Localist

Deeter says Farewell

2008-07-06T10:46:00.005-05:00

After 5 years of covering the local music and arts scene, I've decided that it is time to move on. When I started Localist in 2003 there was absolutely no coverage of music and arts, and back then there was a real need to find some way to champion the greatness of our humble little state. While there was very little coverage of the indie and punk scene, the hip hop scene was completely ignored,

Pop In The Park

2008-06-18T10:42:00.003-05:00

Localist and The Rivermarket have teamed up to bring you a family friendly summer concert series with a diverse bill of Arkansas' best musical artists. The shows will take place at the history pavillion located just left of the junction bridge. Like the Rivermarket sponsored Movies In The Park, ice chest, lawn chairs, and blankets are welcome (no glass containers.) If you have never been to a

Help Put a Wind Turbine at Dunbar

2008-06-02T10:46:00.004-05:00

Tonight (Monday.2.June) @ 6pm at the Oyster Bar, friends of Dunbar Community Garden and ECO (The Ecological Conservation Organization) are hosting a fundraiser to help toward the construction of a wind turbine at the Dunbar Community Garden. The turbine will not only help power Dunbar Gardens, but also educate local kids on alternative (clean, renewable) energy sources.Dunbar Gardens is true

Downtown Music Hall Moved

2008-05-28T17:51:00.006-05:00

Say good by to those gray walls. It may be old news to some folks, but a lot of people I have been talking to around town still don't know that Downtown Music Hall has moved one door down. Apparently they had the notion to expand after Don Vicci vacated the building. I highly recommend stopping in and checking it out. It's real nice and there is

In Studio with The Weisenheimers

2008-05-19T16:27:00.002-05:00

“If there are two things you need to know about this band, it’s that we’re punctual and we have good grammar.” So saith Mark Wyers, guitarist for The Weisenheimers. We’re jammed into Wolfman Studios in downtown Little Rock on a Saturday morning, putting the finishing touches on the Arkansas punk-pop band’s self-titled debut. The rest of the band is needling lead singer/bassist Karle Johnson

Music Videos @ Rev Room Saturday

2008-05-16T19:54:00.002-05:00

Sat.17.May @ Revolution Music Room (8:30pm, $10), join the finalists in Little Rock's first music video competition, as well as special guests 607 and Techno-Squid Eats Parliament, for a multi-media slice of Little Rock music.

Show Review

2008-05-12T14:39:00.005-05:00

SILVERTONFAYETTEVILLE/OLD POST OFFICE/MAY 6THMidnight Tuesday has come and gone, and I’m in a dim ‘n’ rowdy Fayetteville basement brimming with broken guitar strings, a whirling barefoot tambourinist, and a sweetly sweating wave of countrified bo-ho coeds. We are the latest lucky victims to come under the spell of Silverton, an eight-piece folk-rock act that is helping redefine what it means to

Dead Media Rises Again

2008-05-05T14:34:00.004-05:00

Nathan Brown is once again flaunting his refusal to play by your rules. Next Monday (12 May) at Sticky Fingerz (10pm, $4), he launches his new 8-track label, The Dead Media, with the release of a new album from Crisco Kids. There's a collection of treatises concerning the commitment to 8-tracks on the label's MySpace page. Supporting the Kids will be Buttons and Stacy Mackey.One-dollar beers as

Localist Agenda 1.May.2008

2008-05-01T11:28:00.005-05:00

Thurs.1.May Clint G @ White Water Tavern (9pm, $5). Lucero @ The Dickson Theatre (8pm, $5) with The Good Fear and The Inner Party. Juiceboxx @ The Exchange (9pm, $5) with Holy Shit! And The Thing That Always Explodes. Fri.2.MayCool Shoes Dance Party @ Downtown Music Hall (8pm, $5) with DJs Casey S. and Deeter, art by Ike P. and Cameron Holifield, and special guest Rockst*r. Brian

Epiphany's AETN Appearance to re-air tonight.

