Night at the Speakeasy Will Help Stock the Bar at Dreamland Ballroom by Karen Martin, inArkansas.com
Oct 10, 2011 Dreamland Ballroom, Events, Press Releases
Night at the Speakeasy is an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, dancing and more from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 12) at Dreamland Ballroom, 800 W. Ninth St., Little Rock.
To increase the clandestine feeling of an illegal drinking establishment during Prohibition, participants are encouraged to dress in 1920s-era attire (fedoras, flapper dresses), climb the stairs to the Dreamland Ballroom, and whisper the password to get in.
Cover charge is a bottle of wine valued at $25 or greater or a $25 eTicket (to purchase click here). Tax donation forms will be available.
RSVP to friends@dreamlandballroom.org or (501) 255-5700 to get the password.
Dreamland Ballroom is located in Taborian Hall, the only remaining historic building on West Ninth Street, which showcased legendary musicians of the 1930s. Proceeds from Night at the Speakeasy will benefit its restoration.
For more information visit www.DreamlandBallroom.org and click on Events.
Tags: 1920s, bar, drinks, little rock, music, news, speakeasy, stock, tickets, wine
Hillbilly band goes ‘retro’ – by Shea Stewart, Sync.ArkansasOnline.com
Oct 6, 2011 Dreamland Ballroom, Dreamland in Print, Press Releases
The last time Big Smith brought their rambunctious, Ozarks-inspired music to Little Rock there was a promise of a new album. The outfit — brothers Mark Bilyeu on guitar and Jody Bilyeu on mandolin; brothers Rik Thomas on ukulele, mandolin and banjo, and Bill Thomas on upright bass; cousin Jay Williamson on washboard and trap set; and friend (and only non-relative) Molly Healey on fiddle and cello — is no stranger to central Arkansas. The band plays here often.
A couple of turns of the seasons later, that album is here, and the Springfield, Mo., band is on the road promoting it. The 15-track recording is titled Kin, which is an apt name because of the relationships of the members of the band and that the album kicks off with “Uncle Bud.” The tune is a surging, bluegrass number that rides a rhythm created by Healey’s fiddle, with Big Smith singing about the man who “taught us how to pick and bow/He taught us what to sing/Come to think he taught us all a bit of everything.”
Kin is the follow-up to Roots, Shoots, and Wings, a February 2010 release, and the first studio album to feature Big Smith’s current lineup. (Bill Thomas joined in 2007 and Healey in 2008.) Kin is also a return to the band’s earlier sound after Mark Bilyeu formed the band in the fall of 1996 around his weekly gig as a solo performer. And the new album more closely resembles Big Smith’s 1998 self-titled debut and the 2000 release Big Rock. (Beyond two live albums and a children’s album, Kin is the band’s fourth, studio album. Ten years passed between the release of Big Rock and Roots, Shoots, and Wings.)
Often known as a “bluegrass” band with rock beats (let’s call it “hillbilly” roots rock), Kin finds Big Smith returning to its acoustic roots. The album was also recorded at The Studio, a downtown Springfield studio where Lou Whitney has worked with clients such as Wilco, The Bottle Rockets and Sweetwater Abilene. It’s also the place where Big Smith recorded its first two studio albums.
The album — 12 originals, two covers and one traditional — was mostly recorded live, with the band members recording each tune as the tapes rolled. There’s a slight amount of overdubbing, but what one hears from Big Smith on Kin is the sound of a veteran, self-assured band tearing through a collection of stripped-down, acoustic tunes that still stomp and holler.
As band member Jody Bilyeu promised earlier this year — “We’re ready to hit the ground running and keep the creative output up.” — Kin is a collection of intellectually stamped, neo-hillbilly music, tunes filled with the band’s high-spirited roots music that incorporates old-time mountain, gospel, rock ‘n’ roll, country and blues. The music might be raucous at times, on tunes such as “Whippoorwill” and “Grandmother Mabel,” but Kin is also delicate, especially on the tracks “Like You Do,” “I Thought It Was Over” and “Ghost,” with special guest Honeybear on lead vocals. And one of the covers is Prince’s “Raspberry Beret,” which, in a testimony to the tune’s strong DNA, works as a recast hillbilly rocker.
So Kin is a bit of a nostalgic nod over the shoulder, but the album is also the sound of a band moving confidently into the future. And it’s a joyous future.
