Nightflying: Notes from the Pub

    Canned music is like audible wallpaper…
            ---Alistair Cooke

    Greetings and fair weather to you all. It is now 5:15 in the a.m. as I sit to peck out these final tidbits of this, our Rites of Spring issue in the year of our Lord, 2010.
    Have you noticed the trend? The fact that it always seems to be about this time of day when this column gets written? I can assure you that it really isn't by design. It's just the way it happens, you know?!
    It's Spring, children, and with that comes the warm weather and the beginning of our favorite time of the year: Festival Season: when the music once again goes outside to play and our hearts realize the gladness of tossing off our Winter blues.
    Momma always told us to go and play outside, anyway…and we always were more than happy to oblige. Nothing has changed in that department…especially now that we make a living out of it.

    Here's hoping we don't have a repeat of the last year's weather this time around. As you may remember, it seemed as though every other day brought more stormy weather. I don't know the official rainfall amount, but I'm betting that we squashed all the records put together from all the years past. (In one week we measured 22" of rain here at the Nightflying compound, and the yard looked like a lake…)

    The Altered State is truly blessed in our location, for we are surrounded by major concert markets. Indeed, depending on where you live, you are within mere hours of some of the most serious outdoor festivals in the entire country.
    There's New Orleans to the south with the Jazz & Heritage festival; there's Memphis In May; there's the myriad of great blues festivals in Arkansas; and it seems that practically every community in our state has some major festival celebrating nothing more than their own existence. Indeed, we could refer to Arkansas as the Festive State and be semi-accurate. (Personally, I, of course, think of it as The Altered State, and I think Arkansas should officially adopt this motto and put it on the flag…'cause it fits…)
    Nowhere in our midst is this more true than in Eureka Springs, the largest open-air asylum in the country. From May Festival of the Arts to the Eureka Blues Weekend to Folk Fest to Bluegrass Weekend to…? Whatever it may be, Eureka Springs seems to find in its collective wisdom the manner to celebrate everything…from food to art to UFO's to ghosts to jazz to wacky cars to what they refer to as Diversity…er…lifestyles, you know…
    We all have heard about the wild lives rock 'n' rollers live, and it's time to let this out of the closet. Back in my rock star days I once had the pleasure - nay, privilege - of giving the city of Eureka an impromptu fireworks display at 3:30 in the morning. Back in the 1970s I performed at a club referred to as the Top Of The Crescent, located outside on top of that majestic hotel. As fate would have it, well after the gig when the band was winding down (courtesy of a couple bottles of Tequila and a generous bartender), we got the inspired notion to give the area a treat. The bartender had somehow acquired several city-sized fireworks rockets (you know…the kind that go BOOM when they're set off), so we could think of nothing better to do than generously share them with the community. We went out on that deck and fired them off. It was beautiful, and that concrete Jesus on the hill even seemed to approve (I swear I saw it crack a smile…) We only tarried long enough to see the police lights driving up the hill, then of course ran down to our room and hid out.
    The next day the hotel manager paid us a visit.
    "Boys, someone shot off some fireworks early this morning from the deck up top. Do you know anything about that?"
    "Is that what all those booms were about?"
    "Er…yeah…"
    "We heard those and they woke us up. What was that about? Was there any damage or problem?"
    "No, not really, but there have been complaints about the noise…"
    "No sir…whoever would have done such a thing?!"
    Ah well, maybe you had to be there…but let me tell you, those fireworks from the top of the Crescent Hotel were breathtaking…

    One of the best festivals in our midst has just been announced: Wakarusa, which will happen during the first week of June. This year they have more than 100 bands on the roster, including Widespread Panic, STS9, Umphrey's McGee, Disco Biscuits, Slightly Stoopid, The John Butler Trio, Blues Traveler, Robert Randolph and many, many more. See their ad elsewhere in this issue for the line-up, or go to Wakarusa.com for the complete picture.
    And plan now to attend. Mulberry Mountain is nothing short of superb, designed and built to accommodate music shows and several-day-long parties. Right here in Arkansas…and that's as exciting as it can be…

