When passion collides with talent, greatness is born. Internationally renowned opera singer Kristin Lewis ’99 came from a very musically-oriented family, and she attributes that to her love of her craft.

The University of Central Arkansas was fortunate enough to welcome a surprising visitor to its campus: England’s national poet, William Shakespeare. Alongside the opening of UCA’s Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre’s 10th anniversary season, the Baum Gallery opened its doors to host “First Folio! The Book that Gave Us Shakespeare.”

These six UCA alumni have followed their dreams of musical stardom from their homes in Arkansas to Nashville. Some chose to continue exploring the country, others came back to their hometown roots and a few decided to make Nashville their new home.

To some people, music is a spiritual experience, but to Kris Allen, Conway local and winner of the eighth season of the reality show “American Idol,” that’s putting it lightly.

Raised in Marion, Baber has always been a creative spirit with a go-with-the-flow personality. He never actually wanted to audition for “The Voice.”

Being discovered by a famous music artist is every aspiring musician’s dream come true. For Adam Hambrick ’07 it became a reality, and he considers himself one of the lucky ones.