SEE THE MUSIC:
Big Smith returns to the Dreamland Ballroom for a Saturday show which will serve as the local CD release party for the new album Kin. The doors open at 7 p.m. with the music starting at 8 p.m. with Cindy Woolf, an Arkansas native known for her Ozarks-flavored folk rock who now lives in the southwest corner of Missouri. Big Smith will take the stage at 9 p.m., delivering stomping, good-timing, Ozarks-inspired roots music. Tickets are $10 in advance and $14 at the door. The Dreamland Ballroom is located at 800 W. Ninth St. in downtown Little Rock.
Tags: band, big smith, concert, fun, little rock, live, music, news, tickets, venue
The Governor’s Mansion Host Dancing into Dreamland Gala this Thursday
Nov 16, 2010 Dreamland Ballroom, Events, Press Releases
Monday, November 15, 2010
The governor’s mansion will host Dancing into Dreamland, a Gala Event Dance Contest presented by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust, November 18, from 6-9pm, tickets $75, followed by the After Party at the Capital Hotel Ballroom, 9 pm – 12 am, and tickets are $40. Proceeds from this event will go to the music education and cultural outreach programs of the Dreamland Ballroom.
The event will be emceed by Lawrence Hamilton with special guest Mercedes Ellington. The event, Dancing into Dreamland, is a dance contest of 8 dance teams, listed below, performing all styles of dance.
Dance Dynamics Junior Duo – Ashton Jones and Marina Redlich
Ms. Karen’s Dance Studio – Sterling Warren, Kennedy Sample, Raygan Sylvester, Hannah Bakalekos
David Carter and Melissa Napier
Beyond Ballroom – Wesley Crocker and Lawrie Rash
Roger McCoy and Kay Ford
Sankofa Performing Arts Dance Theater – Angela Burt, Gena Harless, Clarice Kinchen, America Jones
Kerry McCoy, founder of Friends of Dreamland Ballroom said, “It is somewhat of a mix between ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and ‘So you think you can dance?’” The Grand Prize is a trip for four to New Orleans.
There will be a silent auction, food, cocktails, text voting, open dancing, and a performance by Lawrence Hamilton and Mercedes Ellington. Dress is party attire’
The following companies are sponsors of this Event – Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Capital Hotel, Robbi Davis Agency, Oxford American Magazine, MainStream Technologies, and Ken Rash Casual Furniture.
For more information and to purchase tickets to the event visit www.dreamlandballroom.org and click on events.
Amber Jones
Executive Director
Friends of Dreamland
www.dreamlandballroom.org
amber@dreamlandballroom.org
501-607-0954 cell
The Friends of Dreamland Ballroom have hired Amber Jones as the organization’s Executive Director.
Aug 2, 2010 Dreamland Ballroom, Dreamland in Print, Events, Press Releases
The Friends of Dreamland Ballroom (FOD), a group that focuses on sharing the musical, cultural and architectural history of the Taborian Hall on W. Ninth St, has hired a new Executive Director, Amber Jones.
Ms. Jones is an Arkansas native with several years of experience in nonprofit administration, historic preservation and music education. Ms. Jones holds a B.A. degree in Education with an emphasis in Music from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Ms. Jones most recently assisted with operations and management of the Little Rock Visitors Center at Historic Curran Hall.
“Amber brings the ideal combination of nonprofit experience, education and preservation background that our organization needs to move forward,” says board chairman, Robyn Madden.
Ms. Jones aims to implement programming that capitalizes on the significant musical and cultural history that the Dreamland Ballroom embodies. FOD Programming will include a jazz music series, music education for K-12, historical and cultural lectures, and implementation of The Taborian Hall Museum.
“The Friends objective is to engage the community in the rich history that exists within the Dreamland Ballroom and Taborian Hall. By reusing the historic resource in much the same way it was used nearly a century ago, as a community event and social center, we are able to share the cultural and aesthetic value of the space and implement a new phase in its history. I am excited to help the Friends of Dreamland share this important Little Rock treasure,” says Ms. Jones.
