We'll note this here in case any readers want to weigh in via comments.

Last week, Arkansas Business Publisher Jeff Hankins wrote a column about the Arkansas State Fair, which of course is happening now. In the column, Hankins noted the cost of keeping the fair at its current Roosevelt Road location vs. what it might take to move the annual event to a new site in North Little Rock, as some have kicked around recently.

At a cost reportedly ranging from $50 million to remain at the current fairgrounds on Roosevelt Road in Little Rock to the $150 million price tag being discussed for a new site such as North Little Rock, I'm thinking the more important question is whether the event warrants that kind of investment. And what is it that Little Rock or North Little Rock and the state get out of it compared with other pressing infrastructure needs that actually serve residents on a far more frequent basis? 

Hankins goes on to question the wisdom of sparring between officials from Little Rock and North Little Rock to bring the annual event to one of their cities—specifically, whether the investment would pay off in the long run.

Shoptaw's commentary, published today, focused primarily on his defense of the livestock attractions and the economic benefit of the fair itself.

Last week's "Publisher's Note" by Jeff Hankins ("State Fair Valuation") was a clear slap in the face to one of Arkansas' oldest community service organizations: The Arkansas State Fair & Livestock Association.

Yes, Publisher Hankins belittled an institution that he obviously has never taken the time to investigate. He makes fun of the food, the rides, the games, the livestock barns and the facilities that attract nearly 500,000 Arkansans a year – making it one of the nation's top 50 fairs! Yet Mr. Hankins hasn't a clue to what such an event is really all about.

It goes on from there, and you can read it in full here.

Meanwhile, officials say the Arkansas State Fair has broken another attendance record, bringing in more than 83,000 visitors Saturday.

The Little Rock Film Festival on Friday announced its 2008 lineup. The second annual film fest runs from May 15-18 here in the capital city:

Opening night, Thursday, May 15, will feature War Eagle, Arkansas from Producer Vincent Insalaco and Screenwriter Graham Gordy.  Filmed in and around Eureka Springs in the Ozark Mountains, War Eagle, Arkansas, is a touching story about extraordinary friendship in a small town.

The 2008 LRFF will feature critically acclaimed films and festival favorites such as The UnGodly, starring Little Rock's Wes Bentley as a documentary filmmaker stalking a serial killer, The Promotion starring academy award nominated actor John C. Reilly, and The Cake Eaters from director Mary Stuart Masterson. Documentary highlights include the Hamptons Film Festival winner Behind Forgotten Eyes, about Korean comfort women held by the Japanese during World II, Lioness, a film about a female combat unit in Iraq featuring Shannon Morgan from Mena, Arkansas; and Crawford, a film about what happens to a small rural town when the President of the United States moves in next door.

Festival passes are only $25, which gets you in to all screenings and panels. A good deal for a solid stretch of quality films.

You can learn more on the festival site here. 

20 Foot Reticulated Python Arrives at the LR Zoo from Little Rock Zoo on Vimeo.

Wanna name the snake? Go to the zoo's Web site here.

More on the snake from the Zoo:

Able to swallow food the size of a basketball, the snake will be on display at the Zoo in the old crocodile monitor exhibit.

According to Randel Berry, the Zoo’s reptile keeper, the 20 ft., female reticulated python is a non-venomous python species found in Southeast Asia. The longest snake in Europe, Asia and Africa, this python competes with the South American green anaconda for the title of the world's longest snake.

With a maximum recorded length of 32 ft. 9 in., the reticulated python can grow to 30 ft. and weigh up to 300 lbs. While the Zoo’s reticulated python will be the largest python in the state, it is not the largest existing snake species.

Berry says that by his estimation, the snake is the largest one in captivity in the state as well as the largest snake to ever make its home at the Little Rock Zoo.

To welcome the new snake, the Zoo is hosting a naming competition. Guests may pick-up a naming registration form for the snake at the Zoo’s Safari Trader Gift Shop. Name suggestions will be taken until April 11, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.

Guests can also view video of Zoo staff unloading the snake along with an exclusive interview with reptile keeper Randel Berry at The World According to CoCo, a local blog hosted by CoCo Cox, a miniature Chihuahua, at www.cocobean.tv.

Our sister publication, the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal, looks at tourism this week, and among its stories is this piece on how travel agencies are battling the Internet for travel bookings.

According to an industry analysis firm, Connecticut-based PhoCusWright Inc., 51 percent of U.S. travelers used online travel agencies last year. That is estimated to increase to 56 percent this year.

Online travel agency industry experts predict the online sector to only gain steam and customers in the coming years. But brick-and-mortar travel agents aren't worried about the trends. Most in Northwest Arkansas are confident they'll continue to hold market share by offering travelers something they covet and Web sites just can't offer: personalized customer service.

"It's all about service," said Paula Ryan, owner of The Travel Connection Ltd. in Rogers, who saw her revenue increase 4.2 percent from 2006 to 2007. "It's always been all about service. We offer customer service before the sale, during the sale and after the sale. In this day and age if something can go wrong on a trip it usually does. We are always there to help, even if the client is halfway across the world."

Customer service is certainly a big advantage to using travel agencies. My question is: what do young professionals prefer to use?

My guess is that the emerging generation still prefers to do most of its bookings online, and once those habits are in place, they're hard to break. Of course, the article also refers to the "boomerang" effect -- clients now returning to personal agents because they need and want someone to rely on if a trip goes bad. In that case, you definitely want a real person to deal with, instead of just a Web site.

The full story here. 

The idea sends drives racing to the pump before the price increase is implemented. It might cause long lines, but it could be worth for those looking to save some money.

Meanwhile, before traveling this weekend, be sure to check Arkansasgasprices.com and Littlerockgasprices.com.

Motorists scramble after getting text-message alert [AP via Traverse City Record Eagle]

The Little Rock Film Festival kicks off tonight and continues through the weekend. Couple that continuing "Towncraft" activities, and you have plenty to do. (But be sure to see the sneak of "Knocked Up" – sure to be a classic.)

Have a ball: there's two from which to choose tonight. First, the Red Cross holds its 5 Carat Ball at the Wally Allen Ballroom of the Statehouse Convention Center. The even raises money for the Red Cross Family Crisis Fund. More info here.

Next, City Year's second Red Jacket Ball, which this year honors former Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey. Gov. Mike Beebe is scheduled to speak. More info here.

The 2007 Prism Awards will honor the best in Arkansas PR. The very best. The best ever, in fact. Everything will great. Trust us. Check it out here.

Of course, there's Big Downtown Thursdays at the River Market starting at 5 p.m.

Friday:

The RiverTop Party swings at The Peabody from 8 p.m.-midnight. Check out Grant Garland and Crosstown Traffic.

"A Man of No Importance" continues at The Weekend Theater in Little Rock. After the show, have a beer or three across the street at Vino's.

ImprovLittleRock does its schtick beginning at 10:30 p.m. at the Public Theatre downtown. You'll laugh 'til you cry and then you'll laugh again.

Wanna get outta town? Run up to Harrison for the Crawdad Days Music Festival, which begins tonight.

