hot springs
THE MINISTER OF SOUND PG 30
LIVE VENUE LISTING PG 10 HSHotSpots.com
JUNE 2014
HOT SPRINGS MUSIC FESTIVAL pg 20
LIVIN’ HIGH ON THE H.O.G. PG 25 BLACK FLAG PG 8 1 #hshotspots
Go Outside It increases your odds oF having an adventure #doitwithalocal
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909 Central Avenue #hshotspots
3
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
HOT SPRINGS HOT SPOTS EDITOR Jim G. Miller CREATIVE/ART Marisa Rodgers PHOTOGRAPHY Jeremy Rodgers Chris Sale
June is in full bloom with Arkansas wild flowers kept lush by this seasons slew of thunderstorms. Hot Springs is flooded also with tourists this time of year, and many small businesses are hopeful for more. As the heat grows so does the number of people plunging into the lakes and swimming holes scattered around the state. Pool parties have become a common practice now with the smell of sweet barbecue and honeysuckle perfuming the air. The stuff grows everywhere. Up mailbox stands and wire fences in its unrelenting pursuit to grow and and spread its vines and flowers. I imagine this current issue of Hotspots as being like a patch of honeysuckle. Although we don’t attract the bees, I hope that we attract you to something rich, beautiful and perhaps unknown about this great community of Hot Springs. In this issue you will find updates on the Hot Springs Music Festival, the upcoming H.O.G. Rally, what’s new at the Boys and Girls Club as well as profiles on local artists, online journalists, and music aficionados like Darrell at Miracle Electronics. At Hot Springs Hot Spots we have an affinity for the little guy, and we always strive to bring you information about not just entertainment and art but also the obscure that you may have never been aware of. We all hope that you enjoy this issue as we work to share with you the heartbeat of Hot Springs. Thanks as always for reading.
CONTRIBUTORS Brett Trussell Samuel Binns Calvin Wasson COPY EDITORS Ciara Cerrato Samuel Binns
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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EAT S EL HELADO
6
NOM NOMS MEXICAN GRILL & CHILL
MUS I C
8
BLACK FLAG A NEW TOUR With a new singer
ART S SEE THE SOUND
14
THE PAINTINGS OF EMILY WOOD
G IVI NG BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
16
20 16
14
32
AN END TO THE IDLE
IMPAC T THE COLORS OF SUMMER
32
BRINGING LIFE TO FABRICS
WO RT H T HE D R I V E TERRA STUDIOS
34 F EATURED
20 THE SHOW MUST GO ON
HOT SPRINGS MUSIC FESTIVAL
A WHIMISICAL WONDERLAND
D O N’T M I S S LIVE SHOW LISTINGS
22 THE HIGH NOTES 27 HOT SPRINGS REVEALED 10 CALENDAR OF EVENTS LIVIN’ HIGH ON THE H.O.G. THE MINISTER OF SOUND 35 25 30 NIGHT BY NIGHT MUST-SEES
ONLINE LOCAL MEDIA SOURCES
THE ARKANSAS H.O.G. RALLY
MIRACLE ELECTRONICS
JUNE
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EL helado
EATS
nom noms grill & chill: independent Mexican Style Ice Cream Shop Expands its Outlook
Photography by Chris Sale
Story by Jim G. Miller
6
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It’s June, and the season is starting to get a little sultry. While there are tons of great options for frozen treats to cool you off in Hot Springs, we decided to take a look back at Nom Noms GrillN-Chill. Having opened in May of 2010, they are not a new business anymore, but there’s no doubt that they continue to be a sweet source of homemade Mexican style ice cream, sorbet, nom bars, and overall good food since their opening.
Established by Rafael Poe Alvarez and his family, they repurposed the husk of a long abandoned fast food restaurant on Central Avenue and turned it into a thriving business for kids and families to enjoy. “I’ve learned so much since we opened that first day,” says Alvarez. Businessmarketing savvy Alvarez was finishing up his bachelors of science in business at Henderson State when they opened.
While the nomchos are a hot menu item right now (especially when adding jalapenos), the burritos that are nearly the size of a small infant are also very popular. If you like both, then we recommend the burrito bowl. There are fifty two frozen treats that are custom made daily, using natural fruit and requiring less sugar than many other desserts. Popular and unique flavors are the aromatic rose petal, tamarind, avocado, and chongos (Mexican custard). Their aguas frescas and horchata are all made fresh in-house which is immediately apparent upon tasting. They also boast vegan items all made in-house as well.
Involved very much in the local scene, Alvarez wants everyone to try his product and works diligently to network throughout the community. “You can’t always rely on advertising as a business owner. You’ve got to sometimes put yourself out there personally and let people know about you and your business so that word of mouth spreads,” he explains. Nom Noms has been a vendor of the Historic Hot Springs Farmers Market in the past and has been a sponsoring vendor at the Spa City Metal Fest for the past two years. “I just love music,” says Alvarez. He has
also been committed to helping with the new Valley Street Skate Park project and hopes to eventually establish a skate ministry at his church, Lake Pointe Church. An entrepreneur, a skateboarder, and a devoted family man, Alvarez began thinking about new possibilities, and just a little more than a year ago he decided that it was time to expand his business approach. He opened his second location in McKinney, Texas last month, and the new location maintains the vibrant and friendly atmosphere. It also holds the same amazing food and traditional dessert items that appear on the menu at the original Hot Springs location. Because everything at Nom Nom’s is custom made, everyone can find a cool treat this summer. Make sure to like them on Instagram and Facebook to keep track of updates, see new promotional videos, and participate in fun contests and promotions.
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7
Black Flag
MUSIC
A New Tour with a New Singer makes a stop in hot springs
Photo Courtesy of SST Records
Story by Jim G. Miller
8
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Yes, Black Flag is coming to Hot Springs. They will be playing this summer at Maxine’s Live Music Venue - as if there were anywhere else that could handle them - and they are possibly the biggest name in American hardcore punk music to ever grace the stage of any venue in Hot Springs. Black Flag has been synonymous with the hardcore punk music scene for decade’s, and guitarist Greg Ginn started it all back in 1976. The band has since been a significant influence on the American punk subculture. Ginn also established SST Records which carries Black Flag. The band has had numerous vocalists— Henry Rollins heralded the position of front man for possibly the longest and most successful period of time. Maybe out of a sense of love, or perhaps a feeling of entitlement, Rollins and previous member Keith Morrison attempted to copyright the bands logo in a coup essentially to claim Black Flag from Ginn. After the court settled, Ginn and SST Records retained the copyright and went on to set up a North American
tour with new singer and previous manager Mike Vallely. Vallely is relieved to have the issue behind them now as they venture out on their first tour together with both a new drummer and bassist.
certainly has something to prove with much of their long-term fan base turning their ears because of the changes involved in the newest incarnation of the band.
