Aaron Brand has been a reporter at the Texarkana Gazette since 2002. He covers the arts, entertainment and features for the Gazette. His stories appear in the Accent pages of the newspaper's Friday and Sunday editions. A Chicago-area native and Cubs fan, Aaron has also lived in rural Indiana and Pacific Northwest cities including Portland, Ore. He studied English and received a Bachelor of Arts from Earlham College, then earned a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Eastern Washington University. His poetry has been published in various literary journals, and past work experience includes social work and teaching English composition at the college and university levels.
One wild year: 2020 in the arts
All you have to do is utter the number "2020" and it likely conjures up thoughts and images of all that was troublesome and terrible these past dozen months or so.
Dec. 31 2020 @ 5:01pm
Nashville band with local roots: Picking it up with new album
Understandably, some people do all they can to simply stay afloat during a pandemic, while others find the will to even make music.
Dec. 24 2020 @ 5:15pm
State parks' First Day Hikes offer a great way to turn over a new leaf
Many ways there are to usher in the fresh start of 2021, but maybe one of the best is to get outdoors and move around — say, for example, go on a hike.
Dec. 24 2020 @ 5:13pm
An explosion of hair, fashion to start new year
After the 2020 everyone has experienced, to look good and to feel good starting 2021 may be the right idea, self-care style.
Dec. 24 2020 @ 5:07pm
Like grandfather, he's suited to a T
TEXARKANA — Upward of 15 million Model T Fords were built through the 1920s, and roughly a century later one of those pioneering Tin Lizzies belongs to Joey Wilson.
Dec. 23 2020 @ 5:36pm
'It is just about the gift of giving' | READvolutionary puts free books in children's hands
Just in time for winter break, the Texarkana READvolutionary Pop-Up Library will put free books in the hands of kids.
Dec. 18 2020 @ 9:20pm
Snow, Santa, movies at the Perot Saturday
TEXARKANA, Texas — Christmas is just around the bend and what better time for the Perot Theatre to host its annual Perot Holiday Traditions on Saturday.
Dec. 16 2020 @ 5:12pm
Drive to Daingerfield for a Piney Woods Christmas
DAINGERFIELD, Texas — The pine trees of Northeast Texas fit right in with the idea of Christmas trees and a hushed winter wonderland, even if snow doesn't typically grace their limbs.
Dec. 16 2020 @ 5:11pm
It's the last weekend t visit Santa at Crossties
TEXARKANA, Ark. — Christmas festivities continue at Crossties this weekend with a last chance for children to meet Santa Claus at the Crossties Christmas Tree Wonderland.
Dec. 16 2020 @ 5:08pm
Miss Olivia awaits you at the Ace of Clubs
TEXARKANA, Texas — Just in time for the holidays, this Saturday provides no less than two chances to visit the Ace of Clubs House and meet Olivia Smith Moore.
Dec. 16 2020 @ 5:06pm
Good Tidings | Hopeful show aims to celebrate the season
Staging a production during the COVID-19 pandemic is no easy task, but the partnership between Hempstead Hall and the SWActors will get it done.
Dec. 11 2020 @ 10:23pm
Christmas streaming into your home
With so many streaming services and traditional broadcasting methods, it is super-impossible to miss holiday entertainment if you want to wholeheartedly revel in a festive mood.
Dec. 10 2020 @ 7:36pm
Celebrate the season with drive-through nativity scenes
TEXARKANA, Texas — Christmas-themed events for the public may not be as plentiful in this year of a pandemic, but locals have ways to share the spirit of the season, including two drive-through nativity scenes and one snow-themed craft session for children.
Dec. 9 2020 @ 5:06pm
Garvan goes daytime with festive garden show
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Although Garvan Woodland Gardens can't celebrate the holiday seasons with its annual nighttime lights, the gorgeous grounds are now beautified by a daytime winter garden festival.
Dec. 9 2020 @ 5:00pm
Cinemark showing two family classics on the big screen
TEXARKANA, Texas — The holiday season and classic movies go so well together that the local Cinemark theater has a pair of films lined up to resonate with this theme.
Dec. 9 2020 @ 4:55pm
USO-themed Christmas show has Hollywood pizzazz
JEFFERSON, Texas — A previous USO-themed production was so popular for the Jefferson Opera House Theatre Players that bringing it back for the Christmas holiday looks like a great idea, says director Marcia Thomas.
Dec. 9 2020 @ 4:43pm
For singer, an artistic holiday homecoming
TEXARKANA — For soprano Nancy Curtis, singing in her hometown came naturally while attending church and learning music under her mother's guidance, but a mid-December Texarkana Symphony Orchestra Christmas show gives her a chance to do so professionally.
Dec. 4 2020 @ 2:37pm
TexRep sends 'Love Letters' in return show
A love for theater brings Texarkana Repertory Co. back to the stage at Stilwell Theatre with a presentation of A.R. Gurney's two-person play "Love Letters."
Dec. 3 2020 @ 8:57pm
A TSO gift for Texarkana: Christmas at the Perot
The Texarkana Symphony Orchestra will bear musical gifts for Texarkana at the annual Christmas at the Perot show on Sunday, Dec. 13.
Dec. 3 2020 @ 8:56pm
TCB hosts 'The Nutcracker' movie-style at the Perot
Young dancers typically light up the Perot Theatre stage with "Nutcracker" magic this time of year, but with that ballet canceled a different sort of "Nutcracker" will happen: a movie.
Dec. 3 2020 @ 8:55pm