Saturday:

Bear Awareness Week wraps up at the Little Rock Zoo. Take the kids.

The former Mr. Renee Zellweger and current Mr. Jimmy Buffet-lite Kenny Chesney rocks out at Alltel Arena in North Little Rock. But opening act Pat Green is where it's at. Tickets at the usual place.

Jermain has bad intentions for Cory Spinks, but can he bring the pain? The fight is in Memphis, but you can watch it on HBO tonight.

"Bertand Priest" wraps up at the Rep this weekend, with shows tonight, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Catch this adult story of dreams, fate, chance, spirituality and hints of magic one last time. Tickets are $20-$35. Call (501) 378-0405 or check the site here.

Friday:
Alan Eastham, the U.S. Ambassador to Malawi, speaks at noon at Sturgis Hall at the Clinton School of Public Service. Born in Dumas, Eastham is a career Foreign Service official who has served in various diplomatic positions in Kenya, Zaire, France, India and Pakistan. Bring your own lunch. Click here for more info and to make reservations.

Hit the roof. RiverTop Parties at the Peabody keep rolling, this week featuring The Gettys. Things get going at 8 p.m. 21 and older only. $5.

Cajun's Wharf brings Full Day Affair to Little Rock for an evening show. More information at the Web site.

Saturday:
The Arkansas Twisters take on the Bossier-Shreveport Battlewings at 7 p.m. Be sure to catch NFL star Quincy Carter in action for the 'Wings. Oh, and it's "Shrek" night. Tickets are $10-$38.

A mainstay of the Texas scene, Robert Earl Keen roars into town for a rowdy set at Rumba Revolution in the River Market. Starts at 9 p.m. $25.

Juanita's welcomes Hot Hot Heat, along with Pride Tigers and Oohla, to the stage at 9 p.m. $15.

Sunday:
Catch a late afternoon Traveler's game at the still-new, still-great Dickey-Stephens Stadium. Game begins at 4 p.m. Jim Harris can tell you how to get tickets and make the most of your time at the park.

Pay your respects. "The Sopranos" begins airing its final four episodes ever with "Kennedy & Heidi." Anyone with my phone number better lose it at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Oh. And be nice. Call your mother.

This was the newspaper, of course, that devoted columns and columns and columns of space to Whitewater, that infamous Clinton scandal that everyone heard about but no one really understood, and that, at the end of the day, wasn't the big deal that everyone thought it was.

It's generally accepted that it was the New York Times that drove the story, making it into the scandal that it became. So it's funny to see the newspaper's travel section lead an article on the actual area in Arkansas where the Whitewater land development took place with this:

IT’S hard now to remember those shiny days before 9/11 when Congress seemed to believe that the greatest threat to the republic lay in an obscure land deal in northwestern Arkansas called Whitewater. Given all that has passed under the bridge, there’s something quaint and nostalgic about so much froth and fury over something that in the end went nowhere, like a slightly gonzo Norman Rockwell cover showing democracy in action.

These days, Ken Starr seems as distant a figure as Nero, but with springtime returning to the ancient Ozarks, it’s the perfect time to visit Flippin, Ark., to see the appealing mountain landscape where Whitewater was born.

Surely, the Times had nothing to do with any of that, eh?

Anyway, a fine piece on a fine spot in Arkansas, political connections notwithstanding.

Remember Whitewater? The Place Is Still There [The New York Times]

We usually dig what we read on the money blog. We cite many of its money management and savings tips here from time to time.

Today, however, they might have crossed the line. The site notes an MSN Money story about the cheapest places to live where jobs are plentiful. Among those places is the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers MSA (it's No. 1, actually), as well as places in Missouri, Idaho and Utah.

Binary Dollar's response:

I am currently contemplating a career move and a possible relocation, so when I saw an article titled “10 low cost areas where jobs are plenty” I was quite intrigued. That is, until I actually looked at the list.

Topping the list were cities in Arkansas, Missouri, Idaho, and Utah. Um, no thanks, I think I’ll try my luck in the Ukraine first.

Now admittedly I haven’t visited any of the places on this list, but I think that’s with good reason. If those places were actually fun enough to warrant my interest, then I probably would’ve checked them out by now.

I just thought it was funny that this list contained some of the most stereotypically boring places to live in the United States. Anyways, if you’re looking for a cheap place to live and you don’t care about having fun, check out the article.

Hey hey hey. Them's fightin' words ...

We think many people beyond our borders would have a great time in northwest Arkansas. It's a beautiful part of the state, there's a first-rate university, booming business, a hot entertainment district and lots and lots of money to made. We know lots of high school friends who went to school up there and never left the region, and they're doing quite well.

It's a top spot for young professionals, a center of world business (Wal-Mart, Tyson, etc.), a great quality of life and a hot spot for retirees. Thing is, people who make that first trip to Arkansas often want to come back. A lot. And maybe even stay. For good.

Feel free to leave Binary Dollar your comments ...

10 Cheap Cities to Live in, AKA the Most Boring Cities in the United States [Binary Dollar]

You can see the story and slideshow here. They include some priceless shots of North Little Rock Mayor Pat Hays and Travs GM Bill Valentine playing catch on the field's new grass. We can't wait to see the team get out there and break it in on Opening Day.

Much thanks to Travelerocity, which provides excellent coverage of the Travelers and great pics from all the games, as well as the Argenta News Blog, which both linked to the story and slideshow. Thanks to their readers, as well, who left some pretty nice comments, which we swear we didn't write.

Play ball!

A Jewel of a Baseball Diamond [Arkansasbusiness.com]

With all that football (almost) outta the way, it's time to look to baseball, which is just around the corner. In North Little Rock, fans will have something extra to be excited about, with the opening of the new stadium for the Travelers.

The Travs have some pictures themselves of the work in progress, but local Flickr photog Thomas23 has the real goods. You can check out his set here. We can almost smell the new grass.

Minor League Baseball [Thomas23 on Flickr]

"You're the man now dawg!" Wait. Wrong movie

IT IS “THE ROCK”

Overwhelming Number of Respondents Weigh-In on Nickname Choice

(Little Rock, AR—October 2, 2006) Standing not far from the namesake, Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey today announced that “The Rock” was the choice of the vast majority of respondents to the Nickname Little Rock effort. He was joined by radio personality David Bazzel and other civic and City leaders in making the announcement.

Bazzel and his radio co-host Tommy Smith first floated the idea of re-establishing a nickname for Little Rock. “City of Roses” had been the nickname during the late 1800s up through the middle part of the 20th Century. The City solicited suggestions and then narrowed over 200 submissions down to six. The public was then invited to respond to the six. “The Rock” was the top choice of respondents. Other choices were: America’s Gem, River City, Rock City, Rocktown, and Southern Comfort.

...

City Officials to Reveal LR's Nickname This Week [Arkansas Business]

Bikes on Dickson, on Flickr

We can't be everywhere all the time, but luckily an army of Flickr photogs can. Here's links to some of the weekend's best shots:

Big Dam Bridge
Alton Roberts' stunning sunset shot from the Bridge here, and a cool view of the bridge itself here.
Defining David's entire set of 70 (!) grand opening photos, including shots of the governor and Buddy Villines.
Thomas23's look at the Bridge from the early days of construction, including this nice sunset.
ml|baxley gets meta with this photo of someone taking a photo off the bridge.

