The What's Up! NWA and River Valley will cover all the latest news in the arts community in our region.
Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas is celebrating 40 years of encouraging people's personal success, which it makes possible through scholarships and individual support systems, including a network of program managers and free behavioral health services.
The Scholarship Fund President and CEO Tyler B. Clark speaks to the work of serving Washington, Benton, Carroll and Madison Counties and the Scholarship Fund recipient Elizabeth Roman shares her personal experience with the program in this podcast with Associate Features Editor April Wallace.
Ozark Ballet Theater artists and executive director David Sanders talk about their upcoming performance of “Cinderella” at 7 p.m. April 26 and 2 p.m. April 27 at Bentonville West High School.
The ballet is OBT’s first major production in Benton County.
Please note, Alexey Minkin was called away on a family emergency. The role of the Prince will be played by Maikel Hernandez.
The Horses and the Hounds will bring James McMurtry back to Northwest Arkansas on March 30th for a show at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville. McMurtry took a moment to talk about songwriting and plans for another album on the What’s Up podcast.
"Company," a new production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s groundbreaking musical comedy, comes Feb. 20-25 to the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville.
Join Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's Monica Hooper as she talks with Britney Coleman and Judy McLane, the two main actors about breathing new life into a well known musical on the What's Up podcast.
Local country singer songwriter Cherise Carver and guitarist Hunter Anderson join the What’s Up podcast to share their newest Christmas song, “A Man Made Out of Snow,” written by Carver and Cynthia Clark. Carver and Anderson also share their holiday plans and talk about the upcoming year.
Bluegrass queen Rhonda Vincent talks about all things holly jolly ahead of her annual Christmas concert coming Dec. 9 to the ArcBest Performing Arts Center in Fort Smith.
Rhonda Vincent told us that she’s been singing Christmas songs since this summer to get ready for her latest holiday album. The longstanding “Queen of Bluegrass” brings Christmas cheer to Fort Smith at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center.
The eight-time Grammy nominee — who won best bluegrass album in 2017 — called into the What’s Up! podcast for a quick chat about the holidays, getting married on Christmas Eve, her plans for 2024 and her upcoming Christmas show. She also shares her latest Christmas single, “Mary, Did You Know?”
Arts & Entertainment Editor Becca Martin-Brown chats with two of the actors in Northwest Arkansas for the regional premiere of "The Band's Visit" at TheatreSquared. Usman Ali Mughal plays Haled, a member of an Egyptian traveling band, and Yaya — yes, just Yaya — is the Israeli who welcomes the travelers into town. The show has its final performances Nov. 3, 4 and 5.
Winner of the Fayetteville Film Festival Pitch Prize, Diana Campos, is making a documentary “The Price of Poultry” about issues facing “chicken catchers” at poultry plants across the country. She’s a Northwest Arkansas native and an NYU Film/TV, Cinema Studies Graduate.Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
R.L. Stine has been haunting children for decades, ever since the release of his Fear Street series for young teens in 1989 and later the first Goosebumps novel, Welcome to Dead House in 1992. More than 200 Goosebumps books have been published and in its 30 years, the series has sold more than 400 million books, but the author is not slowing down. In fact, he says it’s his busiest fall yet. Zombie Town, his latest movie, was released on Hulu on October 6; he’s got four books coming out, including one that imparts writing tips for adults and a recently released horror comic book for adults, Stuff of Nightmares. Associate Features Editor April Wallace spoke with the award winning author by Zoom. Locals can hear Stine speak this coming week as a part of the True Lit Festival. An evening with R.L. Stine will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday October 26 in the event center at the Fayetteville Public Library.For more of the story, see Hidden Gems in Profiles this Sunday at: nwaonline.com/nwprofile/.
If you read our music calendar, you’ve no doubt come across Some Guy Named Robb who performs mostly around the River Valley. Today we get to know the man behind the silly moniker and hear a song or two from him on the What’s Up podcast.Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
This fall Jon Williams is celebrating a broadcasting career that's lasted 30 years and counting, most of which has been spent in Northwest Arkansas.
The well known founder of the Jon & Deek show on 94.9 radio, Williams is currently the on-field emcee for Arkansas Razorbacks football, the on-court announcer for Razorback men’s basketball and is also the PA announcer for Razorback baseball, Razorback women’s basketball and Razorback Gymnastics (Gymbacks).
