InArkansas.com

Gallery by Melissa Brawner Photography

Larnie Campbell + Sean Hughes
April 20, 2013 • Dunbar Community Garden & White Water Tavern, Little Rock

Photographer: Melissa Brawner Photography
Catering: Chef Michael Campbell & Aiesha Parker-Hicks; Johnathan Wilkins, White Water Tavern Kitchen, Little Rock
Dress: Repurposed by Missy Lipps Design
Headpiece: Memento Mori Salon, Little Rock
Groom's attire: The Independent, Little Rock
Wedding music: Lark in the Morning accompanied by Caroline Pierce 
Cake: Pearl Rodgers
Hair: Kim Carter, Caracalla, Little Rock
Makeup: Angela Alexander, Little Rock
Reception band: Honkey Tonk Angels and their Highway Hounds
Other musicians: Bart McCuin, Hayes and Jenna Carll

Join Bobby's Bike Hike and the Little Rock River Market for its first-ever Bike Bash Dash -- a super-fun bicycle scavenger hunt Sunday (May 5).

Join Bobby's Bike Hike and the Little Rock River Market for its first-ever Bike Bash Dash -- a super-fun bicycle scavenger hunt Sunday (May 5).

Starting at 11:30 a.m., clues will be placed all around downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock and you'll use your bicycle to compete against teams (via a provided map) to find the clues.  There will be two divisions: a competitive division and a family division. The bike shop will be rewarding the winners with accolades and prizes.

Don't have a bike? No problem! You can rent one at Bobby's Bike Hike for a discounted rate.

Feel free to sign up as an individual or with a team (individuals will be grouped together as a team). Teams can be various sizes, from 2- to 5- member teams.

Individuals are $5 each, while teams (competitive and family) are $10. Reserve your spot here.

Call (501) 613-7001 for more information.

Enjoy Cinco de Mayo from noon-8 p.m. Saturday (May 4) at Clinton Presidential Park, 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock.

Sponsored by the League of United Latin American Citizens 750 Council, the festival will be a celebration of Latino culture in central Arkansas.

There will be homemade foods from Mexico and Central America, arts and crafts exhibits, games for children and family activities.

Enjoy live Latin American bands, folkloric ballet, Mariachi, zumba and salsa dance; as well as face painting; inflatable bouncers; children games; piñatas; youth soccer, golf and tennis clinics; and international and authentic Mexican food trucks, Mexican beer and Margaritaville.

Admission is free but donations are accepted to UALR Patricia Guardado and other UALR Scholarships. For more information, click here or call Michel Leidermann at (501) 374-0853.

Image by Greg Henderson

Arkansas Repertory Theatre is seeking actors for its upcoming production of a new and reconceived revival of "Pal Joey," opening The Rep's 2013-2014 Season.

Arkansas Repertory Theatre is seeking actors for its upcoming production of a new and reconceived revival of "Pal Joey," opening The Rep’s 2013-2014 Season.

The theater will have local auditions Saturday (May 4) at The Rep, 601 Main St., Little Rock.

Directed by Peter Schneider, the play's first rehearsal will be Aug. 13 and it will run Sept. 6 - 22, with a possible extension to Sept. 29.

The theatre is seeking AEA and Non-AEA performers for the following roles:

• Linda Barlow: African-American, second soprano with good belt mix to at least a D, 25 to 35 years of age, and a graceful mover. Linda’s a waitress, with an avocation as an artist, and is innocent but is nobody's fool. She's a quick study of human character.
• Gladys Love / Ensemble: white Big Belt to “C#”, good range, Alto/Mezzo, in her 30s, must be an excellent tap dancer. Gladys is a no-nonsense club singer who has been ill-used by men and by life.
• Mike Spears / Ensemble: white, Baritone. In his 40s, moves well.  Mike is harried and cynical. At one point, he was quite good-looking but he's let himself go.
• Joe Armour / Ensemble: white, Tenor/Baritone, 20s to 40s, strong singer, dancer. Joe is a Social Register-type who is one of Vera’s escorts, snobby and spoiled.

To get an audition appointment, email Peter Mensky, company manager/casting associate at pmensky@therep.org.

Strawberries are a good source of Vitamin C and are low in calories.

This is the second installment in our new series "In Season at the Farmers Market" where we will do just that -- explore what is in season at the moment.

In May, strawberries are primo. This sweet and vibrant berry was first cultivated in ancient Chile. After the protean berry was crossed with a wild species found in Virginia, the world got the variety we know and love today.

Sadly, the delicate strawberry is prone to mold, and doesn't store easily. Dr. Rosemary Rodibaugh, extension nutrition specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, stresses that fresh strawberries are the best strawberries.

