Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Incredible live music can be found throughout different venues in NWA
Live music has taken over Northwest Arkansas from bars that have been open for decades, to a new venue that has received national attention. Some of the biggest names in music make their way to Northwest Arkansas to perform at the Wal-Mart Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP). The outdoor concert venue that is ranked nationally as one of the best outdoor amphitheaters is located just off of Interstate 49 in Rogers.
“The Wal-Mart AMP has been a great addition to Northwest Arkansas because it allows large stars who are on tour in the Midwest to perform in a large outside arena” Jennifer Wilson, Public Relations Director at the Wal-Mart AMP.
The AMP has an incredible line up of performers in the Cox Concert Series that will end in October. This year, artists that have or will grace the Wal-Mart AMP stage include legends such as Willie Nelson, Blink-182, Mary J. Blige, Rascal Flatts, Matchbox Twenty, Brad Paisley and KISS. As well as up-and-coming artists Lauren Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young.
“The big thing that has changed since it was first opened is how many performances we had this year compared to the first couple of years,” Wilson said.
2009 was the first year of the AMP where there were only 12 performances. When AMPFest takes place in mid-October, that will be the 25th event of 2017.
Other than the big stars, smaller venues host local artists at many different bars and restaurants around the Northwest Arkansas area where you can see a great show.
Restaurants such as Crabby’s (Rogers), Foghorn’s (Fayetteville), JJ’s Grill (Bella Vista and other locations), Kingfish (Fayetteville), Mojo’s Pints & Pies, Black Apple Crossing (Springdale), Chelsea’s Corner Café (Eureka Springs), George’s Majestic Lounge (Fayetteville) and many more host great artists who put on incredible shows during dinner and drinks.
Some venues like George’s Majestic Lounge, host up to 300+ performances a year.
“There is an organic comfort that the venue exudes that brings connectivity to the patron and artists performing at Georges.
It is a special place to experience live music and or host private events. You will get a concert experience in both our lounge and larger main Garden theater,” Brian Crowne, Owner of George’s Majestic Lounge said.
Overall there has been a huge impact in non-profit arts and cultural organizations and audiences. Since 2015, a combined $131 million has been made from the organizations and audiences in the Northwest Arkansas region. Wilson is very proud of the financial impact that the AMP and other art venues have brought to Northwest Arkansas.
For more information on live music in the Northwest Arkansas area, go to http:// www.freeweekly.com/live-music/ for a full upcoming schedule of live performances or NWA Event Hub can be located at http:// www.nwaonline.com/eventhub/#/.