In addition, Williams and Derek Kastner host Hog Town, the official Razorback Tailgate event before every Razorback football game. Now he and Deek additionally host the Razorback Recap an hour after each football game on 92.1 The Ticket, the flagship station for the Hogs.
Musician Aaron Smith stopped by the What’s Up podcast to talk about his book and album, “The Legend of Sam Davis and Other Stories of Newton County, Arkansas.
Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius will open the AACLive! Season at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16 in Fort Smith. O’Brien is a multi-Grammy award winner and longtime staple in old time and bluegrass music. His tunes have been covered by the likes of Kathey Mattea, Garth Brooks and the Chicks.
He’s well known as a solo artist and a member of Colorado’s Hot Rize. His wife Jan joins him on stage, a lifelong musician, she plays mandolin and clarinet and has been a singer since her youth. Tickets to their show are on sale now at aaclive.com
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Rewrite history, but make it sing! The Broadway season opens with “SIX” starting Sept. 12 at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. Gerianne Pérez who plays Catherine of Aragon and Sydney Parra who plays Catherine Parr, two of Henry VIII’s ex-wives turned pop divas, join us on the What’s Up podcast to talk about rewriting the stories of history — to music.
Arkansas songstress Bonnie Montgomery has spent more than a decade making music and touring the world with her signature Southern twang and impressive range. The country singer with an operatic range, stops by the What's Up podcast to talk about her latest album and plans for the fall.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
TheatreSquared brings to its stage a new adaptation of "Dial M for Murder," still set in the noir 1950s but with a very 2023 twist.
Joining Arts & Entertainment Editor Becca Martin-Brown for a podcast were director Melissa Rain Anderson; Colin Sphar, who plays the surprised husband; Eric Dean White, Inspector Hubbard; and Almanya Narula, who plays Maxine — the surprise.
The show runs through Sept. 10 at T2. Read the full story Sunday in What's Up!
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Raif Box, Fayetteville musician and genius producer behind Holy Anvil Recording Company, is launching his first music festival, Anvil Fest 2023. The Fest will feature music from the bands that he’s highlighted on his YouTube chanel. Ashtyn Barbaree & the Barbarians, Jess Harp, The Phelgms, TV Preacher and the Bellwether Sirens are just a few of the acts slated to play for the Aug. 18-19 music fest at CACHE Studios in Bentonville.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
John McEuen chats with What's Up writer Monica Hooper about his upcoming show in Eureka Springs on Aug. 12 where he and the Circle Band will revist Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," recorded nearly 50 years ago.
The album featured Roy Acuff, "Mother" Maybelle Carter, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs, Merle Travis, Pete "Oswald" Kirby, Norman Blake, Jimmy Martin, and others.
Artist, musician and an associate professor of art in the University of Arkansas School of Art, Sam King recently joined us for a podcast to talk about his upcoming improvisational performance, “Untight,” happening near sunset (7:45-8 p.m.) Aug. 3 inside James Turrell’s “Skyspace The Way of Color,” located on the south lawn of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Puerto Rico born, local comic artist Benji Nate spent this summer touring for her latest book, a graphic novel called "Girl Juice" that's really hitting home with millennials everywhere. Nate discusses the inspiration and making of the book with Associate Features Editor April Wallace.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Music moves has launched The Music Depot in downtown Rogers. The space will help the organization further its mission to educate and promotes Black music and art through performance and the curriculum offered through the nonprofit. Monica Hooper interviews Anthony Ball to talk about the new venue.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Becca talks with Cori Keller, who was recently crowned Miss Arkansas 2023, and Kathy McClure, who was her director when she was a Miss Teen winner in Northwest Arkansas.
You can sign up for more email newsletters from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette by visiting, https://www.nwaonline.com/email/ Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
March to August stopped by our podcast studion to talk to music writer Monica Hooper about their summer plans and life after Route 358.
You can sign up for more email newsletters from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette by visiting, https://www.nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Morgan Hicks, director of “The Tempest,” one of this summer’s productions for Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, chats about the show with Features Editor Becca Martin-Brown.