Bikes, Blues & BBQ
Eisenvater surveys the scene at George's. Plus: helluva tat.
Aquarelita's sunset on Bike, Blues and BBQ.
MRHSFan's set of photos from the event.

And While We're in Northwest Arkansas
A random shot of Sam Walton's office at the Wal-Mart museum.

[Flickr]

Built to Spill hit Vino's Friday

Friday
Boise, Idaho-based indie rockers Built to Spill play Vino's on Friday night. The band had to cancel its last Little Rock show a few months back. Vino's is honoring all tickets purchased for that show. The band's latest full-length, "You in Reverse," was released early this year. Listen to the blissful eight-minute jam "Goin' Against Your Mind" here. Show starts at 8 p.m. $8.

New Orleans-based Supagroup plays Sticky Fingerz in Little Rock. Known for mocking '70s and '80s super bands and themselves, expect to hear some heavy guitar riffs and big power ballads. Local rock band Smoke Up Johnny opens. 10 p.m.
Sam Bush, Drew Emmitt and bluegrass band Big Smith headline the Mulberry Mountain Harvest Music Festival held on Friday and Saturday in Ozark off of Highway 23. Two-day passes are $62 and a Saturday pass is $36. Visit www.mulberrymountainmusic.com for the full lineup and schedule.

Saturday
Country singer-songwriter Hayes Carrl plays Juanita's. Listen to "Little Rock" and "Down the Road Tonight" here. Wear your dancin' boots.

Local acts An A+ Setup and Nathan Browningham play White Water Tavern. 10 p.m. $5.

Sunday
For the third year running, Market Street Cinema joins theaters across the country, England and Canada giving movie-goers a chance to vote on their favorite entries to the Manhattan Short Film Festival. Showtimes are 1:45 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with a special 9:15 p.m. screening on Saturday. Admission is $6 for afternoon shows and $7.50 for evening shows.

It's Fashion Week in Argenta

Friday
Big names, like New Orleans funk master Dr. John and Leftover Salmon's Vince Herman, headline Eureka Springs' first Big Time Festival on Friday and Saturday. Tickets to the festival run $45 for auditorium shows and $15 for after-show performances. For the festival schedule, directions and tickets, visit www.theaud.org or call (888) 855-7823.

Jonesboro-based band Starroy and Little Rock's The Munks play Sticky Fingerz in Little Rock. The Munks have been getting local buzz for their latest album "Heartbreak Numbers." Check out the bluesy "Million Miles" here. Show starts at 9:30. $5.

Saturday
The Razorbacks (1-1) should come out on top when they take on Vanderbilt (0-2) in Nashville at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. The game will be televised on KATV-TV, Channel 7. Go Hogs.

North Little Rock's The Scene hosts the Arkansas Community Arts Cooperative (ACAC) fashion show featuring new creations by local designers Georgia Ashmore, Erin Lorenzen and many more. Clothing and other artwork will be available for purchase after the show. The Scene is located near the Wyndham Hotel in the old Rye Furniture building on Maple and Broadway in North Little Rock. Show starts at 8:30 p.m. $5. All proceeds benefit ACAC's effort to strengthen the local arts community.

Last year's world piano champion Ilya Yakushev joins the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra for show on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at Robinson Music Hall. Tickets are $15-$50.Yakushev will also perform on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Clinton Library for the ASO's interpretation of "Beethoven and Schumann" as part of their River Rhapsodies Chamber Series. Tickets are $25. Call (501) 666-1761.

Fayetteville-based indie rockers Wooden Stares play White Water Tavern on Saturday night. Singer-songwriter Brian Frazier and Brighter Later, a Fayetteville pop-rock outfit, will open the show. Show starts at 10 p.m. $5.

Monday
New York-based rock band Nada Surf will make a stop in Little Rock at Juanita's on Monday, Sept. 18. Listen to the moody lullaby "Blonde on Blonde" here. Heber Springs band Grand Serenade opens. 9 p.m. $15.

Jetpack hits White Water

Her weekend picks:

Thursday
Known for turning a "show about nothing" into one of the most popular sitcoms, Jerry Seinfeld brings his stand-up routine to Robinson Center Music Hall tonight. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $75 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Friday
2nd Friday Art Night takes place downtown from 5-8 p.m. at the Historic Arkansas Museum, River Market ArtSpace, Ten Thousand Villages, Cox Creative Center, Hearne Fine Art and the Arkansas Arts Center. The galleries welcome patrons to help themselves to complimentary h'or doeurves, wine and beer and to walk around freely looking at various exhibits.

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre opens its season with "Moonlight and Magnolias," Ron Hutchinson's off-Broadway comedy centering on the screenwriting of "Gone With the Wind." A post-show reception will follow Friday's opening night performance. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and Sunday 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. through Sept. 24. Tickets range from $20 to $35. For tickets, call (501) 378-0405 or visit www.therep.org.

North Little Rock rockabilly punk rock band Josh The Devil and the Sinners, who've opened for Southern Culture on the Skids and th' Legendary Shack*Shakers, play White Water on Friday night. It'll be loud. 10 p.m. $5.

Saturday
6 p.m., War Memorial Stadium: Arkansas State University plays Oklahoma State University in a game dubbed "The Rock Classic." Cowboys and Indians battle it out. Call 888-ASU-FANS for tickets.

Dubbed "The Best Unsigned Band" by the Nashville Scene, Jetpack, an energetic indie rock outfit from Nashville, makes a stop at White Water Tavern. Known for their knack for putting infectious hooks to upbeat, fast-paced pop melodies, listen to the catchy song "Mathematics" here. Heber Springs' Grand Serenade opens. $5.

Local rock 'n roll band The Contingencies play Juanita's on Saturday night. You can expect to hear songs off their new CD "Viva Ole." Indie rock bands Underclaire and The Mermaid Purse open. All ages. 9 p.m. $6.

Catch "Beautiful Thing" at the Weekend Theater. A witty, charming story about two teenage boys dealing with love, domestic violence and homophobia, the play runs through the weekend with shows on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30. $14 for adults. $10 for students and seniors. For tickets, call (501) 374-3761.

To quote Jones, "you will be missed."

Ray Winder Field [NBJones at Flickr]
A Pitch at the Final Game [Alton Roberts at Flickr]
More from the final fame [Cormack13 at Flickr]
It's over: Some final images [Travelerocity]

Phantazmelodia. Say that five times

Thursday
Inescapable on Vh1, Canadian rock 'n roll quartet Nickelback returns for a show tonight at Alltel Arena in North Little Rock. Known for "How You Remind Me," frontman Chad Kroeger and band bring with them a new album "All the Right Reasons," which includes singles "Photograph" and "Savin' Me." Hoobastank, Chevelle and Hinder open. 7 p.m. $37.75 and $43.75 through Ticketmaster.

