Red, white and tune
Sweet sounds of freedom enliven celebration
Ever since Francis Scott Key penned “The Star-Spangled Banner” in 1814, music has united America and brought tears to the eyes of folks across the country. Each year, Pops on the River continues that great tradition by offering a variety of patriotic performances, from contemporary tunes to heartwarming classics. Read on to learn about the 2018 lineup.
3-5 P.M. MUSIC FROM 106.7 THE RIDE NEW COUNTRY PAVILION PLAZA
Shawn Reed of 106.7 The Ride New Country will be this year’s master of ceremonies. A Milwaukee native, he began leaving footprints across The Natural State as soon as he arrived in 2016. The avid runner completed his 11th half marathon at the Little Rock Marathon in March. The Ride will broadcast live from Pops on the River from 3-6 p.m.
6 P.M. KEMISTRI, FEATURING NICKY PARRISH FIRST SECURITY AMPHITHEATER
Drawing inspiration from reggae, blues, hiphop and many other genres, Kemistri touches hearts and lifts spirits, focusing on music as a universal language and a tool for global healing. The band will be joined by singer Nicky Parrish, who hails from Little Rock. With her powerful vocals, Parrish is a BET Apollo Live winner and six-time Amateur Night Apollo winner. These performers are sure to enliven the crowd with their dynamic energy and eclectic sounds.
7 P.M. THE BIG DAM HORNS FIRST SECURITY AMPHITHEATER
Named after Little Rock’s Big Dam Bridge, The Big Dam Horns are a local favorite. The band was formed in 2012 by musicians from central and southwest Arkansas who met while attending Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. With 11 members, the band serves up a horninfused mix of blues, R&B and classic rock tunes from the 1930s to today. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/TheBigDamHorns.
8 P.M. LITTLE ROCK MAYOR MARK STODOLA AND ARKANSAS GOV. ASA HUTCHINSON FIRST SECURITY AMPHITHEATER
Festival attendees will also hear from Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who are expected to say a few words expressing their thoughts about Independence Day and their gratitude to veterans. Born in Bentonville, Hutchinson took office in 2015. Stodola has served as Little Rock’s mayor since 2007.
8:30 P.M. THE ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FIRST SECURITY AMPHITHEATER
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will close the evening’s musical performances with angelic renditions of classic American tunes in preparation for the Pops on the River Fireworks finale. Joining the orchestra to belt out the national anthem will be Jarod “J-Rod” Matheney, a Conway-based musician who has performed the national anthem for the Arkansas Travelers and the Memphis Redbirds. At 9:30 p.m., shrieks and bangs will join the soundscape when fireworks light up downtown.