You don’t have to take a trip to New Orleans this holiday season to enjoy the jubilant sounds of a big band. Louisiana-based The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra brings A Holiday Equinox to Walton Arts Center for one performance in our 10x10 Arts Series Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7 pm.
Audiences have fallen in love with singer and former Fayetteville resident Clay Johnson and Louisiana-native bandleader Jeremy Davis for their sophisticated Southern charm and the high-energy show featuring the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Along with great songs, original arrangements and phenomenal musicianship, these two bring their rich camaraderie and charm to the stage. Audiences will be transported back to the golden age of holiday music while also enjoying fresh new arrangements with a Southern-fried, contemporary twist. This holly jolly soiree promises to be a memorable celebration of the season, filled with musical magic and cheer.
Raised in a family of preachers, teachers and folk/southern gospel singers, Johnson’s passion for music performance has taken him all over the world, from playing trombone at nearby elementary schools, crooning for assisted living facilities or singing at festivals, arenas and sold-out theaters.
Johnson has deep roots in Arkansas, having lived in Fayetteville as a child where his father preached at South Hill Church of Christ before moving the family to Louisiana. Johnson returned to the state later when he worked in in Ft. Smith as an adult.
“All my early childhood memories are there in Fayetteville,” he shared. He fondly remembers attending Razorback football and basketball games, where he was more interested in the band than what was happening on the field or court. In particular, he recalls his “childhood hero,” the entertaining band director Jim Robken, who he later studied music under at Louisiana Tech. “I attribute a lot of my musical knowledge to those early formative years growing up in the church in Fayetteville and singing with a very musical family,” he said.
“I’ve got a lot of Arkansas memories and I can’t wait I come back and see everybody and make new friends,” Johnson said. “You can expect to witness some of the best musicians and entertainers having an absolute blast on stage. And as always happens, you will wind up having a great time as well. Since this is a show built around the holiday season, it will be especially fun and nostalgic, full of storytelling and knee-slapping – all to the beat of a soulful Southern big band.”
Standard all-in ticket prices are $10. Purchase your tickets now at waltonartscenter.org or by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am – 5 pm.
Support for Walton Arts Center is provided, in part, by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Walton Arts Center is Arkansas’ largest and busiest performing arts presenter. Each year more than 215,000 people from Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma and beyond attend more than 300 public events at Walton Arts Center, including performances, rehearsals, community gatherings, receptions, weddings and more. Approximately 35,000 students and teachers participate annually in arts learning programs at Walton Arts Center, and almost 250 volunteers donate 28,000 hours of time each year to its operations. Walton Arts Center presents entertainers and artists from around the world including Broadway musicals, renowned dance companies, international artists, up-and-coming jazz musicians and more. As a non-profit organization, Walton Arts Center enjoys the generous support of public sector funding, corporate sponsorship and private donors, allowing audience members to enjoy world-class performances at a great price. To learn more about Walton Arts Center, visit www.waltonartscenter.org.