More about the FOD: The Friends of Dreamland Ballroom focuses on supporting and sharing the musical, cultural and architectural resources of the Dreamland Ballroom, located on the top floor of the Taborian Hall, headquarters of Arkansas Flag and Banner. Taborian Hall is the last historic building on West Ninth Street. It remains as a testimony to the street’s former vibrancy and glory days as Little Rock’s “Little Harlem.” The building was constructed in 1918 by Black fraternal organization, The Knights and Daughters of Tabor, in what was, at that time, a thriving Black business district, made so by segregation. The structure was also the home of Gem Pharmacy, doctors’ offices, a USO club, Doc’s Pool Hall, and many other businesses and social organizations. The popular dance hall on the third floor was the venue for big bands, jazz, and blues, and the scene for dances, socials, and basketball games. Many of the era’s leading Black musical artists performed in the building including Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald, Arkansans Louis Jordan and Al Hibbler, and comedians Redd Foxx and Sammie Davis.
The FOD are currently engaged in a donor drive, program development and community outreach.
For more information:
www.DreamlandBallroom.org
friends@dreamlandballroom.org
Drive-In Movies are Back in Little Rock
May 5, 2010 Dreamland Ballroom, Dreamland in Print, Events, Press Releases
Drive-In Movies are Back in Little Rock
May 5, 2010 12:00 AM
Kerry Kraus
NaturalStateBlogger@gmail.com
http://www.visitmyarkansas.com/kerry-kraus/default.aspx?id=573
How long has it been since you’ve been to a drive-in movie? For some people, the question is, have you ever been to a drive-in movie? Experience the nostalgia of the drive-in movie while helping a good cause this Saturday as the Friends of Dreamland Ballroom hosts the first of six showings.
The May 8 showing of Charade begins at sundown, approximately 8:30 p.m. The 1963 romantic thriller stars Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. Concessions selling hot dogs, soft drinks, bottled water, Yarnell’s ice cream and Diamond Bear Brewery beer are on-site.
The screenings are projected on the back of the historic Arkansas Flag and Banner building, also known as Taborian Hall, with the audio broadcast through your car radio, courtesy of AV Arkansas. Viewers should find their spot in the rear parking lot behind Arkansas Flag and Banner.
The subsequent movies are going to be shown every second and fourth Saturday from May through September. According to Friends of Dreamland Ballroom, the movies to be shown cover a broad spectrum in hopes of having something for everyone.
Taborian Hall is one of Little Rock’s most important historic structures. During its heyday, the ballroom played host to Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra, B.B. King, Duke Ellington, Arkansas-native Al Hibbler, Nat King Cole and his Trio, Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzie Gillespie, and Arkansas’s-own Louis Jordan.
Admission is $20 per car or $5 for walk-ups, who should bring their own lawn chairs. Arkansas Flag and Banner is located at 800 West 9th Street in downtown Little Rock. More information on the ongoing work on the ballroom, visit www.dreamlandballroom.org/.
Proceeds from the movie series go toward restoration of the ballroom. Other scheduled showings are:
May 22: Reefer Madness/Sex Madness (1936/1938 – two exploitation films)
June 12: Night of the Living Dead (George A. Romero’s 1968 cult favorite)
June 26: The Outlaw (1943 Howard Hughes-directed film starring Jane Russell)
July 10: The Little Princess (1939 classic starring Shirley Temple)
July 24: The Fast and The Furious (1955 starring John Ireland)
Want to see where Cab Calloway played in Little Rock???
Feb 22, 2010 Dreamland Ballroom, Dreamland in Print, Events, Press Releases
Then come and tour the Dreamland Ballroom Saturday, February 27, anytime between 11:00-3:00 p.m.
YOU’RE INVITED to take part in restoring a “Little Rock’n” treasure- The Dreamland Ballroom. Get in on the ground floor; buy a brick and tour the Dreamland Ballroom “in the rough.”
Your purchase of a brick is your invitation to ALL of Dreamland’s in-progress parties and pave the way to Dreamland Ballroom entrance.
TOURS are Saturday, February 27, anytime between 11:00 and 3:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
This fundraising campaign benefits the renovation of the Dreamland Ballroom. Be a part of the Friends of Dreamland’s way cool project by purchasing a custom engraved brick. The sale of these bricks will afford a safe floor for our upcoming events.
More about the Friends of Dreamland -
The “Friends of Dreamland” is a newly formed non-profit group dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the historic landmark, Taborian Hall and its famous Dreamland Ballroom located on the third floor of 800 West Ninth Street in Little Rock, Arkansas… the home of Arkansas Flag and Banner.