    Also, just to the northeast of us, is Camp Zoe…a several hundred acre camping facility that is home to the Schwagstocks. There are several of these planned for the season, and they are all like mini-Wakarusas, complete with multiple bands and stages, and frankly, large crowds of Deadhead-minded individuals.
    Check it out…

    Keep an eye on these pages over the next several months and we'll let you know where and when these shows will happen. And make your plans to get out there and join the NF staff as we proceed to party under the stars where God meant us to party.
        Another thing about this time of year is that all the clubs with outdoor facilities are kicking the doors open. Every deck and beer garden is now, or will soon be, brimming with the sounds of live music. And people, we'll all be once again, as the song goes, "dancing in the streets…"

    It's Spring! May all our brains turn to mush…


In Central Arkansas….
    Grumpy’s Too was rocking on St. Patrick’s Day, which is no suprise. There's always a party going on at the club, especially when there's some specific event. Fact is, long before any other clubs around, Grumpy's was celebrating what we've come to know as the National Day of Drinking.
    Cinco de Mayo is usually even bigger a bash, and this year should be no exception. That great Mexican Reggae band, Firsto Impressiono, will be playing, and there will be free Mexican munchies and hoards of drink specials.
    There's never a cover charge at Grumpy's Too, and probably never will be.
    Also set to appear at Grumpy’s in the next several weeks are Ryan Couron, Tim Meitzen, Dean Agus, Steele Jessup, Barrett & Colby, Chris Henry, Kickback, Matt Leiblong, GoodTime Ramblers, Barrett Baber and Colby, Shannon McClung and more.
    Also coming to the club will be our 2010 SXSW showcase band, The Pope County Bootleggers, on May 8th. If you haven't caught this band you need to. Put it like this: they are the first band we ever sent to showcase at the festival that actually drew a standing ovation and encore. They're that good.
    For bookings at Grumpy’s Too call (501)225-3768…….

    The White Water Tavern is packing them in. Set to appear are Flash Larue, The Fox Hunt, Mark Jungers, The Sarah Hughes Band, Dana Falconberry, Graham Wilkinson, Cory Branan, the return of the incredible Jimbo Mathus, our 2007 SXSW band, Runaway Planet, Damn Bullets and a bunch more.
    You can, of course, check all the dates and details in our Sound pages later on in the paper…but you know that by now.
    It’s a great sounding wooden room, perfect for really setting the tone and especially good for recording. And it's usually something along the lines of Standing Room Only on most nights.
    Word is that they are preparing an outdoor beer garden, too, which should be up and running in the next several weeks.
    For bookings and directions call Matt White at (501)375-8400…….

    The Town Pump, on Rebsamen Park Road, is one very cool little bar that’s open every day and night, serves really excellent food and has a full bar. Live bands perform on Thursday through Saturday. In addition there’s a very cool covered and screened outdoor smoker’s patio with full service.
    Add to all this Debbi T and her Ts Tunes Karaoke work out every Tuesday night.
    The Town Pump is also in the process of building a starlit patio, which should be up by the end of April.
    On the roster in the coming weeks are Voodoo Sauce, Exra Lbs & A440, Brother Andy, Frown Pow'r, Life Size Pizza, Ol' Puddin Head, Brugh Foster, Elise Davis and many more, including the aforementioned Pope County Bootleggers.
    See the Sound pages for the dates and details.
    For bookings contact Dane at the club in the afternoons at (501)663-9987…….

