This year's Arts & the Park has attracted artists and musicians from around the state with over a week of indoor, outdoor, in-person and virtual offerings.
The 10-day festival kicks off with the "Art Moves" exhibition on the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail at 5 p.m. Friday, featuring art to be voted on Saturday and Sunday.
Through May 7, there will be a number of live music performances, including Emmy-nominated composer, musician and sound artist Amos Cochran, of Fayetteville.
An Evening with Amos Cochran will take place from 6-8 p.m Monday at The Heist, 723 Central Ave. Suite 200. Sponsored by Arvest Bank and hosted by the Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance, there is no ticket required for the rare performance.
Nationally known for his film scores, it's his first public show in Hot Springs and one of his only performances in recent years.
"Sometimes when you go to a new space, it's a great time to try new things," said Cochran.
Having visited Hot Springs in his youth and more recently when a film featuring his score was played at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, he says he has been to town "enough to feel like I know the downtown area quite well."
Taking the stage with cellist Christian Serrano-Torres, Cochran's weapon of choice is the piano and keyboard. While some audiences may believe the duo plays classical music, Cochran clarifies that they do not play classical, but more experimental music "just using classical instruments as tools."
As longtime collaborators, the two have performed together at the inaugural FORMAT Festival, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and experimental music showcase ArcadeNow.
"I like to present music in a way people aren't really used to," said Cochran. "It's a different kind of music."
At the show, Cochran and Serrano-Torres will play originals, parts of Cochran's film scores and some selected covers adapted to their instruments. His keyboard gives an "electronic texture" while the piano and cello sound more orchestral.
Cochran's music career started in school when he picked up the bass in the school band. He kept growing his passion, eventually starting to score films in 2011. While occasionally performing, his main focus has always been music for media. It wasn't until 2017 that he began playing live shows again, keeping the occurrence rare and special.
His body of work includes commercials for Dick's Sporting Goods and startup Phind as well as films featured at Sundance, Berlin and Toronto Film Festivals. He has been showcased on NPR Live Sessions, PBS, The London Design Festival and more. He also has released several albums, his most recent being Niente, available on streaming platforms.
Boasting a robust portfolio, Cochran keeps his live performances to a minimum, but is looking forward to the Hot Springs show.
"It should be an interesting time," said Cochran.
To learn more, visit https://hotspringsarts.org/ap-event-details/entry/4547/ or Cochran's website, http://www.amoscochran.com/.
Amos Cochran uses his laptop and keyboard to create electronic style music while cellist Christian Serrano-Torres accompanies him. Photo is courtesy of Andrew Camarillo. - Submitted photo