Friday
North Little Rock's Cornerstone Pub hosts the Labor Day Weekend Reggae Jam featuring New Orleans reggae band Higher Heights, who will be headlining the show, and KABF 88.3's DJ Ras Levi. Show starts at 10 p.m. $10.

You can hope to hear "Paranoid Android" and "Let Down" when Fayetteville jam band Phantazmelodia covers Radiohead's "OK Computer" at Sticky Fingerz on Friday night. 9:30 p.m. Call (501) 372-7007.

The Weekend Theater's production of "Beautiful Thing," a play about two teenage boys that deals with young love, domestic violence and homophobia, runs this weekend. Performance times are 7:30 on Friday and Saturday. $14 for adults. $10 for students. For tickets, call (501) 374-3761.

Saturday
Fundamental Elements bring their mix of funk and soul to Sticky Fingerz on Saturday night. They'll get going at 11 p.m. after Razorback football game, which starts at 7:45 p.m. Go Hogs.

Sunday
The Arkansas Travelers will play their last three games at Ray Winder Field this weekend, with games on Friday night at 7:10 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m., ahead of the Sunday 2 p.m. final go-round. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for kids. Show up Sunday for the big farewell and free commemorative t-shirts. For more information, call (501) 664-1555. And if you can't make the games, check out Travelerocity.com for coverage.

Catch quirky comedy "Little Miss Sunshine" playing at Market Street Cinema or OutKast's hip-hop musical "Idlewild" screening at Lakewood 8 and Breckinridge.

Wednesday
Nashville singer-songwriter Dave Barnes, whose work has been recorded by Marc Broussard, Bethany Dillon and Josh Hoge, will play songs from his album "Chasing Mississippi" at Sticky Fingerz on Wednesday, Sept. 6. 9 p.m. $10.

Look what the cat dragged in from 20 years ago

Ringling Bros. circus is in town, plus more great music and the kickoff of Game Week. Assistant Internet Editor Nicole Boddington readiers her air guitar for a loooong weekend. Her picks:

Tonight
Memphis singer-songwriter Cory Branan
is playing Vino's tonight. You can hope to hear "Tall Green Grass," "Skateland South" and his rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Chelsea Hotel." His latest album "12 Songs" is streaming here. Scott Diffee opens. Show starts at 8:30. $5.

The circus is in town! Three-rings of elephants, tigers and clowns at Alltel Arena tonight. Plus, see an entire family get shot out of a canon. Or something like that. Tonight and all weekend.

Friday
On his tour through the South, Texas country crooner Robert Earl Keen makes a stop at the Rumba Room on Friday night at 9 p.m. Listen to classic songs like "Feeling Good Again" here.

"Beautiful Thing," a witty, charming play about two teenage boys that tackles young love, domestic violence and homophobia, opens on Friday night at the Weekend Theater. Performance times are 7:30 on Friday and Saturday. $14 for adults. $10 for students and seniors. For tickets, call (501) 374-3761.

Saturday
At Stickey Fingerz in Little Rock, blog-buzz band the Trachtenburg Family Side Show Players – dad, Jason, singer/keyboards; mom, Tina Pina, projectionist and costumer; and 12-year-old daughter Rachel, drums – sing and narrate with projection screen in tow. Listen to "Mountain Trip to Japan" here. Brooklyn-based comedic rock group Corn Mo opens. $10. 9 p.m.

Sunday
80s glam band Poison returns to the River Market Amphitheatre on Sunday night at 7 p.m. On the road on their "20 Years of Rock" tour, Bret Michaels and boys are known for ditties like "Talk Dirty to Me" and everyone's favorite tear-jerkin' power balled "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." Catch Cinderella on the bill, too. Fort Smith-based rockers Starkz open. $35. For tickets, click here or call Ticketmaster at (501) 975-7575.

In conjunction with Little Rock's first GameWeek in the Rock, a weeklong celebration of Arkansas football and baseball, Market Street Cinema will show “Rudy” this Sunday and “Field of Dreams” on Sunday, Sept. 3. Market Street Cinema is located at 1521 Merrill Drive. Free. 7 p.m.

Just plane cheesy

Friday
Rock 'n roll royalty The American Princes rule the weekend. You can expect to hear fist-pounding new stuff like "This is the Year" and "Never Grow Old" off of their latest album "Less and Less" on Friday night at Sticky Fingerz in Little Rock. 9:30 p.m. $4.

(And, on Saturday night, dust off your Doc Martens and head to White Water Tavern where the Princes will take on 90s rock. Moving Front and Clicking Beetle Bad Omen band open. 10 p.m. $5. )

Americana singer-songwriter Sean Rock will be sharing his collection of heartbreakers off of his new album "Somewhere from Now" at a CD release party at Juanita's. Rock often plays solo or with his brother, Stephen, but on Friday, he'll have his band, the Toltecs, behind him, including Salty Dogs' Bart Angel on drums. Stephen Rock and Brian Frasier will open. 10 p.m. $6.

Country bluesman Chris Denny plays Cornerstone in North Little Rock at 9 p.m.

Max Recordings artist The Contingencies will release their new album "Viva Ole" at White Water at 10 p.m. The Moving Front and Kevin Kerby open.

Saturday
Devon Allman, son of Allman Brothers founder Gregg Allman, and band Honeytribe play the Revolution Room. The band's influences: Grateful Dead, Santana, Hendrix and the Rolling Stones. Cooper's Orbit opens. 10 p.m. $7.

Heber Springs rock 'n roll band Grand Serenade, described as "tight Kinks-style pop and epic Smiths-inspired ballads" play Cornerstone at 9 p.m. $5.

Sunday
9/11-focused films: "World Trade Center" and "The Great New Wonderful" open this weekend, whether you're ready or not. Oliver Stone's "World Trade Center" plays at Rave, Breckinridge, Lakewood and Riverdale while "The Great New Wonderful," starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, is showing at Market Street. And, if you want to get in on what everybody is talking about, see "Snakes on a Plane" playing everywhere. For a clip, click here.

High temperatures are forcing organizers to postpone Green's show, scheduled for this Saturday, until Oct. 27.

The concert, which was to serve as the finale to a ten-week River Market entertainment district Tenth Anniversary celebration, was to be held outdoors in the Riverfest Amphitheater.

The new concert date will be held at the same location – the Riverfest Amphitheater and is on the evening before the University of Arkansas and University of Louisiana Monroe football game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock with kickoff at 6 p.m.

Tickets already purchased will be valid for the Oct. 27 date. A full refund will be provided to ticket holders who request one.

The Oct. 27 concert will begin at 6 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m. The concert is presented by the William J. Clinton Foundation and the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB).

Previously:
Al Green To Perform in Little Rock for River Market's 10th [Arkansasbusiness.com]

But how exactly does one tip? Who gets a tip and how much do they get? When you're traveling for business or pleasure, you want to get it right to insure good service and a professional appearance.

Luckily, Forbes has some tips on tipping. Bellhops get a $1 or $2 per bag. The concierge gets $5 to $10 and upward from there, depending on the request. Limo drivers get 15 percent of the bill. Room service gets 15 percent to 20 percent. And the valet get $1 or $2 per car delivery.