        Rumba Revolution, aka The Rev Room, has a line-up in the coming weeks that is truly exciting.
    Look for the likes of Cowboy Mouth, Sierra Leone's Regugee Allstars, Frightened Rabbit, Lord T & Eloise, BASSNECTAR, Free Micah, and a lot more.
    In addition, every Monday is now Open Mic night so even you - yes you - can rock out and trip the light fantastic.
    The restaurant side serves up delectable island cuisine, has a full bar and a cool full-service outdoor deck facing the river.
    And the entire building is famously wired for sound.
    It’s exactly what Chris King and Suzon Awbrey wished for when they relocated from the wilds of Fayetteville to LR.
    For bookings contact Chris King at (501)372-1151…….

    Down at the other end of the Market is Chris and Suzon’s other restaurant-club, Sticky Fingerz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, which has one of the strongest live music programs of any nightclub in Arkansas.
    On the bill in the coming weeks are Dave Raymond, Gold Diggin' Mothers, Underground Comedy, MC Frontalot, Whoremoans, Brandon Patton, Local H, Kinch, Underclaire, Four On The Floor, Battery (a Metallica Tribute band), Martin Sexton, Ryan Montbleau, Candye Kane, Vallejo and much more.
    And every Wednesday check out the Lucious Spiller band.
    Sticky Fingerz is a smoker-friendly establishment, serves real good food, has music nightly, and has a sweet and covered outdoor patio.
    To reach the club call (501)372-7707, and for bookings call Chris King at (501)372-1151…….

    Cregeen's Irish Pub is one of the sweeter places to party in the Central Arkansas area. The food is excellent, the service is quite fine, and the folks who work there are, shall we say, rather inviting (okay…they have lots of real babes working the floor…)
    Music is every Thursday through Saturday, and leans towards acoustic-type artists.
    Look for Rob Moore, Jeff Coleman, Steve Bates and Grayson Shelton and more. See our Sound listings for details.
    For bookings call (501)376-PINT…….

    As usual, Midtown Billiards checks in with a full calendar. This tiny hole-in-the-wall bar is the place to be for the late-night crowd. Indeed, many of the hard-core club crowd practically lives there from midnite to daybreak on most nights.
    Set to appear in the coming weeks are Bombay black, Number #2 With Me and Hugh, Eric Sommer, Joystick, The Crumbs, Wisebird, Ghost Town Blues Band, The Pope County Bootleggers, Interstate Buffalo, Mat Mahar, Joeephus & The GeorgeJonestown Massacre, The ChiliRose Band, FreeVerse and much more.
    MidTown is open each and every day until 5 a.m.
    For bookings at MidTown, contact Conan at (501)372-7110 or email him at moeman03@comcast.net…….

    Denton's Trotline continues to bring in fine music, and continues to grow, too. They have already expanded that new deck considerably, and the talk is to kick out the walls even further. This all began just months ago, and already they've built it up even further. Indeed, this is now Saline County's premier party room.
    I caught an excellent set with The Lyle Dudley Band the other night.
    In the coming weeks are Typhoid Mary, Tragikly White, The Shannon Boshears Band, Port Arthur, Wanda Watson, Ben Coulter, The Big John Miller Band, The Joe Pitts Band, the legendary Sonny Burgess & The Pacers, Roy Rivers, Big Stack, Little Creek and the return of guitar monster Wes Jeans.
    And of course, Big John Miller hosts karaoke every Wednesday.
    Just take the Congo exit in Benton and the Trotline is right there next to I-30.
    Bands looking for bookings should call Robert Denton at (501)315-1717 in the afternoons…….

    Set to appear at West End in the coming month are Memphis Yahoos, Big Stack, Pail, PG-13 - The Band, Fracture, 7-Toed Pete, The Meanies, 1st Impressions, Crisis, Jason Greenlaw & The Groove, Max Taylor & The Blue Katz, The Gettys, House Arrest, Subdue…and don't miss the return of The Seth Freeman Band.
    This is a great dance room as well, with a massive sound and light system, a large dance-floor and a comfortable ambience overall. It is open every day, has a bazillion tvs for sports action, and they live, eat and breathe sports of all kinds.
    There’s an overflowing bar, it’s smoker-friendly, and they serve their full menu until 1 a.m. 7 days a week.
    For bookings call (501)224-7665…….

