Courtyard Sessions | The Navigators and Maria Jibas accompanied by MARK Harmony
Forget streaming—we all know the best way to find new music is to hear it live. That’s why we decided to help bring some of the best new artists in Northwest Arkansas to you.
Come chill with us at the Arvest Bank Courtyard every Sunday afternoon this summer and discover your new favorite jams in this free, outdoor music series. From funk and soul breaks to immaculate LatinX harmonies, the best up-and-coming femme DJs to road-tested troubadours, every week will have you diving deeper with (and maybe ordering a round for) the rising stars all around us. Plus, with the RØDE Bar and the Momentary Food Truck just steps away, you’ll have access to some of the best brews and bites in town.
This week, we’re hosting a lineup of talented artists showcasing the music and culture of the Marshall Islands! We’ll start this week’s sessions with performances by youth dance initiative The Navigators. Led by Arlynda Jonas, these gifted performers are bringing the rich heritage of Marshallese traditional dance to the Arvest Bank Courtyard. Then, enjoy the vocal talents of Maria Jibas and MARK Harmony! These local rising stars are masters of modern and traditional music alike, and weave together harmonies that will leave your heart soaring and your weekend complete.
Free, no registration required.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Fantastic live music: What else? We’ll be showcasing some of the best indie artists and rising stars the country has to offer.
- Fun food and drink: Hungry or thirsty? Enjoy the culinary creations of the Momentary Food Truck and fun beverages from the RØDE Bar. Open Sundays 12 to 7 p.m. in the Arvest Bank Courtyard.
- Happy Hour Sundays at Onyx Coffee Lab: Treat yourself and a pal to a drink at Onyx! When you buy one drink, get 50 percent off your second. Happy Hour is from 3 to 5 p.m. during Courtyard Sessions shows and Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 3 p.m., during the week.
- Worried about the weather? Call the Inclement Weather line to check on any cancellations: 479.657.2488, or catch our Instagram and Facebook stories for the most up-to-date information.
- Safety Precautions: Per the CDC’s updated guidelines, we are requiring all visitors ages 2 and up and staff to wear a face covering indoors and for outdoor programs. Masks will be available upon entry for those who do not have one.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
The Navigators
The Navigators is a free youth dance initiative from Springdale, Arkansas, focusing on dance exploration and education of various Pacific Island dances, specifically hula and traditional Marshallese dances. The Navigators’ mission is to educate participants and audiences on Pacific Island cultural traditions and to empower youth to build confidence through this arts-specific approach. There are 20 dancers currently participating whose ages range from five years old to 16 years old. Led by Arlynda Jonas, The Navigators began in July 2021 and have already performed in Northwest Arkansas at Brookstone Retirement Home, Shared Beginnings, Tolemour Youth Summit, and Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese’s Stroll the Atolls. Follow The Navigators on Facebook!
MARK Harmony
Matthew John and Kairo Langrus are two artists from a local Marshallese band called MARK Harmony. Two other members include Raygon Jacklick and Arsi Lokot. Kairo is 20 years old and was born in the Marshall Islands and moved to Springdale when he was 4 years old. Matthew is also 20 years old and was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and moved to Springdale when he was 13 years old. Kairo, being the oldest of the band, was part of the marching band through junior high and high school along with the choir. He loves music and in his downtime loves hanging out with his siblings, playing video games, and making music. Matthew is the second-oldest and the captain of the band. He discovered his love for music through a choir with Kairo and Raygon. In his downtime, he loves to watch anime, play video games, and make music. Both individuals have a passion for creating music and creating connections with other artists. Ultimately, they not only want to create music and do what they love but also spread awareness of Marshallese history and share the culture with non-Marshallese.