You can sign up for more email newsletters from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette by visiting, https://www.nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Fayetteville indie-rockers, The Misdemeanors, stopped by the What’s Up podcast to share their newest song “Heaven” before a string of shows starting with the NWA Pride Festival on June 24.
Groundwaves is in full swing at the Medium in Springdale.
The monthly hip-hop open mic event gives local rappers, beat makers and spoken word poets a venue to share their work on a Tuesday night. Then on Wednesday, the performers get a one-on-one mentoring session with professional rapper, Murs.
Music writer Monica Hooper talks to Murs and one of his mentees about Groundwaves and how the program is progressing this season.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Opal Agafia hosts her second Ozark Mountain Soul Festival June 15-17th at The Farm in Eureka Springs. The songstress shares a song with us and talks about shifting from a performer to a concert organizer on the What’s Up podcast with music writer, Monica Hooper.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Local R&B singer-songwriter Pura Coco has been working on some new songs, she stops by the What’s Up podcast to talk about new music and what she’s up to this spring and summer.
Ebony Mitchell of Harrison is wrapping up her year as Miss Arkansas and will crown her successor in the Miss America system on June 10 in Little Rock.
In this What's Up! podcast — hosted by Becca Martin-Brown and shared with KUAF's Kyle Kellams of "Ozarks at Large" — Mitchell talks about what she's learned, what she'll miss and gives her advice to her successor.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/ Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
This June, INTERFORM is proud to launch ASSEMBLY, North America’s first Fashion & Art Biennial, presented by the Tyson Family Foundation.
ASSEMBLY will feature exhibitions from regional artists and retail pop-ups the entire month, including events commemorating Juneteenth and LGBTQ+ Pride.
Walmart Beauty is a collaborating sponsor this year taking part in all three nights of Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week at the Momentary and immersive pop-up installations.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
“The Artist and The Astronaut” is an award-winning documentary film that details the lives of sculpture artist Pat Musick and Apollo astronaut Jerry Carr. Director Bill Muench created it over four years of interviews with the couple and numerous other Apollo astronauts, NASA directors, other artists, art historians and authors. Composer Todd Hobin crafted its eclectic score.
Join April Wallace as she interviews Muench and Hobin about their documentary.
The documentary will make its Arkansas premier 7 p.m. Friday, May 19 at the Walton Arts Center as a part of Artosphere, where a Q&A session with Muench and Hobin will take place afterward.
True Crime Fest is an event connecting true crime authors, investigators, law enforcement, and the people who follow the unsolved cases that these groups work on. Proceeds go toward advocacy work for missing and murdered persons whose cases have not yet been solved.We will speak with LaDonna Humphrey, Nic Edwards, Lance Reenstierna and Jennifer Amell about the festival and true crime podcasting.
To jump to Nic Edward, host of True Crime Garage, go to 14:52.
To jump to Lance Reenstierna and Jennifer Amell with Crawlspace Media, go to 37:23. Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Walton Arts Center Vice President of Programming Jennifer Ross and Sarah Jones, Learning Programs & Festivals Specialist, stop by to discuss the programming for this year’s Artosphere, celebrating art, music and nature with a mix of free, low-cost and paid performances, activities and events for the whole family. Each year, the month-long festival spotlights artists and performers from around the world who are inspired by nature. Artosphere aims to provide a framework for people to discuss issues of sustainability and environmental awareness. Programming continues throughout the month of May. Read more about Artosphere on Sunday April 30 at nwaonline.com/whatsup/ Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/ Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Local author Matt McGowan has published two books in the last couple years, the novel “1971” and “North Fork Stories :: 2014-2022.” He has lately given author talks at local bookshops and opened for the NWA Book Fest in Rogers early this month. We sit down to talk with him about his stories and craft, how he got started as an author, where he finds inspiration and more in this interview for Hidden Gems. Read more Sunday in our Profiles section at: nwaonline.com/northwestprofiles/ Support you local news, subscribe at: nwaonline.com/podcast23/ Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Leah Collins is a premarital financial coach who built a business helping women determine their financial compatibility with their partners before tying the knot. She’s amassed an enormous social media following helping both singles and couples take control of their financial situations. Collins has been highlighted on Bloomberg Quicktake, The Table with Anthony O’Neal and filmed a pilot with Lionsgate for a show on the same topic, financial compatibility in relationships. Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/ Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Beth Stockdell will release “Beneath the Starry Moonlight,” a collection of love songs with the theme of stars and moon. She’s planning a album release show April 3 at the Fayetteville Public Library. Then the harpist plans to retire. She talks with us about the album that she’s worked on for six years and stepping back from music.
Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/ Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
TheatreSquared Artistic Director Bob Ford and Director of New Play Development Dexter Singleton reveal what’s coming to the stage for the 2023-2024 season at the downtown Fayetteville theater. Support you local news, subscribe at: https://www.nwaonline.com/podcast23/ Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Angie Graves talks about the Jackson L. Graves Foundation at the 14th annual Ooh! La, la! benefit chocolate and wine pairing benefit Feb. 9 at the Fayetteville Public Library.
Angie and James Graves established the foundation in 2005 in memory of their firstborn son who came into the world in 2004 with a complex medical condition and spent all four months of his life in the NICU at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.
Read more and see photos from the event Sunday at nwaonline.com.
Monica Hooper, Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette music writer, talks with multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Korey McKelvy shares and new song and talks about raising money for her solo album.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support your local news and subscribe at: nwaonline.com/podcast23/
Join April Wallace, profiles editor, as she talks with Raquel Thompson, CEO and founder of Love More Records, and Greg "G.T." Thompson, its chief operating officer.
The Thompsons worked together on creating a music label to represent local artists in an equitable way, one that gives musicians and performers more autonomy while still receiving the professional guidance that would help them become successful in the industry.
Read more at: nwaonline.com/news/2023/feb/16/father-daughter-duo-want-to-open-musical-doors-in/
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support your local news by subscribing at: nwaonline.com/subscribe
Kerri Besse is a textile designer for LA-based rug company Tumble and one of the many artists you can find working at CACHE studio in Bentonville. Besse has a storied background in fashion in NYC, experience as a collaborative artist with home design icon Joanna Gaines through Loloi Rugs in Dallas and shares her breast cancer journey with as many patients and survivors as she can through her creation, the Cancer Calendar.
Melissa Carper released her latest album, "Ramblin' Soul" recently. Join Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette features reporter Monica Hooper as she interviews Carper on this What's Up! episode.
Read more about Carper on our website at: nwaonline.com/news/2022/nov/17/new-lp-brings-melissa-carper-to-white-water/
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support your local news by subscribing at: nwaonline.com/subscribe
Juli Tapken joins us for our What’s Up podcast. The locally based actress, model and singer/songwriter talks about her career in both film and music and shares her cozy single, “Hopin’ It’s Snowing’” just in time for Christmas and New Year’s. Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support your local news by subscribing at: nwaonline.com/subscribe
It’s not often that a band uses an actual tree branch full of leaves for an instrument, but for a trio of Fayetteville musicians, it seems only natural.
Woven — made up of Jessica Hawk, Regina Caeli and Talina Madonna — “weave” together vocal harmonies, hand percussion, crystal and brass bowls, ukulele, guitar, spirit drum, finger cymbals and a branch of actual leaves to create their music.
Their band name, like their sound, flows from the idea of bringing together different threads of music to make a unified, but multilayered musical tapestry.
Join us on the What's Up! podcast to hear an interview with the group and a few of their songs.
Don't miss the latest features news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletter at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support your local news by subscribing at: nwaonline.com/subscribe
Jordyn Wieber a US Olympic Gold Medalist in gymnastics and current head gymnastics coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks talks Profiles Editor April Wallace about being honored this October 28 at the Woman of Inspiration event a fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Centers of Arkansas. Wieber was one of many sexual abuse victims of sports doctor Larry Nassar, which made headlines for many months. She tells her story in hopes that it will help others and has become a champion for child abuse victims across the country. Her victim impact statement is credited with helping put Nassar away.