More on tipping at the slide show
here.

Luxury Travel Tipping Guide [Forbes]

Listen to what the flower people say: Kunek

Tonight
Oklahoma indie outfit Kunek plays Sticky Fingerz in Little Rock at 10 p.m. To get a feel for their big atmospheric psychedelic sound, click here.

Country blues singer Chris Denny, known in these parts as the "kid with the golden voice," plays White Water Tavern at 10 p.m. $5. (You can hear a sample of Chris' music at the end of this week's Arkansasbusiness.com podcast here.)

"Gridiron," the musical spoof on Arkansas politics performed by local lawyers, plays at The Arkansas Repertory Theatre with shows at 8 p.m. on Thursday and 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $30. Call (501) 378-0405. Tell us Gene Cauley has a starring role and we're so there.

Red Octopus' annual summer sketch "Sweatin' to the Pagans" runs Thursday through Saturday at Easy Street Piano Bar located at 301 W. 7th St. in Little Rock. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students.

Friday
2nd Friday Art Night takes place downtown from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Historic Arkansas Museum, River Market ArtSpace, Ten Thousand Villages, Cox Creative Center, Hearne Fine Art, and the Arkansas Arts Center. Galleries offer complimentary hor d'oeurves, wine and beer and allow visitors to walk around freely looking at various exhibits. There's still time to pursue Picasso at the Arkansas Arts Center, if you haven't done so already. Admission is $12, but viewing lithographs, sketches, paintings and sculpture by Picasso and several works by his contemporaries Marc Chagall and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec proves well worth it.

Indie-soul singer Chase Pagan plays Vino's at 8:30 p.m. Local rock band Tin Fire Radio opens. $7.

Saturday
Local hip-hop alliance Under the Ground marks its six-year anniversary with a birthday blowout with a big bill: 607, Lucio, Mr. Morbid, Juggernaut Glitch, DJs g-force, Swift, Discipline, P-Flow and many more will be holding it down. Vino's hosts the party. 8 p.m. $5.

Blues musician and Yep Roc-recording artist Doyle Bramhall plays Sticky Fingerz. Listen to songs off of his latest album "Fitchburg Street" here. Show starts at 8:30. $5.

The Whigs. And not the Afghan ones, either

Tonight
Having opened for everyone from The Killers to Drive By Truckers to Jessica Simpson, Athens, Ga.-based band The Whigs are headlining tonight's show at Sticky Fingerz in the River Market. They've been called "the best unsigned band in America" and one of Rolling Stone's "10 Artists to Watch" this year. Driven by 23-year-old lead singer Parker Gispert, the indie rock trio borrows Built to Spill's sound but has the Southern rock roots of My Morning Jacket. Listen for yourself here. Show starts at 9:30. $5.

Friday
L.A.'s mid-90s mix master DJ Irene will be holding it down at Revolution in the River Market on Friday night. Anticipate a packed dance floor for "Sex on Wheels." Guest DJs Kinkade and Flow will get the party started at 9 p.m. $13.

Little Rock's own Applescruffs play White Water Tavern in Little Rock at 10 p.m. $5.

Springdale blues musicians the Eoff Brothers play Cornerstone Pub in North Little Rock at 9 p.m. $5.

We can safely bet that "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" will be huuuuge here in Arkansas, but another winner might very well be "The Descent," a well-reviewed slice of horror from director Neil Marshall. Check the chilling trailer here. Both movies start Friday.

Saturday
Atlanta, Ga.-based band Whild Peach has worked Goodie Mob, Sleepy Brown and Grammy-winning rap duo OutKast. They'll bring their funky soul music to Revolution on Saturday. Show starts at 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 at the door; $20 in advance.

Local folk singer songwriter Adriane Allyn holds her CD release party at Juanita's in Little Rock. Listen to songs from "Moving On" here. Expect solid musicianship from opening band The Munks. 9:30. $5.

Cover
Nine New Hotels Will Add 1,329 Guest Rooms – Area hotel rooms will increase by 25 percent over the next couple years, as nine hotels with a total of 1,328 guest rooms are planned for construction in Northwest Arkansas.

Barber Group Plans 22-Story Luxury Hotel – As The Barber Group transitions, it announces plans for a 22-story luxury Westin hotel and condos in Rogers.

Opinion
Baby Boomers Face Retirement – While baby boomers have enjoyed a generally improved quality of life over the past decade, nearly one-third of them have virtually nothing saved for retirement and face a shaky retirement picture.

Arkansans Will Miss Win Rockefeller – Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller’s compassion and political leadership will be missed.

Whispers
Indie Film to be Shot in Area
Hotels Book Up for Hog Season
. Ballyhoo Delivers Crusin' Ads

The Whiskeyhounds reveal their "Jukebox Manifesto" Friday night

Friday
Tim and Faith are back. Alltel hosts the 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $56.75- 86.75 and can be purchased online or by phone (501) 975-7575 through Ticketmaster.

Lovers of gritty rock 'n roll and honest, literate songs rejoice. Roger Hoover and the Whiskeyhounds, a five-man band from Cleveland, Ohio, play White Water Tavern on Friday night. The band's last stop on a three-city tour of Arkansas should be their best, as they're opening for Little Rock royalty the American Princes. To listen to the Whiskeyhounds latest album, Jukebox Manifesto, click here. Show starts at 10 p.m. $5.

The Localist crew is at it again. This time they'll be at Downtown Music from 10 'til 2 with a big bill: DJ g-force, Russellville industrial duo Mother 33, all-star rap line-up Dat Heat, Epiphany, "Ultimate Hustler" winner Brian Rikuda, Suga City, and XXzotic. Local post-punk rock band The Moving Front will shut the place down. $3.

Reviews are lukewarm on writer/director Michael Mann's big-screen re-think of '80s trendsetter "Miami Vice, but we're totally going to check it out anyway. Mann on the big screen is a must. The director of "Collateral," "The Insider," "The Last of the Mohicans" and "Manhunter" recasts Sonny Crockett and Rico Tubbs (now Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx) and sends them back in the air tonight to face drug-runners and dirty cops. Farrell and Foxx might be grimmer than a film based on the pastel-soaked "MTV cops" drama has a right to be, but the final shoot-out is said to rival the genius bank-robbery set-piece in Mann's underappreciated '90s epic "Heat." "Miami" here we come.

Saturday
Memphis-based rockabilly band The Dempseys play Sticky Fingerz. Scott H. Biram, known for his bluesy hillbilly rock 'n roll opens the show at 9 p.m. $7.

Air America radio show host Al Franken returns to Little Rock to a support Planned Parenthood event at the Clinton Presidential Library at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $150 and include a cocktail buffet, full bar, book signing and live entertainment. He'll also air his show from Rumba/Revolution on Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and sign copies of his latest book "The Truth (With Jokes)" at Wordsworth Books in the Heights from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday. Call (501) 801-0001 for tickets and other information.