This will be Vallely’s second trip to Hot Springs. The first time he came nearly seven years ago while he was touring the world as a representative for skating awareness in the documentary series “DRIVE,” directed by Mark Jeremias. Vallely, a legendary pro-skater, came to Hot Springs because of an incident that occurred nearly seven years ago on National Skate Day between a Hot Springs Police officer and a group of young skaters. The series explored skateboarding and the youth culture of the day. Returning to play in Hot Springs only a week after “Go Skateboarding Day” on June 21st, there will surely be plenty of young skaters in town who would be flabbergasted to see Vallely at the Valley Street Skate Park. “We are looking forward to the show and it’s gonna’ be a fun night in Hot Springs,” says Vallely who is excited to finally be touring again. Black Flag
Vallely was a big fan and follower of Black Flag since the mid-1980s. He even has a tattoo from their popular song Rise Above, the first song he ever heard the band perform live. Vallely formed a friendship with Ginn, and the two have played in other bands over the years. Together they make a competent team that represents the strong hardcore punk foundation that Black Flag was built on, and they are looking to display that to both their new and already established fans. Their show here is one stop along the way to putting their reputation back on the American hardcore punk pedestal where it belongs. See them at Maxine’s Live Music Venue as part of their Victimology North American Tour with special guests HOR and Cinema Cinema on June 28th.
hot springs
ALBUMS ON REVIEW < THE ROOTS ...and then you shoot your cousin
Released May 19, 2014 In the midst of all of the fluff that comes with most mainstream Hip Hop, The Roots seem to flip the script with this album. The group dauntingly paints a grim picture that inlays with the tribulations of inner-city life. Intertwining the hauntingly lovely vocals of Nina Simone & Mary Lou Williams with the thick beats of QuestLove and the wordsmithing via BlackThought, these artists are pulling no punches. With tracks like “Never” (featuring Patty Cash) and “When the People Cheer” (featuring Modesty Lycan & Greg Porn), you can’t help but feel the angst in this non-nostalgic Hip Hopera. This composition is much more of an immersion in the gritty side of life than an escape from the daily hoopla. I enjoyed this album, but be mindful; you’ll find no bubblegum in these rappers.
< THE BLACK KEYS TURN BLUE
Released May 12, 2014 Remember that garage rock, blues based thickfreakyness that made you groove along with this band...we’ll this ain’t it. “Turn Blue,” the band’s 8th studio album, seems more lyrically forced than felt, differing from their former releases. Title track “Turn Blue” & single “Fever” reveal traces of what I’d come to truly enjoy out of the Akron, Ohio based duo. However, it seemed like I only received a sip of tea when I actually wanted a shot and a brew and keep’em coming barkeep! The experimental stylings of producer Danger Mouse add many dimensions to the no-nonsense feel that doesn’t really seem to improve the structure of the songs. Look...this is not a Hipster Hatred review due to their new found soccer stadium sellout popularity, only an observation in “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”! All in all, the album does have its moments in melody mastery, but that’s all...moments.
< lykke li i never learn
Released May 2, 2014 In her 3rd album release, Lykke Li of Sweden is not beating around the bush with 9 songs that come in a little over 30 minutes. In a similar style to Lana Del Rey, she sets the table by sounding exactly how she feels. Songs like “Just Like A Dream” & “Gunshot” reveal raw talent haunted by heartbreak and a yearning toward anticipation of hope. The fervent and operatic vocals accompanied by euphoric strings and epic percussion come together to chronicle what this artist illustrates in her painful declaration of love lost and what is to come. “Love Me Like I’m Not Made of Stone” leaves nothing to be contemplated while this young lady pours her life into your soul. I enjoyed this album, but once again if you’re not looking for sunshine, then you’ve picked the right album to listen to.
Do you agree with our Reviews? Leave your feedback on our reviews at hshotspots.com. Submit your own Reviews! Send your new release album, video or movie reviews to info@hshotspots.com.
Reviews by Brett Trussell #hshotspots
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LIVE SHOW LISTINGS
VENUES
10
700 CENTRAL AVE.
TUE THURS FRI SAT THURS FRI SAT
THE SHARROWS (AR) Rock, Folk MARK EDGAR STUART & GRACE ASKEW (TN); Jacob FURR (TX) Americana CULT FICTION (AR) Improv Comedy; AMASA HINES (AR) Psychedelic Future Rock THE VAIL (AR) Industrial Rock; SIVERSA (AR) Rock; FALLING AWAKE (AR) Rock FOXTROT UNIFORM (TX) Rock, Blues BOMBAY HARAMBEE (AR) Rock MAYFLOWER TORNADO RELIEF SHOW: Opportunist (AR) Rock; BECOMING ELEPHANTS (AR) Rock; MULEHEAD (AR) Alternative, Indie, Folk FRI 6/20 BURLESQUE SHOW SAT 6/21 GINSU WIVES (AR) Experimental; THE DANNER PARTY (OK) Rock; AMERICAN LIONS (AR) Rock THURS 6/26 BROTHER ANDY AND HIS BIG DAMN MOUTH (AR) Indie Rock; CHRISTIAN LEE HUTSON (CA) Folk; RACHEL KATE (SC) Folk, Blues FRI 6/27 MYA’s MADAMS (AR) Drag Show SAT 6/28 BLACK FLAG (CA) Punk Rock; HOR (CA) Experimental; CINEMA CINEMA (NY) Post Punk
711 CENTRAL AVE.
FRI SAT SUN FRI SAT SUN FRI SAT SUN FRI SAT SUN hshotspots.com
6/3 6/5 6/6 6/7 6/12 6/13 6/14
6/6 6/7 6/8 6/13 6/14 6/15 6/20 6/21 6/22 6/26 6/27 6/28
DONNY ESKRIDGE (AR) Original Folk Music THE CARNIE BARKERS (AR) Irish KENNY TILLERY (AR) Blues Guitar THE ITINERANT LOCALS (AR) Irish/German BILL JAGITSCH (AR) Blues Band Irish Brew (AR) Irish Music Clyde pound Jazz trio (AR) Jazz BONNIE MONTGOMERY (AR) Original Folk Music LAURA LEE WILLARD (AR) Folk THE REEL BAND (AR) Irish MIDNIGHT PARADE (AR) Traditional Rock Itinerant Locals (AR) Irish/German
