Main Street El Dorado and the Murphy Arts District are heading into the summer with busy schedules.
Representatives from both groups recently discussed upcoming events, some for which they are teaming up to present.
MAD is coming off the heels of a show featuring country music icon Hank Williams Jr. and is readying for two hip-hop-themed concerts.
The “Turnt Up Tour” — featuring Chingy, The Yong Yang Twins and Petey Pablo — is set for Friday and on June 21, several, popular old-school hip-hop acts are expected to roll into town as part of the “Love the '90s Tour.”
Many of the “'90s” headliners will be making return appearances to El Dorado, having previously performed at MusicFest.
They include Salt N Pepa, Coolio, Tone Loc and Vanilla Ice.
Also on the bill are Rob Base and Young MC.
Days ago, MAD announced that famed country music group Rascal Flatts is set for an outdoor concert on Aug. 24.
In the meantime, MAD is continuing to offer free live music with Thursday Night Live, which is presented each week in the Griffin Restaurant.
While MAD has several musical shows booked in the coming weeks, Bob Tarren, chief marketing officer for MAD, said several shows that are not centered around concerts are also on tap.
The Second City Summer Blockbuster is scheduled for a stop in El Dorado on June 14.
The Second City is a storied improv comedy troupe with a touring/theatrical company.
Some of the biggest names in comedy and other facets of the entertainment industry got their start with The Second City, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Steve Carell.
Keeping with the comedic theme, Arkansas Shakespeare Theater will present “Much Ado About Nothing” on June 19 in the city’s arts and entertainment district.
Arkansas Shakespeare Theater is the only professional Shakespeare company in the state and has adapted one of the Bard’s most well known comedies into a one-hour, family production that is said to be digestible for audiences of all ages.
Tarren and Beth Brumley, executive director of Main Street El Dorado, said the two groups are also partnering on plans for MusicFest XXXI, which will be held in the fall.
Musicfest is Main Street’s flagship fundraiser.
Last year, Main Street allowed MAD to take the lead in booking the musical headliners for the diamond anniversary of MusicFest, which was held in conjunction with the grand opening of MAD.
Meanwhile, Main Street focused on scheduling local and regional talent for side stages, food and craft vendors and bolstering family-friendly activities and attractions.
Brumley said the groups will follow the same approach this year.
The summer
But first, Main Street, MAD and Murphy USA will team up to present the Summer Concert Series and Showdown at Sunset.
Brumley told A&P commissioners that the shows are set for June 23, July 28 and Aug. 25 in Downtown El Dorado.
Showdown, the long-running re-enactment of a deadly gunfight that took place on the streets of El Dorado in the early 1920s, will take place in its traditional spot on the east side of the Union County Courthouse.
The Summer Concert Series, which immediately follows Showdown, will move two blocks south to MAD venues this year, Brumley said.
As with MusicFest, Brumley said Main Street is adding more attractions to bring people downtown earlier in the day and help boost foot traffic for downtown businesses.
“This year, we’re doing Grill Wars, a grilling competition that will be held during the day from about (10 a.m. until 4 p.m.),” Brumley said.
There will also be more games and activities for children, including giant Jenga Giant, Connect Four and chalk art, she said.
“We’re looking forward to the summer, and the Summer Concert Series,” Brumley said, adding that announcements about SCS performers are forthcoming.
She also reminded A&P commissioners about “Camp Boomtown on Union Square,” an airstream camping event coordinated by the Arkansas Razorback Airstream Club and local groups, including Main Street, MAD, the Downtown Business Association and the city of El Dorado.
Razorback air streamers are expected to arrive on the afternoon of Sept. 20 and camp downtown for the next three days.
The event will be the first of its kind in Arkansas, and attendees will be able to tour campers.
Tarren reported on another first for El Dorado: the MAD playscape, which opened two weeks ago.
The facility, which includes playground equipment, water features and concessions, is located on 2.5 acres and is adjacent to First United Methodist Church.
Tarren said the playscape peak attendance has been 2,000, and the facility has drawn many people from out of town.
“We’re hoping they had a good time, and they’ll tell people that El Dorado is a great place to go,” he said.
Admission is free for the playscape.
The A&P Commission financially supports Main Street and MAD events.
For more information about MAD or Main Street events, visit their respective Facebook pages, visit eldomad.com or call the Main Street office at 870-862-4747.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at [email protected].