Learning to Fly: A Tribute to Tom Petty — Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 7pm — #LiveAtTheLyric!

Join us on November 16 at 7:00, as Billy, Will, and Dustin—Heavy Wrecker—have done it again: they’ve once again assembled a fantastic group of local musicians and vocalists to pay tribute to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. As with the Led Zeppelin tribute the band organized in 2019—the most successful concert of purely local musicians since Screamin’ Freeman’s 24-hour Guinness World Record concert in 1999—this promises to be an experience Harrison area music lovers will talk about for years, and one well worth coming from out of town to see!

With talented vocalists such as Julianna Hamblin, Susan Boone-Rowan, Greg James, Billy Youngblood, and Jerry Rowan, and fabulous musicians such as Billy Youngblood, Dustin Witty, Joshua Still, Will Youngblood, Greg James, and Jerry Rowan, this is sure to be a night you won’t want to miss!

Tickets at TheLyric.org!

National Park Radio and Big Buffalo Golden Gals, a short film — Friday, June 14, 2024 at 7pm — #LiveAtTheLyric!

Help us kickoff our 2024/2025 Ozark Arts Council Membership Drive, with a concert by fan favorite National Park Radio and a short film celebrating our beloved Buffalo River, “Big Buffalo Golden Gals” by Misty Breedlove.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at TheLyric.org or by clicking here!

About Big Buffalo Golden Gals and Misty Breedlove:

In 1837 Abraham Villines and family moved to and settled what is now the Ponca Wilderness area of the Buffalo National River. One hundred and eighty-five years later, many of those descendants are still living and making their lives in the area. Misty Langdon is one of those descendants. This year, with the help of friend Ranger Lauren Ray, she took her 75 year old mother and three of her cousins aged 73-83, on a raft trip down river to reminisce and tell stories from the women’s point of view, of growing up and living on the creek, before it became America’s first national river. In “Big Buffalo Golden Gals” we invite you to hop in the raft and paddle along with these amazing women as they share their stories and memories of days gone by.

Director Biography – Misty Langdon

Misty Langdon has lived her life on the homestead settled by her mother’s family in the 1800’s. As a small child she enjoyed stories of the old times passed down by her family and neighbors. Her love of home, the Buffalo River, has been inspiration for many forms of creativity. Her latest, the Remnants Project, showcases her love of the people, their history, homesteads & family photos, to create an historical account of life on the Buffalo River before it became the nation’s first national river. Big Buffalo Golden Gals is the first production for the Remnants Project, being accepted into and securing a win for Best Documentary 2023 at the Roger’s Short Film Festival.

About NPR, from NPR.band:

“The BIGGEST little indie-folk duo”

National Park Radio is a nationally touring indie-folk “power duo” based in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. With an impressive and consistently growing grassroots fanbase across the U.S. (and the world), husband and wife duo Stefan & Kerrie Szabo have made a name for themselves over the past several years with their beautiful harmonies, incredibly inspiring and relatable songwriting, and their unique and energetic live shows.

Perfect for fans of: The Avett Brothers, Caamp, The Lumineers, The Head and the Heart, First Aid Kit, Mumford & Sons

What makes National Park Radio unique?

Aside from their incredibly relatable songwriting and harmonies that connect with so many of their fans, their high-energy live shows – created by the duo bringing in a unique setup and multitasking configuration – brings a new level of sound created by just two people on stage. National Park Radio has been described as the “biggest sounding indie-folk duo” that there is, and between the two of them, many say they create the sound and energy of a 5-piece band.

A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd — Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 7pm — #LiveAtTheLyric!

Join us on September 16 at 7:00, as Billy, Tim, and Will—The Hedley Lamar Band—have done it again: they’ve once again assembled a fantastic group of local musicians and vocalists to pay tribute to a band that survived great tragedy to influence so many. As with the Led Zeppelin tribute the band organized in 2019—the most successful concert of purely local musicians since Screamin’ Freeman’s 24-hour Guinness World Record concert in 1999—this promises to be an experience Harrison area music lovers will talk about for years, and one well worth coming from out of town to see!

Remainder of Post Still Under Construction!

local musicians.

include: .

Ticket prices: $10 in advance – $15 at the gate

And for our next act…The One Where the Lyric Recovers!

Click/Tap the poster above to donate. Thank you!

And…if you can’t be with us at the Lyric for the FREE Live Entertainment, tune in on your radio, because it’s also an Old-Fashioned Radiothon
presented by The Original KHOZ!

Cody Ray Slaughter in Concert — Saturday, June 15 at 7:00pm — #LiveAtTheLyric!