Comedian Chris Tucker, known for his film role in "Rush Hour" and "Rush Hour 2," brings his stand-up routine to Robinson Center Music Hall on Saturday at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $29.75-$44.75 and are available through Ticketmaster online or by phone (501) 975-7575.

DJ g-force will be at Revolution . 9 p.m. $5.

Cory Branan, tickled pink

Tonight
Memphis singer-songwriter Cory Branan plays Sticky Fingerz tonight. Drawing comparisons to Elvis Costello and Paul Westerberg, and rightfully so, his songs glide along with breezy nostalgia of young love, roller rinks and Pac Man ("Skateland South"), and at other times creep through dark places where loneliness and heartache lurk ("Sweet Janine"). With a knack for writing "wry, sad, sweet, and utterly true" lyrics, Cory Branan puts his latest full-length album "12 Songs" up for inspection here. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. $5 cover.

Friday night
White Water Tavern welcomes Kansas City duo The New Tragedies, led by rock 'n roll/alt-country couple Bev and Aaron Weidner. Download the song "Lipstick Kiss" here. Little Rock's own The Contingencies open the show at 10 p.m. $5 cover.

Also, Little Rock bands Moving Front, Fits and Starts, the Magic Cropdusters, and Real Fighting play Vino's. Show starts at 8:30 p.m. $5 cover.

Saturday
Arizona-based indie-rock duo The Format, led by multi-instrumentalist Sam Means and singer Nate Ruess, play Juanita's Saturday night. Their sophomore album, "Dog Problems," has been receiving an obscene amount of hype, having already landed on several MP3 bloggers' top-albums-of-the-year lists and getting good press in Spin, which calls the album "superbly clever," and the Los Angeles Times, which says their "melodies stick but never wear out their welcome." Download songs "I'm Actual" and "If Work Permits" here. Rainer Maria, Anathallo and Street to Nowhere open. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $14.

Meanwhile, the Arkansas Celtic Music Society sponsors the Irish four-piece group The Fuchsia Band on Saturday night at Sticky Fingerz. With traditional ballads and accordion-driven melodies, this is sure to be a good show for Irish music fans. $7 cover. Show starts at 9 p.m.

All grown up 80s pop princess Tiffany plays Juanita's tonight. You think she'll do "I Think We're Alone Now"?

Thursday
If you're like me, you were too young to catch Tiffany's career-launching performance on Ed McMahon's "Star Search" and too young still to hop on her mall tour. Fortunately, you'll get a chance to see her perform hits, like "I Think We're Alone Now" live at Juanita's tonight at 9 p.m. $10 in advance. $12 at the door.

The Arkansas Arts Center is screening the documentary "The Mystery of Picasso" for free tonight as part of the "Pursuing Picasso" exhibit which runs until September 3. The film starts at 6 p.m. and a short lecture follows.

Friday
2nd Friday Art Night takes place downtown from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Historic Arkansas Museum, River Market ArtSpace, Ten Thousand Villages, Cox Creative Center, Hearne Fine Art, and the Arkansas Arts Center. The galleries welcome patrons to help themselves to complimentary h'or d'oeurves, wine and beer and to walk around freely looking at various exhibits. Check out the Historic Arkansas Museums exhibits, including paintings by local artist Jessica Salley and photographs by Arkansas Times staffer Brian Chilson, and if you haven't done so yet, stop by the Arts Center for the "Pursuing Picasso" exhibit. Admission to this show is $12, but viewing lithographs, sketches, paintings and sculpture by Picasso and several works by his contemporaries Marc Chagall and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec proves well worth it.

Local rock 'n roll band Smoke Up Johnny , who've been steadily gaining steam, play Vino's at 8:30 p.m. Honky and the George Jonestown Massacre open. $7.

Eagle Ager, a trio of multi-media performance artists from Brooklyn who've performed in clubs, lofts, and basements all over NYC, brings their weird mix of puppetry, experimental movement and music to the Scene on Friday night. One of their summer tour rituals includes constructing the entire set from trash found on the NYC streets. Scrap wood, cardboard, toy fire trucks, glow-in-the-dark Jesus figurines, paintings of mountains, Styrofoam cups – and anything else you can think of – will serve as the backdrop for their "socially-relevant absurdist profundity." The free show starts at 10:30 p.m.

Saturday
Big Silver and The Reds play Whitewater Tavern. Big Silver blends catchy pop rock with soulful country and blues on their latest album "Afterlife." We can hope to hear the album's title track and "Berryhill Park" on Saturday night. To listen to these songs and more, click here. Show starts at 10 p.m. $5.

Then this Saturday's "Words Not Bullets" poetry slam contest is just tailor-made for you. The event, sponsored by Mediums Art Gallery and the Riverdale 10 Cinemas in Little Rock, begins at 8 a.m. at Riverdale and won't likely let up until 11ish. Recent 40 Under 40 celeb Ed Linck's a huge fan:

You would be amazed by the talent that we have here in Little Rock! If you would like to participate, show up 30 minutes early and you'll be on the list. There is a $10 entry fee for participants, and the winner takes home $100!!! Admission is only $6 for those who just want to watch and support the poets. Purchase tickets at the ticket booth just like you would a movie ticket.

Whether you are with a group of friends or on a date, this is a great way to get your Saturday night started. It usually ends around 11:00, and the River Market is just down the street. I was introduced to the Little Rock poetry scene this year, and I have been hooked ever since.

This might be the thing for you if all that music's not your bag.

Previously:
Weekend Guide: Louis Jordan or Bust! [The Ladder]

Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos: This is actually only 1/4 of the band

Tonight
Cornerstone Pub hosts the 10th Annual Louis Jordan Tribute, a fundraising concert honoring the Brinkley-born R&B, rap and rock 'n' roll musician.

The event features screenings of Louis Jordan films and live performances by Nasty Abbott, The Munks, The Honkies and members of Bug Tussle Boys. Show starts at 9 p.m. $6 cover.

Proceeds benefit the Louis Jordan Tribute Fund, a fund established to install a bust of Jordan in Brinkley.

Friday
Egos collide at Day One of the Annual Media League Softball Tournament! Games begin at 7 p.m. at Reservoir Park with KARK taking on Citadel. Arkansas Business plays at 8 p.m. vs. KTHV. At 9 p.m., the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's editorial staff goes after Clear Channel. Games continue Saturday. Free.

Sticky Fingerz gives us something to look forward to in Indianapolis-based indie rock outfit, Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos, an eight-member ensemble whose song, "Skeleton Key," a haunting reflection of love gone miserably wrong, was featured on Paste Magazine's Sampler CD Volume 21 (April/May 2006).

The band's debut album, "The Dust of Retreat," is getting good press and, whether they like it or not, drawing comparisons to The Arcade Fire. To listen for yourself, visit the band's MySpace page, here. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. $7 cover.

Saturday
Heber Springs-based pop-rock foursome Grand Serenade play Whitewater. Their music has been called "elegantly magnetic," and rightfully so. Listen to "Color My World" and "Well Demo" here. Show starts at 10 p.m. $5 cover.

Get ready to do the "Chicken Dance" when the Grammy-award winning polka band Brave Combo plays Sticky Fingerz on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. $5 cover.