    The Markham Street Grill checks in with their usual excellent line-up.
    It is open 7 days a week, has live music about half the time, and is a total sports bar in every sense.
    The food is great, the service is top-notch, and the bar is always well stocked.
    It features free Wifi, a multitude of tv screens and serves up all things sports, and serves the full menu late into the night.
    Set to appear in the coming weeks are Brian Nahlen, Penguin Dilemma, The Trustees, Brown Sole Shoes, White Collar Criminals, Tonya Leeks, Joe Arats, The Paperboys, and more.
    And they have started building their downtown location, Dugan's Irish Pub, in the River Market. Look for it to be up and running by June.
    See the Sound pages for all the listings and dates.
    And they also feature a special late-nite happy hour from 10-12 nightly.
        For bookings call (501)224-2010…….

        Counterpoint is the all-nite bar in North Little Rock, and hence is busy all night every night. There’s live music every Saturday, Karaoke with Larry P on Sunday, Free pool, darts and ping pong every Monday, Karaoke with Debbi T every Wednesday, a live dj on Thursday, Funky Fridays with Debbi T every Friday…on Tuesday they want you to come and entertain them…
        On the bill in the coming weeks are After Eden, Jason Greenlaw & The Groove, The Gettys, Wicked Wes, Flood, Austin 305, Strange Love, and a bunch more.
    This club is open 'til daybreak as well, so it's a fun alternative for having to go on home…you know?!
    For bookings call Cheryl Drennan at (501)771-5515…….

    The Bamboo Club in Morrilton has shelved the greasy fried stuff and has created a truly delicious home-made pizza that’s worth driving a while to get.
    Coming up, look for the likes of South Bound, Risky Business, Dayton Waters (!), Midwestern Playboys, Jason Greenlaw & The Groove, Judge Parker with Seth Freeman sitting in, Eli & The Cotton Gin, Jett 420, Razzin' Kane, and much more.
    The Bamboo Club is open for lunch and dinner, has pool tables, a great bar, and features all the sports you can imagine on the big screens.
    For bookings contact Clay Griffey at (501)354-9990 in the afternoons.
    The Bamboo Club is located at 1111 W. Broadway…






In Hot Springs….
    The annual running of the ponies has come and gone once again. Most of the venues in town seem to think that they had a good season, with lots of horse lovers and gamblers pouring into town and dropping lotsa cash. (Which is good, as they can now pay all those bills that piled up during the rest of the year…)
    Thing is, for a few weeks after the meet ends there's a welcome lull in the town. Indeed, the whole community seems to breathe a collective sigh of relief…that is, until Memorial Day, when the Summer officially kicks in. With all the lakes and water sports activities, everything will soon get back to hustling, and will be that way until Fall.
    (Do keep in mind that this is also a National Park…)

    The exception seems to be The Big Chill, where the crowds appear like magic almost every night. But hey, it's a very cool spot: comfortable, reasonably priced, no cover charge, great bar and great bar food, sports bar downstairs, large outdoor wrap-around patio-deck, and some fine feathered friends that take care of your every need.
    Live music at The Big Chill is every night they're open - Monday through Saturday - and there's seldom any cover charge. The food is good for bar food, the bars are well-stocked, and the crowd that hangs there is a trip by itself.
    In the coming weeks look for the likes of Levon Walkin (every Monday), Grant Pierson & Joe Hall, Tabor & Young, perennial fave Dayton Waters, Kasey Kimmons, Trey Johnson & Dave Almond, Brian Bearden, Jocko, The Terry Black Band, Heavy Suga' & The SweeTones, Terry Black & The Upright Rooster, old friend Buddy Flett, and a great deal more.
    The folks are friendly, and the music is always top-notch, and there's simply no telling who might sit it with the bands.
    For bookings call Gina or David at the club at (501)624-5185…….

