The Last Dance has now turned into a two-day affair that will bring more blues, more southern soul and more R&B music to the Union County Fairgrounds in October.
With additions to the musical lineup, the show, which was originally set for Oct. 9, has now been expanded to Oct. 8 and 9 at the fairgrounds, 1430 E. 19th.
Gates open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. on Oct. 8, the Friday night leg of the show. On Oct. 9, gates will open at 3 p.m. and the show will start at 5 p.m.
Earlier this month, promoter Michael Jackson, of Mr. Mike's Productions, announced The Last Dance and hinted that changes in the talent roster and dates for the show could be forthcoming due to potential scheduling conflicts.
He confirmed the changes late last week, saying that a second leg of the show had been added for Oct. 8.
Fans of blues and southern soul will have a cornucopia of performers to choose from, with some of the most popular names of the genres set to headline.
Kicking off The Last Dance on Oct. 8 will be Kiko, Veronica Ra'Elle and the Jay Morris Group, best known for the song "Knee Deep," a track on the group's 2019 album, "Like Food to My Soul."
On Oct. 9, T.K. Soul, also known as "The Bad Boy of Southern Soul," will lead a larger one-day lineup that includes J-Wonn, Lacee, Mr. Sam, Roi "Chip" Anthony, Mr. Lyve and C. Lamont.
Entertainer 2-Legit will host the show and DJs Big Daddy and Banks will be on hand to entertain the crowd.
The Last Dance was launched by Mr. Mike's Productions in 2020 to cap off a season of live, outdoor music events that include Soul Fest and the Southern Soul Showdown -- both annual events that are also held at the fairgrounds and feature blues, southern soul and R&B.
Soul Fest 2021 was held May 1.
The Southern Soul Showdown -- held Aug. 14 this year -- was typically Mr. Mike's last large outdoor event of the year but with much of 2020 shut down because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Jackson said blues and southern fans in the region were clamoring for at least one more shindig before cold weather set in.
Enter The Last Dance.
For the 2021 event, Jackson said he carefully selected a lineup of performers who would be sure to bring in a crowd and who are known to put on live shows that give audiences their money's worth.
T.K. Soul is a legendary name on the blues and southern soul circuit who is characterized by his gritty sound and dynamic stage shows.
He is a local fan favorite, having performed at various Mr. Mike's events over the years.
Tickets for The Last Dance went on sale in mid-August and Jackson said sales have been going well.
He noted an uptick in inquiries and ticket sales since he announced that the event had been expanded to two days.
Prices are $30 until Oct. 3; $35 until Oct. 8; and $45 at the gate. VIP tickets are $75.
Tickets that are purchased for the show are good for both days, Jackson said.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and coolers at $5 per cooler. Food and other vendors will be onsite.
COVID-19 precautions, including face masks and social distancing, are encouraged. Hand-sanitizing stations will be available at the fairgrounds.
Tickets are available at Mr. Mike's CDs and Tapes in El Dorado; Special Touch in Camden; Golden Girls in Warren; Record Rack in Pine Bluff; Golden Lady in Texarkana; Ugly Mike's in Little Rock; and LBK's in Farmerville, Louisiana.
For more information, call Jackson at 870-866-7441.