Free ArtBeat series returns this week

To usher in the spring, the city of Henderson is inviting residents to listen to up-and-coming artists during ArtBeat presented by Target .

"The community loves ArtBeat," said Nicole Johnson, communications specialist with the city of Henderson. "It is a growing event that is affordable and family-friendly ."

At 8 p.m. every Friday in April at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St., residents can enjoy free entertainment.

ArtBeat started in 2009 when the city received a grant from Target.

"We approached Target first," Johnson said. "With the process, we had to meet certain criteria in keeping with what Target wanted to support. Then we were invited to apply for funding."

Some of the criteria included having a family-friendly environment and offering free admission .

"There also must be a educational component," Johnson said. "We have our featured performing artists conduct in-school residencies or do assembly programs at Henderson schools."

Henderson assesses each event to make sure it is reaching the right demographics and sends the information to Target in a final report.

Johnson said that allows the city to reapply each year.

With the grant, the final product came as ArtBeat , inviting artists of differing backgrounds and stylings to showcase their work . ArtBeat also includes artists from the event formally known as Third Thursday, which featured local artists and musicians.

"We wanted to tie in a local visual and performing arts component to the existing ArtBeat series," Johnson said. "The organizers of Third Thursday expressed an interest in getting involved with ArtBeat. They were willing to move Third Thursday to Fridays, essentially dropping the Third Thursday name to align with the ArtBeat brand. We both thought the addition of the preshow would enhance ArtBeat and strengthen our local arts scene."

Johnson said preshow activities, starting at 5 p.m., allow local artists to showcase craft displays and put up art exhibits such as paintings, pottery and photographs.

The April lineup for the main performers features Jake Shimabukuro on Friday , Craig Campbell on April 8, Peter Tork & Shoe Suede Blues on April 15, Stephen Bishop on April 22 and The Van Lears on April 29.

"I am fired up for the show," Campbell said. "I would love everyone to come out."

Campbell, who describes his country style as a mix of Travis Tritt and George Strait, has been playing music all his life.

With the debut of his new album, Campbell is ready to tour. Henderson is one of his first stops.

"People are gonna hear traditional country music," Campbell said.

Johnson said the city made sure to get an eclectic mix of music so people with different musical preferences might find something they like.

Opening ArtBeat with the strum of his lightning-fast fingers is Hawaii native Shimabukuro, who plays the ukulele.

"I hope listeners experience the same joy that I'm experiencing when I'm strumming the ukulele," Shimabukuro said.

Shimabukuro has been seen on the "Today" show and the "Late Show with Conan O'Brien."

Even though mostly up-and-coming artists are performing, Peter Tork, an original member of the Monkees, is bringing his band, Peter Tork & Shoe Suede Blues, for the older generation.

"We brought some bands for the baby boomers," Johnson said.

For more information, visit hendersonlive.com.

Contact Henderson and Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.