2705 CENTRAL AVE.
6/2 JOCKO (AR) 9pm-1am; Country, Rock 6/3 LARRY WOMACK (AR) 5-8pm; Blues 6/5 RUSTY MARSHALL (AR) 5-8pm; Rock 6/6-7 THE TOMMY AKERS BAND (TN) 9pm-1am; Southern Rock 6/9 MOONSHINE MAFIA (AR) 5-8pm; Blues 6/10 JORDAN THOMAS (AR) 5-8pm; 6/12 SHANE SIMANTON (AR); Blues, Classic Rock 6/13-14 CRASH MEADOWS (AR) 5-8pm; Rock, Alternative 6/16 RUSTY MARSHALL (AR) 5-8pn; Rock 6/17 KYNDRYD SPRYTS (AR) 5-8pm; Rock 6/4 JOHN CALVIN BREWER (AR) 5-8pm; Rock, Blues 6/20-21 BIG SHARE THORNTON (AR) 9pm-1am; Coutnry, Rock 6/23 LARRY WOMACK (AR) 5-8pm; Blues 6/24 DEAN AGUS (AR) 5-8pm; Rock 6/26 MOONSHINE MAFIA (AR) 5-8pm; Blues 6/27-28 SHANE SIMANTON (AR) 9pm-1am; Blues, Classic Rock 6/30 DELTA DONNIE (AR) 5-8pm; Southern Rock
LIVE SHOW LISTINGS
MON TUE THURS FRI/SAT MON TUE THURS FRI/SAT MON TUE THURS FRI/SAT MON TUE THURS FRI/SAT MON
hot springs
4330 CENTRAL AVE.
FRI SAT FRI SAT FRI SAT FRI SAT
6/6 6/7 6/13 6/14 6/20 6/21 6/27 6/28
CHRISTINE DEMEO BAND (AR) Singer/Songwriter STEVEN NEEPER AND THE WILDHEARTS (AR) Rock SHANE SIMANTON, GRAYSON GOFF & KENNY TILLERY (AR) Blues MAYDAY BY MIDNIGHT(AR) Party Band BLAINE HOWARD (AR) Country SHARI BALES BAND (AR) Southern Rock ASHLEE K. AND THE HAWKS (OF MIDTOWN VIOLETS) (TN) Indie Folk JAMIE LOU AND THE WHISKEY TOO (AR) Folk #hshotspots
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LIVE SHOW LISTINGS
VENUES
910 Higdon Ferry
TUE 6/3 ROCKIN JAKE (FL) Blues, Zydeco WED 6/4 JOCKO (AR) Country, Rock THURS 6/5 JOE HALL & TOMMY (AR) Classic Rock FRI/SAT 6/6-7 THE WHISKEY RIVER RAMBLERS (TX) Country TUE 6/10 SETH FREEMAN (AR) Blues, Bluegrass WED 6/11 JOHN CALVIN BREWER (AR) Rock, Blues THURS 6/12 THE FOUNDERS (AR) Rock FRI/SAT 6/13-14 GHOST TOWN BLUES BAND (AR) Blues TUE 6/17 TARA RILEY THOMPSON & BRENT FRAS (AR) Singer-Songwriter WED 6/18 JOCKO (AR) Country, Rock THURS 6/19 DEAN AGUS (AR) Rock FRI 6/20 SHARI BALES & MIKE TABER BAND (AR) Country, Rock SAT 6/21 SHANE SIMANTON (AR) Blues, Classic Rock WED 6/25 LIGHTNIN LEE & DAVID BALL (AR) Blues THURS 6/26 CHRISTINE DEMEO (AR) Singer-Songwriter FRI/SAT 6/27-28 JOHN CALVIN BREWER (AR) Rock, Blues TUE 7/1 Lightnin Lee & david Ball (AR) Blues WED 7/2 John calvin brewer (AR) Rock, Blues THURS 7/3 HIghway 124 (AR) Classic Rock 101 CENTRAL AVE.
To list your venue, contact info@ hshotspots.com
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FRI SAT SAT SAT FRI SAT
6/6 6/7 6/14 6/21 6/27 6/28
MELISSA HEMBREE AND THE WHISKEY UNION (AR) Country UNSEEN EYE (AR) Rock KYNDRYD SPIRITS (OK) Rock, Metal MALICIOUS GROOVE (HS) Rock red dirt renegades (TX) Country raising grey (AR) Rock
bel l e a rti ho ts p ri ng s .c o m hot springs 719 Cent ral Av e 624-7474
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13
SEE THE SOUND
ARTS
The Fun Summer Art of Emily Wood: Evoking Sound From the Natural Canvas
Story by Jim G. Miller
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Emily Wood’s work comes from a sense of heightened awareness and self-discovery. Wood focuses on painting figures while also evoking the emotions and experiences felt, emphasizing line, color, and value. A resident of Little Rock, Wood earned her B.A. in Fine Arts at Ouachita Baptist University followed by her M.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock in 2011. She is currently exhibiting some of her work at Justus Fine Art Gallery. Exhibiting her work throughout the entire state, Wood has been recognized with many awards and honors as a result of her unique paintings. She currently instructs painting and drawing classes at the Arkansas Arts Center Museum School and conducts workshops and demonstrations throughout the state. For her most recent show at Justus Fine Art Gallery, premiering on Friday, June 6th for Gallery Walk, she will be displaying a series
that she calls “See the Sound”. Using quarterinch oak plywood cut and mitered into boxes for her canvas, she enjoys the hard surface as well as incorporating the wood grains into the composition of her pieces. Discovering the implications found within the grain and how they affects the overall composition is certainly a unique facet of her work. “Being from South Arkansas and being surrounded by timber land and farm land just gives the art a sense of place,” says Wood. Defining her work, based on the medium and from where she grew up, it is evident that her pieces are symbolic of her childhood. Growing up in Camden, Arkansas, which is the home of the Daffodil Festival, Wood provides a glimpse of the happy feeling of summer evenings spent picking daffodils. Her works will be on display for the entire month of June. “See the Sound” focuses on music and movement. Using photos that she
has taken of musicians who she has seen in Little Rock or while traveling, she paints beautifully enigmatic works on oak palettes that appear to come alive. Bright colors are used to help characterize and substantiate faces that are filled with wry and happy expressions. Wood continues to capture something of her home within her desired medium even when painting an unknown subject. Whether it is a complete stranger or a captured scene of familiarity, she uses her paintbrush to conjure a homespun essence onto each one of her natural-oak canvases. Aside from showing her work at Justus Fine Art Gallery, Wood also exhibits her work at Gallery 26 in Little Rock. She keeps herself busy by teaching and doing commission work. She is now undergoing a series of portraits of women artists from Central Arkansas. Come visit with her this gallery walk at Justus Fine Art Gallery and see her sentimental artwork come to life.