“You should definitely throw out strawberries that are already bruised, rotting, or moldy, before storing any purchased strawberries,” she said. “Be sure to leave the green caps on them as long as possible.  This will keep the good ones fresher for longer.”

Strawberries have an abundance of vitamin C and potassium. The best time to purchase Arkansas strawberries is in late April and early May. Eat them as is, add them to a salad, or dip into melted chocolate.

Purchasing and storage tips:

• Select strawberries with a natural shine, a red color, and bright green caps.
• Do not purchase white or pink berries, as these do not sweeten after they are picked.
• Avoid strawberries with bruises, or those without caps.  These will not store well.
• Medium-sized berries are tastier than large berries.
• Remove bruised, rotted, or moldy berries before storing.
• Refrigerate strawberries immediately after purchase. Strawberries only keep for a few days in the fridge.

Farmers markets open to get your strawberries:

Little Rock Farmers Market, River Market Pavilions, 400 President Clinton Ave.: Filled with farmers selling farm-fresh produce straight to consumers from the backs of their trucks from early morning until mid-afternoon every April through October, patrons can find bargains on Arkansas crops as well as a bountiful array of handmade arts and crafts at the farmers market. There will be a variety of fresh produce

Bernice Garden Farmers Market, 1401 South Main St., Little Rock: The SoMa farmers market sells sustainable fruits, veggies, nuts, berries, flowers, herbs, cheeses and tons of cool artisan goods. The market will be open every Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until the fall.

Argenta Farmers Market, 6th and Main Streets, North Little Rock: Saturday (April 6) is the start of the market's new season. From 7 a.m. - noon, the public can peruse the various vendors selling tons of artisan goods and fresh produce, including strawberries. It's on the River Rail Trolley route with an abundance of free parking, making it easy to get in and out! Call (501) 993-1234 for more information.

Hillcrest Farmers Market, in front of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock: The year-round farmers market, which is open 7 a.m. - noon Saturdays, will have a large variety of goods and produce, especially strawberries. There will be several vendors selling strawberries at the market, including Barnhill Orchards and Cedar Rock Acres. "I visited Barnhills farm two weeks ago and saw his 40,000 strawberry plants," said Carolyn Stanley, the farmers market liaison. "He's been able to bring them to market for a month already this season because he installed high tunnels for planting several hundred early strawberries that matured in April and have been delicious!"

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe, from Capi Peck of Trio's, 8201 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock

Yields 20 shortcake rounds

Ingredients for shortcake

• 4 cups flour
• 1 - 1/2 lbs. cold unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup ice cold water

Place the flour in a bowl of electric mixer with paddle attachment in place. Cut cold butter into pieces and add several at a time, mixing well after each addition, with the mixer running. Alternate butter with water. Mix on medium speed until butter is completed mixed into the flour.

Pull golf ball size pieces of dough from the mass and roll between your palms to make a smooth ball. Flatten each ball onto a sheet pan and make tiny holes int the dough with the lines of a fork to prevent the pastry from puffing up.

Bake in a pre-heated 300 degree oven for 20 minutes. Let cool completely and store in a covered container at room temperature for up to three days.

Ingredients for strawberries and whipped cream

• Arkansas strawberries, caps removed, washed and sliced
• sugar
• 1 quart heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Place 1/4 cup sugar per 1 quart of sliced strawberries in a large mixing bowl. Place sliced berries on top of the sugar and stir gently. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes so that the berries can release their juices. Chill for two hours before assembling the shortcakes.

Whip cream to soft peaks with the powdered sugar.

To assemble: Place a baked shortcake round on a serving plate. Ladle strawberries with their juices over the shortcake and top with whipped cream.

Find other great recipes on the Little Rock Farmers Market's Facebook page.

In Season at the Farmers Market is a monthly series where we will be showcasing veggies and fruits that are in season at moment, offering purchase and preparation tips and a listing on where they'll be available area. Information is provided by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Pokey LaFarge

When you listen to the old-time, string ragtime and bluegrass music of Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three, you might wonder, "what kind of music is this?" in a good way.

For LaFarge, that's OK.

While it may be hard to really classify his music, his focus is really what message he's delivering to the fans.

The multi-instrumentalist, who in a way has created a genre all his own drawing from the old blues of hero Big Bill Broonzy and legendary artists' Bill Wills and Milton Brown, is gearing up for his first stop with Bonnie Montgomery in Little Rock tonight (May 4) at local dive and music hot spot White Water Tavern, 2500 W. Seventh St.

Tonight's show is part of his latest tour promoting his self-titled album, which is dropping June 4. It's a record LaFarge is very proud of, he said, and one that really showcases his abilities.

"My new album was trying to get into the depths of myself and involve my songwriting, playing and singing," he said.