2008-04-24T09:20:00.002-05:00

One of the top-selling independent hip-hop performers in the state, Epiphany recently performed in the AETN studios. “Epiphany is one the most professional and gracious entertainers I have had the pleasure to host on the AETN Presents: Front Row series,” Producer Casey Sanders said. “He and the band were a joy and a blast in every way. “The band's jazz, soul and rock-and-roll infused

Localist Agenda 24.April.2008

2008-04-24T08:37:00.003-05:00

Thurs.24.AprilThe Weisenheimers @ White Water Tavern (9pm, $5) with Jason & The Punknecks. Little Rock's own California-style punks, plus the Punknecks, a touring hillbilly rock'n'roll outfit. Fri.25.AprilACAC Show Your Shorts Film Night @ 1419 S. Main (6-10pm, $5 suggested). The third in a continuing series of Arkansas short film showcases from ACAC, this week's featured filmmakers

Localist Agenda 18.April.2008

2008-04-18T09:09:00.005-05:00

Fri.18.April Conduit’s Night Breeze Chill @ The Salty Parrot (8pm, $10) with Epiphany & Gina Gee, Goines, Rockst*r, Lady Phat, DK & Soulja T, BMore Mike, Shea Marie, JP, Mr. Gator, and Cliauestarz. The Reds @ White Water Tavern (9pm. $5) with Gringo Star (pictured) and Jonathan Wilkins. Silverton @ Vino’s (8:30pm, $7)with Siberian and Mat Mahar. Sat.19.AprilWestern Meds @ Pizzza D’

Localist Agenda 11.April.2008

2008-04-11T09:51:00.004-05:00

This is a weekend for the ages. Friday could be the best White Water show you’ll see all year, as White and Co. welcome their old friends The Whiskeyhounds (now, The Magpies) back to town for a couple of shows in advance of their album release May 15. You’d be well-advised to get there early Friday, as they’re expecting a capacity-crowd. The Magpies' new album is energetic and sublime, and

MAXXimum Impact: A Hip Hop Show

2008-04-02T14:31:00.005-05:00

Hip Hop School graduate Max Farrell (Maxx, to his fans) is launching what he hopes will become a regular concert series featuring Arkansas’ best hip hop artists. Farrell says he’s putting everything he learned at Hip Hop School to work. Besides writing and performing in the show, he has organized and promoted the event on his own, and the line-up could hardly be better: Rockst*r, 607, Goines,

Weekend Agenda

2008-03-14T16:13:00.002-05:00

Fri.14.Mar Marky Ramone @ Revolution Music Room (8pm, $12/$15) with Ettiem and DJ Rod Bryan. Big Silver @ White Water Tavern (9pm, $5) with The Boondogs. Ace Spade & The Whores of Babylon @ Downtown Music Hall (8pm, $6) with Kevin Kerby, True Gritt, and San Antokyo. Sat.15.MarEnergy Shift Concert @ The Village (8pm, $5) with Epiphany & Gina Gee, The Reds, Sean West, Kyoto Boom, Rockst*r

Friday VOV Preview

2008-03-14T16:11:00.001-05:00

FRIDAY, MARCH 14th - Low Key Arts, 118 Arbor, $5/All Ages/7 pm, 501-282-9057 DIRTFOOT (Louisiana) Dirtfoot is a blend of eclectic styles as well as diverse personalities. By far, their claim to fame is their high energy shows and overwhelming crowd participation. They involve the fans with infectious grooves, call and response songs as well as their famous "Beancans'. Each show, bean cans (

Thursday VOV Preview

2008-03-13T16:06:00.000-05:00

THURSDAY, MARCH 13th - Low Key Arts, 118 Arbor, $5/All Ages/7 pm, 501-282-9057 BEAT UNION (United Kingdom) for fans of The Clash, The Jam and Goldfinger Hailing from two dead-end towns on the outskirts of BIRMINGHAM UK. They take a huge influence from the late seventies early and eighties punk and new wave bands, then 'mix' it up with contemporary rock music and production. BEAT UNION provide a

Wednesday VOV Preview

2008-03-12T21:20:00.001-05:00

PEELANDER-Z (Japan/NYC) Japanese Action Comic Punk Band, was formed by Peelander-Yellow, Peelander-Blue, and Peelander-Red (claim they are from Z area in the Planet Peelander!!) in 1998, and came into action based in NYC. These three dress up in color-coordinated costumes as if they came out of Japanese Animation, which they claim are not costumes but their skin. Their performance is not just

Valley of the Vapors Begins

2008-03-12T21:15:00.003-05:00

by Jonelle DoughtyAs the spring sun coaxes Nature from her blissful winter slumber, so will Arkansas musicians be inspired to blossom by talents from around the world. The fourth annual Valley of the Vapors Music Festival (The VOV) is quickly approaching, March 12-17, and the 2008 lineup looks to be the best yet. The VOV—whose mission is to expand the cultural resources available to the

Localist Weekend 29.Feb & 1.Mar

2008-02-29T09:42:00.002-06:00

Fri.29.Feb Rockst*r & Co. @ Vino’s (8pm, $5) with Mayhemm, 4x4 Crew, Young Taz, Dirtbag, Combination, Maxx, 7 Deuce, and Bonafied Music w/ DJ Discipline on the 1's and 2’s. Jampire @ the Rad Rad Rad House (10pm) with Mad Trucker and Jack to the Future. Cooper’s Orbit @ Sticky Fingerz (9pm, $5). Sat.1.MarBear Colony (pictured) @ Vino’s (8:30pm, $7) with Look Mexico, PLU, The Frantic,