May 2 - June 16
Gallery Open uesdays - Saturdays 0:30 am - 5:00 pm
urdays 0 pm
626 Central Avenue Historic Downtown 501-624-0489 | hsfac.org
hot springs
Exhibition of artwork inspired by the ofofartwork Exhibition Exhibition artworkinspired inspiredby bythe the Hot Springs Music Festival Hot HotSprings Springs Music Musicof Festival Festival Exhibition artwork inspired by the and local music events. and andlocal local music music events. events. Hot Springs Music Festival
and local music events. May 2 - June 16 May May 22--June June16 16
May 2 - June 28
626 Central Avenue 626 626Central CentralAvenue Avenue Gallery Gallery Open Open 626 Central Avenue Historic Downtown Historic HistoricDowntown Downtown Tuesdays Tuesdays - -Saturdays Saturdays Historic Downtown Hot Springs 501-624-0489 ||pm hsfac.org 501-624-0489 501-624-0489 || hsfac.org hsfac.org 10:30 10:30 am am - -5:00 5:00 pm 501-624-0489 hsfac.org
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15
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
GIVING
an End to the Idle: Providing a Healthy Positive Place for Youth Photography by Jeremy Rodgers
Story by Jim G. Miller
16
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Keeping your kids preoccupied in a healthy way can be a constant battle for parents, especially after school. Since 1941, the Boys and Girls Club has played a crucial role in providing activities that directly benefit the youngsters of Hot Springs. “I’m twenty now, and I’ve been going to the Boys and Girls Club since I was five years old. It’s like a second home for me. It’s a place where you can go have fun, relax, and spend time with friends while also learning about how to be a responsible adult,” says Jevonta Bates. “I don’t know what I would have done without this place.” The Hot Springs chapter has recently been gifted a new multi-purpose turf field by Brent Gigerich of Gigerich Electrical, Inc. who hosts an annual Boys and Girls Golf Tournament. The Boys and Girls Club has discussed possibly implementing a soccer program to utilize the new turf field. “Baseball of course is a big deal here, I think it’s got a lot to do with the historical figures that visited the
Boys and Girls Club here, guys like Babe Ruth and Rogers Hornsby,” says Patrick Ramsay, Executive Director. The Boys and Girls Club also hosts many other sporting activities for kids, including basketball, volleyball, flag football, and boxing. Retired Hot Springs Police Captain McCoy has been the boxing coach at the Boys and Girls Club for almost 40 years and spent his youth boxing in the Army and after his service. McCoy and other volunteers also provide lessons in building selfesteem, discipline, and perseverance. Starting on June 18th and lasting until the 24th, the Boys and Girls Club will be hosting the National Boxing Championships for the first time. Many boys and girls who train locally will be participating in the championship, and there are opportunities for sponsoring the event by purchasing a ringside table for only $400. “We don’t have much. I pay my own membership and my son’s, but not every
family can do that, so the club ends up covering it through scholarships. They never turn any child away,” says assistant boxing coach Chad Wade. The Boys and Girls Club appreciate help with creating awareness about their organization. Focusing on more than sports, they also look for individuals who have knowledge in art, education, career development, health, life skills, leadership and character development. “Our biggest need is help with finding new Board members who are interested in helping with fundraising and leadership. We also always need assistance in finding resources and finding volunteers,” says Ramsay. The Boys and Girls Club’s summer program is from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Thursday providing breakfast and lunch to kids they also do a weekly field trip to Magic Springs. It provides the kids of working parents to have somewhere safe to go and something fun to do.
hot springs
Full Menu • Full Bar • Pool Tables
H our s: M -F
11am - 3am Sat
Noon-2am Sun
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EAT/DRINK
RESTAURANT LISTINGS Blackberry sorbet FROM nom noms
AMER IC AN Back Porch Grill 4810 Central 525-0885
Gilligan’s on Lake 5200 Central 525-3319
Mel’s Diner 1603 Airport 767-0595
BAR BEC UE McClard’s BBQ 505 Albert Pike 624-9586
Smokin’ in Style 2278 Albert Pike 767-9797
Stubby’s BBQ 3024 Central 624-1552
PANCAKE SHOP 216 Central 624-5720
BURG ER S Classics Bar & Grill 4813 Central 525-7172
GRINDHOUSE 801 Central 625-3339
MOOYAH 3954 Central 520-5000
C AFE/ BIS T RO CAFE 1217 1217 Malvern 318-1094
MUELLER’s BISTRO
111 Central 624-9273
250 Park 547-7172
4307 Central 525-2710 hshotspots.com
1105 Albert Pike 624-5568
BR EAK FAS T / BRUNC H COLONIAL WAFFLE HOUSE English Muffin 18
JACK’s
111 Crawford #B 623-7005
PARK ISLAND CAFE ZOE’s CAFE 2230 Malvern 321-2921
C A JU N/ C R E O LE FAT JACKS 101 Central 623-5225
C HI NE S E HUNAN PALACE 4737 Central 525-3344
Wok Express 1418 Albert Pike 623-4932
INTERNATIONAL BLEU MONKEY GRILL 4263 Central 520-4800
CENTRAL PARK FUSION 200 Park Ave 623-0202
COPPER PENNY PUB 711 Central 622-2570
STEINHaus KELLER 801 Central 624-7866
SUPERIOR BATHHOUSE 329 Central 624-2337
hot springs
I TA LI AN Angel’s in the Park 211 Fountain Street 609-0767
Belle Arti 719 Central 624-7474
LUNA BELLA
ME XICAN CotiJa 1335 Airport 760-1165
DOn Juan 1311 Albert Pike 321-0766
EL PADRINO
104 Grand Isle 520-5862
1607 Albert Pike 623-2406
JAHNA’s
NOM NOMS
1803 Airport 767-0200
JA PANESE/ SU S HI Fuji SteakHouse 608 E. Grand 321-1688
Osaka Japanese 3954 Central 525-9888
LAT IN A MERI C AN VINA MORITA 610 Central 625-7143
ROLANDO’S 210 Central 318-6054
3371 Central 623-8588
PICANTE’S 801 Central 623-2300
Salsa’s 4324 Central 520-5305
TACO MAMA 1209 Malvern 624-6262
TREJO’s MEXICAN 3040 Albert Pike 760-2316
PIZZA Deluca’s Pizzeria Napoletana 407 Park 609-9002
Doc’s Pizzeria
Smyly’s Crab Shack
1018 Airport 760-2227
4916 Central 525-3442
RAZORBACK PIZZA
S O UT HER N/ S O UL Higdon Square Café
4330 Central 525-1616
Rocky’s Corner 2600 Central 624-0199
Rod’s Pizza Cellar 3350 Central 321-2313
Sam’s Pizza Pub 401 Burchwood Bay 525-0780
S EAF O O D BUBBA’s CATFISH TO GO 5411 Central 762-3474
Cajun Broilers 2806 Albert Pike 767-5695
Fisherman’s Wharf 5101 Central 525-7437
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706 Higdon Ferry 623-7744
Phil’s 2900 Central 623-8258
S T EAK HO US E Brick House Grill
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KJ’s Grill 1834 Airport 767-0063
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MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Show Must Go On Hot Springs Music Festival Ushers in 19th Season Story by Calvin Wasson
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Photography by Jeremy Rodgers
hot springs
The show will go on. The 19th Hot Springs Music Festival will open on June 1st at the Arlington Hotel with a full staff and all the slots filled with students and mentors The Spa’s cultural event, although being well-prepared and having its bills paid, has had a formidable journey.
running: board development, grants, other fundraising, and fresh programming. Mermel says that previously, all have been neglected.