Noteworthy tracks on the album to check out are "Central Time," "What the Rain Will Bring," "Close the Door" and "Kentucky Mae," which is the first song he has recorded that features a string quartet. Expect to hear these live at the show, LaFarge said.

In addition to his upcoming album, the old soul has been a little busy. In the past year, alone, the St. Louis native was honored again this year with second consecutive Best Americana Album win by the Independent Music Awards for "Middle of Everywhere," joined Vince Giordano for a track featured on the popular drama "Broadwalk Empire" on HBO, recorded alongside Jack White on his album "Blunderbuss" and was named an International Songwriting Competition finalist.

Pokey’s 2012 tour trail (consisting of nearly 200 shows) included two visits to Europe, performances at several of the largest and most renowned folk festivals in Canada, and appearances at clubs and festivals all over America.

As an opening act for Jack White’s "Blunderbuss" tour, LaFarge delighted sold out crowds at Red Rocks Amphitheater and Radio City Music Hall, among other prominent venues in America and Canada. In addition to opening for White, he has played with the likes of The Raconteurs, Nils Lofgren, Southern Culture on the Skids, Wanda Jackson and most recently at the historic Ryman Auditorium with Old Crow Medicine Show.

Tonight's show will harness the classic twangy blues, subtle jazz undertones and western swing of his latest album and will join forces with covers of old-time classics listeners are used to.

"It's really about moving people and having a messaged clearly delivered to listeners," LaFarge said. "I try to speak my mind through my music."

The show starts at 9:30 tonight. Admission is $8. Get more information here.

Get a preview of his tunes below.

Other local shows to check out this weekend:

Mark Chesnett at Juanita's, Friday (May 3): The '90s country crooner will take the stage with Jason Campbell & Singletree and Brandi Shae opening. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 10 p.m. It's $25 at the door.

Whale Fire at White Water Tavern, Saturday (May 4): The local dream pop band will have its record release show with The See. Get ready for the show to start at 9:30 p.m.

KABF Pledge Drive Launch Party at The Rev Room, Saturday (May 4): The party will feature live music from Color Club, Big Piph, Ezra Lbs, Amy Garland & Nick Devlin, Ursula and Adam Hogg. Tickets are $5 and the show starts at 8 p.m.

Bayside at Juanita's, Sunday (May 5): The Supporting Cast and Evacuate the City will open for the punky-pop group Bayside. Doors open at 7 p.m. It's $13 in advance and $15 at the door.

Image by Toad Suck Daze

Check out Little Rock Family's top 12 events for family fun this week in central Arkansas. From Toad Suck Daze in Conway to a Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Clinton Center, there will be plenty to keep central Arkansas families entertained. Read on for more fun, family-friendly events (many of which are FREE)!

Friday, May 3

Friday Plant Sale at ACCESS Gardens -- Grab some eye-catching container plants and other garden beauties before the planting season is over at ACCESS Gardens. ACCESS Gardens helps individuals with language and learning disabilities achieve their highest level of independence in activities of daily living, leisure skills, vocational development, social skills and community integration. Students participate in every aspect of the semi-annual sales, from planning what to grow and caring for the plants to pricing and logging inventory and providing customer assistance. Plant sale proceeds benefit ACCESS. 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. For info: AccessGroupInc.org. Admission FREE!

Little Rock Parks and Recreation's 14th Annual Therapeutic Recreation Arts Festival at Clear Channel Metroplex -- This arts festival in honor of Therapeutic Recreation features hands-on crafts, art, music, entertainment, and refreshments for children and adults with special needs, but is open to everyone. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For info: LittleRock.org/ParksRecreation/TherapeuticRec/ FREE!

Tulsa Drillers at Arkansas Travelers at Dickey-Stephens Park -- Between innings, enjoy Amazing Christopher's unique dancing act. 7:10 p.m. $6-$12. For info: TheTravs.com.

Friday, May 3-Saturday, May 4

Spring Livestock Show at State Fairgrounds -- Introduce your little one to farm animals up close and in person: The Arkansas Junior Cattlemen's Association and Arkansas Junior Sheep Council will show off goats, cattle, lambs, rabbits, turkeys and more. For info: ArkansasStateFair.com. FREE!

Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 5

James and the Giant Peach at Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre -- James and the Giant Peach, adapted from the classic book by Roald Dahl, follows James as he escapes the clutches of his horrible Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. When James finds an enormous peach filled with talking insects growing in his yard, the young orphan, a wise Old-Green-Grasshopper and a pessimistic Earthworm begin a wild adventure to an unknown destination. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Fri., 3 p.m. Sat., and 2 p.m. Sun. $12. For info: ArkArts.com.

