Unless you work at a job where you get to take “vacations,” it’s been a really long time since you’ve had a weekday off work.
July 4th fell on a Sunday this year, so that didn’t really help. In fact, there hasn’t been a get-a-day-off-work holiday around here since, what, Memorial Day? That was a really long time ago.
All of this not getting off work can get to you after a while. Luckily for all of us, some genius somewhere invented something called the weekend, which consists of two glorious days sandwiched between five-day lame fests they call work weeks.
Let me give you a piece of advice, Fayetteville. Don’t take those days for granted. Do something awesome.
Friday
If you like big old country music shows, there’s one at the Arkansas Music Pavilion Friday night with Eli Young Band, Corey Smith, and Ingram Hill. Eli Young Band has three top 40 country hits.
There’s a touring band at Scarpino’s too, with Ego Likeness from Maryland. If terms like darkwave, gothic, and industrial are appealing to you, you should check out their musical tunes.
The Smoke & Barrel is welcoming the students back Friday night with a Lucio Presents show featuring Black Pearl. Word on the street is that they take requests, and as usual on Grown Folks night, if you’ve got the skills (and the nerve), you can get on the mic.
Saturday
Saturday morning starts with the Farmers’ Market on the square. It just does.
Saturday afternoon, if you like the Razorbacks, you’ll probably want to make sure you’re at Razorback Fan Day at the Gardens just south of Walton Arena. It all starts at noon, with giant inflatables, a photo zone with Razorback mascot Tusk III, and food vendors. Around 1:30, there’s a pep rally, followed by a meet and greet with the team and spirit squads.
Later on, the Washington County Historical Society will host their annual Ice Cream Social at the Headquarters House on Dickson St. There will be live music, an antique car show, tours of the historic grounds, and of course, ice cream.
There’s a sweet hip-hop show at George’s Saturday night with Memphis’ Lord T & Elouise. They call themselves “aristocrunk,” there are comedy and minstrel show elements to their live show (just look at ’em), and they’ve collaborated with members Three Six Mafia, Free Sol, Al Kapone, even Cody Dickinson of North Mississippi All-Stars. Interesting.
Smoke & Barrel hosts the second night of their back-to-school bash on Saturday with Memphis Pencils and Where’s Lawrence. Seeing those two bands together on the same bill will be a rare treat. There are also rumors of a “very special guest,” so, we’ll see.
Sunday
Oklahoma City singer/songwriter Carter Sampson is back in town for a show at Greenhouse Grille on Sunday. This time, she’s got Joe Mack (Tahlequah, OK) with her. Not a bad show for a Sunday afternoon.
Guta is playing Monster Mug night at George’s, and Randal Seoung will be joining Erratic Ninja and Ultrasonic Nozzle for Audible Chocolate at Rogue this week.
There’s more below, and feel free to let us know what we missed in the comments. It’s the weekend. Do whatever you want.
- Fri., Aug. 20
- El Sancho Mexican Grill: Jeff & Dave
- The Wine Cellar: Emily Knight
- Hooters: Jason Strode Band
- Whole Earth Organic Lounge: Teddy Sablon, Ryan Shaughnessy
- George’s: Bel Airs / WC Clark
- Ella’s: Sarah Hughes
- Rogue: Lacy Morris / Derrick Live
- Jose’s: Red Ambition
- Mojo’s: Will Brants
- Foghorn’s on College: Ben Coulter
- Teatro Scarpino: Ego Likeness
- Greenhouse Grille: Luda
- JJ’s Grill n Chill: TJ Scarlett
- ROTC: Starved for Attention
- AMP: Eli Young Band & Corey Smith / Ingram Hill
- Arsaga’s on Crossover: Irish Band
- UA Global Campus: OLLI Presents Doug Tallamy
- Smoke & Barrel Tavern: Lucio’s Grown Folks w/ Sample Platters
- Saturday, Aug. 21
- El Sancho Mexican Grill: Jeff Fox
- Whole Earth Organic Lounge: DJ HOD-I (Reggae Night)
- Bud Walton Arena: Razorback Fan Day
- Trailside Cafe & Tea Room: Tea Talk & Tasting
- White Lotus Salon & Massage: Bob Thomas Exhibit
- Headquarters House: WCHS Ice Cream Social
- Jose’s: The Crumbs
- Mojo’s: Jones ‘n Leah
- Foghorn’s on College: Ben Coulter
- Ella’s: William Reyes
- Rogue: Bravesoul / The Victor Ship / Black Leaf Clover
- George’s: Lord T & Eloise
- JJ’s Grill n Chill: Maud Crawford
- Smoke & Barrel Tavern: Where’s Lawrence / Memphis Pencils
- Teatro Scarpino: Soul Nite: Austyn King / Natalya Walker / Black Pearl
- Arsaga’s on Crossover: Takoda
- Sunday, Aug. 22
- Common Grounds: Sarah Hughes
- Mellow Mushroom Pizza: Jon Shorter
- George’s: Guta
- Greenhouse Grille: Carter Sampson & Joe Mack
- Rogue: Audible Chocolate with Randal Seoung