    Caught a great set by The Hump Night Blues Band at Odie's. This is a very fine band across the board, and Tony Nardi's left foot is astounding to witness. Indeed, that foot on those Hammond pedals is my favorite bass player in the world. They call themselves a blues band, but there's a lot of hard-core steady rock 'n' roll involved.
    Odie's is celebrating its 1-year aniversary right now, with some special dates and treats. This is a cool club, and I for one congratulate them on pulling it off for the first year. The club bidness is a tough one - especially in a town with so many nightspots and so many excellent restaurants.
    Kudos to Doug and the gang. Here's to another year…and as many as they wish.
    On the bill in the coming weeks are One Bent Minute, The Chris Watson Band, Danny Smith & The Midnite Shufflekings, The John Calvin Brewer Band, Strange Love and a bunch more.
    Hump Night hosts the blues jam each and every Thursday, and all real musicians are welcome to sit in.
    Odie's also has a free shuttle, too, and will pick you up and drive you to the club from almost anywhere in town. (They want to make sure their customers get around safely, you know…talk about taking care of bidness…)
    Odie's is just south of the track on the left going south…or on the right going north…funny how that works out… Look for the enormous parking lot full of cars and barbecue trucks.
    For bookings contact David Hughes at (501)620-3596…….

    Maxine's has a great line-up in store for the coming weeks. Look for shows by Kasey Anderson, Chip Robinson, Isaac Hoskins & Benko, The Boondogs, The Greg Spradlin Outfit, Andrew Anderson, The Rocketboys, Midwest Caravan, Izzy Cox and much more.
        For bookings contact Bill Solleder at (501)321-0909…….

    Lucky's is a 7-day-a-week rock 'n' roll bar, featuring live bands on weekends, really top-notch bar food, myriad food and drink specials, a primo stereo for dancing, pool tables, arcades and a virtual party going day and night.
    Coming to the club in the next several weeks are Jason Greenlaw & The Groovem The John Calvin Brewer Band, After Eden, The Bannister Brothers Band, Raising Grey, House Arrest and much more.
    And Lucky's is only one part of the quadruple threat of Joe and Penny Gargano's empire. It was a triple threat, but they recently opened a 4th venue: The Regency Banquet & Reception Room, just across from the street. I haven't had a chance yet to check it out personally, but will make a point to do so pryor to next issue.
    For information and reservations, call Lucky's at (501)622-2570, The Porterhouse at (501)321-8282, and Bela Arti at (501)624-7474…….

    For a late-night bar in the Spa look to Bogart's, downtown in an old train station. Bogart's is open 7 days a week, has several full bars, and a kitchen that serves until 4:30 a.m.
    There are live bands and karaoke on weekends, pool tables, a mechanical bull, a killer sound and light system, and this is where the townspeople tend to congregate when the other clubs close.
    Set to appear in the coming weeks are Ronnie Bear, the Midnight Hurricanes, The Aaron Owens Band, Mike Mayberry & The Slowhand Band, and much more.
    It is a private club for liquor law reasons, but the membership fees are nominal, and joining is a matter of basically signing in and paying the fee - which is good for a year.
    Check it out in the old train station on Broadway.
    For bookings and information call (501)623-5152…….



In Fort Smith….
    The fort is HAPPENING!!!
    With the warm weather upon us all the outdoor spots are getting in full gear, and we are SO happy about this. There's so much happening in Fort Smith these days it's hard to keep track of it all. But I'll do my college best to give you a run-down.

    Caught a fine show at the new Second Street Live, with the band Del Castillo. A full house was there for the band, and nobody left disappointed whatsoever. This band showed why they are in great demand throughout North America and beyond, with their riveting stage presence and terrific musicianship. The unusual combination of music styles was very infectious and more than a few folks couldn't help from dancing in their seats.
    Coming up are shows with Johnny A., jazz legend Stanley Jordan, Sam Bush, The Blue Fiddle (featuring Tom Ware), Raul Malo (who manager Dick Renko says is the best vocalist in the world, bar none), and an art reception fot world-famous Arkansas artist Doug Lippicott.
    Second Street Live is at 101 No. 2nd. To reach them by phone call Dick Renko at (479)782-5483…….

