ABOUT
The Arkansas Country Blues and Stringband Festival (ACBSF) is a cultural gathering unlike any other—bringing together the historic musical traditions of the Delta and Ozarks in an intentional space for community connection, cross-cultural exchange, and celebration.
Held annually in downtown Springdale, and proudly celebrating its third year, acbsF is a project of cultural Continuum consulting and The Music Education Initiative. all of the musical performances are free and family friendly events. The festival is made possible through collaboration with community partners and generous sponsors.
Our mission is to honor the artists, stories, and traditions that define Arkansas' sonic landscape—while creating pathways for the next generation to learn, lead, and create.
A Festival Rooted in Place and People
what we offer
Live Performances from national and regional roots artists across genres
- Cultural Programming like Las Balladas, featuring Hispanic ballad traditions
- Competitions including the Ozarks Stringband Championship and Ballad-Off
- Workshops in music, dance, and traditional arts with master teachers
- Youth Engagement through hands-on activities and student showcases
- Community Dances in historic venues like the American Legion Hall
- Food & Fellowship at curated events like Not Your Mama’s Gospel Brunch
Rachel Reynolds
is a folklorist and fiddler who received her B.A. in American studies from the University of Arkansas and M.A. degrees in public history and heritage studies from Arkansas State University. She has received fellowships from the Southern Foodways Alliance, The Arkansas Arts Council, and was in the first cohort of Creative Community Fellows through National Arts Strategies. Her arts and food-focused project, The Oregon County Food Producers and Artisans Co-Op has been featured in Mother Earth News, Rural Missouri, and Acres U.S.A. among other print and online publications.
She is Principal and Founder of Cultural Continuum Consulting, offering curatorial, presentation, and documentation services, strategies for sustainable growth including board trainings and strategic planning, fundraising for arts and humanities nonprofits (local to national sources), program development and management for folklife and arts projects for small to large scale organizations, and facilitation of conversations leading to community-based equitable and sustainable development with an emphasis on rural and micropolitan communities.
She was the Guest Curator for the 2023 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the topic of which was Ozarks culture and is a frequent presenter on topics of cultural sustainability and rural art and culture at conferences across the country. She is a member of the International Creative Placemaking Leadership Council. Most recently, Rachel was Named a 2025 Emerson Collective Fellow.
ORSON WEEMS
is the co-founder and executive director of The Music Education Initiative. Prior to heading this diverse-led and founded nonprofit, Orson worked as the chief operating officer with the legendary music and entertainment icon, Al Bell, and his global music, entertainment, and artist development company, Al Bell Presents. Since 2006, Orson has been the president and majority shareholder of Land Improvement Company, a company founded in 1965 that specializes in construction management, civil construction/site preparation, small building demolition, and industrial services for federal, state, and local projects and government contracts.
Orson currently serves on the Advisory Board of The National Cold War Center and has served on numerous boards, including the Razorback Lettermen’s Club Board of Directors, the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Walton College of Business, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Board, the University of Arkansas Chancellor’s Council on Diversity.
He is a graduate of The University of Arkansas, Fulbright College of Arts and Science, with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (Advertising and Public Relations), and a minor in English. He was also a Razorback offensive lineman and three-year letterman (‘81, ‘82, ‘83) under the legendary coach, Lou Holtz.
Why It Matters
ACBSF is more than a festival—it's a living archive, a front porch, and a jam session all in one. By lifting up regional traditions and creating space for cultural bridges, we aim to foster understanding, belonging, and joy across generations and communities.
Whether you're a picker, a listener, or a two-stepper, there’s a place for you at ACBSF.
