We should respect that.

Actually, we need to take advantage of it. They are offering themselves to us like a drunk freshman during rush week. They have all this great entertainment and all these reference materials—for free! Who couldn’t use a few extra coins in their pocket? Take some time to reconnect. An old friend is back in town, and we all know how satisfying it is to light up that old flame.

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I don’t go to ‘a’ bar. I go to barzzz. Plural. I’m just living up to the example my predecessors set. Hot Springs has always been pretty fun-loving. April 25th will be no exception. Hot Springs Hot Spots Magazine and Render Creative Group are

hosting the second bi-annual Downtown Pub Crawl. Well, this is actually still the first bi-annual; the second half of it. We just did the initial crawl in November of 2014, so technically this is still the first bi-annual—look, you have an opportunity

Story by Josh WIlliams

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BEER

Yes, beer. — This is actually the number one reason, but gimme a break. I had a long day. I may or may not be a little drunk right now. And, I had to start somewhere. But please, NO DRINKING AND DRIVING. Don’t be a moron.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

The downtown area of Hot Springs is overflowing with history. Everyone from Bettie Page to Lucky Luciano have gotten shit-faced in the same spot you will be sitting.

Pretty neat.

SILENT AUCTIOn

We don’t mean the type of silent auction where you walk around with you glass of fine wine and dressed to the nines, but it will be a worthy reason to bid none-the-less.

With help from two of our sponsors, Wheeler Printing and LaRue Custom Framing, we will be auctioning off some of the most ‘epic’ photographs from our contributing photographers including the incomparable Jeremy Rodgers. Participants will bid purely online, so that it can be at your fingertips (mobile devices) throughout the evening and will end at our last location. You will bid on the prints only, and a few lucky winners will win the ultimate raffle of finished framed art pieces at the end of the night. We are talking big wall art at the price of a few beers, how awesome is that?!

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CAMARADERIE

Even though massive amounts of truth serum can sometimes be detrimental to friendships, there is something really great about hanging with your buds and knocking a few back. It’s kind of tough to beat, actually.

A BAD-ASS T-Shirt

Who doesn’t like a cool tee, especially one that validates your partying prowess. This year’s t-shirt will make those friends that couldn’t attend, or wussed out, extremely jealous. Oklahoma City native, Dustin Oswald, who has spent many a drunkered nights walking the pubs of downtown Hot Springs when he has visited, has graciously agreed to design & produce this year’s wearable out of his studio, Bombs Away.

to make history here. We are going to pummel seven, count ‘em, seven bars all in one evening (and that doesn’t even count the after party!). Come with us, I’m going to give you a countdown of the the top ten reasons why you should.

Photography by Jim G. Miller

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SWAG

There will be all kinds of neat stuff given away. Gift certificates, cool novelty attire and goods from local artisans and retailers. A raffle ticket given to you at check-in will be your chance to win prizes all throughout the night. And, there will be plenty worth pining away for.

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A $500 CASH PRIZE

I don’t really need to say anything else here. This should be number one. The only caveat... you must finish the crawl to be eligible. A token of some kind will be given to you at each location and you must have all tokens in your possession immediately when your name is called at the final raffle of the evening. We recommend knocking back a couple Red Bulls because you definitely will need wings to keep up.

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“RIdiculagram” Photos

Thanks to a Photo Scavenger Hunt (sponsored by our friends at Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters), the addition of lots of crazy costumes which are strongly encouraged, and blatant disregard for social etiquette — Instagram uploads should be quite interesting.

Our creative team will be putting together a list of clues to follow throughout the evening, not a major mind bender, just a hilarious way to document your journey.

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EPIC STORIES Let’s just say nights like these are recanted for generations. Bragging rights are given out freely when you accomplish a night of indulgence like this one. But, while we are on the subject of the epic-ness of it all, take a minute to check out the ground rules of the event on our Facebook page. Safety first, ya know.