And our Mission Statement really means what it says:
“Friends of Dreamland are committed to bringing back the Music, the History, and the Party of the Dreamland Ballroom!”
“Friends of Dreamland” is incorporated in the State of Arkansas as a non-profit organization. Our 501(c)(3) application is in process with the Federal government. Your donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
For more information and to RSVP to this event email: friends@dreamlandballroom.com
Did you get to see the Dreamland Ballroom on KARK Channel 4?
KARK came out last Sunday, February 14, to the West Little Rock Barnes and Noble to video the Friends of Dreamland Ballroom book fair fundraiser. Barnes and Noble donated 10% of its proceeds from anyone who mentioned “Friends of Dreamland Ballroom.”
Check out the video on KARK’s website.
Want to Know Where Cab Callaway Played in Little Rock?
Feb 3, 2010 Dreamland Ballroom, Events, Press Releases
Come hear more at Barnes and Noble on Sunday, February 14th 2010
February 3, 2010
Little Rock, AR – The Friends of Dreamland Ballroom, the non-profit group dedicated to the restoration of the historic Dreamland Ballroom is telling their story at the Barnes and Noble on Financial Center Parkway on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, 2010, from 1-5 pm.
There will be period music, reading by local author Berna Love from her soon to be released book about the historic Dreamland Ballroom, and some original story telling by local history buffs.
Kerry McCoy, Chairman of the Friends of Dreamland says, “Barnes and Noble is gracious enough to let us come out and tell the story of the Dreamland Ballroom and 10% of all purchases made by folks who mention the Dreamland Ballroom at checkout will go to the Friends of Dreamland Ballroom’s restoration project.”
More about the Friends of Dreamland Ballroom-
The Friends of Dreamland is a newly formed non-profit group dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the historic landmark, Taborian Hall and its famous Dreamland Ballroom located at 800 West Ninth Street in Little Rock, Arkansas. Concurrent goals include the collection, conservation, and celebration of Taborian’s unique history relating to Arkansas’ African American heritage. Friends of Dreamland incorporated in the State of Arkansas July 31, 2009. We plan to do most of our fundraising in 2010, and begin renovations 2011, our projected Grand Opening 2012.
For information: http://www.dreamlandballroom.com
Contact: friends@dreamlandballroom.com
Facebook: Dreamland Ballroom
Contact Person: Kerry McCoy
Phone: 501-255-5700
Friends of Dreamland Starts its First Fundraising Campaign – “Pave The Way!”
Jan 21, 2010 Dreamland Ballroom, Events, Press Releases
January 20, 2010
Little Rock, AR – The Friends of Dreamland Ballroom, the non-profit group dedicated to the restoration of the historic Dreamland Ballroom
is excited to announce their first fundraising campaign – Pave the Way.
They will be selling custom engraved bricks that will be placed at the entrance of the ballroom. They have two sizes available; a 4×8 inch brick that holds 65 characters and an 8×8 that holds 120 characters. A $100 donation gets the smaller brick and the larger can be had for a donation of $250.
Kerry McCoy, President of the Friends of Dreamland says, “We think the ‘Pave the Way’ campaign is a great way to get the local community involved in this great project. We would love to see the names of people that have a connection to the history of this building lining the sidewalk up to the front door”.
More about the Friends of Dreamland-
The Friends of Dreamland is a newly formed non-profit group dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the historic landmark, Taborian Hall and its famous Dreamland Ballroom located at 800 West Ninth Street in Little Rock, Arkansas. Concurrent goals include the collection, conservation, and celebration of Taborian’s unique history relating to Arkansas’ African American heritage.
Friends of Dreamland incorporated in the State of Arkansas July 31, 2009. We plan to do most of our fundraising in 2010, and begin renovations 2011, our projected Grand Opening 2012.
For information: http://www.dreamlandballroom.com
Contact: friends@dreamlandballroom.com
Contact Person: Kerry McCoy
Phone: 501-255-5700
###
Friends of Dreamland Overview
Nov 17, 2009 Dreamland Ballroom, Events, Press Releases
The Friends of Dreamland, is a newly formed non-profit group dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the historic landmark, Taborian Hall and its famous Dreamland Ballroom located at 800 West Ninth Street in Little Rock, Arkansas. Concurrent goals include the collection, conservation, and celebration of Taborian’s unique history relating to Arkansas’ African American heritage.
