TODAY
Anthony Gomes, a No. 1 Billboard blues artist, will perform at 8 p.m. in the Griffin Restaurant, 101 E. Locust. The Toronto-born musician is a triple-threat as guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, who is known for high-energy shows and a dynamic stage presence, making him one of the top draws on the rock/blues circuit.
Gomes’ album, “Peace, Love & Loud Guitars,” was named Best Blues Album of 2018 by Blues Rock Review and SoundGuardian Magazine. He has performed with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Robert Plant, Heart, Sammy Hagar, Joe Bonamassa, .38 Special, Jonny Lang, Robert Cray and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
Admission is free and reservations are encouraged. Reservations may be made by calling 870-444-3008 or online at OpenTable.com
SATURDAY
The 33rd annual MLK Banquet, presented by the Self Culture Club, is slated for 6 p.m. in the El Dorado Conference Center, 311 S. West Ave.
Col. Lawrence Hicks, of Little Rock, a retired U.S. Air Force airman, will deliver the keynote address. In 2017, Hicks retired from the U.S. Air Force after 25 years of service.
Tickets for the banquet are $25 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available at Sims Mortuary, 432 Liberty, or the Salvation Army Thrift Store, 1430 N. West Ave. Tickets may also be purchased from any Self Culture Club member.
For more information, call Wanda James of the Self Culture Club at 870-866-3256.
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Meet Me at the Court will conduct its monthly youth mission project at 3 p.m. by serving hot, soul-food dinner plates at the “Burning Barrel of Love” in the area of Hawthorne and Norsworthy. The food is free and the event is open to the public.
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Live Saturday Night! will feature Ernie Biggs Dueling Pianos at 8 p.m. in the Griffin Restaurant. The show will feature a Chicago-style dueling piano bar with talented pianists and sing-a-longs. Admission is free and reservations are highly encouraged. Tables may be reserved by calling 870-444-3008 or visiting OpenTable.com.
SUNDAY
The 31st annual MLK Parade will roll at 2:30 p.m. Lineup will begin at 1 p.m. at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, 100 W. Eighth. The parade will proceed south on North West Avenue, east on Main Street and north on Washington Avenue before disbanding at Memorial Stadium.
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The South Arkansas Arts Center will host a free Stage Combat Workshop with choreographer Mickayla Blue.Those interested in learning about combat choreography, are invited to learn about the fundamentals of stage combat in a safe environment. Blue will also have several types of weapons on hand. Sign-in will begin at 2 p.m. at SAAC, 110 E. Fifth St., with the workshop to follow at 2:30.
The workshop will kick off SAAC's spring production of "The Three Musketeers," which will hold auditions Jan. 20-21.
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An MLK Musical will follow the parade at 6 p.m. at New Olive Branch Baptist Church, 1548 N. Roselawn. The musical will feature local gospel group Chosen, under the direction of Carlaskio Smith, executive director of the eXtreme Youth Programs, formerly PRIDE Youth Programs.
For more information about MLK weekend, call Wanda James of the Self Culture Club at 870-866-3256.