6 Can't Miss ACANSA Events

This blog contains information on last year's festival. Check back soon for more information on the 2023 event.

The festival, named for a Quapaw village in southeastern Arkansas, brings together music, theatre, visual arts, dance and even culinary arts into nine action-packed days of culture and creativity. With well over 20 events at this year’s festival, there’s something for everyone. Here are the six events we’re most excited about.

Opening Reception

September 13, 6:00 p.m.

Ballet Arkansas brings even more levity to the Friday, September 13 kick-off of the ACANSA Arts Festival. An innovative cross-pollination between visual and performance art, “Art with a Twist” explores the motion behind the creation of modern art when Ballet Arkansas dancers use only their bodies to create four unique outdoor pieces of visual art.

Stewart Fullerton’s Homecoming Queen: A night of intimate storytelling & standup

September 13, 14, 9:30 p.m.

Native Arkansan Stewart Fullerton is a comedian and actress who moonlights as a waitress in New York City. Among her performances across the City, she appeared in the Laughing Devil Comedy Festival, as well as Broadway Comedy Club and Greenwich Comedy Club during the 2018 She-Devil Festival. She recently appeared at the Burbank Comedy Festival where she was selected for the Best of the Fest Showcase.

Tenors Unlimited

September 20, 8:00 p.m.

With a nod to THE Three Tenors, Scott Ciscon (tenor), Paul Martin (bass-baritone) and Jem Sharples (tenor) of Tenors Unlimited bring their own take on the popular classical genre and expand the perception of what a 21st century “Tenor” could be. Known as The Rat Pack of Opera, Tenors Unlimited cleverly combines popular opera, musical theatre, crooner standards, original songs, a wicked sense of humor and rich harmonies to perform at ACANSA and around the globe as the UK’s original classical-crossover “man-band.”

BODYTRAFFIC

September 21, 8:00 p.m.

BODYTRAFFIC, a world-class contemporary dance company born in Los Angeles, CA, is known internationally for its contagious vivacity and high caliber work. Founded in 2007 by Lillian Rose Barbeito and Tina Finkelman Berkett, BODYTRAFFIC continues to push boundaries through its deep commitment to producing acclaimed works by distinctive choreographic voices. BODYTRAFFIC is home to an exceptionally versatile family of world-renowned dancers who have trained with the likes of Mikhail Baryshnikov, The Juilliard School, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and more.

Tatiana R. Mann & Friends

September 26, 7:00 p.m.

The extraordinary Tatiana Roitman Mann returns to the ACANSA Festival with her friends to share an exquisite evening of music. Tatiana R. Mann and Friends promise an unusual repertoire in an intimate setting. Tatiana’s virtuosity, described by the BBC as “formidable… both accurate and with rarely seen joy,” has led to invitations for performances across Europe and the United States.

Dallas String Quartet “Where Bach Meets Bon Jovi”

September 27, 8:00 p.m.

The Dallas String Quartet (DSQ) provides a unique fusion of classical and contemporary music on both traditional and electric strings. In addition to four studio albums and international performances, DSQ has played “at home” for Presidents Obama and Bush, the College Football Playoff, NBA and NFL organizations. DSQ has sold out concert venues like the House of Blues and symphony halls alike and has also played alongside such musicians and groups as Josh Groban, Chicago and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

ACANSA always generates a buzz and events often sell out, so don't wait around, get your tickets today!