To date the Friends of Dreamland organization has raised $4,000 towards renovation efforts through community fundraising events and has developed a website www.dreamlandballroom.com. Kerry McCoy, owner of the Taborian Hall building, has invested over $100,000 in architectural and engineering fees to create plans for Taborian Hall and Dreamland Ballroom Renovation, as well as towards the website, non-profit consultation, and creation of a book about the building and it’s role in the history of downtown Little Rock.
Friends of Dreamland incorporated in the State of Arkansas July 31, 2009. We plan to do most of our fundraising in 2010, and begin renovations 2011, our projected Grand Opening 2012. The proposed timeline of activities is detailed below.
In 2009 we formed our Board of Directors, elected committees and are planning our first Orientation Party, October 1, 2009. For the remainder of the year we will hold board meetings bi-weekly and continue to plan and organize our fundraising.
In 2010, we plan to divide our fundraising into these types of solicitations, 1.) grants, 2.) foundations, 3.) private sector, 4.) fundraising/parties, and 5.) sale of merchandise. We plan to develop a tiered system of naming, honoring and thanking our Friends of Dreamland sponsors and donors. An initial brainstorming list is attached.
In 2011, with the money raised, we will begin construction and museum set-up. Our money will be allocated according to its designated use from donor, either
• Building Fund – renovation of the building
• Educational Fund – tours and learning history through educational panels and possibly multimedia
showcases that expland the hisroty and thell the sotries of those who have visited the building in
the past.
• Museum Fund – For years we have been collecting oral and written history of events and people
for our book and our Museum. These historic item and stories will be illustrate along with the
legacy of the building
• General Operating Fund.
We plan to open in 2012. After the building is renovated and open, the museum portion of the building will be publicized through the Little Rock and Arkansas tourism departments and we hope to attract numerous visitors and educators throughout the year. The building will be utilized as a venue for community and private events, such as banquets, weddings, concerts, conferences, and more. We know this will be successful because of the interest already shown in the building. The Taborian Hall is a regular stop on Little Rocks Tours and the Dreamland Ballroom receives approximately one call a week requesting it use for either touring, renting or photo shoots.
Friends of Dreamland Ballroom to Host Monthly Brown Bag Lunches
Nov 3, 2009 Dreamland Ballroom, Events, Press Releases
November 3, 2009
Little Rock, AR - If you haven’t gotten a chance to see the Dreamland Ballroom, then this is your chance. Starting this Thursday, November 5,2009 the Friends of Dreamland launch their “First Thursday, Brown Bag Lunch” from 12-1 pm. Bring your lunch and come dine in the once famous “Doc’s Pool Hall” located on the first floor of the Arkansas Flag and Banner building (enter from State Street). There will be a 7 minute, historical, informative, inspirational and funny presentation and then tours to the third floor where Dreamland Ballroom is located. Kerry McCoy will be doing the presenting and she promises to entertain. So grab a brown bag lunch and come spend it with us! If you miss this one, no worries… we plan to do it again on the First Thursday of every month. Hope to see you then.
More about the Dreamland and its Friends:
Go back to the heyday of Little Rock’s Ninth Street district known as “Little Harlem.” It’s 1937. A well-established local dancehall called The Dreamland Ballroom is famous for its “swing floor” and is a hotbed of big bands, jazz, and blues. It’s the scene for dances, socials, and basketball games. The “Chittlin’ Circuit,” the national touring company of professional black entertainers, revues, and stage shows keeps entertainment fresh and exciting with legendary musical artists like “Fatha” Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald, and comedians Redd Foxx and Sammie Davis. Local stars cut their musical teeth in the Dreamland, too, including Al Hibbler, Louis Jordan, the Yellowjackets, and Lloyd Armon and his Orchestra.
Located on the third and top floor of Taborian Hall, at 800 Ninth St in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Dreamland Ballroom was abandoned long ago. The roof had fallen in and much of the inside had been destroyed by fire and water damage. But now there is a push to restore the historic landmark and the Friends of Dreamland Ballroom is focused on this mission.
The Friends of Dreamland Ballroom is a 501(c)3 committed to bringing back the music, the history, and the party of the Dreamland Ballroom.
For information: http://www.dreamlandballroom.com
Press Center: http://presscenter.flagandbanner.com/category/dreamland-ballroom/
Contact: friends@dreamlandballroom.com
Contact Person: Brian Shaddock
Phone: 501-255-5700