Cody Ray Slaughter is a Harrison original: a true Southern boy whose passion for the music and memory of Elvis has driven him to a life dedicated to serving the King’s fans. Cody has performed all across the country as “Elvis” in the traveling production of the Tony Award-winning sensation “Million Dollar Quartet” and was nominated as best featured actor for his role. This June 15, he returns home to Harrison’s historic Lyric Theater with the raw talent and passion that Elvis himself exhibited. Tickets go on sale online at 12:01 am on Saturday, March 16 and the Lyric box office will be open to sell tickets for his concert to those attending the Lyric’s 90th Anniversary concert with Guinness World Record setter Screamin’ Freeman that evening.

Cody Ray Slaughter is hailed as one of the most talented, young Actors, Singer and Elvis Tribute Artist in the country. Born and raised in Harrison, Arkansas, gateway to the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Cody Slaughter began entertaining at the young age of 13. A true Southern boy, Cody’s true passion for Elvis’ music and memory has directed his career path.

Cody has performed all across the country as Elvis in the traveling production of the Tony Award-winning sensation Million Dollar Quartet and was nominated as best featured actor for his role. Slaughter has performed in many theaters in Branson, MO, such as Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, Legends In Concert, 50’s At The Hop and The Liverpool Legends as well as in Pigeon Forge, TN where Cody was the featured entertainer at The Tennessee Shindig for over a year at the young age of 17. Cody also appeared on MTV’s My Super Sweet 16 and Late Night with David Letterman. Slaughter has performed at special events, corporate functions, and entertainment venues throughout the United States, Canada, and the UK. His uncanny portrayal of Elvis Presley exhibits his amazing love for whom he calls, “the greatest entertainer of all time.”

“My greatest joy is when I’m paying tribute to Elvis, his music, and keeping his spirit alive with his fans.“

Cody Ray Slaughter, 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist
Harrison, AR

Among some of Cody’s most exciting accolades were winning The People’s Choice Award during Elvis Week 2008. In July of 2011. At the Las Vegas Elvis Fest, Cody received The New Horizon Award for best new Elvis Tribute Artist. The award was given on the same stage where Elvis made history at the Las Vegas Hilton

It Hurts Me from Elvis’s ’68 Comeback Tour,
performed by Cody Ray Slaughter

Representing Tupelo, Mississippi (Elvis’ Birthplace) Elvis Presley Enterprises’ named Cody the 2011 ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist’ in Memphis TN in 2011.

Cody Slaughter has the raw talent and passion that Elvis himself exhibited when he first started. Apart from his tribute to Elvis, Slaughter has a budding career as a country music singer and songwriter. But in spite of his repertoire and building a reputation with his own music Slaughter still says “My greatest joy is when I’m paying tribute to Elvis, his music and keeping his spirit alive with his fans.”

Don’t Leave Me Now live in Memphis,
performed by Cody Ray Slaughter

The doors of the Roots Music Palace of the Ozarks—Harrison, Arkansas’s historic Lyric Theater—will open at 6:00 for a 7:00 performance on Saturday, June 15. Adult beverages and general concessions will be available throughout the concert, and tickets are available in advance for $25.00–$35.00; at the door, they will be $5 more.

Screamin’ Freeman’s World Record 20th Anniversary Concert — Saturday, March 16 at 7:00pm — #LiveAtTheLyric!

In 1999, Screamin’ Freeman laid claim to providing “Non-stop fun! Non-stop rock! and Non-stop Screamin’ excitement!” that no one else could match—and then Freeman Conner and his World Record Band proved that claim to be true even to the satisfaction of the Guinness Book of World Records, which noted their non-stop performance (shown at right on the Lyric’s then-much-smaller stage) as the longest continuous performance by a musical group. The band’s goal wasn’t only the setting of a world record, though: it was to help the Ozark Arts Council raise both money and awareness to make it possible to purchase the theater and transform it into the venue for live music, drama, and education that we all love today—and now it’s time to celebrate that historic concert and all the entertainment that followed it these past 20 years!

“The ever intense Mr. Screamin’ Freeman Conner”—lead guitarist, lead vocalist, harp player, songwriter, arranger, schmoozer, original in every sense of the word—is clear on why he leads a band that is no less intense today than it was in the ’90s: “The energy of the three piece band and the adrenaline rush from playing non-stop is why I do it.” What keeps the band “electric,” Freeman says, is John “Metronome” Schaffer, whose unfailing beat keeps the band tight from start to finish. With John’s steadiness, “The artist known as Paul” Woolston’s Fender P-Bass drives the music with every bit of intense energy that Fender’s naming it “Precision-Bass” was meant to convey: Precision = Power! Powerful rock and blues classics and the band’s own compositions drive up the excitement all night long.

