The Hastings Prescott Area Arts Council (HPAAC) is hosting “An Evening by the River” 7-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 15 at Jaycee Park in Hastings.
The event will feature the work of several artists who have been inspired by the beauty of the Mississippi River. It is being held in partnership with the National Park Service, which manages the National Mississippi River and Recreation Area, a 72-mile corridor along the river from Hastings to Dayton. The National Park Service is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year.
The event includes:
* A concert of river songs by Lockwood, Rivard and Rivard. The trio consists of Sarah Lockwood, a seasoned musician, professional accompanist and owner of Blessings Academy of Arts and Music and Hastings Arts Center, and Pete and Carrie Rivard of Shotgun Johnson and the Mississippi Seven, a popular band that performs locally and throughout the Upper Midwest.
* Watercolor painting demonstration by nationally acclaimed artist Andy Evansen, owner of Evansen Art Studio in Hastings and newly awarded signature member of the American Watercolor Society.
* Book reading by author and journalist Tim Spitzack. Spitzack will read an excerpt from his new book “Reflections from the Riverfront: Essays on Life in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area,” released May 1.
* Improv performance by Black Dirt Theatre. A hilarious and entertaining skit using a Mississippi River theme.
* Artist meet-and-greet.
This free event will be held on the bank of the Mississippi River in Jaycee Park. Free refreshments will be provided. Participants should bring a lawn chair or blanket. In case of rain, the event will be held at the Hastings Arts Center, 216 E. Fourth St., Hastings.