Port Arthur’s own Janis Joplin, who died at the young age of 27, would have turned 73 Monday. To commemorate the life of the talented and controversial singer-songwriter, two events are scheduled for this weekend in her honor.

The first is a tribute concert by Nederland native Amber Martin, who will be returning to Southeast Texas to perform some of the blues legend’s greatest songs during a live musical rock show beginning at 9 p.m. at Madison’s, 4040 Dowlen Road, Beaumont.

“Amber Martin in Janis: Undead,” is among the artist’s greatest works, she said.

“I believe this show is one of the best I’ve done and there have been a lifetime of them,” she said.

Martin will share many true and magical stories from her and Janis’ life.

Now a highly celebrated New York City cabaret star, comedic monologist and vocalist, the Southeast Texas native knows what it is like to grow up in the same area that Janis did before leaving to find fame in the turbulent 60s.

While growing up in Southeast Texas, Martin was named Miss Nederland and was captain of the Nederland High School Westernaires. She has headlined the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame’s Annual Janis Joplin Birthday Bash three times.

Created by Joshua White and Cecily Hoyt, the show features the original Joshua Light Show, Liquid Loop Projections from Filmore East, New York City.

For the show, Martin has assembled her own Texas version of her band of Gypsies including Blake Sticker, Bubba Moore, Frankie Randazzo and Jason Touchette.

Tickets for “Amber Martin in Janis: Undead” are $10 for general admission at he door; $15 for pre-purchase, reserved floor seat tickets, and $20 for reserved balcony seating with private bar/buffet.

Call Madison at 409-924-9777 for reserved tickets.

On Saturday, Avril Falgout will celebrate Joplin in her hometown of Port Arthur with the unveiling of a new sculpture.

 

 

Museum of the Gulf Coast is hosting the event that not only recognizes Joplin’s birthday, but also the talent of another up and coming Port Arthur native.

Falgout was born in 1997, and is a high school student attending the Lamar University’s special program for gifted and talented artists.

Though she will be unveiling her newest artwork in honor of Joplin, Falgout has already received accolades for her work.

She began creating her paper-mache sculptures when she was 13. Her first noted accomplishment was being named co-winner of Houston’s Lawndale Art Center’s annual juried “The Big Show,” in 2013 when she was only 15. In the spring of 2015, she was selected for McNeese State University’s “Works on Paper” show. In both cases she is reported to be the youngest artist to receive the honors.

In May 2015 she entered “Betty and Louise” in The Art Studio Incorporated Members Juried Art Exhibition, where she won, again as the youngest in the show’s history.

Falgout is encouraging those attending Saturday’s event to come dressed in rock-star costumes. A prize will be given for the best dressed. Birthday cake and refreshments will be available.

The artist’s new sculpture will be on display in the Music Gallery at the Museum until March 31 and then will become part of her anticipated May 2016 show.

Guests are encouraged to RSVP by calling 409-982-7000.

“She is certainly a talented young lady. She is only 18 and has not done a whole lot of shows,” Sarah Bellian, Museum of the Gulf Coast curator, said.

It was the artist’s request that people dress up, Bellian said.

“She likes to see people dress up, the reception is the way she designed it, we are hosting it but this is her but is her show,” Bellian said.

E-mail: sherry.koonce@panews.com

Twitter: skooncePANews