As part of the SHE Festival of Women in Music presented by the Department of Music, the UA Soul Band will give a concert celebrating the women of contemporary music. From Dolly Parton to Aretha Franklin and Avril Lavigne to Carrie Underwood, there is something for everyone! The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall.

The UA Soul Band is under the direction of Professor Jake Hertzog. The mission of the Soul Band is to incorporate commercial music performance into the UA Music curriculum. Hertzog works with vocalists, rhythm musicians, and horn sections to produce music from soul, R&B, funk, and pop tunes. The concert for the SHE festival highlights some of the Department's multi-talented female singers backed by incredible musicians in an eclectic and high-energy performance.

The concert is free and open to the public.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

In conjunction with Women's History Month, the Department of Music in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences will host an inaugural, month-long festival from March 5-30 highlighting the major role that women have played in the art of music.

SHE, A Festival of Women in Music will recognize women across the field with an array of music featuring women composers and performers.

"Music often breaks down the barriers that separate us," said Ronda Mains, the Department of Music's chair.

Mains said that in a time when society often strains to listen, "SHE makes room for audiences to hear new sounds, to feature composers of fame and lesser-known stature, and to amplify exceptional stories—all drawing attention to compositions by women, works inspired by women, and music for women."

Mains said that SHE also crosses borders, intends to evoke an emotional response, and will prompt historical and cultural memories for all who attend.

With guest lectures, performances of Western art music and contemporary music, and a one-woman play, the festival is filled with events that will spur thought and excite audiences.

SHE is sponsored by Adventure Subaru of Fayetteville and presented in partnership with the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Humanities Program, the Jim and Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas.

More information about this event can be found on the Department of Music's website.