“The Golden Record” marks a new direction for Pilot Arts, as the company moves toward producing new works. In the studio are Missy Gipson, founder of Pilot Arts, and Cody Walls, who plays the spacecraft Voyager that carried the Golden Record of humankind into space. Cody sings “Quite a Ride,” the finale of the new musical.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/ Support your local news by subscribing at: nwaonline.com/subscribe
Danyelle Musselman, wife of Razorback Basketball Coach Eric Musselman, talks with Profiles Editor April Wallace about chairing the Suits and Sneakers Gala for the American Cancer Society on Oct. 14, as well as her life, years of being a sports television anchor, meeting her husband and living in Northwest Arkansas.
Local band Buddy Shute and the Motivators have a new EP entitled, “You Gotta Move.” The band made up of Buddy, Mark McGee, Brenda Baskin, Steve Baskin and Randy “Dobie” Reese will perform Sept. 18 at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville for an album release show. They stopped by to share a song and talk about their new songs.
Patti Steel is one of the hardest working musicians in Northwest Arkansas. She and her band stopped by the NWA Democrat-Gazette’s podcast studio to perform a song and share some details about her upcoming album.
Northwest Arkansas’ vast array of musicians never fails to impress. When we heard of Alisha Pattillo, who recently jammed with The Extemporaneous Music Society for Trillium Salon Series, we wanted to know more about her.
Alisha Pattillo is a Northwest Arkansas-based saxophonist who describes herself as a "musician for hire." She sat down for an interview with What's Up and shared a bluesy song. Find out more about Pattillo's music and projects at alishapattillo.com.
Don't miss the latest news in Northwest Arkansas, sign up for our free newsletters at: nwaonline.com/email/
Support your local news by subscribing at: nwaonline.com/subscribe
Cherise Carver’s single, “Get Back Home,” is getting more and more radio play. The Rogers-based singer sits down to share her stories and a song with music editor, Monica Hooper.
Becca Martin Brown talks with Nancy Preis, general director of Opera in the Ozarks, and Opera Singer Autumn Schacherl about this session of operas being performed at Opera in the Ozarks.
Check out more on Opera in the Ozarks 2022 at nwaonline.com.
Don't miss a single story on What's Up! Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.nwaonline.com/email/whatsupsignup/
Singer/songwriter Alyssa Galvan has a voice louder than she is and a talent for guitar that is the envy of those twice her age. She shares her experience at this year’s International Blues Challenge, her plans for summer and one of her original songs with What’s Up!
Local singer/songwriter Ashtyn Barbaree talks about her new album, “Better Luck Next Time.” She performs a song from the album at the Northwest Arkansas ahead of her performance at the Fayetteville Public Library on May 28. Don't miss a single story on What's Up! Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.nwaonline.com/email/whatsupsignup/
Arkansas Public Theatre in Rogers announced its 37th season at a Season Leaks party Jan. 14 at the Victory Theatre. Artistic director Ed McClure talks about the shows with Becca Martin-Brown, NWADG Features editor.
Actor Megan Masako Haley plays Gretchen Wieners in the new Broadway musical “Mean Girls,” based on the 2004 eponymous film written by Tina Fey. Haley chats with assistant features editor Jocelyn Murphy ahead of the show’s Arkansas premiere at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville Dec. 14-19. Tickets start at $41 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 479-443-5600, or visiting waltonartscenter.org.
Actor Cody Garcia stars in the second national tour of the new Broadway musical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Garcia chats with Assistant Features Editor Jocelyn Murphy ahead of the show’s Fayetteville debut at the Walton Arts Center Nov. 30-Dec. 5. Tickets start at $41 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 479-443-5600, or visiting waltonartscenter.org.
Come From Away opened at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville Tuesday, Oct. 26 to open the 2021-22 Broadway season. Actor Julie Johnson joins Assistant Features Editor Jocelyn Murphy to talk about returning to the road, the moving musical and the true stories that inspired it.
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, the United States airways were closed to all incoming flights, leading to some 7,000 passengers on 38 planes diverting to the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. Come From Away shares the stories of these strangers brought together from around the world and the islanders who took them in for five days following the tragedy.
Read more about the production at https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2021/oct/24/come-from-away-opens-hearts-and-broadway-season/
As editor of the Pea Ridge Times, Annette Beard has been covering the community’s annual mule jump for years. She’ll chat with Features Editor Becca Martin-Brown about the event, the participants she’s met and the joys of small-town journalism.