Viva La Rocca

Today
Can't get enough soccer? Check out the 2006 US Youth Soccer Southern Regional Championships this weekend at Burns Park in North Little Rock. Get your kicks all weekend.

Tonight
Local rock 'n roll band Coach plays Juanita's. These guys have been steadily making a name for themselves and are sure to put on a good show. Listen to "This Won't Sell" here. Singer-songwriter Daniel Doyle opens the show. $6 cover.

Cornerstone has hosted L.A. bands like The Vacation and The Shys and continues to bring West Coast talent to central Arkansas with La Rocca, an indie rock quartet whose song "Sing Song Sung," off of their upcoming album "Truth," has been circulating on the 'net. You can read more about them on several notable Mp3 blogs. Local band Grand Serenade opens. Show starts at 9 p.m. $5 cover.

Friday
Nothing says summer like cold beer, hot dogs and baseball. On Friday, the Arkansas Travelers will be back in town and ready to take on the Tulsa Drillers at 7:10 p.m. They'll also play a double-header on Saturday night beginning at 6:30 p.m. Games continue Monday night at 7:10 p.m. and Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $6. Call (501) 664-1555 for more information.

Saturday
The River Market continues its 10th anniversary celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. There's all manner of festivities on the docket, including face painting, balloon artists and costumed fruit and vegetable characters making their way through the Farmers’ Market. Bluegrass heroes Runaway Planet provide folksy tunes from noon to 2 p.m.

Little Rock mainstay Ho-Hum, led by Arkansas independent gubernatorial candidate Rod Bryan, will play Juanita's. Ho-Hum has been putting out solid rock 'n' roll for more than 20 years and doesn't show signs of slowing. Their album "Losty" was self-released on Playadel last year. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. $5 cover.

Sunday
Go to church. Chill.

Thomas23 shoots the ATA on Flickr

Highlights from the week thus far:

• Thomas23 checks out the American Taekwondo World Championships
• JBParker's tour of Arkansas courthouses continues
• SkyeWolfe13 on 1-540 near Fayetteville
• Ledwolf's got musicians performing at Brickfest in Malvern

Flickr [Flickr]

Get in line at The Rep

Friday
If you missed this year's New Orleans Jazz Fest, here's your chance to hear some of most talented jazz musicians the state has to offer at the Little Rock Jazz Festival on Friday night at the Riverfront Amphitheater. Legendary saxophonist David Sanborn headlines the show. Gates opens at 4 p.m. Lawn seats are $25 and reserved seats are $30. Proceeds benefit the Literacy Action of Central Arkansas.

Saturday
The guys at the Localist know good parties and, even better, they know how to throw them. On Saturday night, Localist presents rockers Smoke Up Johnny and The Moving Front at White Water Tavern. The show starts at 10 p.m. and is sure to draw a crowd, so get there early. $5 cover.

If hip hop's your thing, hit up the Crunkadelic Megafest on Saturday night at Fatbacks on Warden Road in North Little Rock. The bill reads like a who's who of the local hip hop scene with performances by Big Drew, A-State Hustlers, Conduit Family and DJ G-Force. The show runs from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are $6 for ages 21 and up; $10 for ages 18-20.

Sunday
There's still time to catch the Rep's "A Chorus Line" and the Weekend Theater's "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," both of which run through July 2.
The award-winning production, "A Chorus Line," tells the stories of young unknown dancers of Broadway trying to make it on the Great White Way. Showtimes are Thursday-Friday 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.; Sunday 7 p.m. Call (501) 378-0405 to reserve tickets at the downtown theater. Tickets are $35 and $50.

Richard O'Brien's cult classic "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" opens on a clean-cut newly-engaged couple whose car breaks down on a dark and stormy night, and they stumble upon a castle where a wild party is in progress that will liberate them and change their lives forever. Showtimes are Friday-Saturday 8 p.m; Sunday 2:30 p.m. with a special midnight show on Friday, June 23. Tickets are $18 for adults, and $14 for students and seniors. Call (501) 374-3761 to reserve tickets.

4:30 p.m.: The Arkansas Council of National Committee on Planned Giving holds its nonprofit seminar at the Embassy Suites in Little Rock, finding new ways to have you give them money.

8 p.m.: 1964, a Beatles tribute band, plays Robinson Center Music Hall in Little Rock. Tickets start at $20, about four times what you would have paid to see the actual band in 1964.

The stars come out tonight

We'll be heading out to Ray Winder Field tonight to check out the Texas League All-star Game, which excellent baseball blog Travelerocity notes might be the last time Little Rock fans can catch a glimpse of top prospects before they're whisked away to the Big Leagues:

This isn't exactly going out on a limb, but my prediction for the most likely player to soon make the jump to Triple-A is Wichita's Alex Gordon. This is only his first year in pro ball and he is already at the Double-A level. He was college player of the year at Nebraska only last season and has been on the fast track since getting a $4 million signing bonus. Plus, being in the Kansas City Royals organization, there is really nothing standing in his way to reaching the Majors by the end of the season.

Game time is 7:10 p.m., but you might want to get out there early for the home run derby, which starts at 6 p.m. Once again, it's one of the rapidly dwindling opportunities you'll have to see baseball in the old stadium before the Big Move across the river next season.

All-Star game may be last chance to see many of league's top prospects [Travelerocity]

Related: Northwest Arkansas Baseball: Not A Home Run ... Yet [Scanner]

Crane kicks galore at Movies in the Park

Before Market Open: Earnings conference call for FedEx of Memphis, the big shipper with big operations in Harrison.

8 a.m.: The ATA begins all manner of events to last throughout the day at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

10:30 a.m.: ATA fever continues as workers "top off" the memorial for ATA Enternal Grand Master H.U. Lee at Scott and Markham streets in Little Rock. Photo op includes a roasted pig, fruit and a cake bearing the image of the Gate and Garden memorial for the late ATA founder.

5 p.m.: Movies in the Park presents – you guessed it – "The Karate Kid." Starts at Riverfront Park at sunset. Bring a blanket, wax on, wax off, etc.

American Princes (from left) Matt Quin, Collins Kilgore, Luke Hunsicker and David Slade play Juanita's on Saturday night

Thursday
The Paper Chase, a noise rock outfit from Denton, Texas, makes a stop at White Water Tavern tonight. The band will surely play stuff off their album, "Now You Are One of Us," recently released on Kill Rock Stars, home to the Gossip, Sleater-Kinney and the Decemberists. This is sure to be a loud show. To see what you're getting yourself into, listen to some of the band's tracks here. The show starts at 10 p.m. $5.

Friday
The Juneteenth Celebration is back. In its ninth year, this year's festival welcomes some of the rap industry's biggest names. Memphis-native Project Pat, of (Oscar-winners!) Three Six Mafia, West Coast icon Mack 10 and hip-hop darling Kelis (whose milkshake brings all the boys to the yard) will headline the show. For the complete lineup and ticket information, visit Power 92.

Also Friday, the self-proclaimed "kings of the Little Rock honky-tonk," The Salty Dogs, play White Water Tavern at 10 p.m. $5.