Toad Suck Daze in Downtown Conway -- Though the historical name is slightly off-putting, this fest in Conway never fails to entertain. Pick up a fried snack on a stick at one of the food vendors, browse the wares of the Toad Market, and encourage the kids to race an amphibian in the "World Championship Toad Races." Listen to live acts, including Diamond Rio, hop on a carnival ride or head to the Toadal Kids Zone -- a favorite stop for families. For info: ToadSuck.org. Admission FREE!

Saturday, May 4

2nd Annual Family Health Fest at Promenade at Chenal -- Bring the family to get advice on exercise, take part in the Red Cross blood drive, access free health screenings and learn about fire safety from the Little Rock Fire Department. Get a taste of healthy eating by sampling some low-fat options from Promenade restaurants. Plus, hear from St. Vincent experts on immunizations, heart health, prostate health, breast cancer and more. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. For info: ChenalShopping.com. FREE!

15th Annual LULAC Cinco de Mayo at Clinton Presidential Center -- The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Council 750 and UALR Council 756 host this Cinco de Mayo celebration, which features traditional Mexican and Central American cuisine, live mariachi bands, salsa lessons, arts and crafts exhibits, and games and entertainment for children. The event includes special activities for the entire family as well as useful services and product information. LULAC will donate proceeds of the festival to student scholarships. Noon-8 p.m. For info: ClintonPresidentialCenter.org. FREE!

Bike Month Bash & Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Little Rock -- The event kicks off with the Bike Bash Dash, a bicycle scavenger hunt around downtown Little Rock/NLR. Teams can enter in one of two categories, regular and family divisions. This will be a great, healthy way to get out, explore the Rock Cities, and enjoy family, friends, and co-workers. Discounted bike rentals, if needed, will be provided by Bobby's Bike Hike. The Bike Month Bash will have food, music, vendors, bike classes and a bike wash in the River Market Pavilions. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For info: BobbysBikeHike.com.

Family Fun Saturday at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center -- Put on your dancing shoes and join MTCC and Leah Patterson for an afternoon of Latin dance lessons. This event will get all ages up and moving to the beat. Attendees will learn a variety of fun dance moves with cultural flair. Noon-2 p.m. For info: MosaicTemplarsCulturalCenter.com. FREE!

Turkish Food Festival at Raindrop Turkish House -- Taste samples of Turkish cuisine and get aquainted with the country's culture. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For info: RaindropTurkishHouse.org/Arkansas/LittleRock. Admission FREE!

Sunday, May 5

St. Mark's Tea Party at St. Mark Episcopal's Church -- The youth groups at St. Mark's host this fun tea party to raise money for summer camp scholarships. Advance registration required; deadline May 4. $10, children under 8 $5, family of four $30. 3-5 p.m. For info: 225-4203.

The Apology: Sarabeth's son writes her a note after insinuating her waistline is less than perfect.

Mother’s Day is coming, and with it the slew of amenities aimed at letting us mothers know how deeply loved and appreciated we are: candy, flowers, massages, spa treatments. And while most mothers I know would find any or all of the above enjoyable, what we really crave is much simpler: knowing that we are doing something right. We want to be good mothers, we try to do what’s best, but most of the time we are convinced on some level that we are completely missing the mark.

On any given day in my mothering career, my feelings toward my children can include: unpreparedness, bewilderment, irritation, astonishment and outrage. I’m pretty sure I felt all of them at once the day my son turned toward me in the car as we sat at a stoplight, and in the gentlest of voices said, “Mom? I think you have a muffin top.” He patted the bulge at my waistline for effect.

To be fair, this child is the baby of the family, in a family who greatly enjoys what we call ‘the funny.’ The competition for laughs at the Jones house is fierce, and to that end, sometimes we make mistakes. We overstep the boundaries of common sense. His older brother and sister knew immediately, shrieking “you do NOT say that to mom!” You might notice, as I did, that they correct the appropriateness of the statement, not argue with the existence of said top.

By the time my husband got home, the story of the muffin top had reached mythological proportions. All three children reenacted the scene, and trying heroically not to guffaw, my husband pulled my son away to another room to talk to him. Some time later, my youngest came upstairs with this in his hand:

“Sorry for saying you had a muffin top. What I ment was you are beutiful. Here is what I owe you. 5.00 from fall fest.”

Did you catch that? Essentially, he said: “I’m sorry, you’re pretty, here’s some money.” It’s a bit obvious, but he’s still young. The important thing is that, no matter what he pulls from this point on, he’s got the apology down. And if he’s managed that, I think I can quit worrying. I must’ve done something right. Now, if I can just get someone to book me a massage…

For the month of May, Little Rock Family invited Arkansas mom bloggers to share their Mother's Day memories, stories and lessons. Read more "scenes from the life of Sarabeth Jones" at her blog, TheDramatic.com, and visit us again next week for more Mommy Buzz.