It’s time for fall foods, thousands of pumpkins, one-of-a-kind crafts and country music at Silver Dollar City, the 1880s-style Branson theme park. Listen as Lisa Rau, a longtime park spokeswoman talks about what’s new with Features Editor Becca Martin-Brown.
Artist, musician and curator Steve Parker uses sculpture to engage people in the art of Deep Listening. His Listening Objects project will be on exhibition at Turnbow Park, on the grounds of Shiloh Museum of Ozark History and inside INTERFORM in Downtown Springdale through Oct. 13. Parker discusses his practice and the works with What’s Up! Associate Editor Jocelyn Murphy.
Producing “Avenue Q” has meant lots of new experiences at Arkansas Public Theatre, including — of course — puppets but also putting the show together with a new music director, Wendell Jones. Director Ed McClure and Jones chat with Features Editor Becca Martin-Brown in this What’s Up! podcast.
Look for the story in this week's What's Up! nwaonline.com/features/whatsup/
The Walton Arts Center 2021-22 season kicks off Sept. 10 with the first show on the Starrlight Jazz Club Series. Jazz Curator at the WAC, Robert Ginsburg, joins What’s Up! Associate Editor Jocelyn Murphy to discuss the five performances on the lineup.
If you think Riley Nicholson can only make beautiful music, has he got a surprise for you! The executive director of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas also makes the best of simple comfort food. Listen to a conversation kicking off the new “Local Flavors” feature as Nicholson chats with Features Editor Becca Martin-Brown.
Galen Hunter thinks his paintings of “the mundane structures and landmark architecture that comprise the built environment in and around Fort Smith” enhances residents’ everyday experiences in the community. Listen to him chat with Features Editor Becca Martin-Brown in this What’s Up! podcast.
Filmmaker Larry Foley admits that the story of “Indians, Outlaws, Marshals and the Hangin’ Judge” has largely been a regional one — until now. Now, his film by that name has elevated the “real story of Fort Smith [to] be considered up there with Deadwood, Tombstone and Dodge City when telling tales of the Wild West.”
And it’s coming home be featured at the inaugural Fort Smith International Film Festival. Listen to Foley chat with Features Editor Becca Martin-Brown in this What’s Up! podcast.
Read more about it in this Sunday's What's Up!
Marissa Culbreath plays the Stage Manager in “Our Town,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning classic being performed in repertory this summer at Arkansas Public Theatre with “Inherit the Wind,” in which Robert Mayfield plays defense attorney Henry Drummond.
The actors chat with Becca Martin-Brown, Features editor, in this What’s Up! podcast.
Read more about the productions at: https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2021/jul/25/collected-classics-our-town-inherit-the-wind/
John Jeter, music director of the Fort Smith Symphony, has taken the lessons learned during the pandemic and done some restructuring for the 2021-22 season.
Find out more as he chats with Becca Martin-Brown, Features editor, during this What’s Up! podcast.
What’s Up Associate Editor Jocelyn Murphy is joined by Bentonville Film Festival Chair Geena Davis and President Wendy Guerrero to discuss BFF’s seventh year, the return to in-person programming and more.
Learn more about the event in this Sunday's What's Up: nwaonline.com/features/whatsup/
Pianist Sara Buechner, who is also trans, talks with Features editor Becca Martin-Brown and ADG reporter Courtney Lanning about her residency with the Arkansas Philharmonic.
Read more about Buechner at our article online: nwaonline.com/news/2021/jul/16/four-minutes-four-questions-sara-davis-buechner/
Stephanie Barber, the new Miss Arkansas USA, chats with Becca Martin-Brown about the Miss USA Pageant ahead and her message during her yearlong reign.
Jane Elzey enjoys murder — especially when she gets to kill a no-good husband. Meet the Northwest Arkansas author in this What’s Up! podcast with features editor Becca Martin-Brown.
When Ed and his three adult sons come together to celebrate Christmas, they enjoy cheerful trash-talking, pranks, and takeout Chinese. Then they confront a problem that even being a happy family can’t solve: When identity matters, and privilege is problematic, what is the value of being a straight white man? Listen to Features Editor Becca Martin-Brown chat with actor Ed McClure and director Brenda Nemec about the Arkansas Public Theatre production of Young Jean Lee’s comedy.