Nightflying: Notes from the Pub

In Central Arkansas....
    Yeah…we were as freaked out as anyone when we heard that Magic 105 was going off the air (if not more so…) As many of you know, the station and Nightflying have been radio buddies pretty much from the beginning of both entities. For many it will be sorely missed. I have been in touch with Tom Wood, Carole Kramer, Casey Jones and Sharpe Dunaway, and we're planning an official so-long Magic feature for next issue. Watch for it…

    I'm happy to report that Nightflying's new 'radio buddy' in Central Arkansas is The Point 94.1, and we'll be doing promos together whenever possible, just as we did with Magic. (Actually, we've been media buds for many years, with old friends like Jeff Allen on the air.)
    I'm really pleased to report the fact that The Point is now the newest home of Clyde Clifford's Beaker Street. Beaker Street has been a staple of radio listeners worldwide since way back in 1966, and essentially Clyde ushered in the era of the cool, calm and collected laid-back FM-syle DJ, (even though for years it was actually on KAAY a.m.). When the Mighty 1090 switched formats to entirely religious content (becoming as many called it "The Almighty 1090"), Clyde took the show to the new fledgling FM format on radio station KLAZ. It was a perfect fit, and Clyde's personna was recognized as being THE definitive late-night FM DJ…indeed, the character Clint Eastwood played in the movie Play Misty For Me was based in part on Clyde's broadcast personality and style.
    You can now check out Beaker Street every Sunday from 7 p.m. to midnight on The Point 94.1 fm, and online at www.point941.com from wherever you have internet access…

    I spoke to Tom Wood, who now has a new radio station called TomFM at the frequency 106.7 f.m. He's doing very well, thank you, and the new station is going gangbusters. It's more like an 'anti-radio' format, actually, without the baggage of the pre-programmed corporate-style radio Magic had become since acquired by Clear Channel. In checking out the new station, it is more like if you had your iPod set to shuffle, where you never know what song and style is coming next. Tune in and check it out…
    (The final couple of weeks of Magic 105 was a real treat, though, since they went to an entirely Beatles playlist, and I dare say, those weeks probably garnered better listener ratings than the station had enjoyed for years!)

    Meanwhile, Sharpe Dunaway is busying himself with a number of projects. For one, he's been helping wife Angela with her real estate company, in particularly working on a website (Arkansas Real Estate Mall.com), where independent sellers can post their properties. He's also been playing with his band The Blue Meannies ("I'm a drummer and don't sing…they know better than to give me a microphone…"). As if this wasn't enough, he's working on a tv show for the Conway Corp that they plan to begin airing in April if all goes right. More on this in next issue…
    Anyone who wishes to book the band or just reach Sharpe in general can contact him at (501)514-4646…

    We've been following the Arkansas Times Battle Of The Bands for the last 6 weeks or so. Despite the weird Arkansas weather the Finals were held Friday, March 7th at The Rev Room and several hundred music lovers filled that room. Congratulations to the band 607, for taking the top slot.
    Approximately 70 bands entered the battle, it was narrowed down to 16 semi-finalists over the prelims at Sticky Fingerz for several weeks, and 607 took the top honors…(in my opinion, all 16 were the real winners…)
    The Semi-Finalists included 4 x 4 Crew, 607, Ace Spade & The Whores of Babylon, Benjamin Del Shreve, Brian Frazier, Brian Martin & The Circulators, Damn Bullets, Epiphany & One Night Stand, Justin Bank, Kyoto Boom, Natural State, Notion, The Reds, Riverboat Crime, Rockst*r, and The Running Back. All are excellent bands…….