    It's finally here! The season opening of Neumeier's Rib Room & Beer Garden. This is the ultimate nightclub across the board, with great food, libations, and the tremendous music Bill Neumeier brings in.
    Already there has been a bit of a set-back: The sold out concert featuring Bret Michaels had to be postponed suddenly, as Mr. Michaels suffered an appendectomy. Word is that he's doing fine as can be expected, and that he will make the April 23rd show. As we say in these pages often, excrementum occurrum…
    Not to worry, though, as the club has a stellar line-up of talent booked for the season.
    Look for dates with Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Bret Michaels, The Klocks, Dallas Moore & The Snatch Wranglers, Oreo Blue with special guest Earl Cate, The Velcro Pygmies, Miss Used, Fly-By Radio and a lot more.
    On the 24th is the 14th Annual Barry Ratliff Memorial, featuring Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin, Woodshed and the Fuel Church Band.
    Then on April 29, it's the Hooter's Regional Swimsuit Competition (!), and the contestants will all be judged by their intelligence, poise and wit, I'm sure…much like they used to be when I took all those photos for Miss Hawaiian Tropic, you know?!
    I'm sure.
    The Rib Room serves up the very best barbecue ribs I've ever added to my body, and that's not an exaggeration. Indeed, I once watched a couple call ahead and drive 500 miles to pick up a large to-go order. That's how good they are.
    And it's a neat room by itself, complete with great custom lights and sound and several full bars to choose from.
    For bookings and info call Bill at (479)494-RIBS…….

    Heros has a full roster in the coming weeks. Look for Beans & Cornbread, Roger Alan Wade, The Hosty Duo, Copesetic, Flatland Travelers, Jim Dick & The Pocket Aces, Soda, Tom Ware & Petrifried, Roloo Tumasi, and more.
    Hero's is open every day and serves food until the wee-wee hours. There are hugh-screen tvs, pool tables, various arcades, excellent tacos and corndogs worth writing home about (I get a bagful whenever I'm there…)
    For bookings at the club call (479)784-5055…….

    R. Landry's has a stellar line-up for the next month. Look for The Sultans of Schwing, The Terri Quiett Band, powerhouse blues singer Wanda Watsoon, Clay Fisher, Brandon White & Chris Henderson, Gooding, The Phosphenes, 15 Keys, Satellite Hearts, Joe Pierson, Kory Montgomery, Chris Cameron, The 1 oz. Jig, some guy named robb, Keith Nicholson, The Crumbs, Sisters in the Round (featuring Tiffany Christopher, Candy Lee, Carter Simpson and Sarah Hughes), Rob & Shannon Caloway, harpman RJ Mischo with Earl & Them, The Pope County Bootleggers, Ben Miller Band, and Jed Clampit sitting in with Sarah Hughes, among others.
    R. Landry's is one of my favorite music venues…not just in Fort Smith, but in general.
    Be sure to see Landry's owner Dori Colston's report on this year's SXSW elsewhere in this issue.
    To reach them by phone, call (479)783-2505…….

    Old Town of Fort Smith checks in with a fine calendar of music for the coming weeks. On the bill are Chris Henderson, Josh Brown & Friends, The Mighty Moon Frogs, George Hughen, 15 Keys, Greg Madden, The Crumbs, Strangers 'Til Sunrise, Masagua, The Brittany Reilly Band, Take Five, Dorian Cross and a bunch more.
    Old Town is a legendary music room. Despite it's tiny size, the list of notables who've played there through the years is long as a well-rope.
    For bookings call (479)782-1999…….