Of course, Freeman is not the sort of guy to do things at the ‘exciting’ level if he has the opportunity to do them at the ‘super, massively exciting‘ level, so he is bringing in four great acts to make sure the celebration is even more memorable! Joined by Ben Olson, James White, Burlington, and Runnin’ N Gunnin’, Screamin’ Freeman is once again bringing a massive party to the Lyric stage!

The doors of the Roots Music Palace of the Ozarks—Harrison, Arkansas’s historic Lyric Theater—will open at 6:00 for a 7:00 performance on Saturday, March 16. Adult beverages and general concessions will be available throughout the concert, and tickets for this FIVE BAND 20th ANNIVERSARY EXTRAVAGANZA are available in advance for $15.00; at the door, they will be $20.

Earth Bone in Concert — Saturday, January 26 at 7:00pm — #LiveAtTheLyric!

Earth Bone has an eclectic repertoire of multi-genre originals and uniquely played crowd-pleasing favorites that have been described as “Power Folk with a touch of funk.” From early rock classics to modern pop and rock, Earth Bone covers quite a lot of ground!

Armed with an incredible voice, Jerry Rowan has no fear in front of a microphone and always gives 150% every show. He is matched vocally by Susan Boone whose renditions of blues and ballads are exciting to hear to say the least. Dave Dore ties it all together with his vocals, keyboard and guitar. Wayne Angel’s conga, djembe and cajon riffs add a taste of the exotic to all of Earth Bone’s songs. The band is often joined by Denise Dore, who provides strong backup vocals.

“Wow! You guys were phenomenal! We’re just reeling over how polished and smooth and truly fantastic you all were, and your choice of songs was perfect… all songs that hadn’t been done and that we were wanting to hear! Thank you!! It was such a great time!”

Pam Fowler, The Buffalo Theater
Jasper, AR

Most of the originals are written by Jerry, Dave and Susan and each song reflects a bit of what makes this group so exceptional.

Midnight Rider performed by Earth Bone

“These guys are a blast!!! “Earth Bone”…They will be back very soon. Don’t miss it next time!!!”

Leslie Key, Meteor Guitar Gallery
Bentonville, AR

The doors of the Roots Music Palace of the Ozarks—Harrison, Arkansas’s historic Lyric Theater—will open at 6:00 for a 7:00 performance on Saturday, January 26. Adult beverages and general concessions will be available throughout the concert, and tickets are available in advance for $5.00; at the door, they will be $10.

Sanctuary Benefit Concert — Saturday, October 13 at 3:00–8:00pm — #LiveAtTheLyric!

Three bands that have consistently kept crowds coming back for more have banded together to support victims of domestic abuse by helping Sanctuary provide food and shelter. Sponsored by Light Up Harrison, which is committed not only to the lighting of the Square and streets of Harrison for the Christmas season, but to keep aglow the light of our area’s residents’ love for those in need, these excellent bands will perform to raise cash and food donations on Saturday, October 13, from 3:00–8:00.

The Ozark Arts Council is delighted to host The Hedley Lamar Band, Earth Bone, and White Fox Kill, who have graciously chosen to play for us at this fundraising event, through which

Sanctuary will be able to continue in its mission of providing for those escaping abuse and Light Up Harrison will continue to show the world that our area takes seriously our duty to recognize and enhance all that is good, noble, and beautiful. The OAC remains committed to the contention that great art most often comes from great passion—which is, literally, great suffering, whether from agony or from ecstasy—so that the Arts help us to heal and to thrive, to turn victimization to survival and survival to triumph.

Midnight Rider performed by Earth Bone

The doors of the Roots Music Palace of the Ozarks—Harrison, Arkansas’s historic Lyric Theater—will open at 2:00 for a performance stretching from 3:00 to 8:00 on Saturday, October 13. Adult beverages and general concessions will be available throughout this concert, and there will be short (5–10 minute) intermissions between bands, as well. Tickets are available in advance for $2.50 and two food items* or for $5; at the door, they will be $5 and two food items.

Thieves in the Dark performed by White Fox Kill

The Benefit Concert for Sanctuary, sponsored by Light Up Harrison, will begin at 3:00 on Saturday, October 13, and run from 3:00–8:00. The doors of Harrison’s historic Lyric Theater will open at 2:00 and adult beverages and general concessions will be available throughout the evening. Tickets are available in advance online, at (870) 391-3504, or 9–4 weekdays at the OAC office (door to the left of the theater) for $2.50 and two food items or $5.00*; at the door, they will be $5 plus two food items.