Localist Agenda 22.Feb.2008

2008-02-22T15:27:00.002-06:00

This week the march to South by Southwest begins, with a noticeable increase in the number of top shelf touring acts on Little Rock stages. The week’s lineup of local acts impresses, too, starting with what is sure to be an awesome show at White Water tonight. The Good Fear haven’t performed since late summer (to our loss), so they should be well-rested; although we hear they’ve abdicated the

Localist Preview: Showcase Round Four

2008-02-21T16:41:00.003-06:00

Kyoto Boom This final week of the showcase will prove to be the most eclectic thus far, and Kyoto Boom will hold up their end, representing rock and roll. And while they do indeed rock, they’re not your average garage rock band with five chords and nothing new to offer. The band’s sound is dynamic, swinging from brash, choppy verses to lush and melodic segments before stripping everything

Localist Preview: Showcase Round Three

2008-02-14T11:22:00.003-06:00

Brian MartinBrian Martin crafts amazingly warm songs with a distinctly soulful approach combined with ragtag folk and delta blues influences. The instrumentation is often sparse but more than enough to animate the narratives at hand. Of note are Martin's warm, gruff vocals paired with lyrics that will bring both a smile to your face and leave you intrigued. It's not difficult to get lost in the

Music You Need: Localist Talks to Over The Rhine

2008-02-08T10:44:00.000-06:00

Localist caught up with Linford Detweiler, one-half of the songwriting couple Over The Rhine (the other half is Karin Bergquist), who will be making their way to Little Rock Monday for a show at the Rev Room. OTR has been making making music for almost twenty years, and they've toured with Bob Dylan and were members of Cowboy Junkies for a short time. Their 2003 album Ohio was one of Paste

Localist Agenda 8.Feb.2008

2008-02-07T18:38:00.000-06:00

What a week to be in Little Rock. Tonight’s Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase could be even more competitive than last week’s, with four superb acts going at it for a spot in the March finals. See our preview post below for line-up. Friday looks just as good, with songwriting legends Jim Mize and Isaac Alexander sharing the White Water stage. Saturday could be a long one, beginning with

LOCALIST PREVIEW: SHOWCASE ROUND TWO

2008-02-06T21:07:00.000-06:00

Notion This four-piece rock outfit from the capital city stands out among local acts, bringing foot-stomping soulful sounds to the stage—their set should be a diverse one. They’ve got steady-moving folk tunes as well as revved-up, sassy songs like “Depression Weapon” from their 2006 EP. Lead singer and guitarist Noel Moniot’s poignant croon lends the band’s sound a wistfulness that carries the

Localist Agenda 1.Feb.2008

2008-02-01T13:54:00.000-06:00

Fri.1.FebMat Mahar @ White Water Tavern (9pm, $5) with Nathan Singleton & His Sideshow Tragedy. Daft Punk Tribute @ Revolution (8pm, $12). Downtown Brown @ Easy Street Caberet (9pm) with The C.U.N.T.S. and The Buttons. Sat.2.FebFree the West Memphis 3 Benefit @ Downtown Music Hall (8pm, $6) with STD’s, Antichrist Sperm Donor, Bloodletting Device, and more. Pine Box Boys @ White

Localist Preview: Showcase Round One

2008-01-30T21:39:00.000-06:00

The Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase kicks off Thursday at Sticky Fingerz (9pm, $5) and this first of four rounds sets the standard for the stiff competition that each week is going to bring. Each week’s grouping is a diverse representation of Little Rock’s varied music scene. Here’s Localist’s look at the First Round contestants. The Running BackHailing from Arkadelphia, The Running Back,

Localist Agenda 25.Jan.2008

2008-01-25T00:09:00.000-06:00

Evenings are becoming more crowded lately, with plenty of great reasons to hit more than one venue in one night. Friday is a prime example: Graham Wilkinson never disappoints, even though the last time he played Sticky Fingerz the crowd was sparse. Those who did attend got to see hometown boy Chris Denny perform with The Underground Township, though, which was a treat. If such a pairing is to

Suzi Talks Southern Sex with Dr. Phil

2008-01-24T18:24:00.000-06:00

Local author Suzi Parker, fresh off the release of her book Sex in the South: Unbuckling the Bible Belt, will be on the Dr. Phil Show talking about suburban swingers. The show airs Friday 25 Jan at 3pm on KTHV (11).Check it out!