“If I wasn’t hired, it would have gone under,” says new Executive Director Marcy Mermel. The tough Chicago businesswoman has specialized in saving flogging businesses, and she found one shortly after moving to Hot Springs Village.
The new programming could bring the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) into the festival. For largely forgotten reasons, there has been a rift between the festival and the ASO, but those wounds seem to be healing. The ASO’s new music director Phillip Mann and his wife are festival alumni. They could show up as early as this fall with a fundraising concert.
Mermel says she found the Festival close to $50,000 in debt with no cash on hand, little fund-raising activity, and a largely disenfranchised board. How it got this way is complex. It is more complex for former Executive Director Todd Cranson who seems to be taking much of the responsibility.
“I’m comfortable. I feel all the people are in the right place,” Ms. Rosenberg says. “I’ve been working behind the scenes with some of our senior faculty on a consulting basis and feel we have the team in place, a team that is absolutely up to the challenge. It’s going to be a wonderful festival season.”
The Hot Springs Music Festival was founded by Richard, a conductor, and Laura Rosenberg, a classical music administrator in 1996. They brought in about 200 of the best collegiate musicians each summer to work side-by-side with masterful professionals who mentor them for two weeks.
Many people wonder if the festival can sustain itself without a figure like Rosenburg. Laura Rosenberg says she will have a continuing involvement as mentor to the arts administration students, which will keep her involved for a while.
Richard moved on, making Laura the sole leader until family concerns moved her to San Francisco in 2011. She has been managing music projects for thirty five years, and she’s good at it, too good to be replaced easily. There were two replacements in three years; neither made it. “Transitions are always difficult, and we had a rather traumatic one,” says Rosenberg. She’s been working daily with the Festival along with a consulting team of music director and maestro Peter Bay and senior faculty. She also strongly endorsed Mermel by saying, “she has the skills.” Coming from her, that’s a big endorsement. While light on music, Mermel’s skills include hard-core business rescues and refinancing in tough towns during tough economic times. She was able to stabilize the Festival with $50,000 in loans and loan guarantees from two board members, yet she says her largely unresponsive board has been a disappointment. “I wasn’t getting calls returned from the board or any other cooperation,” Mermel says. “I asked and was told by board members we’re in a wait-and-see position,” she added. These aren’t words from an outsider. Mermel has been singing with the Festival Chorus for three years and in some ways, the Chorus is the festival’s foundation. She says her two-year plan will bring the festival back to solvency and some new music to town. That plan involves resuscitating the basics that keep nonprofits
What she and her students accomplish may determine the future of not only the festival, but also the future of classical music itself. It won’t die; it will just become scarcer and more expensive, an indulgence for coastal millionaires. These students will be the ones trying to fill the concert halls and take good music beyond its evernarrowing niche. Even with its problems, the festival is faring better than many larger and more established venues. In the past few months, Memphis has lost its symphony, and San Diego’s opera went under and had to be saved. Classical music attendance has gone down by about a third over the past thirty years with most of the decline occurring between 2002 and 2008. It’s not just classical music. Similar declines appeared with the attendance of jazz, dance, galleries, plays, and other forms of entertainment. This is where Rosenberg’s passion shines. “This is why this music festival is crucial to the young pros that must be trained to think a new way,” she says. “We’re trying to run music on a 19th Century model, and it isn’t working. We have to change and get to the young pros before they buy into old models.” Festival Board Chair Ronnie Marshall has been closely involved with the transition and says he’s confident this year’s event will come off well. Next year will be the festival’s 20th year anniversary, and Marshall says the new director and the new plans should make it a good year. When asked about the festival ending, he paused and said simply, “I can’t imagine Hot Springs without it.” #hshotspots
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MUSIC FESTIVAL
The HIGH NOTES A Night by Night Do Not Miss List for the Hot Springs Music Fest There are few that will be able to attend all fourteen nights of this year’s Hot Springs Music Festival. However, the festival has a variety of performances that give everyone the opportunity to see and hear some of the country’s most promising musicians play some of the world’s best music. The challenge is choosing the right nights to attend. In order to determine which nights you should not miss, we asked Hot Springs Music Festival Board members to choose the best three nights to attend. DON’T MISS Number One
Opening Fanfare – Festival Brass Ensemble
The Arlington | Sunday, June 1st | $15 The festival begins with the brass ensemble issuing forth the opening fanfare on the front steps of the Arlington Hotel. The bright, dramatic, and dynamic elements of the ensemble bring back memories of the large brass bands of the past that used to congregate on the old hotel lawns of Hot Springs. The pageantry alone is worth it, and it’s even better if you bring the family. As Hot Springs Music Festival Board member Ronny Marshall put it, “The opening fanfare means that another exciting year has passed and that we can begin again.” Following the ensemble, the nationally recognized Cavell Trio & Festival Chamber Players will perform in the Arlington Hotel Ballroom at 7:30. Certainly the first night will be one of the best nights to attend and is one of the best nights of the festival.
Festival Chamber Players and Chorus
St Luke’s Episcopal | Wednesday, June 4 | 7:30 PM | $10 The Festival Chorus may good, but throw in the pro-mentors and strong accompaniment, and it becomes really good. The sanctuary’s acoustics may be the best in town for chamber and choral performances. Board member Karen Lauck: “The concert at St. Luke’s with both Festival Orchestra and Chorus has a great acoustic feel. It cheers the heart.”
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hot springs
DON’T MISS Number Two
Festival Chamber Players Potpourri II
First Presbyterian Church | Friday, June 13 | 7:30 PM | $10 Board member Donna Casperian: “I LOVE potpourri night… some of the most surprising performances are on that night.” By now these musical prodigies are ready to romp and this is the night for it. Students and mentors pick their own music and combos. It’s fresh, fun and a bit casual. You do not want to miss hearing the strings sing in this sanctuary. DON’T MISS Number Three
Festival Symphony Orchestra
Oaklawn Visual & Performing Arts School | Saturday, June 14 | 7:30 PM | $20 This is the big event. The students have practiced for two weeks and have become a respectable orchestra. It will definitely show as they perform Mozart, Strauss, and Tchaikovsky. The auditorium sound is surprisingly good, so if you want to attend only one night, make sure it’s this one.
Also Worth Checking Out:
The Kanade Piano Trio
First Methodist Sanctuary | Tuesday, June 4 | 7:30 PM | $15. The international touring trio was conceived at the 2010 Festival and is a testament to why this Festival is so important.
Inside Looking Out
First Methodist Church Life Center | Monday, June 3 | 7:30 PM |$10 This is a rehearsal for the final concert where the audience may sit with different sections of the orchestra. This unique experience is a way to truly understand the sound of an orchestra. As Ms. Casperian describes it, “It’s a great opportunity for families with young musicians to really feel what it is to be a member of the orchestra. Peter Bay is a terrific conductor AND teacher... you will get a great insight into what will be played at the final performance!”
