Hot Springs Village, a recreational resort community in Arkansas' Ouachita Mountains, is the largest gated community in the United States measuring 40.7 square miles. Founded in 1970 the Village will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary next year on April 20th. It is the thought of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee that an anniversary such as this is not one to just be celebrated on a single day but instead to be recognized all year long. 

Want to hear some spooky sounds of the Halloween season? 

On Sunday, Oct. 27 at 3 p.m., St Luke’s Episcopal Church will present a concert given by violinist Drew Irvin and pianist Julie Cheek. Their program, titled “Devilish Delights,” features music inspired by  Halloween. Irvin who is a resident of Little Rock is the current Concertmaster of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. He has also had the honor of participating in the Hot Springs Music Festival as a mentor. Cheek, a native of Little Rock, made her professional pianist debut at the age of 14 as soloist with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Since then she has been a featured artist not only with the Arkansas Symphony, but with orchestras throughout the United States.

St Luke’s Episcopal Church is located at 228 Spring Street. There is no charge for this program but donations to the Mark Ayers Scholarship of the Hot Springs Music Festival will be accepted. This scholarship provides financial assistance to attendees who cannot pay the fees associated with the festival. The goal is to make sure no deserving student is prevented from participating in the festival due to financial reasons. The Hot Springs Music Festival welcomes 100 student apprentices each year and they are able to attend with help from full tuition scholarships. 

For more information please contact Lynn Payette at 501-623-1653 extension 16. She can also be reached by e-mail: lynn@hotmusic.org