News

MULTI-GRAMMY AWARD WINNERS – TRAIN COMING TO THE MAD AMP AUGUST 27 TH !

Published

1 year ago

January 28, 2025

Staff Reports

EL DORADO, AR – Chart-topping band Train is set to play the MAD
Amphitheater with special guest Edwin McCain on Wednesday, August 27 th , 2025. Gates open
at 6:30pm with the concert starting at 8:00pm. Tickets go on sale to MAD Members on
Thursday, January 30 th at 10am, CST, and to the public on Friday, January 31 st at 10am, CST.
Tickets can be purchased at eldomad.com and at the MAD box office at 101 East Locust Street.
Ticket prices range from $45- $150 plus additional service fees.
“We’re beyond excited to welcome Train back to MAD, this time at the outdoor MAD
Amphitheater. It feels especially meaningful to have them return after a sold-out performance
during our grand opening in 2017. We can’t wait to see everyone on August 27th for an
incredible evening of music.”said Joanna Benson, MAD Marketing Manager.
Train is a multi-GRAMMY Award-winning, diamond-selling band from San Francisco that has
had 14 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and 13 albums on the Billboard 200 chart. Train’s
climb to the top began in 1994, as the original 5-member band tenaciously built a loyal
hometown following, leading up to their debut self-titled album released by Columbia in 1998.
The tumbling wordplay of “Meet Virginia” gave them their first unlikely radio hit, and
2001’s Drops of Jupiter broke them to multi-platinum status thanks to the double-GRAMMY-
winning title song that spent 10 months in the Top 40, has been certified RIAA 7x platinum, and
earned the 2001 GRAMMY Award for Best Rock Song. The group won another GRAMMY in
2011 for their global hit “Hey, Soul Sister” from their multi-platinum album Save Me, San
Francisco (2009), which was the No.1 best-selling smash and most downloaded single of 2010,
achieved RIAA Diamond status in 2021 and now 11x platinum, and in 2022 surpassed one billion
streams on Spotify. Train has sold more than 10 million albums and 30 million tracks worldwide,

with multiple platinum/gold citations, including three GRAMMY Awards, two Billboard Music
Awards, and dozens of other honors. They’ve had 24 Top 10 songs across the Billboard charts
and six Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart including Drops of Jupiter (2001), My Private
Nation (2003), California 37 (2012), Bulletproof Picasso (2014), For Me, It’s You (2016), and a
girl a bottle a boat (2017). This summer, Train is taking over amphitheaters across the country
on a co-headline tour with REO Speedwagon, and most recently, released a new album, Live at
Royal Albert Hall, recorded live from their sold-out, debut performance at the iconic and
historic Royal Albert Hall in London.
Train frontman, Pat Monahan, partakes in other ventures outside of music, including his award-
winning wine portfolio, Save Me, San Francisco Wine Co, which was created in 2011 and has
sold over 10 million bottles and won over 100 medals. Proceeds from his wine business support
Family House, a San Francisco charity that supports families of children with cancer and other
life-threatening illnesses. Monahan has appeared on television and in film with credits that
include the 2021 Hallmark Channel original movie, Christmas in Tahoe, inspired by Train’s
album of the same name, which he executive produced and starred, Dr. Ken, 90210,
CBS’s Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., The Voice, American Idol, and The Bachelor.
Joining Train for this special night will be Edwin McCain. McCain has been playing his hit songs
worldwide for more than 30 years. Called a “street corner prophet” by the USA Today, an
“aching tenor” by Slate Magazine, and a “great American romantic” by the New York Times;
Edwin rides a career wave created by recording two of the biggest love songs in the history of
music (I’ll Be and I Could Not Ask For More), producing and starring in a tv series (Flippin’ Ships
on Animal Planet), and performing his songs and spinning stories. Edwin’s fans are clamoring
for more, so Edwin McCain is back at full throttle. Not that Edwin’s music ever slows down.
“American Idol” and “The Voice” contestants turn to Edwin’s ballads every year to help them
win over judges and fans. Millions more have been turned on by pop icons Justin Bieber and
Charlie Puth who have both covered Edwin’s songs. And to top it off 21 st Century-style, Edwin
has become an Internet sensation.
The MAD box office is open Monday – Friday from 9:30am – 5:00pm and is located at 101 East
Locust Street in El Dorado. Tickets may be purchased by web, on location, or by phone at 870-
444-3007. Please visit eldomad.com for additional information.

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El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

11 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A 39-year-old El Dorado man is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Union County District Court on Friday after being taken into custody following a lengthy police standoff earlier this week.

According to the El Dorado Police Department, Gary Lee Moore was arrested Tuesday morning after officers responded to a reported aggravated assault and spent more than an hour attempting to negotiate his surrender.

Authorities said officers were first called to South Arkansas Regional Hospital at approximately 6:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving information about a suspected aggravated assault. Investigators reported that the victim told officers Moore had threatened her life and warned that he would kill any law enforcement officers who attempted to intervene.

Following the report, officers went to a residence in the 2700 block of Mount Holly Road to locate Moore.

Police secured the area around the residence, including shutting down a portion of Mount Holly Road, while ensuring no other individuals were inside the home. Crisis negotiators then began efforts to persuade Moore to surrender peacefully.

According to police, negotiators used verbal commands and communicated with Moore several times by telephone during the standoff. Despite those efforts, Moore repeatedly refused to leave the residence.