*Please just bring the food items with you and don’t try to send them through our ticketing page; last time, someone tried to send a jar of strawberry preserves and it really gummed up our server.

LaGrange performed by The Hedley Lamar Band

Battle of the Bands — Saturday August 4 at 7:00pm — #LiveAtTheLyric!

Four great area bands, playing the songs that keep crowds all over Northwest and Central Arkansas and Southern Missouri coming back for more, plus what they’ll be judged on in this show: their covering of a Beatles tune, whether in the original setting or in their own style! Who will most compellingly make a Fab Four song their own and take this Summer’s bragging rights—and the cash prize?

The Ozark Arts Council is delighted to host these wonderful musicians who have graciously chosen to play for us at this fundraising event, through which we are hoping to begin our restoration of the Lyric Theater’s original balcony restrooms, which have been out of service since the 1970s. Thanks to some fantastic sponsors, the bands are competing for a cash prize, as well as area bragging rights, and we’re expecting a dynamite show!

The doors of the Roots Music Palace of the Ozarks—Harrison, Arkansas’s historic Lyric Theater—will open at 6:00 for a 7:00 performance on Saturday, August 4. Adult beverages and general concessions will be available throughout this concert, and there will be short (5–10 minute) intermissions between bands, as well. Tickets are available in advance for $10; at the door, they will be $15.

Midnight Rider performed by Earth Bone

As you can see from the videos posted here, our bands have very different styles, often showing blues and folk roots with an edge both in their covers and new compositions that shows a personal ‘backstory’ that can make even the same song relate in completely different ways.

Featured bands include The Hedley Lamar Band, LeadFoot 65, Sound Pilot, and Earth Bone, all of whom you’ve heard and loved for several years, and, thanks to our sponsors, you get to hear and love them again but all in one place. Many thanks to Milam Refrigeration, TLD Construction, GFI Inc., Anderson Electric & Plumbing, Quality Construction & Remodeling, Harrison Mini Storage, Elite Plumbing & Construction, The Arnold Team at Weichert Realtors, and Mitchell Electric for sponsoring the grand prize for our Battle!

The Outlaw performed by Leadfoot 65

The Summer 2018 Battle of the Bands will begin at 7:00 on Saturday, August 4. The doors of Harrison’s historic Lyric Theater will open at 6:00 and adult beverages and general concessions will be available throughout the evening. Tickets are available in advance online or at (870) 391-3504 for $10; at the door, they will be $15.

Raucous Comedy “One Man, Two Guvnors” — April 27–30 & May 4–7 — #LiveAtTheLyric!

Under license from Dramatist Play Service, the Ozark Arts Council is pleased to announce the Northark Drama and Theatre Company of the Ozarks collaboration on Richard Bean’s One Man, Two Guvnors, to be performed at the historic Lyric Theater in Harrison, Arkansas!

In 2011, Mr. Bean (no relation…!) completed a wonderful project of making a modern (well, 1960s, anyway) English adaptation of Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni’s 1743 commedia dell’arte, Il servitore di due padroni (Servant of Two Masters). Both the script itself and the pre-show and interval skiffle concerts, with music and lyrics by Grant Olding, are hilarious.

Please Note: the play itself is not a musical, but it has a couple of short concerts that relate to the subject matter of the play, but without giving anything away. Seriously. (If you’re confused, just buy a ticket; this is how Italian comedy redone by the Brits a few centuries later works. We have all been happier since we determined to just get used to it.)

One Man, Two Guvnors received widespread critical acclaim. For example, this is what the press in England had to say:

▪ The Guardian gave it 5 stars, saying that it was “A triumph of visual and verbal comedy. One of the funniest productions in the National’s history.”

Citadel Guide — Download the Citadel Theatre’s wonderful enrichment guide to get the most out of the show!

▪ The Daily Telegraph described it as “the feelgood hit of the Summer.”
▪ The Independent wrote that it is a “massive hit” and London’s Evening Standard as “a surefire hit”. Blogging site
▪ Everything Theatre described it as “one of the most side-splittingly hilarious productions ever to be staged in London”.
▪ In fact, the show won Best Play at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards for 2011.

When the play came to the Unites States, Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune said that he enjoyed it at its opening, but that the flaw in the performance was in the actors trying to push the comedy, when the comedy was already there. He writes:

Those flaws I mentioned, though, come mostly from not trusting the simple truth of the material — I know, “truth” sounds out of context here, but believability still is the foundation for physical comedy.

