The Walton Arts Center announced a new series of live house concerts featuring local artists performing weekly in the Walker Atrium.

The In The Atrium series is free to attend, but reservations are encouraged. Socially distanced tables for parties of up to six can be reserved for the first five performances by calling 479-433-5600 or visiting waltonartscenter.org.

“These performances will showcase a wide array of local artists, cultures, styles and art forms,” said Scott Galbraith, vice president of programming and executive producer. “Our hope is to simultaneously provide artists with work, our community a fun and safe art experience and to showcase the wealth of performing arts and artists in our region.”

The artist lineup for the first two weeks includes:

Friday, Feb. 19 – Candy Lee (Americana and folk/jazz singer songwriter)
Saturday, Feb. 20 – Los Valeros (Bossa Nova/Samba quartet)
Sunday, Feb. 21 – Classical duo Devanee Williams, harp, & Michael Puryear, cello, featuring works by Pescetti, Fauré, Pärt and J. Strauss Jr.
Friday, Feb. 26 – Jazz pianist Brant Jester with special guest David Dove, bass
Sunday, Feb. 28 – La Tempesta, a piano recital by Mickel Jason Gordan featuring works by Beethoven, Clara Schumann and Chopin

The center has planned for at least two but no more than four In The Atrium performances each weekend through the spring. Reservations for additional shows will be available as those performances are announced.

Performances start at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Sunday performances will feature classical music. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. Reserved tables will be held until five minutes before curtain time, then released for walk-up patrons. Patrons should enter through the Dickson Street doors.

Artists will perform for 75-90 minutes with no intermission. Beer, wine, soft drinks and packaged snacks will be available for cashless purchase prior to and during the performance.

State-approved health and safety protocols will be in place including social distancing and cashless concessions. Patrons are required to wear a mask to enter the venue and any time they move around the space. Once at their table masks can be removed.