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hot springs
LIVIN’ HIGH ON THE H.O.G. The Arkansas H.o.g. Rally MAY HAVE ITS FINAL Ride IN HOT SPRINGS BUT Two Independent Harley Shops WILL BE AROUND WHEN YOU NEED THEM
Story by Jim G. Miller Photo Courtesy of Adrienne Brown #hshotspots
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H.O.G. RALLY
What’s the difference between a H.O.G. and other motorcycles? H.O.G. stands for Harley Owners Group, and they’ve been cruising the highways of Arkansas and everywhere else paved with asphalt since the 1930s. This year’s Arkansas State H.O.G. Rally may be the last you will see in Hot Springs at least for a little while. The Harley Landers store closed its doors, and next year the club may vote to hold their rally elsewhere. “Hopefully they’ll continue to have it here and not move it around the rest of the state. It could be going to Little Rock or nor thwest Arkansas, but I don’t believe they have as many beautiful places to ride as we do,” says Sonny Bruce who organized vendors for this year’s Hog Rally. With its scenic roads, ar ts and enter tainment, and plentiful accommodations, Hot Springs is an ideal place to bring your bikes. “Hot Springs is a fun, biker friendly place with cheap hotels,” says Mike Java of Java’s Cycle House. Even without the Harley Davidson Landers dealership, there are a few places in Hot Springs where you can take your bike for repairs. Java’s Cycle House on 270 West is one of them. Java runs the shop and has been working on Harley’s since he was nineteen, having nearly for ty years of experience. A trusted veteran, he’s been in town since the very first H.O.G. Rally in 1977, and he even works on all of the Harley’s used by the Hot Springs Police Depar tment. Not exactly a biker boutique, Java’s is a true mechanic’s shop. If you are simply looking for riding apparel, check out Spa City V-Twin in downtown Hot Springs. Spa City V-Twin carries riding apparel as well as services American bikes, specializing in Harley Davidson. They have been staying quite busy, especially
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since the closing of Landers and are regularly stocked with sweet, custom bikes. Owner John Messengill has established a good reputation for his prices and services, and he has the regulars and devoted crew to prove it. Donna Antonelli works at the shop and rides her bike she calls “Lucy” (shor t for Lucifer) around town. Although it’s not a H.O.G., it’s a unique kit bike with a custom suicide shift and a seat that’s especially low to the ground. A biker herself, Antonelli understands that bikers can be pretty par ticular about their rides. “Only some people will let you work on their bikes. Motorcycles are like their children.” In Hot Springs, the bike rally has something to offer everyone whether it’s a tune up or simply a beautiful ride, so bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts of all varieties come together here. It doesn’t matter if you are a weekend rider or a die-hard road hog. Whether you hauled in your bike or arrived wind whipped from driving it all the way to the Spa City, it all comes down to the joy of the ride. As Antonelli explains, “It doesn’t matter what kind of bike it is, it’s just how you ride it.” Regardless of whether next year’s Arkansas H.O.G. Rally comes back to Hot Springs, there is no doubt that its bike culture will continue to thrive because of its scenic assets and biker friendly atmosphere. This year’s H.O.G. Rally takes place June 5th through the 7th. Even if you don’t have a ride of your own, you have the oppor tunity to check out all kinds of custom and classic bikes and talk to the myriad of folks who ride them. Events will be held throughout the weekend. For more information about this year’s H.O.G. Rally, check out their website at www.arstatehogrally.com.
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ONLINE MEDIA
HOT SPRINGs REVEALED EXPOSING LOCAL ONLINE MEDIA SOURCES
Does anyone really watch local news or read the paper anymore? If your answer is no, then the question is, where do you get your news? More often these days Facebook and other websites are becoming the main source for spreading the word on the street whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an update on a traffic jam, an embarrassing or unusual arrest story, or a satire of something real happening in downtown Hot Springs. So, we must ask the question, who are these purveyors of online news and social media here in Hot Springs? To help answer these questions, we journeyed out on the task of discovering just how these news outlets work. Why do people hate them, and why do people love them? Are they glorified conspiracy theorists, ambulance chasers, and police blotter enthusiasts fixated on the shock value of strange news, or are they legitimate fact finding media moguls? One thing is for certain. Each one hosts tons of faithful fans and followers for one reason or another. We are covering three pages that stand out: Spa City Truth, AR 911, and Hot Springs Daily.
Story by Jim Miller
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Photography by Jeremy Rodgers hshotspots.com hshotspots.com
hot springs
Spa City Truth
Founded on June 25th of 2013, Spa City Truth does not promote itself as a media outlet necessarily, but they do provide information about events occurring throughout the Hot Springs area. At times they are ridiculous, but sometimes there lies a unique truth in their satirical posts. Sitting at almost 6,000 likes on Facebook, they have a strong following. They attempt to bring awareness about happenings in Hot Springs. SCT does have their own agenda especially regarding the current state of the Majestic rubble, and they love poking fun at the Hot Springs Police Department and anyone else needing a light shined upon them. We were lucky enough to have a dialogue with SCT about their page. What type of service do you feel like you provide to the city of Hot Springs? “It started out as just providing commentary on issues that I felt people were only getting one side of the story on. Then people started contacting SCT with stories of corruption so I had to learn how to verify info I was receiving without revealing my identity. I learn as I go. Sure I’ve made some mistakes, but I’ve always held myself accountable for those mistakes. The same goes for my other admins…we strive to inform & entertain. People tend to take notice of new information when it’s presented with a little humor.” What sets Spa City Truth aside from pages like Hot Springs Daily, and AR 911? “As far as HSD, obviously I’m not a fan. I have too many confirmed reports that they used plagiarism to get where they are. Arkansas 911 News is a different story all together though. While I’ve received a whole lot of info against them, the only thing I’ve ever been able to confirm is they’re ambulance chasers…Other than that I don’t have any problems with them or what they’re doing.” Are you keeping your identity a secret because of possible backlash you’ll receive from the posts you’ve made? “As far as the secret identity, well that’s simple. I’ve gone after elected officials, police, the chief of police & very well established businesses in Hot Springs. While there is truth in every post run on this page, I nor my fellow admins want to deal with the truth of what these people are capable of for simply asking for accountability.”
AR 911 NEWS
Established January 16, 2013, AR 911 is an emergency response news outlet that covers mostly Garland County. They do disclaim that they never provide the full story, just the when, where, and what before moving on to the next 911 event. You may have seen the black dodge charger with orange decals cruising around Hot Springs looking quite official in it’s efforts to provide information about emergency events. What type of service does Arkansas 911 news provide to the residents of Hot Springs? “Arkansas 911 News typically only reports the when, where, & what of the particular 911 event we are covering at the time.
