Duo Brooke & Mike, harpist Coffey to perform during convention

One expects events such as sessions, panel discussions and the trade show at the annual APA Convention. But, in addition to those educational opportunities, attendees can also enjoy live music.

The convention will kick off Thursday evening with a cocktail hour at the APA Headquar ters in Little Rock, immediately followed by dinner at Cotham’s in the City restaurant. A feature of the dinner will be live music by event musicians

Brooke & Mike

Brooke & Mike are a married acoustic duo with an extensive repertoire who specialize in making every song their own. “We play almost ever ything, from country to R&B, classic rock to soul, jazz to indie folk, Top 40 to disco,” Brooke said. “We both play many instruments and there is no limit to our harmony! We love all music and believe that each genre has something special for everyone, and also firmly believe in the art that is making songs your own, which is definitely something that sets us apart from the rest.”

Alisa Coffey, principal harpist for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, will perform during the Honorees’ Reception prior to the Honors Banquet on Friday evening.

In addition to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Coffey has performed regularly with Iris Orchestra and Symphony of Nor thwest

Arkansas, as well as Shreveport Symphony and Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. While in Philadelphia Coffey performed with ensembles such as Symphony in C, the National Philharmonic, Philly Pops and the Philadelphia Orchestra. As a soloist, she received recognition in the 2011 Lyon and Healy Awards as well as the 2011 American Harp Society National Competition.

Registration and convention information is at arkansaspress.org/ convention/