    Which brings to mind the fact that unless a band truly aspires to greatness, and is willing to get out there and really go for it, nothing will happen for them. There are no longer "talent scouts" running around out there looking for the "next big thing". Indeed, in today's entertainment world, as with so many other things out there, the old saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" still very much applies. And with today's home equipment, combined with this blessed internet giving everyone worldwide reach, the proverbial sky's the limit…

    Speaking of this, I'm proud to report that Nightflying artist Steve Scallion's cd (The Clock At The End of The World) is making a dent. Steve reports that sales have come in from throughout the country and that he's almost ready to release a second cd. (Another old saying comes to mind: "Get 'em while they're hot.") Go to the link at our website, nightflying.com, to purchase this remarkable recording, and tune into Beaker Street for assorted cuts of this cd and his newer stuff…

    The Rev Room has been bringing in some very cool shows. I got to see Victor Wooten at the club a few weeks back, and was amazed, as always, at this incredible artist. Victor, of course, is the bass player for Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, but tours with his own band between dates with Bela. If you want to see what a truly professional musician is really like, make a point to catch up to Victor Wooten next time he rolls through.
    Coming up the Revolution Music Room in the next several weeks are dates with New Monsoon, Marky Ramone, DJ Rod Bryan, Ettiem, Reckless Kelly, Cloud Cult, Tragikly White Band, The Randy Rogers Band, Molten Lava, The Dirtbombs, Kelly Stoltz, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Hill County Revue, Chris Knight, Mando Saenz and a bunch more.
    In addition, make a point to get to the Rev Room on Sundays for The Papas, a fun band that plays an ecletic mix of jazz, rock 'n' roll and off-the-wall classics.
    For bookings contact Chris King at (501)372-1151…….

    Down at the other end of the River Market is, of course, Sticky Fingerz Rock 'n' Roll Chicken Shack, operated by Suzon Awbrey and Chris King, the proprietors of The Rev Room and Rumba Revolution.
    On the bill in the coming weeks are the likes of The Strugglers, Bad Veins, Black Mountain, Bon Iver, Nomadic Nordic, Wolff & Tuba, RK Collections, Splurge, The Benjy Davis Project, Benjamin Del Shreve, Starroy, Roger Creager, The South Austin Jug Band, Dertybird, Grand Serenade, PLU, Paridise City (a Guns & Roses Tribute band), The Hill Country Revue and much more.
    For bookings at Sticky Fingerz call Chris King at (501) 372-1151…….

    I caught a great show at the White Water Tavern recently, featuring Mojo Depot. The place was jam-packed (as is customary these days at the WWT), and the band was in fine form. In the early years of this band, playing at the White Water was a steady regular gig, and it was like old-home week this night. I saw people I didn't even know were still walking this earth. It was a great evening.
    Coming up at The White Water are Justin Townes Earle, Glossary, Jim Mize, Kevin Gordon, Chase Pagan, The Salty Dogs, Make Believe!, J-Roddy Walston & The Business, The Pasties, Big Boots, Limbeck, House Of Fools, John Ralston, Ben Nichols (of Lucero), Jimmy Davis, a CD release show featuring Hector Faceplant (with NF reporter Tracy Sanchez), The Boswells, Midwest Caravan, Giant Bear, Freeverse, Cory Branan, The Sarah Hughes Band (on their first return to Arkansas after having relocated to Austin), Kevin Kerby & Battery, Kyoto Boom, The Jugtown Pirates and The Magpies, who were formerly Roger Hoover & The Whiskeyhounds.
    For bookings at the legendary nightclub, call Matt White at (501)375-8400…….

    I saw a wonderful performance of Monte Montgomery at Juanita's recently, and the Texas guitarist blew the proverbial roof off the room. If you haven't ever seen Monte, make a point to catch him as soon as possible. He's easily one of the greatest acoustic guitarists in the world, doing things one could never really expect from an acoustic guitarist.
    On the bill in the coming weeks at Juanita's are shows with The Honorary Title, The Teeth, The Dead Trees, Jeremy Fisher, our cover artist this month Chris Denny, Brooke Wagner, Birds of Avalon, The Ataris, Dreamfast, School Boy Humor, Alert All Arms, One Stone, The Breakthrough, Oblio, Emery, Cry The Afflicted, Pierce The Vail, Mayday Parade, As Cities Burn!, Sean Michel, Band Marino, Paul Sammons, Kingsdown, Long Live Logos, Mat Mahar, The Lions, Gone Was Here, Eric Roberson, Matt White, Red, Cinder Road, Strange As Fiction, The Dreaming, Avi Gosh, We Shot The Moon, Deas Vail, Damn Bullets, Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain, Todd Barry, The Secret Handshake and a bunch more.
    Check the dates in our Sound pages.
    For bookings at Juanita's, contact Erin Hurley at (501)374-3660…….