Localist Agenda 17.Jan.2008

2008-01-17T22:44:00.000-06:00

Matt White and Co. are celebrating a year with White Water Tavern by bringing in the folks who got Mr. White started booking bands in the first place—GC5. Doug McKean & The Stuntmen are former GC5ers and Whiskeyhounds rolling into town for two nights of pure rock madness. The openers for these two shows could support a bill themselves. (The Moving Front, opening Friday, have returned to the

Localist Agenda 11.Jan.2008

2008-01-11T13:41:00.000-06:00

Fri.11.Jan Arkansas Shorts: A Night of Short Films @ Historic Malco Theatre in Hot Springs (7:30pm, $5) ACAC Show Your Shorts Film Screening (6pm, $5) See our post below on Friday's plethora of short film viewing opportunities. Kick-off of the Soul’d Out Concert Series @ Juanita’s (10pm, $15) Get ready for big names in this series, plus budding local talent. Quite a bargain for

Monday is the New Friday

2008-01-11T13:27:00.000-06:00

Mondays have taken a turn for the best in Little Rock. For several weeks now, the Damn Bullets and Justin Carr’s Windmill Rose Co. have been holding court in the piano room at Easy Street every Monday night. Now, Thick Syrup Records head Travis McElroy is booking Monday nights at Sticky Fingerz, with the biggest names in local music on hand and plans for touring band appearances, too. I’m

It's Wintertime: Pull Out Your Shorts

2008-01-11T12:48:00.000-06:00

Hot Springs’ Valley of the Vapors music festival is teaming up with the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute to bring movie-goers a night of Arkansas film at the historic Malco Theatre in Downtown Hot Springs. The program is an hour and a half of documentary, comedy, music video, and experimental film. Most of the films are either directed by, written by, or starring Hot Springs natives.

Heima Finds a Home in Arkansas

2007-12-27T11:04:00.000-06:00

By Jonelle Doughty An enchanting, simple melody, reminiscent of an antique music box, and an evocative statement by Sigur Rós bassist Georg Holm open the trailer for the band’s film Heima. “I sometimes get this strange and sort of uncontrollable urge to want to go home.” Holm’s words connected with me immediately and I found myself wanting to go home. The idea of “home” is something everyone

Localist Agenda 27.Dec.2007

2007-12-27T01:05:00.000-06:00

Thursday.27.Dec Grand Buffet @ Vino’s with Ginsu Wives and Futuro Boots (9pm, $5) Haven’t seen Casey this excited about an HFU! show in a while. Grand Buffet’s inventive rap has already made fans of national touring acts, and Little Rock’s best underground-ish booking whiz has put our little town on their map. Here’s hoping they get a proper welcome. Hayes Carll @ Rev Room (8pm, $10) Not

Localist Agenda Thursday.20.Dec

2007-12-20T23:03:00.000-06:00

Friday.21.Dec Localist Xmas Punk Rock Blow Out @ Vino’s (8pm, $5) Holy shit! Cinema Hurt, Mother 33, Appetite 4 Orange, and Maxx! 100th person through the front door gets to kiss Mrs. Claus’ tattoo. Jason Thompson Stand-Up Comedy @ Easy Street Cabaret Room (8:30pm, $5) Jason (pictured) has performed in the past with Red Octopus, has made a hilarious short film, and plays drums for Hector

Localist Agenda 13.Dec.2007

2007-12-13T17:47:00.000-06:00

Friday.14.Dec Shotgun Stories Arkansas Premier @ Market Street Cinema (7pm) Shotgun Stories Premier Post Party @ Sticky Fingerz with Ben Nichols and Smoke Up Johnny Tickets for the film, which are $20 and include entrance to the after party at Sticky Fingerz, may be purchased at the Arkansas Times, Market Street Cinema, or Sticky Fingerz. They’re nearly sold out, so hurry. Incidentally,

Localist Agenda 6.Dec.2007

2007-12-06T11:17:00.000-06:00

Thursday 6 DecemberBenjamin Del Shreve @ The Village (8pm, $10) Benjamin Del Shreve has seen a range of styles through his career, from Christian rock to Ozark Americana. For his recent album, Brilliant and Charming, he’s settled on a more rockin’ approach. It’s an upbeat listen with some thoughtful breaks of introspection. Friday 7 DecemberChristopher Denny & The Old Soles @ White Water

