MusicFest announcement coming this week

‘Decade Night’ to be celebrated at June’s First Thursday

Main Street El Dorado is issuing a reminder that Washington Avenue between Main and Elm streets will be closed Thursday in preparation for two downtown events.

First Thursday will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. and a VIP party, which will include the announcement of MusicFest 2022 headliners, will immediately follow at 7 p.m.

First Thursday is presented each month by the Downtown Business Association to help boost foot traffic in downtown shops and restaurants by offering shopping specials and themed activities.

The theme for June is "Decade Night" and the event will include activities featuring different decades and musical genres and tributes to performing artists -- all in a nod to MusicFest, which was launched by MSE 35 years ago.

Outdoor vendors will also be set up during First Thursday.

MusicFest

MSE is celebrating "Vintage MusicFest: Back to the Streets," which is set for Oct. 7 and 8.

The festival theme refers to the dissolution of a partnership between MSE and MAD.

The two groups teamed up in 2017 to present MusicFest.

The 30th anniversary of the festival coincided with the grand opening of the MAD arts and entertainment district. MAD booked the talent and took on the ticketed events at its venues and MSE planned the attractions, side stages and vendors on the downtown square.

With the advent of MAD, MSE agreed to step back and allow the arts and entertainment district to take the lead in scheduling shows in El Dorado.

The arrangement worked for the past five years, save 2020 when COVID-19 forced the cancellation of MusicFest, until MAD announced earlier this year that it was pulling out of the festival business to focus more on shows, including concerts, stand-up comedy and other such events, in its venues.

Pam Griffin, president and CEO of MAD, also said the private, nonprofit organization heeded calls from area residents to center MusicFest back on the downtown square, which is two blocks north of MAD.

MSE has spent the past few months booking talent for the main and side stages, as well as attractions and vendors for MusicFest 2022.

Headliners will be announced and a video featuring three decades-worth of moments from MusicFest will be shown during the invitation-only VIP party Thursday.

The reveal for the headliners is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

First Thursday attendees will also be welcomed to stick around for the announcement. Those who received invitations still have time to RSVP.

The party will be held on the west (Washington Avenue) side of the Union County Courthouse and will include live music and light refreshments.

In the event of inclement weather, the party will be moved inside the courthouse. Attendees will be asked to use the west entrance, said Beth Brumley, executive director of MSE.

"(MusicFest) tickets will go on sale later that night. People can go to our website (www.mainstreet.org)," Brumley said.

Also, call the MSE office at 870-862-4747 for more information.

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