        On down Garrison is the new Webby D's. This club features music on weekends and special occassions, and whenever I'm there the place is jam-packed.
    Coming in the next several weeks are the Gary Hutchison Trio, The Bannister Brothers Band, Subdue, Hedtripp, Kickstart, Dayton Waters, Quadrajet and Young Grammarians.
    There are pool tables, tvs, a great sound system, and a very full bar.
    Webby D's is a private club for liquor law reasons, but memberships are nominal.
    For bookings call (479)651-7555…….

    Things are changing at The Hangin' Judge Saloon, but for the better. They no longer sport that 5 a.m. license (according to Billy, after 2 in the a.m. the place was filling up with the sort of folks you really don't want.)
    It's open Monday through Saturday, with live DJs and dancing every night, and Gabe's karaoke on Tuesday and Wednesday. There's hip-hop on Thursday, and the occassional live band on the weekends.
    The stereo is top-notch, and there's always a crowd of partiers to keep the energy up.
    For bookings and information, call (479)494--0000…….

    The only place off Garrison with solid live music to speak of is Bordertown (formerly Ava's Rib Shack). There is live music every weekend, and truly incredible food.
    Set to appear in the coming weeks are Brandon White, Robert Presley, Hank McMurtry, The Dorian Cross Band, Willin' & Able, The Bannister Brothers Band, Mighty Moon Frogs, Tyrannosaurus Chicken, Cloud 9, Bordertown (the band), and many more.
    Bordertown has a spacious outdoor beer garden, a couple full bars, and they know how to party under the stars.
    For bookings call (479)646-4900…….





In NWA….
    Northwest Arkansas is going great guns these days. With the sunshine upon us, all the outdoor venues are going full steam ahead. There are quite a few now, and nearly all report in that business is booming.
    Of course, that guy on our cover is coming back to Fayetteville on April 22. Levon Helm will be the debut artist at the AMP, along with one of the best bands in the history of The Altered State, The Cate Brothers Band. Indeed, the Cates are the world-champion bar band in my book, and all you have to do is witness a show to see why. Earl, Ernie, David, Terry and Ron make some of the most solid sounds since the beginning of all music, and the fact that Terry Cagle is a nephew of Mr. Helm just sweetens the overall picture.
    The AMP has a large roster of dates planned for the upcoming season. Look for Rock The Runway, Blue Oyster Cult with The Georgia Satellites, The Indigo Girls, The Goo Goo Dolls, M.C. Hammer, Ted Nugent and a bunch more. (Actually I know who they are planning, but was asked not to spill the beans just yet…)
    The AMP is easily one of The Altered State's premier concert venues, and the shows and sheer presentations at the venue are always superb.

    George’s Majestic Lounge checks in with their usual killer roster. With two stages, jumbotrons to watch and monitor each room, concert-level sound systems and lighting, two outdoor patios and music-loving owners that feature some of the best bands in the world on a nightly basis, you can't go wrong.
    In the coming weeks look for the likes of Brantley Gilbert, Taddy Porter, The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Big Uns, Boombox, Cletus Got Shot, The Beatles tribute The Britins (complete with requisite outfits, haircuts and instruments), Lotus, Scarlet Night, BKI, Wrought, Even Heroes, Wisebird, Sevendust, Non-Point, Day Of Fire, Hail The Villain, Hardaway & The Commoners, Josh Garrett, Michael Burks, The Odds, Deer Tick, ROTC, Rocker Lips, Ryan Bingham, a pre-Wakarusa bash with Dirtfoot and Mountain Sprout, Boomkinetic, FOS Project, Fayetteville Funk Ensemble, Big, Bad Gina, Snake Eyes & The Bug Band and many, many more.
    And coming on May 1 is the release party for the band A Good Fight's newest CD - which is killer. Recorded at Barry Poynter's Palace studio, it's a great collection of music. See the feature on A Good Fight elsewhere in this issue, and make a point to get to the club for this party. (Otherwise you'll just hear about the great time you missed…)
    For bookings contact Brian or Harold at (479)527-6618…….