Localist Agenda 11.29.2007

2007-11-29T10:55:00.000-06:00

Thursday 29 NovemberChristopher Denny @ Rev Room with Matt Anders, The Roller Derby Girls, Heather Bennett, Rebecca O’Fallon, and Micha Qualls (8pm, $5) This benefit for the Arkansas AIDS Foundation, sponsored by the UALR Alliance, marks Christopher Denny’s return to the Little Rock stage, headlining a packed line-up of Little Rockers. Free red ribbons with cover, and buttons, t-shirts, and

Localist Agenda 11.23.2007

2007-11-23T15:47:00.000-06:00

Friday 23 NovemberSmoke Up Johnny @ White Water Tavern with The Reds and San Antokyo (9pm, $5)The last time these three bands performed together was The Reds’ album release show at Vino’s. Despite a crowd smaller than one would expect for three of the city’s best rock bands, the show was awesome. Tonight should be no different, besides a post-Thanksgiving bustin’-at-the-seams White Water

Localist Agenda 11.15.2007

2007-11-15T10:47:00.000-06:00

Saturday 17 NovemberMan Man @ Downtown Music Hall with A+ Setup (9pm, $5)After a famously awesome show at Whitewater several months ago, Man Man are returning to Little Rock courtesy of your pals at Localist. A+ Setup opens. Be there early! Gallery 26 13th Annual Holiday Art Show Opening Reception (7pm to 10pm, free!)There will be live music by Kevin Kerby and Geoff Curran, as well as the

CNN & 607 @ WWT

2007-11-09T15:49:00.001-06:00

In conjunction with the fortieth anniversary of the death of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., CNN is preparing a series of CNN Presents specials, including one on a couple of hip hop projects. One is Kanye West's hip hop school. The other is TJ Deeter's hip hop school. Tonight, a film crew from CNN will be capturing an impromptu performance by 607 at Whitewater Tavern for the piece, to air in

Localist Agenda 11.8.2007

2007-11-08T10:37:00.000-06:00

Thursday 8 November Bear Colony @ The Rev Room (9pm, $6)Bear Colony are skilled crafters of shy anthems grounded in crisp underbeats, sewn together with dreamy guitar. It’s hard not to get lost in their build-and-repeat choruses—definitely one of central Arkansas’ finest. Friday 9 November Notion @ Rivermarket Pavilion (8pm, $10-Benefit for Music My Way)With noticeable influences

Breaking News: Golden Voice meets Golden Ear

2007-11-04T18:16:00.000-06:00

Local roots phenomenon Christopher Denny recently sat down with head of Columbia Records, Rick Rubin. Rubin, dubbed "the most important producer of the last twenty years" by MTV, is renowned for his ability to pinpoint untapped potential in an artist's sound. He has produced and made into giants artists from LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, and Run-DMC, to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Dixie

Localist Agenda 11.1.2007

2007-11-01T13:20:00.000-05:00

Thursday 1 NovemberKevin Kerby @ Whitewater Tavern (9pm, $5)The patron saint of Little Rock singer-songwriters, live on All Saints Day. Friday 2 NovemberMountain Sprout @ Whitewater Tavern with Mat Mahar (9pm, $5)Eureka Springs bluegrass comes down from the mountain for the weekend, with the oddly complementary Mat Mahar opening. Mountain Sprout's sound might as well come from a hill-dwelling

November Show Picks

2007-11-01T13:12:00.000-05:00

Thursday 1 NovemberKevin Kerby @ Whitewater Tavern Saturday 3 NovemberLocalist Presents: Smoke Up Johnny and Jampire @ Downtown Music Hall Tuesday 6 NovemberTed Leo and the Pharmacists @ Juanita’s Wednesday 7 NovemberStarroy @ Whitewater Tavern Thursday 8 NovemberBear Colony @ The Rev Room Saturday 10 NovemberSamantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers @ Whitewater Tavern with

Localist Agenda 10.25.2007

2007-10-25T10:16:00.000-05:00

October 25-30 at Arkansas Arts Center's Studio Theatre: Night of the Living Dead. (all shows start at 8pm, except October 26 at 10pm)This is a live theatre adaptation of the classic film, complete with adult themes and language. Should be awesome.Friday 26 October Smoke Up Johnny Record Release Show at Whitewater Tavern with Kyoto Boom and Burt Taggart. (10pm, $10 with CD/$6 without)With two

Q&A with Explosions in the Sky

2007-10-22T00:53:00.000-05:00

Localist talked to Mark Smith of Explosions in the Sky, who'll be playing a Sunday show at the Rev Room in one week-- Sunday 28 October at 9pm. Be there. But until then, enjoy the interview.LOCALIST: What do you know of Little Rock? Is it completely off the radar or maybe some place you've heard of but don't really know about?