The Arkansas Country Blues and Stringband Festival will be held October 25th – October 27th in downtown Springdale, from The Apollo on Emma
Join us for the 2nd Annual Arkansas Country Blues & Stringband Festival- where music transcends boundaries and cultures unite! Free and open to the public!
MUSIC PERFORMANCES
Thursday, October 24
6-7:30PM ARCBSF Volunteer and Sponsor Appreciation Festival Kickoff with Ozark Blues Society IBC Blues Challenge winners, Batterton and Edwards. At the Juke Joint Project in the Pryor Center on the Fayetteville Square
Friday, October 25
4-5 PM Midnight Special Experience (Tribute to Lead Belly) @ The Apollo
5-6 PM Ozark Highballers @ The Apollo
6:15-7:15 PM Brian Martin @ The Apollo
7:30-9 PM Hubby Jenkins @ The Apollo
9:15-11 PM Square Dance (The McCarthys/ Steve Green calling) @Hi-Fin
Saturday, October 26
11-11:45 AM The White River Warblers
12-12:45 PM Brian Martin
1-1:45 PM Las Baladas
2-2:45 PM Big Cricket Stringband
3-3:45 PM Hubby Jenkins
4-4:45 PM Essie the Blues Lady Neal and Family
5-5:45 PM Dallas Ponce
6-7:30 PM Creek Rocks
7:45-9:15 PM Jimmy Duck Holmes
9:30-10:30 PM Ballad-Off
10:45 PM-12 AM Square Dance (Big Cricket Stringband/Steve Green calling)
Sunday, October 27
11am-1pm Not Your Mama’s Gospel Brunch
1:30-3 PM Ozarks Stringband Championship
Join us for a series of engaging workshops and presentations designed to deepen your understanding of rich musical traditions. Led by talented artists, cultural scholars, and local organizations, these workshops will explore the connections between Country Blues and Stringband music, fostering cultural appreciation and unity across diverse communities. Whether you’re a musician or a curious learner, these hands-on experiences will offer unique insights into the shared heritage that shapes our region.
Saturday, October 26
11-12: Flat Foot Dance Workshop @ Hi-Fin with Meghan Mette
12-1 PM Banjo workshop @ Shiloh Museum with Hubby Jenkins
12-1 PM Salty Dog Rag workshop @ Hi-Fin with Steve and Joanie Green
1-2 PM Youth Quill Making workshop @ Shiloh Museum with Nick Nichols and Seth Shumate
2-3 PM Expressing the Blues Through Music workshop @Shiloh with Essie Neal
3-4 PM Tango workshop @ Hi-Fin with Dallas Ponce
5-6 PM Acoustic Blues Guitar workshop @ Shiloh Museum with Jimmy Duck Holmes
5-6 PM Twin Fiddling Workshop @ Hi-Fin with Julius Bjornson and Meghan Mette
9:30-10:30 PM Ballad-Off @ Turnbow Park
10:45PM-12am Square Dance (Big Cricket Stringband/Steve Green calling) @ Hi-Fin
Join us for a soulful conclusion to the Arkansas Country Blues and Stringband Festival with our Not Your Mama’s Gospel Brunch on October 27th at The Apollo! Enjoy a morning of inspiring music and heartfelt song-sharing as festival artists come together for a special roundtable performance. They’ll be sharing stories and songs from the rich traditions of Country Blues, Stringband music, and Latin folk traditions. Brunch will be provided by Pinkhouse Alchemy, featuring delicious fare paired with beverages from Ozark Beer Company and Black Apple Cider. It’s the perfect way to close out the festival in good company and great music!
