Music, Murals & Moon Lake Arts Collective

Music for the People: Summer Music Series

The Little River Arts Council’s Summer Music Series continues Saturday, June 6, from 6–9 p.m. at the Mentone Inn’s Linger Longer Pavilion. Featured onstage will be the always-popular Black Sedan Band. Returning for their sixth year, this high-energy group has become a summer tradition in Mentone, known for filling the pavilion dance area with everything from classic favorites to crowd-pleasing hits that keep people singing (and dancing) along all night long. If you’ve attended before, you already know why they keep getting invited back. If not, this may be the night to find out.

Bring a camp chair, bring a friend, and enjoy an evening of music under the stars. St. Joseph’s on-the-Mountain Episcopal Church will be serving BBQ chicken dinner plates with pasta salad, sliced tomatoes, cantaloupe, dessert, and tea as a fundraiser benefiting their relief fund. As always, the concert is free and open to everyone, with a complimentary art activity for kids of all ages at the LRAC tent. Be sure to stop by to check out the new spring t-shirts and pick up a 2026 events card.

The Summer Music Series is made possible through support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and our members.

Upcoming Concerts

Where: Linger Longer Pavilion at the Mentone Inn

When: Saturdays, 6–9 p.m.

• July 11 — Dennis Parker & Friends: James Taylor Tribute
• August 15 — NACC Mustang String Band & NACC Theatre

2026 LRAC Key Club Scholarship Winner: Claire Greenwood

The Little River Arts Council Key Club Scholarship has been awarded to Claire Greenwood. The $500 scholarship, payable to the college of the recipient’s choice, is awarded based on academics, community service, and character. Kevin Chitwood shared, “The students in the Key Club have volunteered their time at various LRAC events over the years, and this scholarship is a meaningful way to give back and show our appreciation.”

Spotlight: Moon Lake Arts Collective

Momentum continues to grow for Moon Lake Arts Collective. Since last month, the number of individual and family donors supporting the project has grown from 16 to 62 — a reflection of the excitement surrounding this new creative space for both residents and visitors. A newly released 10-minute video shares multiple perspectives on why Moon Lake Arts Collective matters and the role it can play in the future of Mentone’s creative community. To watch the video and learn more, visit www.littleriverartscouncil.org and open the Moon Lake Arts Collective tab, or use the QR code below.

What began as a vision for a public-access clay studio has continued to evolve into a multi-use arts destination featuring a pottery studio with guild-style memberships, a flexible classroom and meeting space, and the Little River Art Gallery. Located behind Moon Lake Public Library and across from the Shigley Amphitheater, MLAC will offer pottery and visual arts classes, open studio opportunities for members, workshops, and “Make Your Own” art experiences that allow visitors to create something meaningful during their time in Mentone.

Designed to welcome all skill levels, MLAC will offer opportunities for beginners, experienced artists, homeschool students, families, and visitors to explore creativity in an accessible and supportive environment. At its heart, MLAC reflects a simple belief: Art is for Everyone.

Little River Art Gallery

Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (and by appointment)

Moon Lake Campus • 5866 E. River Rd., Mentone

With more than 50 member artists, there is always something new to discover at Little River Art Gallery inside the historic Moon Lake School building.

Make Your Mark on Mentone

Torie Wheeler of Blooming Potential’s vibrant summer mural is on view June through August.

“Make Your Mark on Mentone” is located on the grounds of the Mentone Inn at the corner of Highway 117 and County Road 89 and is made possible through support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and our members.

Founded in 2006, Little River Arts Council works to enrich the quality of life in Mentone and neighboring communities by raising funds for the arts, sponsoring events, providing educational opportunities, and strengthening cultural resources for the benefit of the wider community.

If you would like to support our mission, consider becoming a member and/or volunteering by visiting our website https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/