Entertainment in Searcy? This question crossed the minds of students weekly as they wondered what they would <l:o. Sometimes they went to Little Rock to shop, to go to movies or to attend concerts. However, when students stayed in town, they sought local entertainment. Movie theaters, food establishments, and activities highlighted some weekends (when students had money). Yet sometimes students just bummed around and tried to make the most out of life by playing cards and board games. Nevertheless, they entertained themselves, and always seemed to have fun. - Sharon Bowles Bobby Coker - photo by Bill Tripp. Bobby Coker, Dean of the School of Education, served students immensely. He took a personal part of the student's lives as he was a yearly sponsor for Austrialian Campaigns. He grew close to "his" campaigners and often had them or others in his home for meals or just for fun. His phone line was always free and his door always open to any student needing help or support. g 0 Glances at Student Life RIALTO vs. THE RAND ... The neon lights of the Rialto have graced the Searcy skyline for the past 63 years but now a new theater, the Rand, has invaded its territory. Both theaters attracted students: the Rialto for the price and the Rand for its movie selections. "I like to see movies at the Rialto because they are just a dollar. That's a great price for a movie," said Amy Lambert. With such a strong music base and a wide variety of students, it came as no surprise that during the school year hundreds of students travelled to Little Rock and Memphis for many concerts and music shows. In this decade, music at Harding has been very diversified, ranging from soft rock to solid country. Big name performers such as Heart, Tina Turner, and Whitesnake and other musicians have graced the stages of Barton Colliseum and the Memphis Colliseum. Many of the concerts began around eight o'clock and conflicted with the school's curfew. To accommodate the many music tastes of the students, the administration held several policies. First, many well-known groups were invited to perform on the stages of · the Benson and Administration Auditoriums. Such groups have included the Judds, Michael W. Smith, and a surprise showing of the Broadway hit , Amadaeus. Secondly, late permission was sometimes given to attend concerts in Little Rock However, the Rand had pluses, too. It had five new theaters, better quality of films, and a new look. Yet, one noticed a bit of Searcy nostalgia when entering the Rialto. The theater, has decorative walls and vivid in-house lights. Also, it had served as a town meeting hall and a home for live entertainment before other auditoriums were built. Both theaters had their advantages. Nostalgia with neon lights or modern facilities with popular films - it was your choice. - Sharon Bowles Rialto. For a Saturday night date, Bill Tripp, a junior from Lancaster, OH, takes Judith Yeany, a sophomore from Paragould, AR, to see a movie. - photo by Trent Austin. g_ uUemphtg and Memphis. Quite often, though, students had a difficult time receiving this privilege. Terrance Talley, a senior who went to the Robinson Auditorium in Little Rock to see the Broadway smash, "Mama, I Want to Sing," said, "I think that most students really have a problem trying to get late permission for a concert that takes place during the week." Freshman Sharon Greenhagen had no problem receiving late permission , since the concert she attended was on a weekend. Tina Prejean, a freshman who accompanied Greenhagen, said, "I enjoyed the concert for several reasons. First, I loved standing on the floor right next to the stage. Next, I received the thrill of my life when the band guitarist tossed one of his picks in my direction and it hit the floor. No one went for it, so I did." After seeing her first concert, Tanya Adkinson , a freshman , said, "I really enjoyed myself, although I was surprised to see so many Harding students there." - Don Strader Rock and roll. In order for students to both be entertained and show support for their favorite performers, they often bought tickets to attend concerts. Kevin Hall , a sophomore from Lancaster, OH, buys tickets to the Alabama concert from Audio Express. - photo by Bill Tripp.
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