Saturday
Get in the ring: Arkansas native Jermain Taylor faces Winky Wright in Memphis at 8:30 p.m. on HBO. Play "spot the ring-side Huckabees" in between rounds and revel in the slurred post-match commentary of Larry Merchant.

Bad Intentions in Memphis

Then celebrate Taylor's win with local rock 'n' roll royalty the American Princes, who recently signed with Chapel Hill, N.C.-label Yep Roc. The Princes grace Juanita's stage promoting their new album "Less and Less," which is receiving more and more praise for catchy songs like "This Is the Year" and "Never Grow Old." Listen for yourself here. Get there early: Fayetteville electronic punk band Tel Aviv and bluesy singer-songwriter Chris Denny open. Show begins at 9:30 p.m. $7.

Sunday
See the campy glam-rock musical, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," which opens on Friday, at the Weekend Theater on 7th and Chester streets. Mature (but not neccessarily old) audiences only. Tickets are $18 for adults; $14 for students and seniors. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. through July 2.

Asylum Street Spankers, led by Christina Marrs (center), play Sticky Fingerz tonight

Tonight
Sticky Fingerz welcomes the Asylum Street Spankers, an Austin band that crowds the stage with multi-instrumentalists combining blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, vaudeville into something wildly entertaining and a bit dirty. They've got classics, like "Shave 'Em Dry," but they've also been known to put a new spin on old faves like Nine Inch Nails' "Closer," tossing in some barnyard animal noises for good measure. Surprisingly, they also have a children's album and might play a few songs from it.

There's a $10 cover, and Conrad and Mason from Sugar and the Raw will open at 8 p.m.

Friday
Hit the Historic Arkansas Museum for 2nd Friday Art Night, which will display photographs by local artists Brian Chilson and Jessica Saley alongside music by Sean Rock.

The event runs until 8:30 p.m. and includes admission to other galleries, such as the Arkansas Arts Center, which is running its "Pursuing Picasso" exhibit; Hearne Fine Art, which features paintings by Sylvester McKissick; and the Arkansas Art Gallery on Main Street in North Little Rock, which will stay open until 8 p.m. as part of the Argenta Art Walk.

Saturday
Be sure to check out local bands Tin Fire Radio and the Easys at Whitewater Tavern. The young, talented Tin Fire Radio has recently spent some time in the recording studio. Their song "Invisible Fireworks" is worth a listen and is available for download here.

In the indie-pop rock band The Easys you'll find a few Boondogs – Jason Weinheimer, Isaac Alexander and Charles Wyrick – known for delivering smart lyrics to catchy, foot-tapping melodies. Download "The Weatherman Says" off of their album, "The Secrets of Loveliness" here.

Across the river, Cornerstone Pub hosts award-winning Memphis funk band Free Sol. $5 cover. Music starts at 10 p.m.

Sunday
Sleep in. Then, check out what's going on in the River Market as it celebrates its 10th anniversary with special events from June 8 to Aug. 19. For more, visit www.rivermarket10.com.

In conjunction with the anniversary celebration, the Little Rock Wind Symphony, a nonprofit musical ensemble, will perform a free show at MacArthur Park at 7 p.m.

Just another week in Deadwood

But the DVR-less among you should rush to get home by 8 p.m., when HBO unspools the season three premiere of "Deadwood," deliciously titled "Tell Your God to Ready for Blood." Ian McShane is back as Al Swearengen, the West's most foul-mouthed saloon-keeper, struggling to hold power as the sun sets on the city's lawless days. A nice place to visit before Monday's drive to work.

Return of the cool

Also on the bill, Miss Genine Perez, Lagniappe, Dave Rogers and more. Gates open at 4 p.m. Proceeds from the fundraisers go to three nonprofits.

Jazz Legend David Sanborn is coming to the Little Rock Rivermarket Amphitheatre [SDP Entertainment]
David Sanborn [DavidSanborn.com]
[AllMusic.com]

The schedule includes:

June 21 - The Karate Kid
June 28 - Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
July 5 - Grease
July 12 - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
July 19 - Napoleon Dynamite
July 26 - The Nutty Professor
August 2 - Toy Story
August 9 - Fletch
August 16 - Sixteen Candles

[Movies in the Park]

When the sun sets at Ray Winder

The story details the parks 75-year history and notes General Manager Bill Valentine's eagerness to get across the river to his brand spanking-new ballpark in North Little Rock in time for the Travs' first home game on April 5:

"Nostalgia is the only thing you’re going to lose when we move from Ray Winder Field across the river to the new downtown ballpark," said Bill Valentine, a 31-year veteran as Travelers general manager. "To be very honest, Ray Winder Field has outlived its usefulness as a professional baseball park simply because of the changing of the times."

As Travelerocity points out, the article gives Valentine another go at the City of Little Rock over its alleged lack of support for the park and its baseball program all these years:

There seems to be a pattern here of Valentine indicating that he really resents the lack of funding assistance and recognition from Little Rock City Hall all these years, and I think this explains why he is so pro North Little Rock and wants to do things like put NLR on the jerseys and hold NLR Travs hat night at the end of this month. I wonder if Valentine would even show up if Little Rock's City Board invited him to a meeting at the end of the season to present him with a certificate of thanks for all these years.

We won't hold our breath. Meanwhile, Travelerocity poses another question about a possible future for Ray Winder, wooden seats and all:

Something funny to consider -- Remember the days of two hockey teams in town? What if some enterprising owner put an independent league team in Ray Winder Field? I wonder how it would draw.

Valentine repeats funding complaints in story from Arkansas Business [Travelerocity]

Related:
Natural Game Evolves in Natural State (Fifth Monday) [Arkansasbusiness.com]

Previously:
A Piece of Baseball History, in Your Shirt Pocket [The Ladder]

The grand finale

How about relive the entire event via Arkansas blogs? Turns out there were more than a few digital shutterbugs on the scene capturing the tragedy and triumph that was this year's Memorial Day bash.

Remember when the guv banged out some phat bass lines with this band, Capitol Offense? Remember when Asa! hung out with the regular folk, slamming back lemmonade like it was Bud Light? Remember when Aaron Neville sang "Everybody Plays the Fool"? (He did, didn't he?) And don't forget the clowns on stilts!

Riverfest '06! Something for everyone. And no rain this year, to boot! More coverage below, and if you know of other sites we should point to, e-mail us here or leave a link in comments.

Bike tricks, street musicians and a unicycle, of course [Dale Miller's Flickr Photostream]
Backstage at Riverfest, the divas of Dumpstaphunk, and being Pat Green's chauffeur [Colter's Journal]
Behind-the-scenes snaps and fireworks [Plantboy's Flickr Photostream]
There were fireworks! [M. Shane Glass' Flickr Photostream]
Jim Harris and Amy Brawner on Riverfest here, here , here and here [Little Rocking]
Did we mention there were fireworks? [JB Parker's Flickr Photostream]
Riverfest/Memorial Day Pics [Littlerockblog.com]
Deep-fried Oreos, inflatable Marines and Ryan Newman [Thomas23's Flickr Photostream]

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