Multi-Grammy-nominated saxophonist Gerald Albright brought extraordinary musicianship, engaging stories and decades of jazz history to the CHARTS Theater in North Little Rock on August 1, delivering a fitting grand finale to the 16th annual A Work of ART Music Festival and Scholarship Fundraiser.
Presented by Art Porter Music Education, A Work of ART is the organization’s primary annual fundraiser. The weeklong festival was established in 2011 to celebrate what would have been the 50th birthday of acclaimed saxophonist Art Porter Jr.
Held each year during the first week of August—Porter’s birth month—the festival reflects the musical diversity, creativity and distinctiveness he brought to the stage. It also helps Art Porter Music Education provide scholarships, mentorship, educational experiences and performance opportunities for talented young Arkansas musicians.
The organization’s work preserves the musical and educational legacies of both Art Porter Jr. and his father, legendary Arkansas musician and educator Art Porter Sr.
A Work of ART was created to celebrate the life, music and extraordinary legacy of Art Porter Jr. Through the festival, the event cherishes the commitment that Art Porter Jr and his father, Art Porter Sr., shared for music education, mentorship and service. It is deeply meaningful for fans to see their legacies inspiring young musicians to develop their gifts and pursue their dreams.
The 2026 featured concert series included vocalist Shannon Pearson at the Ron Robinson Theater on July 29, trumpeter Gabriel Wade at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center on July 30 and Albright at the CHARTS Theater on August 1. Educational programs and other activities were also held throughout the week.
Former KATV Channel 7 television news anchor Pamela Smith welcomed the audience and served as the evening’s emcee. Smith brought warmth and professionalism to the program as she introduced performers, the scholarship presentation and other special moments throughout the evening.
Before Albright took the stage, the spotlight belonged to a talented group of student musicians.
The young performers opened the concert with an outstanding set that demonstrated confidence, discipline and talent beyond their years. Students representing schools and music programs from around the country came together to share their gifts with an enthusiastic audience.
One of the highlights was an energetic medley of Michael Jackson classics. The students approached the familiar songs with tremendous enthusiasm, delivering an exciting tribute to Jackson’s enduring musical legacy.
Congratulations to each of these gifted young musicians and to the instructors, families and supporters who have encouraged their musical development. They did a wonderful job and demonstrated that the future of jazz and live music is in capable hands.
The program also included the presentation of the Art Porter Music Education Memorial Scholarship, reinforcing the central purpose of the organization and its annual festival.
The scholarship program was established in memory of Art Porter Sr. and Art Porter Jr. to promote excellence in music education and support musically talented Arkansas high school graduates who plan to pursue college degrees and careers in music.
The scholarship presentation also demonstrated why community support for A Work of ART is so important. Proceeds from the festival help the organization continue providing financial assistance, instruction, mentorship and valuable opportunities for aspiring musicians.
Student musicians perform during A Work of ART 2026 at CHARTS Theater in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Photo by Kim Betton, SmoothJazzTimes.com.
When Gerald Albright took the stage, he immediately demonstrated why he has remained one of contemporary jazz’s most respected and recognizable performers for nearly four decades.
Albright took the audience on a musical journey through his extensive catalog, combining longtime favorites with selections from his newest project, *Hot Chocolate*. The three-song EP is Albright’s 24th career project and showcases the smooth, soulful sound and high-energy funk that have helped define his career.
His performance included music spanning the 1980s through the present, giving longtime fans an opportunity to revisit familiar favorites while also experiencing his latest work.
Throughout the concert, Albright’s saxophone seemed to speak.
At times, it was smooth and romantic. At others, it was bold, playful and filled with fire. His technical command of the instrument was undeniable, but it was the emotion behind each note that made the performance so memorable.
Albright was also supported by an outstanding band whose musicianship added tremendous energy to the evening. From keyboards and bass to drums, the band complemented Albright beautifully and helped make the performance a polished and memorable musical experience.
The audience responded enthusiastically throughout the concert. Whether revisiting an older favorite or sharing one of his newer selections, Albright gave every song the same energy, enthusiasm and attention.
Just as memorable as the music were the stories Albright shared between songs.
He reflected on his friendship and musical connection with the late Art Porter Jr. Albright’s memories added a deeply personal dimension to an evening devoted to honoring and continuing Porter’s musical legacy.
His reflections also stirred personal memories for me and my sister.
Our father, T. Roy Betton Jr., played with Art Porter Sr. in the Art Porter Trio. When we were growing up in Arkansas, Art Porter Jr. would come to our home for saxophone lessons with my father.
Sitting in the theater and hearing Albright share his memories brought back a wonderful sense of nostalgia. It reminded me that Arkansas’ musical history is not something distant. It lives in the memories, relationships and lessons passed from one generation of musicians to another.
A Work of ART is about much more than presenting a series of concerts. It brings local performers, music students and nationally recognized recording artists together for a week of live music and educational experiences.
The festival also reflects Art Porter Music Education’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of musicians—whether they aspire to become performers, educators, producers or other music professionals.
Through music, the organization seeks to help young people develop not only their artistic abilities, but also leadership, collaboration, patience, persistence, discipline and self-esteem.
That mission was visible throughout the August 1 program.
Young musicians had the opportunity to perform before an appreciative audience, while Bryant High School graduate Erick Orellana Esteban was introduced as Art Porter Music Education’s 2026 scholarship recipient, receiving a $3000 renewable scholarship to support the next stage of his education.
Congratulations are also due to the Art Porter Music Education Board of Directors, organizers, instructors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who worked throughout the year to make A Work of ART 2026 possible.
Presenting a week of educational activities and live performances requires tremendous planning and commitment. Their work not only produced an outstanding festival, but also continued the organization’s important mission of supporting young musicians through education, mentorship, performance opportunities and college scholarships.
A Work of ART remains an important cultural and educational event for Arkansas. It keeps jazz and live music thriving, introduces young people to the discipline and joy of musicianship, and helps remove some of the financial barriers that can prevent talented students from pursuing their dreams.
Weeks after the final notes were played, the message of the festival still resonates: preserving a musical legacy is not simply about remembering the past. It is also about creating opportunities for the musicians who will carry that legacy forward.
Gerald Albright brought the weeklong celebration to a fitting close, culminating a series of events that showcased a musical legacy being passed from one generation to the next.
It was an honor to witness that legacy in action.