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SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS ES This is the most important thing we can do for our community. We with our other sponsors, including Visit Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village and Real Rock 101.5, are motivated by supporting our community and creating another reason for people (locals and tourists alike) to make thier way downtown and enjoy our fair city and everything it has to offer. #doitwithalocal #hshotspots

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TRENDING

WHAT’S HOT WHAT’S NOT

#LATERGRAM•ING

jeremy_rodgers_photography Pinky up @kollective #hotspringshotspots #downtownhotsprings #doitwithalocal

The War on Cakes We are so over the using pastries or pizza boxes to get across your political or religious agenda. Just love each other dammit.

Historic Howe Hotel Building Sales This news has the potential of being overwhelmingly hot for Hot Springs, but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Central Park Fusion Opens for Lunch It may be later in April or early May, but we’ve heard gossip of this and our tummys couldn’t be more pleased.

Tom Cotton’s Pea-Sized Brain Finally, SNL has reason to reference our great state once more, geesh.

vinnyvadge @damian8048 getting set up for a shoot #hotspringshotspots #hotsprings #reddoorstudios #render

Ruth Carney’s Facebook Etiquette We’ve seen enough.

Mid-America Re-Opens & Makes Us Feel Like a Kid Again And, gives us a place to take the kiddos.

Equality Oddly enough, we are with Walmar t on this one.

Wow, never thought we’d say that...

WHAT’S UP? CALL-OUT TO OUR READERS

a_angenuity #latergram the parade as seen at the #hotspringshotspots party

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On this page resides just a couple of our newest installments. We are all familiar with lists of what’s trending.

But we wanted to give you something that has some local flare, can open a better dailogue with our readers & Hot Springians, and aims to get you engaged and vocal with us. If you don’t agree with anything, want to share your favorite things about what’s going on around you in your

hometown, or want to contribute your ideas to any of these or future installments (we have more fun in the works), find us online at hshotspots.com. Be sure to tag us #hshotspots or #hotspringshotspots, so we can find you and just maybe you’ll find yourself back here! And, thank you for everything you do to make Hot Springs more awesome everyday!.

APRIL

hot springs

10 VOCAL-RAMA 18 First Annual Hot Springs Gumbo & Crawfish Festival 10-12, 17-19 THE POCKET Swish 3x3 Fest -

MAY 1 Opening Day for

EVENT CALENDAR at Arlington Hotel

at Hill Wheatley Plaza

THEATre PRESENTS “HARVEY”

at The Pocket Theatre, 170 Ravine

11 SUMMERFEST UPTOWN,

ON PARK AVENUE “TREASURE HUNT” at 100-700 Blocks of Park Ave.

MAGIC SPRINGS REOPENS at Magic Springs Theme Park

12 STARDUST BIG BAND 16 WINE TASTING DINNER 16-18 CENTRAL ARKANSAS

3 on 3 basketball tournament at Cutter Morning Star High School

23-24 MAORI HEALERS at 2818 Park Ave.

24 SPRING CARNIVAL & FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

at 617 Main St.

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at The Arlington Hotel

at Vina Morita, 610 Central Ave.

CORVETTE CLUB CAR SHOW

at Hot Springs Convention Center

17-18 HOT SPRINGS AEROSPACE DAY, HOSTING THE b-52 MITCHELL BOMBER FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

at Hot Springs Memorial Airfield

HALF MARATHON featuring the

4th annual $75,000 Hot Springs Fishing Challenge at Lake Catherine & Lake Hamilton

GALLERY WALK at Downtown Hot Springs

MAY 1-10

ART & THE PARK ARTS FESTIVAL at Downtown Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS CHILDREn’s JACK-N-Back Half DANCE THEATRE Marathon & Run PRESENTS “Cinderella” at Five Star Theatre, 701 Central Ave. Down Jack 5k at Hwy. 84/128

DOWNTOWN PUB CRAWL PRESENTED

BY HOT SPRINGS HOT SPOTS

MAY 2 ROCK PORCH SESSIONS FEATURING Donnie Mathis

at Downtown Hot Springs

at Grove Park, Hot Springs Village

30-MAY 3 RED DOOR

MAY 2-3 Hot Springs

at Low Key Arts, 118 Arbor St.

at Various Studios/Galleries

STUDIOS PRESENTS “Derby Day”

Area Art Studio Tours

#hshotspots

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