    On down Main Street from Juanita's, of course, is MidTown Billiards, the closest thing to a smoky New Orleans bar in Arkansas. (Unlike in the Big Easy, MidTown stayed open for Mardi Gras well past midnight. Reports are that despite the vicious tornado-spawning weather of the night of Mardi Gras, MidTown was jammed 'til daybreak…)
    Coming up are dates with GoKart Mozart, FreeVerse, Moreland & Arbuckle, It's Over, The Philip Zoellner Band, Joey Farr & Friends, Sweet Revenge, The Orange, Chess Club and a bunch more.
    (And while you're at MidTown, make a point to get one of their truly worth-writing-home-about cheeseburgers…you'll thank me later, believe me…)
    MidTown, of course, is a 'private club', and hence can stay open until 5 a.m. 7 nights a week. Membership fees are nominal.
    For bookings call Conan at (501)372-7110, or email him at moeman03@comcast.net…….

    Caught an inspiring show with the Pop Tart Monkeys at West End recently. This band wrote the book about being off-the-wall. Indeed, once they take the stage they don't take a break for several hours, playing the entire gig nonstop. And it's also about the most high-energy show one can see in a nightclub setting (indeed, it can be exhausting for the listener…)
    On the bill in the coming weeks are The Seth Freeman Band, Rise Phoenix Rise, Mr. Happy, 3rd Degree, Pail, Crisis, Good Time Ramblers, Tragikly White, Texas guitar slinger Wes Jeans, Bombay Black and more.
    And of course, West End is the ultimate sports bar, with many huge-screen tvs, and multiple 'normal' screens throughout the room (even in the men's restroom!). There is a full bar, great food (serving the full menu until 1 in the a.m.!), various arcade games, and lots more to offer.
    For bookings at West End, call (501)224-7665…….

    Grumpy's will be the site of the biggest St. Patrick's Day bash on this side of the Atlantic, featuring the great Irish Reggae of 1st Impressions, free munchies, green beer and the works. I suggest you get there as early as possible: to even be able to get in the room, let alone find a suitable place to park. And to top it all off, there is no cover charge at the club, even for their big blowouts.
    I got to see Roeck & Rogers at the club recently, featuring Tommy Roeck and Bobby Rogers. This duo performs regularly at the club, as well as around Hot Springs often. Put it like this: how often have you witnessed any acoustic duo pull off songs by folks like Led Zeppelin? And do it perfectly? With both the instrumental integrity and vocal prowess to do it? Their songlist contains many, many tunes that originally were hard-rock staples, yet they consistantly amaze with their acoustic renditions. They'll be back at the club on March 27, so make a point to drop by.
    Other acts on the bill at Grumpy's in the coming weeks include Steele Jessup, Rob Griffin, Ben Coulter, Good Time Ramblers, Barrett & Colby, Almost Infamous, Tim Meitzen, Gregg Madden and Kickback.
    For bookings call (501)225-3768…….

    North of the river is Counterpoint, the all-night private club for this neck of the river. Open 7 days a week, Counterpoint sports live music on most nights, a full bar, pool tables, darts, ping pong, a large wooden dance floor, and a serious sound system with a live DJ every night of the week.
    Appearing at Counterpoint in the next month are Weisenheimers, Flameing Daeth Fearies, Kyoto Boom, Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain, QLand, Fire Flies, 10 Mile Crossing, The Seth Freeman Band, Eve's Descent, Eden Crow, McCuin, The Gettys, Alizé, Terry Quiett Band, Black Rambo…and starting April 4 a Battle of The Bands.
    For bookings contact Cheryl Drennan or Robert Abbott at (501)771-5515…….