After negotiations proved unsuccessful, the El Dorado Police Department’s SWAT team implemented tactical measures that ultimately prompted Moore to exit the home.

Moore was taken into custody without further incident.

He has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and several additional charges.

Moore remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Union County District Court on June 5.

The investigation remains ongoing.

News

Youth Festival Of The Arts Set For This Weekend

Published

11 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, — Young artists from across South Arkansas will have an opportunity to display their creativity and connect with the community during the upcoming Youth Festival of the Arts on Saturday, June 6.

The event, presented through a partnership between the South Arkansas Arts Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Union County, will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 1201 N. West Ave. in El Dorado.

Organizers describe the event as a one-of-a-kind children’s art marketplace designed to celebrate and support young artists while encouraging creativity and artistic expression.

The festival will transform the indoor Lanxess Gym at the Boys & Girls Club into an art fair featuring artwork created by children and youth from throughout the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet young artists and show their support for the next generation of creative talent.

The event is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to provide artistic opportunities for local youth and help foster an appreciation for the arts in South Arkansas.

SAAC and the Boys & Girls Club have partnered on numerous programs focused on arts education, and organizers say the Youth Festival of the Arts is designed to give young creators a platform to share their work while building confidence and developing their artistic skills.

Community members are encouraged to attend and help support the area’s emerging artists.

Event Details

What: Youth Festival of the Arts
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Union County, 1201 N. West Ave., El Dorado
Hosted By: South Arkansas Arts Center and Boys & Girls Club of Union County
Admission: Open to the public

The event offers families a chance to celebrate creativity, encourage young artists and enjoy a morning dedicated to the arts in El Dorado.

News

Juneteenth Celebration Set For June 19th

Published

12 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Families from across South Arkansas are invited to gather for a day of celebration, education and community as the Justice League hosts its annual Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on June 19 at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater.

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amphitheater and will feature food, entertainment, activities for children and community engagement opportunities designed to bring residents together while promoting peace and unity.

Organizers say attendees can enjoy free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, live entertainment and free T-shirts while supplies last.

The event is presented by the Justice League and made possible through support from title sponsor Clean Harbors.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although Lincoln’s proclamation officially declared enslaved people in Confederate states free on Jan. 1, 1863, enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops. In many parts of the South, slavery continued until federal troops arrived and enforced the order.

The announcement in Texas marked one of the final acts of emancipation in the United States and became a day of celebration among formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

Over the decades, Juneteenth grew from local community gatherings into a nationally recognized observance. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Today, communities across the country celebrate the holiday with festivals, educational programs, cultural events, parades and family gatherings that honor freedom, resilience and African American history.

Bringing the Community Together

Organizers of the El Dorado event say the Family Fun Day is designed not only to celebrate Juneteenth but also to encourage positive community engagement and promote efforts to reduce violence through education, fellowship and outreach.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the festivities.

Event Information

What: Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day
When: June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Murphy Arts District Amphitheater, El Dorado
Admission: Free
Activities: Food, frozen treats, vendors, bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, entertainment and more

The event is open to the public and welcomes families throughout the region to celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of community together.

News

“Calling The Hogs” Event With Chuck Barrett Set For Tonight

Published

12 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Razorback fans will have a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most recognizable voices in Arkansas sports tonight as “Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth” comes to the Murphy Arts District.

The special event, scheduled for June 4 inside the First Financial Music Hall, will feature legendary Arkansas Razorbacks play-by-play broadcaster Chuck Barrett, whose voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Razorback athletics.

Barrett will share stories from his years behind the microphone, offering fans a unique look at the people, moments and memories that have shaped Arkansas sports. The evening is expected to include tales from the broadcast booth, locker room stories and insights into some of the biggest games in Razorback history.

Serving as master of ceremonies will be longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson, who will help guide the conversation and add his own blend of humor and perspective throughout the program.

Guests will also enjoy a catered dinner provided by Madhouse 101. Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m. before the evening’s program gets underway.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together sports fans, community members and supporters of Arkansas athletics for an entertaining night of storytelling and fellowship.

Tickets are $50 per person, plus applicable fees and taxes. Seating is limited.

The event will be held tonight at the First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District in downtown El Dorado.

Event Details

What: Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth
When: Tonight, June 4
Where: First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District, El Dorado
Dinner Service: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person plus fees and taxes
Seating: Limited availability

News

Farmers Market On The Square Celebrates Growers Month

Published

12 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Main Street El Dorado is inviting families to kick off June with fresh produce, local vendors and a creative activity for children during this week’s Farmers Market on the Square.

As part of Growers Month, the market will welcome local artist Pam Vernon for a free watercolor class designed especially for children. The class will take place Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering young artists an opportunity to explore their creativity while learning the basics of watercolor painting.

The activity is free and open to children attending the market with their families.

The Farmers Market on the Square is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon on Jefferson Avenue near the Union County Courthouse in downtown El Dorado. The market features a variety of local growers, farmers, artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, homemade goods, plants and other locally sourced products.

Main Street El Dorado officials say Growers Month is a celebration of the farmers and producers who help supply fresh, locally grown products to the community throughout the season.

Families are encouraged to come early, shop the market and participate in the watercolor class while enjoying a morning in downtown El Dorado.

The event provides a fun and educational opportunity for children while supporting local growers and small businesses that make the Farmers Market a community favorite each summer.