The 10: The arts are in full bloom this week
No April Fools here, but there's more creativity going on in Montgomery this week than you can shake a paint brush at. Check out all the fun and music ahead in The 10 for March 27-April 2.
That’s My Dog Jr.’s 4th anniversary
There’s a lot more than hot dogs going on Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., as That’s My Dog Jr. celebrates its 4th anniversary at 2414 Lower Wetumpka Road, Montgomery. They’ll have live bands, dance teams, free food and a kids play area. They’re calling it, “The Ultimate Youth Celebration.” TMDJR’s ultimate goal is to keep teens off the street by giving them a positive outlet where they can hang out, learn skills, develop talent, and have fun.
New Montgomery mural being created by JonOne
New York artist JonOne is in Montgomery through Wednesday to create a new mural at the old Flames Grill location, on the corner of Lee and Montgomery streets. People are invited to come see him and his work on Wednesday at 2 p.m. The mural is being created as part of MAPMGM 2023 Arts in Motion. Learn more about him at jonone.com.
Steven Curtis Chapman at MPAC
Steven Curtis Chapman, the most awarded Christian music artist in history — with 59 GMA Dove Awards and 5 Grammy awards — is coming to Montgomery. His concert is Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Along with music from his new album, Still, he’ll be bringing some of his fan favorites like “Live Out Loud,” “Signs of Life,” and “King of the Jungle.” Tickets range from $19.75 to $75, and are available online at https://www.mpaconline.org/events/ or by calling the MPAC box office at 334-481-5100.
‘Hop’ movie drive-in showing at Blount Cultural Park
On Friday, Montgomery is taking you on a journey to Easter Island and the behind-the-scenes works of the Easter Bunny and all that candy. It’s a drive-in screening of the animated film, “Hop,” being shown in Blount Cultural Park, 3 Festival Drive. The film starts at 7 p.m. Food trucks will be on site.
Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival
You’ve had a month of related events leading up to it. The Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival is finally here on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Pratt Park, 460 Doster Road, Prattville. Admission is free. The festival features local and regional art vendors, with artworks, jewelry and more, a pop-up farmers market, food trucks and games. Children are invited to participate in art projects, and the first 200 kids get a free bag of art supplies. Scheduled music entertainment includes Taylor Bagi, 10 a.m.; Justin Turberville, 11 a.m.; April Pendergrass Band, 12:20 p.m.; Rhythm and Grooves, 2 p.m.; a gospel music hour, 3 p.m.; and the Stephanie Pickett Band, 4:30 p.m., on the Pratt Park Amphitheater stage. At 7 p.m., after the festival, a music play reading at the Doster Center features, “Wilson Pickett: His Music, His Life, His Journey.” Learn more online at https://www.wilsonpickettfestival.com/
Arts for Autism program
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, Arts for Autism is back at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, One Museum Drive, in Blount Cultural Park. This is a free event in honor of World Autism Month. They’ll offer two art-making classes, led by local artist and special education teacher Kimberly McGuilty. Participants will make their own paper, using resin and other sensory materials to create a design. Advance registration is required. Register by calling 334-625-4333.
Montgomery’s Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza
The city of Montgomery is inviting you to BYOB — Bring Your Own Basket — on Saturday to Blount Cultural Park. Start your Easter off early with the city’s annual community Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the grounds of Alabama Shakespeare Festival. It’s for ages 12 and under, and it’s free. The fun includes children’s activities, photos with the Easter Bunny, food vendors and more. Guardian Credit Union is sponsoring the event.
Shackelford Lane Crawfish Boil
You know the Shackelford Lane band guys in Autaugaville for their singing. But on Saturday, they’ll be cooking up a whole mess of crawfish for a big concert at 591 Shackelford Lane. Tailgates drop at 1 p.m., and the show starts at 4 p.m. Performers also include Kameron Marlowe, Tyler Braden, Wyatt McCubbin. Tickets are $35 and parking passes are $20 (VIP parking is $50), available at https://www.423productions.com/shows. Bring your own beverages, and they’ll supply free crawfish while supplies last.
STEAM Faire 2023
It’s time to get STEAM’ed up Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 300 Water St., Montgomery. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. This is their second annual fundraiser, and they hope to raise $6,000 for summer programing and events. Special guests and activities include: STEAM Truck from Atlanta, GA, Ice King bobba making demonstration, woodworking workshops, bubble stations, maker's market and more. General admission tickets are free, but must be reserved by April 1 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/steam-faire-2023-tickets-506458088777
‘Vonnie’ at Armory Learning Arts Center
It’s part play, part dance and all free! Michaela “Mikki” McKenzie and Tarvorius House are presenting “Vonnie” on Saturday, 7 p.m., at the Armory Learning Arts Center’s auditorium, 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery. "Vonnie" is a dance theatre work that walks through the gorgeous love story of young writer and Southern belle Vonnie Marie Wilson, and Paul Taylor, a charismatic Northerner from the South side of Chicago. Their tale of love-at-first sight takes place in 1955 in Montgomery, around the time of Rosa Parks’ arrest. McKenzie is a Wideman Davis Dance Fellow, who has been dancing for 15 years. She is also the founder of TUTUS and Testimonies, a free dance program for children in Montgomery.
BONUS: Third annual Cruise-In at Trenholm State
Trenholm State Community College is holding its third annual Cruise-In on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s family friendly, and cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on display. Door prizes will be awarded. Food trucks will be on site. It’s happening at the Patterson site, 3920 Troy Highway, Montgomery.
BONUS: Stage Makeup Workshop
Ever wonder how actors prepare their faces for the stage? The Cloverdale Playhouse in Montgomery is offering lessons on Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is $40. Participants need to bring a notebook, pen, sketch pencil, an 8x10 photo of your face, and any items from your personal makeup collection that you’d like to learn more about. The rest will be provided. Learn more online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stage-make-up-workshop-tickets-585545140277
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: The 10: The arts are in full bloom this week