    There are also a couple fine clubs on Main Street in North Little Rock, with some great bands set to appear. The Cornerstone checks in with Conduit Chill, Kris Allen, St. Leroy & The Martyrs, Brian Martin, Smokey Sam, The Eoff Brothers Band, Ruckus, Joecephus & The George Jonestown Massacre. Just next door is Reno's, who have music most nights. Coming in the next few weeks are Brian Nahlen & Nick Devlin, Luke & Paul, Bass & Brown, and Josh Stoffer.
    See our Sound listings for dates and further information…….

In Hot Springs....
    Things around the Spa are going great guns, which is normal for any time while the ponies are running at Oaklawn. Indeed, there's more nightlife here now than at any time since Governor Winthrop Rockefeller shut down the gambling oh-so-many-years ago (1968 to be exact. Unlike pryor Arkansas governors he couldn't be bought…)

    One of the coolest hangouts in town is The Big Chill, no pun intended. The Chill is like partying in your living room, only there are professional waitresses and bartenders to take care of you, and professional musicians to entertain you (like you're royalty or something…which, of course, being Nightflying readers, you are…)
    Stopped in the other night to check out Dayton Waters, and as usual, he had the room going. Dayton, of course, has been a mainstay at the Chill since moving to town, and has built a strong Hot Springs following since moving to town a few years back.
    Another player that is a staple of the room is Lightnin' Lee Langdon, who can be found every Monday with David Ball and Gina Bodeena and others sittin' in for Dr. Chill's Monday Night Medicine Show. On Tuesdays Gregg Batterton and Shane Simanton host a jam.
    Coming up at The Big Chill in the next month or so are Johnny Oneal, Dayton Waters, Trey Johnson & Dave Almond, Ashley Blanton, Nashville's David Olney, The Pierson-Waters Project (Dayton with Grant Pierson), Gary Hutchison & John Magness…and there's never any telling who'll drop by to sit in.
    For bookings and directions, call (501)624-5185…….

    Maxine's checks in this month a typically excellent line-up, (which is never a surprise here), but some really BIG NEWS where proprietor Jeremy Nelson is concerned. He and Jeannie Mallot (the gorgeous blond you see in my pictures) are taking the ultimate plunge. And it's coming right up, too! On Monday, March 17 these two will officially tie the knot in a grand and gala nuptial ceremony on the Arlington Lawn…a St. Patrick's Day wedding. (That should make it easy to remember your anniversary…pick a day that's already got special meaning and tie it to being tied…I did something similar by getting married on Friday the 13th).
    We certainly wish you the best. And, don't worry, kids. I know you're both concerned as you head up to the big day. I lost my own virginity just last Summer, and while it was a shock I got over it…
    Speaking of Maxine's, as I started out, there's an excellent music line-up this month.
    The Enigma, Michael Graves (former lead singer of The Misfits), Sideshow, SugarFree Allstars, Eureka Springs band Mountain Sprout, Brian Martin, Burnside Exploration, Brethren, Starroy, Giant Bear, Laura Reed & Deep Pocket, The Dean Agus Band, Dova Groove, Watermelon Slim, Speakeasy, guitar monster Wes Jeans…and a very gala St. Patrick's Day Wedding Reception Celebration featuring The Legendary Shack Shakers, Sissy Wish and Ezra Furman & The Harpoons (presented by VOV and Low Key Arts) that should be a HUGE party, given all the circumcises - er - circumstances.
    To book the room contact Jeremy at (501)321-0909…….

    Appearing at Boogie's in the coming month are The Brian Atlas Band, The Gettys, Alizé and Mister Lucky.
    Boogie's, of course, is your late-night party room that's open all night, and where the crowd tends to congregate after the other places close.
    Got to see Alizé there recently and the place was jumping throughout the night. This is one of Hot Springs' more popular bands, and if you enjoy rock 'n' roll driven like a Mack Truck check this band out.
    For me, the real draw is the sheer energy of the room when the crowd's into it, and I can plug in and recharge. I'm sure it's an addiction, too…but we all know there ain't no cure…
    For bookings at Boogie's call (501)623-5152…….