“In 2013, I was the only website that did instant reporting from the scanner on Facebook. Arkansas 911 News is still the only source that responds to 911 scenes and posts pictures/videos immediately.” What inspired you to begin providing the scanner via Facebook service? “In 2001, I was an Arkansas State Trooper assigned to the Highway Patrol Division in Cleveland County in Troop F. and I was working a fatal crash on a U.S. Highway near Warren, AR. This horrible crash did not make the news. I decided right then that tragedies like this should be reported. I think to report on something like that helps some people with closure during the grieving process and it helps people to understand why traffic was stopped for 2 hours on the highway.” How do I feel that It’s beneficial for individuals to know at least part of the story before the smoke clears? “Of course, to have a website that warns you of impending trouble like a dangerous situation, blocked road, power outage, tornado on it’s way or any potential trouble is a tool that I think people should take advantage of every time.”
Hot Springs Daily
Since 2012 it has made a name for itself as being the place to catch embarrassing and sometimes obscene “news” while perusing your Facebook feed. Their method of investigative news is considered distasteful by some and has resulted in them being the brunt of negative criticism. Still, they mostly glean their information from police reports and press releases. While there is little writing or reporting done by this online media news outlet, it does not seem as though it is stopping them anytime soon. It has more than 14,000 likes on Facebook and consistent fans that have stuck with them. President of HSD Joesph Eric McIntyre agreed to an interview regarding his media outlet. What made you decided to start Hot Springs Daily? “Being a real estate person, I visited Hot Springs often and saw that they only had one newspaper, and I thought what about a news media service for Hot Springs, something like AR Matters?” What kind of service do you feel HSD provides to the citizens of Hot Springs? “Our primary goal is to focus on local news and events and our objective is to be informative, helpful and professional. We don’t post anyone’s name until it’s made official through the Sheriff’s Department or the Arkansas State Police Report. Just like the newspaper.” You have been criticized in the past for the types of things that you post on your site, what is your response to that? “In response to some of the criticism we have received from others in the past, sometimes I think its just jealousy. We rarely run into people who say that they don’t follow us. I rarely meet anyone who has said that they hate us.” #hshotspots
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MIRACLE ELECTRONICS
The Minister of Sound Miracle Electronics Keeps the Music Spinning
Story by Jim G. Miller Photography by Chris Sale
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hot springs
A lot of people know Minister Darnell Weatherspoon, and many of them know him as the man who likes to fix things. Working with electronic turntables, amps, speakers, and receivers, Weatherspoon has always been interested in music and the importance of possessing and maintaining quality sound. Previously owning Cedar Sound Systems and the Wahoo Sound House, he opened Miracle Electronics in 1990. He has repaired countless pieces of sound equipment for over thirty years, but quite a few people have not actually seen the inside of his little shop located at 203 Pleasant Street because he makes house calls. He even delivers repaired equipment to shops in Little Rock like Been Around Records and Arkansas Record Exchange. “He’s always done work for us anytime somebody needs something fixed. He always seems to get it right, and I always tell him he doesn’t charge enough,” laughs John Harris, owner of Been Around Records.
and old from Hot Springs to Memphis in reviving their beloved audio devices. While so many might be willing to wastefully toss out perfectly redeemable equipment merely because it’s easier to buy new gear, it’s refreshing to see someone knowledgeable enough to simply appreciate and fix what we already have.
“I’m cheap,” admits Weatherspoon. “Most of the equipment is used or it’s refurbished. I just want people to get into the music, so I keep my prices where everybody can afford it,” he says. He also simply enjoys the challenge of taking things apart to figure out their inner workings, and he has had plenty of time to pursue this interest. He acquired his skills in audio mechanics while in the Air Force during which he took a correspondence course in Hi-fi electronics. Weatherspoon got his associates degree at National Park Community College and has had an endless passion for learning throughout his life. He is licensed by the FCC and formally schooled in small electronics.
“I encouraged him to open up shop,” says his wife Andrea Weatherspoon. “He’s had a lot of return customers who have become lifelong friends, and I know he just enjoys being his own boss,” she says. “I’m frankly surprised that I stay as busy as I do,” admits Weatherspoon. Living nearby the shop, he will often ride his old baby blue Schwinn to work. It’s no surprise his children all harbor a certain appreciation for music, and his son Marsalis is an accomplished organist who graduated with his degree in music from Henderson State. It seems a man with this much love for what he does can’t help but secure that passion as a legacy.
He has enjoyed every minute of his fascinating and often tedious journey learning about and repairing electronic audio equipment. “No one wants to repair their equipment anymore. They just want to throw it out,” says Weatherspoon. Having seen and repaired some pretty expensive sound gear over the years, he has helped young
Assisting others in their pursuit to listen and instilling an appreciation for quality sound, Weatherspoon cherishes the craft of audio mechanics. If your gear is ever in need of repair, don’t throw it out. Give him a visit. You might just learn something, and be sure to check out the vinyl.
An avid fan of music, Weatherspoon has amassed a healthy and somewhat obscure collection of LPs and seven inch 33’s. A walking encyclopedia of music history, he shows off a rare 33-album recording of “Otis Redding in Person at the Whiskey A Go-Go” that was just sitting in the back. Discussing Esther Phillips and quoting songs from her catalogue of records, it appeared as though there was not a single recording artist in his collection of 10,000 plus LPs that he could not have a lively conversation about. “It’s all about the music,” says Weatherspoon.
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THE COLOR OF SUMMER
IMPACT
bringING life to old & New fabrics
Photography by Chris Sale
Story by Jim G. Miller
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Tie-dying since the age of fifteen, Giovanna Splawn remembers walking down to the Springy Dingy and seeing “Tie-Dye” Ron with his huge bellbottom’s and bright threads. “I thought it was so cool. I asked him if he could teach me.” Going to his house everyday, she watched and learned until she started making her own. The dyes can only be used on natural fibers such as rayon, hemp, cotton or silk. Splawn now sells her tie-dye at Springy Dingy and the Historic Hot Springs Farmers Market every Saturday. Splawn and her daughter, Ilia, carry a wide variety of tie-dye creations including scarves, shirts, tank tops, dresses, socks, and pillowcases -- all works of wearable, usable art. Bring her your whites, and she can create anything you can imagine. She is willing to work with almost any material as long as it’s not nylon, polyester, or other artificial fabrics. “Dig up your stained-up white stuff, and I’ll turn it into something you can wear again,” says Splawn. Using shirts from Goodwill, Splawn repurposes fabrics for
her tie-dye creations so that nothing goes to waste. An ancient art form, tie-dying became a popular fashion trend, especially in the 60s. Some artists and fashion enthusiasts like Splawn have pursued tie-dye as a sophisticated yet pure and simple art form rather than as a commodity.
It creates an electric look.” Tie-dye is a brightly colored favorite for summer, and Splawn usually ends up selling more of it this time of the year for reasons like those distinct, electrifying blues and purples.
