Best of the Best

NWA Democrat-Gazette Best of the Best 6 Friday, October 29, 2016 WINNER Live Theater nwadg.com/best NO R T H W E S T A RK AN S A S D E M O C RA T - GA Z E TTE NO R T H W E S T A RK AN S A S D E M O C RA T - GA Z E TTE 2016 W I N N E R WALTON ARTS CENTER Special to NWA Democrat-Gazette W alton Arts Center has been a leader in arts education for our schools and school children, an economic driver for all of Northwest Arkansas and a key part of the quality of life amenities in our community. The diversity of programming, scale of touring productions and variety of arts opportunities are unparalleled anywhere else in the state. Since opening its doors in 1992, the population of Northwest Arkansas has more than dou- bled, and the desire for arts and entertainment has grown correspondingly. In order to meet the needs of the community and the demands of the industry, Walton Arts Center will complete a $23 million ex- pansion and renovation that adds 30,000 square feet of space, including a new and expanded atrium that connects to Dickson Street, signifi cant renova- tions and expansion of the resident black box theater, expanded space for back of house technical and theat- rical equipment, and new administrative offi ces for Walton Arts Center staff. These enhancements have modernized the facility, making it better suited to accomplish Walton Arts Center's mission to bring great performing artists and entertainers from around the world to Northwest Arkansas, connecting and engaging people through inspiring arts experiences. The 2016-17 season marks Walton Arts Center's 25th year of presenting the arts. Following a grand re- opening celebration on Sat- urday, Nov. 19, Walton Arts Center will present a full season of Broadway shows, children and family programming, world-class dance and more. For information, in- cluding an up-to-date performance schedule visit waltonartscenter.org. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (479) 443-5600. Walton Arts Center celebrates 25th year of presenting the arts WINNER Live Music nwadg.com/best N O R T H W E S T A RK AN S A S D E M O C RA T - GA Z E TTE N O R T H W E S T A RK AN S A S D E M O C R A T - GA Z E TTE 2016 W I N N E R WALMART AMP Special to NWA Democrat-Gazette W alton Arts Center (WAC) purchased the Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP) in February 2011 as part of an expansion strategy to meet the growing demand for more arts and entertainment in the Northwest Arkansas region. Over the past fi ve years, the Walmart AMP has experienced tremendous growth that helps support arts programs at Walton Arts Center like the popular 10x10 Arts Series, Take-A-Seat and educational programs for local schools. The Walmart AMP, which opened in June 2014, provides a fun and comfortable con- cert-going experience and serves a broader audience to create more entertainment and increased economic activity around the region. The permanent outdoor music venue has upgraded technical capabilities, a seating capacity of 9,000+ with covered seating for up to 3,500 patrons, and the largest outdoor stage house in Arkansas, all set in a vibrant commercial district with restaurants, shopping outlets and hotel accommoda- tions. The Walmart AMP continues to bring bigger and better acts to Northwest Arkansas each season, with lineups that include a wide variety of artists and entertainment: from legends like Carlos Santana and Willie Nelson to country stars like Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean and Kenny Chesney to more contemporary acts like The Avett Brothers, Twenty One Pilots and The Lumineers. The Walmart AMP returns summer 2017 with another season of stand-out music at NWA's newest outdoor music destination. More information, including an up-to-date performance schedule, is available on the Walmart AMP website, amptickets.com. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 479-443-5600. Walmart AMP continues to enhance entertainment in Northwest Arkansas NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE/BEN GOFF Fireworks burst over the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion during the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular in Rogers. NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE/DAVID GOTTSCHALK Renovation and construction continued on the northwest facing facade of the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville.

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