    I'm happy to report that The Upper Deck is going great guns. When R.J. Wells took over the old Just One More club I knew it was going to be good. He's a builder by profession, and he right away gutted the club and created a cool new nightspot (with a loft and all)…
    (He also turned the club into the Hot Springs home of Miss Caribbean Tan, too, which should suggest to some of you the nature of some of the scenery that can be found at the club…)
    Live music is every Tuesday through Saturday, and there's a live DJ every night.
    Coming up are TripSwitch, Alizé, Code Blue, The Dean Agus Band…and on most Saturdays are the Miss Caribbean Tan Competitions.
    They also serve food, with specials on catfish and prime rib and the like.
    Now then…
    R.J. has just created a sister club just next door for the younger set: Enter the The End Zone, for partiers 18 and up. I haven't seen it yet since it opened, but will have a full report and pictures for you in next issue.
    For bookings and further info on The Upper Deck and The End Zone, call (501)520-0246…….

    There's a new room in town that you should check out. The National Park Saloon #10 recently opened and have added a great new place to hang.
    I got to see Old School Players there recently and Tommy Roeck and the boys were playing up a storm. (Many of you heard them at Midtown at our Nightflying anniversary bash so you know how strong this band is.) Old School plays every Saturday through the races so drop by and check them out.
    Other acts set to appear in the coming weeks include Hotel Casanova, Mofo, Tripswitch and Hung Jury.
    Saturday at the club is Biker's Night and there are special door prizes and beer specials.
    For bookings call (501)318-2445 or 276-0471…….

    Was coming out of Maxine's the other day when I heard a very familiar voice coming from Lucky's just across the street. There's never any mistaking the strong soulfull blues that The Big John Miller Band belts out, so I ventured across the street to drop in.
    Lucky's is doing a steady schedule of live bands now, (whereas for years they had a house band.)
    Set to appear in the coming weeks are Alizé, Rhythm Shakers, Terry & The Executives, Austin 305, The Skunks, Smiley Died, Mudd Groove, Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain and the Dean Agus Band.
    There's a full bar and strong stereo, good food and a fun party atmosphere.
    For bookings call Mary Holt at (501)909-9340…….

    Whenever I'm in Hot Springs I make a point to get by The Long Shot Saloon, just because it's a great place to plug in the aforementioned personal battery. The Crowd, with a capital C, is the real entertainment, with Doug, Georgia and Irby and the whole staff providing all the ingredients to stir it up and make it happen.
    (Call it magic…put the right people and elements together, with great drinks and a stereo from hell…the sheer synergy of it all creates an incredible ball of energy that both energizes and recharges…as I said before, it is definitely an addiction…)
    The Long Shot is open 7 days a week until sunrise, serves very fine seafood and steaks, and is literally in the middle of town. (All roads lead to it…)
    The club recently just got a 'Comfort' Shuttle, too, and will give anyone a ride home that needs it. (They won't drive you around to other clubs, mind you…)
    And you should stop in too to meet the real owner, Odie.
    For details and further info call the Long Shot at (501)624-4344…….

    Just next door to the Long Shot is Player's - a happening Sports Bar. Good food, great stereo, live music, full bar…open 7 days a week, and you don't need a membership. Oh. And there's never a cover charge here.
    What more could one ask for!
    On Monday and Tuesday there's Texas Hold 'Em; on Wednesday through Saturday there's Karaoke and dance hosted by Chase, on Friday Paul Dottley appears live and there's Crawfish for 6 bucks a flat, on Saturday Paul Dottley plays for Happy Hour after the races let out, and on Sunday Mr. Dayton Waters takes the stage.
    For further info call (501)624-9192…….

    Had a most fun night at 2720 when the Pop Tart Monkeys played. It was the third time I saw them that same week, having played at George's in Fayetteville and West End in Little Rock. I kept to myself, though. I don't want them to think I'm some kind of groupie you know.
    It was a circus at the club as it always is when Pop Tart plays anywhere, and the space-age laser light show at the club really brought the excitement out.
    This same night The Dean Agus Band was playing over in the lounge, too, which made for a cool stroll back and forth.
    2720 has live music on most nights now.
    Appearing at the club in the coming weeks are Ashley Blanton, Tommy Roeck & Bobby Rodgers, Hampton Taliferro, John Talley, Calvin Brewer, The Joe Pitts Band and Bad Boy Bill.
    2720 is a private club, too, and stays open 'til daybreak every Wednesday through Sunday.
    For bookings and further information call (501)760-2505…….