    The Greenhouse Grille, on South School, is easily one of the coolest clubs I've ever set foot in. The food is worth writing home about, and the ambience and atmosphere are as good as it comes.
    This restaurant/nightclub is being operated by people who love music and really know what they are doing…both in the music department and the kitchen.
    On the bill in the coming weeks look for Matt Smith Jazz, Clarke Buehling, Ren Lovely, an Earth Day bash with Jeff Kearney, The Drew Packard Triage, Raja, Sarah Hughes, Walter Savage Trio, Pat Pathoumthong, Shawn Eckles (of Speakeasy), Beth Stockdell on her harp, 3 Penny Acre, Claire Holley, Candy Lee & The Sweets, Mark Bilyeu (of big Smith), and much more.
    They are also in demand for their excellent catering, providing meals for bands that play at The AMP, Walton Arts Center and so on.
    For bookings call (479)444-8909…….

    The Walton Arts Center is jammin'…
    Of course, at the end of the UA Semester they are hosting various University concerts, with many of the various departments utilizing that stage for some large productions.
    On the bill in the coming weeks are funny-man musician Steve Martin (An Evening of Bluegrass & Banjo), a production of the musical Grease, Mary Oliver, and on the 22nd, Mr. Jim Brickman on his "Beautiful World Tour."
    For information call (479)443-5600, or check out waltonartscenter.org…….

    The Smoke & Barrel Tavern checks in this issue with a very fine list of performers.
    In the coming weeks look for Phosphenes, Rolo Tumasi, Friday Maybe Saturday, Bandit Sound, Literature, Candy Lee & The Sweets, Jeff Kearney, Lucio Presents, The Pope County Bootleggers, Tyrannosaurus Chicken (featuring Smilin' Bob Lewis and Rachel Ammons, Mark Bilyeu, Awesome Color, The Hair Police, Graham Wilkinson & The Underground Township, Andy Frasco, Cletus Got Shot, and Adam Lee & Dead Horse.
    There is still no word yet on the progress of their micro-brewery, but it should be ready any day now.
    The Smoke & Barrel is open 7 days a week.
    For bookings call (479)521-6880…….

    Both Jose's locations are back in the musical saddle now that the sunshine has returned. The Dickson Street store has returned to shows in Streetside. On that bill in the coming weeks are Lean, Joe Giles, Chester P & Vinyl Kings, Earl & Them, Jason Strode, The Odds, FOS Project, John D. Levan, Sarah Hughes, Lil Hoojin, The Travelling Wheelbearings and Big Bad Bubba.
    For bookings call (479)521-0194…….

    In Springdale, the list includes Old Dime Box, FOS Project, Kelly Road Band, Charliehorse, Perfect Strangers, Cassette, Earl's Garage, Leah & The Mojo Doctors and a bunch more.
    For bookings call (479)750-9055……..

    Powerhouse Seafood has kicked up the music on the patio again as well. Set to appear are Boom Kinetic, After The Crash, Travis Kidd, Full House Band, Charliehorse and Hardaway & The Commoners.
    For bookings call (479)442-8300…….

    Rogue Pizza has Army of Birds, Starved For Attention, Deadbird, Imperius Rex, Bent Grass Green and a bunch more.
    For bookings call (479)571-5200…….

    Coming in late May, our good friend Mr. Flying Possum, will be presenting Megan Slankard playing live in the store. We'll try to have a look at her for next issue, but make a point to get to Dickson on May 26…….

    All in all, it is time now, children, to take it outside and play. Don't step on the roses…….

Nightflying Publications
P.O. Box 250276
Little Rock, AR 72225
Phone: (501)354-8577
Fax: (501)354-1994
For advertising information (print or electronic), call, write or
E-mail to: info@nightflying.com.