“The colors are what drew me to it. One of my favorite things about tie-dye is that you can start something and think that you know what you’ll create but still be surprised. That twentyfour hours before you can see it and wash it out. You can do the same spiral and same colors over and over again and it’ll be different. Every shirt is one of a kind,” says Splawn.
She is also a lover and groomer of dogs, and takes her naturalist attitude into her pet spa. Splawn provides an alternative to harsh chemicals. Insect repellent made with local spring water and natural ingredients as well as an assortment of natural doggie treats are some of the products she offers. Market goers can also take advantage of the $5 dog nail trim she offers each week.
Splawn enjoys taking custom orders because it allows her to experiment. She is always looking for new inspiration to try something different that she wouldn’t normally do on her own. Experimenting with the colors can lead to beautiful results. “Blue violet is my favorite color. Although it’s just one color, it looks like violet that bleeds into a turquoise.
Even tie-dye doggy attire is in the works, since Splawn is the owner of Gio’s Dog Spa. Blending her love of pups and colors that pop, she often incorporates paw prints into her tie-dye designs, You can find her at her shop or at the Historic Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning with her daughter Ilia and their bright creations.
SPA CITY V-TWIN
hot springs
HOURS Tues - Fri: 9am - 6pm Sat: 10am - 4pm • Specializing in American motor cycles • Dyno tuning including trikes • Special order parts – next day • Rider apparel and accessories
American V-Twin Servie & Repair • Rider Apparel • Parts
501-625-7677
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COME PARTY ON THE PATIO! Don’t Forget!
$7.00
LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT!
Temperance Hill Square 4330 Central Avenue, Suite A
501-525-1616
Lunch Specials! 7 Days a Week (Mini 3-topping Pizza, Sandwich or Pasta with Salad Bar and Drink)
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TERRA STUDIOS
WORTH THE DRIVE
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS’ Whimsical Wonderland
Photo Courtesy of Linda Richard
Story by Samuel Binns
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Leo and Rita Ward founded Terra Studios as a family glass studio in 1975 and created little glass birds that would eventually become an iconic sensation. Ward was once asked to advertise the figurines in a regional magazine, but he didn’t have a name for it! The salesman suggested calling it the Bluebird of Happiness, and the name stuck. The bluebirds became a regional success and began to show up in thousands of gift stores nationwide. There are more than 9 million Bluebirds of Happiness around the world, and each one is hand-crafted and signed by the glass artists, making them a special gift for anyone. Although Leo Ward retired in 2007, artist and entrepreneur James Ulick bought Terra Studios to continue the brilliant legacy of Fayetteville’s whimsical wonderland. The mission of Terra Studios may be “using art to create a better world,” but the non-profit is also using art to create a better looking world. The enchanted
land of Terra Studios holds an outdoor park full of sculptures, magnificent murals, giant interactive games of chess and checkers, and a seven-channel labyrinth. Terra Studios is a wonderful place where the entire family can have fun exploring the ten-acre Art Park. After experiencing the surreal beauty of the park, visitors will realize how effectively Terra Studios displays the vast potential of human creativity. “It’s all about art. It’s all about uninhibited, unencumbered art,” says Jamie, the president of Terra Studios. The main building allows the potential of human creativity to shine even further with its hand-made tiles and light fixtures, and even the entrance door is hand-crafted. Throughout the years, Terra Studios has further emphasized the creation of extravagant handmade artwork. The Art Park and gallery feature the creative works of hundreds of artists. At Terra Studios, everything around you is a work
of art. You will see world-class art that only ten people in the world can create, but you will also see things that anyone in the world can create. Visitors may experience the realm of possibilities of what they can create by participating in workshops at Terra Studios. They are for people of all ages, teaching people how to make their own works of art. While the workshops are conducted, Jamie’s motivation for art education is kept in mind. “We face a lot of problems in our world, and the thinking that got us here isn’t the thinking that’s going to solve these problems. We need new, innovative solutions, and that’s going to take some creativity,” says Jamie Ulick. Terra Studios is worth the drive not only for artists, but also for anyone seeking creativity, inspiration, and adventure. Terra Studios is free and open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The fall music festival will be held on September 13th.
hot springs
JUNE
EVENT CALENDAR
1-3 16th Annual
7 magic springs concert series 19 AIR SUPPLY IN CONCERT
Hot Springs Corvette Weekend
“Austin mahone”
at Oaklawn’s Finish Line Theater
at The Austin Hotel and Convention Center
at Magic Springs Timberwood Amphitheatre | 8pm
23 hot springs concert band
1-14 Hot springs music festival
at Various Locations
Remmel to rockport regatta, rockin’ the river at White Water Park, Malvern | 1pm
5 Flavor of the park 9 hot springs concert band
at Exchange Street Parking Deck | 5-7pm
free summer concert
at Whittington Park | 6:30pm
27 4th FrIDAY JAZZ EXPERIENCE at Quapaw Bathhouse | 6pm
28 magic Springs concert 5-7 THE ARKANSAS HOG RALLY series “Daughtry” 11 2 anniversary party 6 GALLERY WALK AT EMERGENT tapas & Wine ARTS: OVOLUTION, FASHION SHOW, JULy 4 SPA BLAST SKATEBOARD DECKS & MONUMENT QUILT 14 SUMMERFEST on park avenue SATURDAYS 6-7 keith sykes hot springs 15 THe muses present the four historic downtown weekend songwriter festival free summer concert
at Whittington Park | 6:30pm
at Convention Center
nd
at Magic Springs Timberwood Amphitheatre | 8pm
at Vina Morita, 610 Central Ave.
at Emergent Arts,
at The Arlington Hotel
Five star theatre presents “Tuna does Vegas” at Five Star Theatre, 701 Central Ave.
7 A TRIBUTE TO LED ZEPPELIN & RUSH at Low Key Arts, 118 Arbor St. | 8pm
at Oaklawn Infield
at Park Avenue
seasons in art and song
at Muses Cultural Center | 3pm
18-21 BOYS & GIRLS CLUB 2014
national title boxing championship
at Boys & Girls Club, 109 Belding St.
miss arkansas pageant at Summit Arena
Farmers’ Market
at Transportation Depot, 121 Orange
ALL MONTH “Mystic creatures” 2014:
topiary art meets imagination at Garvan Woodland Gardens
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Cats & Dogs
GIO’S PAW501-762-4010 SPA Gio’s uses only green hypoallergenic shampoos and sells many natural organic products.
HOURS Tues-Sat 7:30am to 5pm
A proud member of the National Dog Groomer’s Association. Gio’s specializes in keeping pets healthy, happy, and beautiful in a clean and safe environment. We offer a number of specialized packages and products to pamper your pet regardless of breed or age.
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Located Next to Cafe 1217 1217 Malvern Ave. Suite C Hot Springs, AR 71901 hshotspots.com