In Northwest Arkansas....
    The good folks at Majestic Concerts just announced The Dickson Street Music Festival, set for April 25 & 26, that will happen in conjunction with Street Fest. On the bill are the Charlie Daniels Band, 38 Special, Shooter Jennings, Sonic Youth, Michael Franti & Spearhead and Little Feat. The concerts will occur behind the Walton Arts Center. Tickets for the shows will be $30 per night, or $50 for both.
    In addition, ticket holders will be able to attend the shows planned that weekend for George's and Jose's, featuring Blind Melon, Fred Tackett, Speakeasy, Patrice Pike and Tiffany Christopher.
    Springfest, of course, will go on the length of Dickson, with musicians and vendors outside for this annual carnival.
    See the feature article on this event elsewhere in this issue…

    I caught a great set with the illustrious Trout Fishing In America at George's Majestic Lounge for Valentine's Day. This duo never ceases to amaze, especially when they get off into their 'Dueling Morons' routine (you just have to see this…I can't even begin to describe it…)
    George's checks in this issue with a host of very special events. Look for appearances by Brian Burkhart, Mar, Audrye Sessions, The North Mississippi Allstars, The Inksplosion Tour, EOTO, featuring Michael Travis and Jason Hann of String Cheese Incident, Speakeasy, Big Uns, The Joseph Israel Band, Jeff Kearney, Tommy Sands, Dr. Dog, The Good Fear, Monte Montgomery, Outformation, Jimmy Thackery & Earl Cate, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Tim Warden, The Paper Chase, Counterlife, the.radio.sky, Roger Creager, Solomon's Vine, Split Lip Rayfield, Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, The Bel Airs, Donna Jean Goddchaux & The Zen Tricksters, Chilly Moon, Yonder Mountain String Band, Sick Puppies, Maud Crawford, Corey Smith, Sam Thacker, Carolyn Wonderland and the return of Sarah Hughes.
    George's sports two outside beer gardens, two stages, two full bars, two concert-quality sound systems, as well as huge-screens for both stages so's you can see what each is doing from the other room.
    In addition the club is now serving lunch Monday through Friday, featuring treats from Yazzetti's Italian Kitchen.
    George's is open 7 days a week, too.
    For bookings contact Brian or Harold at (479)527-6618…….

    I flat-out blew it last time out when I told you The Gypsy had closed, and I apologize to you and to the club. Fact is, I had been told that they'd lost their lease and the new owners were taking over right away, and when I tried to call couldn't get any answer. I even drove by there and noticed what appeared to be construction equipment in the garden.
    As soon as I got the papers to Fayetteville I ran into Roger, the manager, and was set straight. He told me that The Gypsy would be continuing on until at least the end of April, and planned to take part in Springfest before they closed, and that the new proprietors wouldn't have access until then.
    So.
    (When we call for listings, it absolutely behooves nightclub folks to answer the phone or at least check their messages…we are in the business of reporting on entertainment news and when a venue closes we'll tell you…)
    The Gypsy has many acts on the bill in the coming weeks. Look for KiND, Hunkr Down, Johathan Taylor Rose, Surrounded By Monsters, Benjamin Del Shreve, Wrought, Chemical Discipline, Burnt By Design, FundaMental Elements, After The Crash…
    On March 28th is a large benefit show for the decriminalization of marijuana that will feature Charliehorse, Tiffany Christopher and Shannon Wurst & The Wildebees.
    For bookings at The Gypsy, call Roger at (479)444-1945…….

