Border Town Live brings Broadway back to the River Valley with Aretha Franklin musical “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”

Border Town Live is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of Broadway to the River Valley withR.E.S.P.E.C.T., an electrifying tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. This unforgettable concert experience will take place for one night only on April 11 at the Fort Smith Convention Center. Tickets for R.E.S.P.E.C.T. are on sale now at BorderTownLive.com. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early, as this one-night-only event is expected to sell out quickly.

“You cannot mention Broadway in Fort Smith without thinking about Stacy Jones and the Season of Entertainment that he ran for decades” exclaims Brandon Chase Goldsmith, Border Town Live. “It is a privilege to be part of the legacy of bringing national tours to the River Valley that goes back to the historic New Theater where the biggest names in Vaudeville performed including Shirley Temple. Border Town Live’s mission is to enhance the cultural vitality of Fort Smith and the surrounding regions by providing world-class entertainment and cultural experiences.”

Border Town Live is an initiative to bring high-quality performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, comedy, and more, to the citizens of Fort Smith, the River Valley, and surrounding regions.

Starring a powerhouse live band and extraordinary vocalists, R.E.S.P.E.C.T. takes audiences on an emotional journey through Aretha Franklin’s legendary music. From songs of love and heartbreak to anthems of strength and empowerment, this production honors the life and legacy of one of music’s greatest icons.

Fans will enjoy timeless hits like “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “Chain of Fools,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” and, of course, the signature song that inspired a movement, “Respect.”

“Aretha Franklin’s music is timeless, and R.E.S.P.E.C.T. is more than just a concert, it’s a celebration of her powerful voice and enduring influence,” said Shannon Davis Fort Smith Convention Center “We’re excited to bring this Broadway-caliber experience to Fort Smith and invite music lovers of all generations to join us for a night of soul, passion, and pure energy.”

For more information and updates, visit BorderTownLive.com or follow Border Town Live on social media.

Border Town Live is dedicated to bringing world-class live entertainment to the River Valley, hosting Broadway shows, comedy performances, concerts, and cultural events that enrich the local arts scene.

The 39,000 sq. ft. ArcBest Performing Arts Center is a Fort Smith treasure. The gorgeous and well-maintained traditional performance venue features comfortable theatre-style and ADA seating for 1,331, cast & company backstage facilities, and full state-of-the-art sound, lighting and electrical. The venue is ideal for live speakers and presentations, theater productions, concerts, dance recitals, awards ceremonies and more. Visit FortSmithConventionCenter.org for more information on upcoming events or follow us on Facebook.

Oak View Group is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit oakviewgroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee. She began her career singing gospel at her father’s church in Detroit, Michigan. Franklin’s powerful, emotive voice and extraordinary musical talent quickly propelled her to fame. Her breakthrough came in 1967 with the release of “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” followed by iconic hits like “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Natural Woman.” These songs not only showcased her vocal prowess but also became anthems of the civil rights and feminist movements. Throughout her career, Franklin amassed 18 Grammy Awards and, in 1987, was the first woman inducted into the Rockland Roll Hall of Fame. Her music transcended genres, blending soul, R&B, gospel, and pop, and her influence extended far beyond the music industry. She was a symbol of empowerment and resilience, using her platform to advocate for racial and gender equality. Franklin’s legacy continues to inspire artists and fans worldwide. Her music remains a staple in American culture, celebrated for its emotional depth and cultural significance.

Right Angle Entertainment (RAE) specializes in the production, marketing, management and distribution of live theatrical, digital, and concert events. RAE’s proud roster includes: “Wheel of Fortune Live!,” Hasbro’s “CLUE: A Walking Mystery “immersive experience, “The Price is Right LIVE!,” “The Masked Singer National Tour Live!, “Jay Shetty Love Rules–World Tour,” “The Simon & Garfunkel Story,” “The Psychology of Serial Killers, ”Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical,” and London’s close-up magic show “The Magician’s Table “among many others. www.rightangleentertainment.com

With premises in both the U.S. and the UK, Maple Tree Entertainment specializes in putting together unique live shows, primarily in theatres/concert halls worldwide These include the multi-award winning The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Neighbours-The Celebration Tour, Buddy-The Musical, The Psychology of Serial Killers, The Life & Music of George Michael, An Evening with Richard Dreyfuss, Johnny Cash-The Official Concert Experience and The British Invasion. https://www.mapletreeentertainment.com