UACCB partners with FCB to provide performance series
by Julie M. Fidler
BATESVILLE - Area residents will soon have the chance to see a variety of performances without traveling to a bigger city, thanks to the University of Arkansas Community College and First Community Bank.
The partnership is offering a season of live shows as part of a performance series, according to Hayes Olson, director of development at UACCB. The shows include acrobats, a hypnotist, Motown singers and a musical family.
Brian Berry, vice chancellor for enrollment and student services, said he worked with Dr. Cliff Jones, vice chancellor for academics, and several members of the UACCB community to choose the acts. Berry said, "This will be an opportunity for people to have more cultural experiences without having to travel to Little Rock or Memphis."
Berry said he worked with several talent agencies to find acts that were in route to get the performers at a discounted price. "These are acts that are going to be in nearby states, so we were able to get them at a reasonable booking price," he said. "They're what we thought the community would like to see, and we wanted to have a diverse collection of acts that would have broad appeal."
He said UACCB will conduct surveys at the events to see what the community would like to attend in the future. "We hope to do this every year," he said. "We'll definitely get audience feedback."
First Community Bank has offered to split the anticipated cost of $30,000 to bring the series to UACCB. Those who wish to attend all four events can purchase a season ticket for $25. Individual show tickets will also be available for $10 each. Profits from the performances will assist in bringing future acts to town, Olson said. Tickets will be available Sept. 1, 2010 at First Community Bank and UACCB.
"We are pleased to partner with UACCB to host a performance series in our community," said Dale Cole, chairman and chief executive officer of First Community Bank. "It's our goal to give area residents the opportunity to experience enriching cultural experiences right here at home. Our vision is for this series to expand to even a grandeur scale. We look forward to bringing other acclaimed artists and a diverse spectrum of performances."
"First Community Bank has a reputation for setting the pace in providing greater exposure to the community," said Berry. "Offering national talent to the region is just the sort of activity that can make a difference."
"This partnership will allow for community advertising and promotion, along with free admission for all UACCB students, giving the campus and the greater Batesville community the chance to see and participate in something brand new to the area," Berry said.
The first performance, on Oct. 1, 2010 will feature The Hunt Family, Irish step dancers and fiddlers from Virginia. Hypnotist Brad Clark will perform Nov. 2, 2010 and the Kenya Safari Acrobats will be in town Jan. 14, 2011. The series concludes March 7, 2011 with a performance by the Masters of Motown.
"A lot of these acts get their start on college campuses," Berry said. "We know the acts will be entertaining and fun. With First Community Bank's kind support, it allows us to host four acts instead of just one."
"The Motown show is a pretty involved show. We're excited about that," Olson said. "It'll really put our whole system to the test."
Berry agreed saying the March show will involve a lot of musical equipment and sound adding that all performances will provide an opportunity for students who want to get involved in that type of business. "We hope it'll be an education from the business and performing arts standpoint."