    I had a thoroughly fine time at The Wet Pig BBQ & Bar recently, partying with Mountain Sprout. This Eureka Springs band is exquisitely entertaining, mixing bluegrass with rock, jazz and country and even a little out-and-out pop.
    Wet Pig began as Billy Blues Club last summer, and recently changed to their current moniker and approach.
    I'm told that the club has been packing folks in lately, and for many good reasons. For one, with Ebo and Mary Jo Thomas at the helm, the club is in the quite capable hands of people who really know the entertainment bidness and have for years. Another is that the food they serve is quite good, and the service is excellent.
    Wet Pig is located just South of the campus on Razorback Road, making it the closest nightclub to the campus (within walking distance).
    Set to appear in the coming weeks are the likes of The Jeff Fox Band, L Street Band, Mountain Sprout, The Eoff Brothers Band, Furious George, The Pope County Bootleggers, Redemption, The Crumbs, The Wes Hart Band, and Windy Austin's Hot House Tomato Boys, featuring Marc Turner on bass.
    For bookings call Ebo at (479)718-0008…….

    While it doesn't feature live music, the sports bar On The Mark is doing stellar business. It's a cool place, with gazillions of tvs, pool tables, shuffleboard, arcade games, an upscale sports bar menu, daily drink specials, and a sports-loving clientele that is almost as entertaining as any band (though admittedly they're not nearly as fun to dance to as a good group…)
    On The Mark will simply BE the place to go for March Madness.
    It is located at the intersection of Gregg & Sunbridge, behind the White Oak Station on Gregg.
    For directions and further information call (479)575-0123…….

    The Green Door checks in this month with a most full calendar. Look for dates with Wilderbees, The Sherms, Earl's Garage, Zac Bramhall with RJ Mischo, Jamie Hall & The Bugeyed Band, Evelyn Hillbilly's, John D & The Thunderboltz, New Redemption, Joe Giles & The Homewreckers, Sean Harrison and much more.
    In addition, every Tuesday is Bluesday and there's a live happy hour on Fridays.
    For bookings and directions, call Robert or April at (479)575-0111…….

    Ryleigh's Boom Boom Room has a full roster of bands and acts set to appear in the coming weeks.
    On the bill are Inner Party, Stephanie Wood & The Frontline Band, Maud Crawford doing an acoustic evening, Plowman's Antipopulace, Fayetteville Funk Ensemble, The Jeff Kearney Group, feat. Rachel Fields on April 4 and then turning around and featuring Matt Smith on the 5th, Velcromoonshoe and Hustles The Hall.
    For bookings contact Sarah Hilligas at (479)200-0157…….

    Throughout town are numerous other venues with regular live music, like Arsaga's, Common Grounds, Jose's, and a lot more. See our Sound listings for names, dates and numbers.
    Also, with the warm weather arriving, lots of other venues will begin to have music on their out-door patios, like Powerhouse Seafood and Herman's Rib House.
    We should have complete listings for these and more in our next issue in early April, so watch for it…….



In Fort Smith....
    I'm happy to report that R. Landry's has left the building! The building, that is, where it has lived for several years on 10th, and now resides in their brand-spankin' new location at 613 Garrison Avenue. It is a much better location, complete with a view of the avenue, and a much better chance of walk-in traffic.
    For one thing it's considerably larger, making it much easier to both move around as well as to see the bands. (You still have to walk in front of the bandstand when you come and go, so there's no slipping out unnoticed…) For another, it has a much roomier feel to it, making it considerably more comfortable in general.
    I was able to join them on opening night, when The Crumbs were playing, and people were jammed into the place.
    Fact is, with virtually no advertising except word of mouth, opening night drew a huge throng, and all concerned seemed to feel that R. Landry's has improved across the board. (It's tough to improve on anything that is as good as it always was, but the general consensus was just this.)
    I did a highly scientific poll of many patrons during the evening (which was walking around taking folks' pictures and asking what they thought). A number of folks had never before eaten R. Landry's food or tasted their drinks, or even heard of them for that matter…and essentially just happened in off the avenue when they heard the band and saw the cool statues by the front door. All in all, the new R. Landry's is a bonafide hit.
    Set to appear in the coming weeks are the likes of Shannon Wurst, SugarFree Allstars, Pam Camp, The Crumbs, The Blue Fiddle Band (authentic Irish music featuring Tom Ware), Bill & Pam Page, Moreland & Arbuckle, Sultans of Schwing, some guy named robb, Naked By Nine, Pope County Bootleggers, Rob & Shannon Caloway, Grant Pierson, The Rachel Fields Band, Sarah Hughes, John Magness & Gary Hutchison, The Oreo Blue Trio and others.
    Music is every Wednesday through Saturday, they have a full bar, a truly great menu, and there's never a cover charge.
    For bookings and further info, call (479)783-2505…….

