Mix it up with Joshua Price and six of the Capital City’s best bartenders at the Preserve Arkansas Master Mix-Off – a rip-roaring good time celebrating mixology and the heritage of Arkansas.
By Jessica Dyer | Photography by Lily Darragh | Makeup by Aaron Perkins with Face Your Day Studios
Joshua Price is easily recognized at nearly every community event – dressed to perfection and donning a charming smile. His sense of style can’t be denied – classic with a dash of daring. He is the epitome of his favorite quote by designer Tom Ford, “Dressing well is a form of good manners.” Joshua, also known as “The Hybrid Gent” across his social media platforms, appreciates the effect attire has on any experience. “I love how people express themselves through fashion – especially for a themed event,” Joshua notes. As a committee member for the 2nd Annual Master Mix-Off, Joshua’s involvement amplifies the excitement that this prohibition-era evening brings to the Albert Pike Masonic Center.
The only mixology competition in Central Arkansas, Mix-Off features a “Roaring Twenties” theme fit for classic suits, flapper dresses and a rip-roaring good time. Some of the Capital City’s best bartenders “mix for the masses,” creating specialty cocktails for the opportunity to be recognized with the People’s Choice Award. “Best in the Business” judges will award the winning bartender with the Master Mixologist trophy. Exclusive VIP guests will enjoy a tour of the historic Albert Pike Masonic Center, a chance to mix and mingle with bartenders and judges during a special reception and a special glass to commemorate the evening.
Joshua became intrigued with Preserve Arkansas because of its emphasis on the influence the role of history gives a community. “Before someone meets you, they observe your appearance – why not make a great impression? The same goes for a community.”
The mission fulfillment work of Preserve Arkansas creates opportunities for Arkansans to learn about and experience its historic buildings and sites. “Preserve Arkansas works to build stronger communities by reconnecting Arkansans to their heritage,” says Joshua, “Historic buildings, neighborhoods and downtowns are places that matter to Arkansas, and add higher economic value to our community. It’s our job to restore, redevelop and revitalize.”
Joshua’s well-known nickname, “The Hybrid Gent,” is a nod to his own heritage. With a mother from the Philippine Islands and a father from Southwest Arkansas, Joshua jokes that he is certainly a cultural hybrid. His interests are just as diverse – he is fluent in Filipino, can speak Spanish and Mandarin Chinese and has a black belt in taekwondo. Also active in the Democratic Party of Arkansas, Joshua was elected as an Arkansas State Delegate for the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
Joshua credits his interest in fashion to a family trip to Paris, but attributes his personal sense of style to his upbringing. “My mother’s home country instilled in her – and in result, me – a very traditional view of proper dress,” Joshua recounts. “My grandfather was an archetypal southern gentleman and wore a suit every day.”
His career proves to be just as generous to the community as his civic leadership. He’s a digital communications manager at Delta Regional Authority – which works to improve regional economic opportunities by creating jobs, building communities and improving lives within the eight-state delta region.
Although Joshua is a seasoned international traveller, he favors our Capital City. “No matter if I’m in New York, Atlanta, Paris or Hong Kong, I still feel most at home in Little Rock,” he says. His dedication to his native state is a testament to his commitment – and stands true to the Preserve Arkansas mission. Joshua asks, “If we don’t know where we have been, how can we know where to go? It’s important to preserve our state’s historic buildings for generations to come. It’s what makes Arkansas, Arkansas.”
GETTING TO KNOW JOSHUA:
Happy Hour Spot: Samantha’s Taproom
1920s Accessory: for men – hats // for women – headbands & hairpins
Cocktail: Grey Goose Vodka, tonic + 2 slices of lime