One of the great things often noted about directors Bekah Wilson and Michael Mahoney is their dedication to “letting the text speak,” having the plot live through the characters and the characters live through the actors…rehearsing to the point that the words and actions of the characters are natural to the cast.

Says Co-Director Rebekah Wilson:

I was lucky enough to see the Broadway tour of this show a few years back and I fell in love with it. I have never laughed so hard at any show. I also thought it was one of the most difficult shows I had ever seen and someone would have to be crazy to try to direct it at a community theater. Obviously, I happen to be one of those crazies…[the cast has] worked incredibly hard, giving it absolutely their whole hearts. This cast has committed from day one to me and this project and I couldn’t be more proud and excited for them and for our community to see what they have accomplished. Don’t miss out on this one guys. I desperately want to share this unique and hilarious bit of Broadway with our hometown.

Co-Director Michael Mahoney wholeheartedly agrees:

Working on this show has been another blessing and challenge in the theatre. I feel the same way as my dear friend and directing partner Bekah Wilson…It is a very challenging and yet hilarious script. The humor is so deep and rich and yet the level of focus and realistic aspects must be present for this show to work. The cast and crew have grown together in their commitment and dedication to making the production a reality for our community. I am honored to be onstage with all of them.

For great comedy well done, you cannot beat One Man, Two Guvnors!

The Story

In 1963 Brighton, out-of-work skiffle player Francis Henshall (Daniel Seay) becomes separately employed by two men—Roscoe Crabbe (O. Wolfe), a gangster, and Stanley Stubbers (Michael Mahoney), an upper class twit. Francis tries to keep the two from meeting, in order to avoid each of them learning that Francis is also working for someone else.

Complicating events, Roscoe is really Rachel Crabbe (Olivia Wolfe) in disguise, her twin brother Roscoe having been killed by her boyfriend…who is none other than Stanley! Complicating events still further is local mobster Charlie the Duck (Rick Porter), who has arranged his daughter Pauline’s (Rowen Bolonsky) engagement to Roscoe despite her preference for over-the-top amateur actor Alan Dangle (Gavin Wilson). Even further complications are prompted by several letters, a very heavy trunk, several unlucky audience volunteers, an extremely elderly waiter (Preston Garrison), a cast of roughhousers (Wyatt Mahoney, Josiah Reynolds, Isaac Stevens, Jarrett Mann, Billy Dromgoole, Sara Davison) and…Francis’ pursuit of his twin passions: Dolly (Michelle Reynolds), Charlie’s feminist bookkeeper, and food.

Backed up by The Craze—Northern Arkansas’s answer to the UK’s fondness for skiffle in the 1950s and ’60s—One Man, Two Guvnors is one you don’t want to miss!

Please note: Adult language and themes, parental guidance recommended.

The Cast

Francis Henshall — Daniel Seay
Stanley Stubbers — Michael Mahoney
Rachel Crabbe — Olivia Wolfe
Alfie — Preston Garrison
Harry Dangle — Josiah Reynolds
Lloyd Boateng — Isaac Stevens
Pauline Clench — Rowen Bolonsky
Charlie Clench — Rick Porter
Alan Dangle — Gavin Wilson
Dolly Michele — Jewell Reynolds
Gareth — Wyatt Mahoney
Cops — Jarrett Mann, Billy Dromgoole

Ensemble, Old Lady — Sarah Davison
Taxi Driver — Billy Dromgoole
Singers — Callie Johnson, Kt Blessing, Abi Kops

Directors: Rebekah Wilson and Michael Mahoney
Choreographer: Katie Beth Allison
The Craze: Bob Johnson, Abi Kops, James Melton, Curtis Reed, Gray Squires, Eric Stefanski
Stage Manager: Michael Krasowski

GENERAL ADMISSION: $12.00

STUDENTS: $10.00

NORTHARK STUDENTS with NORTHARK COLLEGE ID: $5.00

North Arkansas College in association with
The Theatre Company Presents:
“One Man Two Guvnors”
By
Richard Bean

Adult Language and Themes

Category: Skiffle

Learning to Fly: A Tribute to Tom Petty — Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 7pm — #LiveAtTheLyric!

Heavy Wrecker
& Friends
Tribute to Tom Petty
Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 7:00PM

National Park Radio and Big Buffalo Golden Gals, a short film — Friday, June 14, 2024 at 7pm — #LiveAtTheLyric!

National Park Radio and Big Buffalo Golden Gals
Friday, June 14, 2024 at 7:00PM