    On down the avenue there's Old Town Grain & Feed, with live music Thursday through Saturday, a full bar, very fine bar food (including the famous Old Town Macho Nachos), and one of the coolest bar atmospheres in the world. It's tiny, essentially, but has been the site of some excellent music and parties for several decades.
    Bands like Book, Trout Fishing In America, David & The Immatures, The Underdogs, Mint II Be Blues Revue, The Cate Brothers Band, Wanda Watson and many more have frequented the room through the years, and one can simply feel the vibes those acts have produced there when you walk in the place.
    Happy 'Hour' is actually from noon to 6 daily (with 1/2 price draft and domestic beer, and 1/2 price wells. Hey…if you can't get 'happy' in a 6-hour stretch there's no hope for you…)
    They are also serving food from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
    Set to appear in the coming weeks are Smilin' Bob Lewis, Benjamin Del Shreve, Gary Hutchison & John Magness, Blake Donabauer & Adam Peterson, Self-Inflicted Chaos, Will Mendenhall, Hammertorch, Joseph Farr & The Fuggins Wheat Band, Bluesmiths, Ryan Gray, Jeff Kearney, Truck Stop Poets, Acoustic Refugees, The Hosty Duo…and on April 5, a gala cd release bash featuring Smiley Died.
    For bookings call Mike at (479)420-9189…….

    On down the street is Hero's, which is open 7 days a week and serves food until 1 a.m.
    Hero's is a relative newcomer to town in the club department and is a pleasant addition to the nightlife offerings of the area.
    Indeed…it is always packed with partiers whenever I get to town (and they never know when I'm coming at that…)
    Hero's sports a full bar, has live music on most nights, and various specials throughout the week.
    What's more, as a general rule there is no cover charge to get in, and they rarely charge you - beyond paying your tab - to get out either.
    Coming up at Hero's are the likes of The Band Keith, The Crumbs, Copesetic, Cold Turkey, Effron White, Barefoot Brigade and The Ben Miller Band.
    For bookings call Mike Gonzales at (479)784-5055…….

    Just down the street is Ben Dover's, a live music venue and bar complete with a cool outdoor patio. When the weather's right there is live music both inside and outside.
    Bands set to appear in the coming weeks include The Bannister Brothers, Terry & The Executives, Lost Highway, Cedar Creek, Judge Parker, Wanda Watson, Ollie's Trashcan, Willie Stradlin and Joey Farr & Friends (aka Joseph Farr & The Fuggins Wheat Band, featuring Joey Farr, one of the finest musicians in the Fort…)
    For bookings call (479)785-7500…….

    I spoke to Bill Neumeier the other day, and he tells me that things are still on hold for Neumeier's whilst they work out some issues surrounding the lease for the property. As soon as they do he will move forward with what he says will be Fort Smith's premier night club attraction.
    Will let you know as soon as I know anything definitive…….

    Rooster's checks in this issue with some very good music on the bill.
    Look for Kick Start, 3 Foot Pete, S.I.C., Ollie's Trash Can, Dante Fox…
    And there's karaoke hosted by Dave Cunningham every Sunday through Thursday.
    For bookings call (479)783-COCK (2625)…….

    Across town there is Ava's Village Pub, that features live bands on weekends and serves food and drink 7 days a week.
    Set to appear are Relapse, Cedar Creek, Willie Stradlin, Terry & The Executives, Bluesmith, Grey Street, The Yard Dogs and more.
    Ava's is a private club and membership fees are nominal.
    For bookings, directions and further information, call (479)452-2988…….

    Also on the South side of the Fort is Wilson's Rib Shack, with excellent barbecue and live music from time to time.
    Wilson's has a very elaborate outdoor beer garden, and will play host to a lot of shows once the warm weather gets settled in. We'll have a full calendar for the club in next issue so watch for it.
    For bookings, directions and further info call (479)646-4900…….

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