A new year and a new start are upon central Arkansas. Who knows what 2014 might bring the metro in terms of bands and musicians coming to the area (check out some predictions on page 10), but what’s certain is the coming months include a number of must-see acts. Here are some musical highlights in the first three months of 2014:
Jan. 11
Sleeper Agent at Rev Room
High-energy — that’s one way to describe this Bowling Green, Ky., alternative-rock band. The group promises a new album in early 2014 but first hits the road. The all-ages show starts at 8:30 p.m. with tickets $10 in advance and $12 day of.
Jan. 16
Jamie Lynn Spears at Juanita’s
Yes, this is the younger sister of Britney and former Zoey 101 star. Now, Jamie Lynn Spears is a fledgling country star. Her first country single, “How Could I Want More,” hit the Top 40 of the country charts last year. The supporting acts are to be announced. Expect the music at 9 p.m. with the doors opening at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 day of show.
Jan. 19
Eddie Money at Juanita’s
“Baby Hold On,” “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Take Me Home Tonight” — these are just some of the tunes from this ’70s and ’80s rock hit machine. Openers The Fable & The Fury get the music started at 7:30 p.m., and the doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 day of.
Jan. 26
Bonerama at South on Main
The Oxford American’s cultural experience spot presents a night of New Orleans brass funk rock. The doors open at 6 p.m. with the music starting at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $17 (plus a $3 service charge).
Jan. 31
Waka Flocka Flame at Juanita’s
This Atlanta hip-hop artist plans to release his new album at some point in 2014. Expect new songs and hits such as “No Hands,” “Round of Applause” and others. The doors open at 9 p.m. with the music starting at 10 p.m. The opening acts are to be announced. Standing-room only, general admission tickets are $30 for the 18-and-up show.
Feb. 1
Those Darlins at Stickyz
The quartet of Jessi Zazu, Nikki Kvarnes, Linwood Regensburg and Adrian Barrera play one thing — rock ’n’ freaking roll. Raw, sweaty, garage-fueled and with a country balladeer’s heart. No word on openers, but the music starts at 9 p.m. with a $10 cover in advance for the 18-and-up show.
Feb. 1
Joe Diffie at Juanita’s
Diffie’s hit country singles include “Home,” “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets),” “Third Rock from the Sun” and more. Rodge & The Dirt Road Republic and Canvas open the show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of.
Feb. 20
Robert Earl Keen at Rev Room
This Texas singer-songwriter carries on the Texas songwriting tradition started by artists such as Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. The opening acts are to be announced, but expect the music at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of for the all-ages show.
Feb. 21
Houndmouth at Rev Room
The best album of 2013? How about a vote for From the Hills Below the City, the debut of this Indiana-raised rock ’n’ roll band? Willie Watson opens the show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 day of for the 18-and-up show.
Feb. 28
Winter Jam 2014 at Verizon Arena
A Christian music explosion visits North Little Rock with appearances by Newsboys, Lecrae, Tenth Avenue North, NewSong, Colton Dixon and more. The doors open at 5 p.m. and the music starts at 6 p.m. Admission is a $10 donation at the door.
Feb. 28
Jimbo Mathus & The Tri-State Coalition at White Water Tavern
Catfish music for the masses? The “genre” is a Southern amalgam of blues, country, soul, rock ’n’ roll and even a little funk that stirs the soul and shakes the hips. The outfit’s new album is Dark Night of the Soul, coming in February. The music starts at 10 p.m. with a $10 cover.
March 8
Keller Williams at Rev Room
One-man, jamming bluegrass/rock/funk/jazz musician Keller Williams plays with a number of acts. For this show — part of the What the Funk Tour 2014 — Williams is joined by More Than a Little for a night of soulful, funky music inspired by gospel and R&B. There’s no opening act. The music starts at 9 p.m. with tickets $20 in advance and $22 day of for the 18-and-up show.
March 8
Billy Currington at Verizon Arena
In September, Billy Currington released We Are Tonight — his first new album in three years — and “Hey Girl” hit the Top 10 of the Hot Country Songs chart. Special guests include Brett Eldredge and Chase Rice. The doors open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m. General admission floor tickets (no chairs) are $49; reserved seats are $45.
March 8
Sharon Corr atJuanita’s
Remember The Corrs? The Irish folk-fueled pop band and their cover of Ryan Adams’ “When the Stars Go Blue”? The Corrs are on hiatus, but Sharon Corr visits with her Celtic-flavored pop rock. Supporting acts are to be announced, but expect the music at 9 p.m. with tickets $20 in advance and $25 day of show.
March 22
Randy Rogers Band at Rev Room
Central Arkansas, get ready to welcome spring with a hell-raising party as this Red Dirt-flavored country act hits the River Market. No word on openers, but the music starts at 9 p.m. with tickets for the 18-and-up show $22 in advance and $25 day of.
March 28
Cher at Verizon Arena
This worldwide superstar’s Dress to Kill Tour starts six days earlier in Phoenix, and she’s on the road supporting her new album, Closer to the Truth, released in September. Tickets are $36.50, $61.50, $104.50 and $127, and the doors open at 7 p.m. with the music starting at 8 p.m.