Sarah Woolf of Follow the Woolf has your guide to Arkansas’ music scene. This week, go to the Amasa Hines album release show, the King Biscuit Blues Festival and more.

Around Little Rock

Wednesday 10/3
Artist Appreciation / Cajun’s Wharf – 2400 Cantrell Rd / 7:30 / $5
A night to acknowledge and celebrate local artists.  The night will consist of presentations, live entertainment by Dino D & the D Train Band, DJ Paul, and appearances by The On Call Band, Nicky Parrish, Tonya Leeks, Bijoux, Crissy P. Twanna Campbell- Berry and a rare appearance by William Staggers. There will be presentations by Rodney Block, Tonya Leeks, Tim Anthony, Charlotte Taylor, Sonta Jean, Dazz & Brie, Butterfly, Jeron, Genine Latrice Perez, Candysoul, Carter Thomas and more.  Attendees are asked to bring a musical toy to give back and inspire the children of our community.  This will be a special night to say thanks to all these musicians and what they do for us.
Bijoux does Badu: Part 3 / South on Main / 8 / $10
This month’s Sessions at South on Main is curated by local art teacher/artist Phillip Rex Huddleston.  To kick off this month, he’s asked the one-and-only Central Arkansas R&B/soul diva Bijoux to bring back one of the most requested shows to the South on Main stage as she pays tribute to the music of Erykah Badu.
Squirrel Nut Zippers / Revolution Music Room – 300 President Clinton Ave / 8 / $35
This show is headed for a sell-out as the Squirrel Nut Zippers return to the Rock.  Squirrel Nut Zippers was formed in the mid 1990s in Chapel Hill, North Carolina by front man Jimbo Mathus along with drummer/percussionist Chris Phillips as a way to escape from the cookie cutter world that was modern rock radio at that time. With a quirky mix of jazz cords, folk music and punk rock leanings, their sound quickly spread across the nation, selling over three million albums between 1995-2000 led by their breakout album Hot in 1996.   After an extended hiatus, the band returns with their first studio album in 18 years, Beasts of Burgundy, embracing the city that inspires them, New Orleans.  Come join this cast of characters as they take a walk down Burgundy St. for a musical journey you’ll never forget.
Thursday 10/4
Divas in the Rock II: A Tribute to the Queen of Soul / South on Main – 1304 Main St. / 6 / $15 advance, $20 at the door. www.centralarkansastickets.com
This special night, presented by Opera in the Rock, pays tribute to the life of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.  Join this special mix of opera and soul divas including LaSheena V. Gordon & Off the Cuff, Genine LaTrice Perez, Nicky Parish and more as they share their gifts in tribute.
Won Run and Reade Mitchell / White Water Tavern – 2500 W. 7th / 8:30
Two local acts come together for a great night of music.  Won Run combines blues, hip-hop, classic rock and pop into one huge sound. Opening the show is that Jersey-born, Arkansa- bred, Africa-raised singer-songwriter Reade Mitchell, performing songs he’s written and songs he wish he’d written.
Gil Franklin Project / Cajun’s Wharf – 2400 Cantrell Rd. / 9
Come on out for a night of classic blues from Central Arkansas bluesman Gil Franklin and friends.
Friday 10/5
“Real Jazz” Night with Rodney Block / Ira’s Restaurant – 311 Main St / 9:30 / $10, $15 reserved seating 501-902-4911
Come to Little Rock’s newest culinary hot spot for a night of “real jazz,” reminiscent of that New York, Kansas City and Seattle late night jazz vibe featuring performances by Rodney Block, joined by the one and only Bijoux.
The Big News / Four Quarter Bar – 415 Main St. NLR / 10 / $7
Keep the Friday night party going with original ska punk straight from Oklahoma City with The Big News. The guys rocked it last time and can’t wait to do it again.
Saturday 10/6
Amasa Hines album release party with Isaac Alexander and Yuni Wa / Revolution Music Room – 300 President Clinton Ave / 9 / $12 advance, $15 day of event
If I had to pick one show in Little Rock not to miss this weekend, it would be this.  Little Rock’s own five-piece powerhouse Amasa Hines releases their long awaited second album: Ivory Loving Glass, with a special album release party tonight at the Rev Room joined by their friends, local rock & roll singer songwriter Isaac Alexander and electronic, hip hop, rock synthwave producer and composer Yuni Wa. Get your tickets here.
JD Wilkes and Jim Mize / White Water Tavern – 2500 W. 7th St. / 9 / $10
I hope to be able to make this show too as JD Wilkes makes his long awaited return to the White Water.  Probably best known as the founder and front man of the Southern Gothic rock and blues band, The Legendary Shack Shakers, JD brings that same intensity to his solo shows.  A carnival barker steeped in southern culture he brings a show you won’t forget and will be asking for more.  Opening the show is another southern storyteller, singer-songwriter from Conway, Jim Mize.
The Smoking Flowers / Four Quarter Bar – 415 Main St. NLR / 10
Alt Country. NL Magazine describes them best: “Kim and Scott Collins, The Smoking Flowers, carry on the torch where Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris left off in their day, delivering beautifully produced, sometimes moody songs with knockout harmonies…and less traditional than your classic country-folk duo by bringing a punk-attitude and energy to their highly infectious songs.  A marriage of song and voice that is uniquely their own.”
Sunday 10/7
Trust Tree Presents: Rockin’ In the Garden / Bernice Garden – 1401 Main St / 4 / Free
Come out and support Trust Tree’s fall fundraiser with an afternoon of family friendly fun. Performances by DOT and the Trust Tree Campers (award-winning poet, author and songwriter Jamee McAdoo and Wakky Babies). There will also be a photo booth, pumpkin carving, face painting, a Zine making table, a poetry station and more. Trust Tree is an arts and leadership camp for girls, offering June and July songwriting and recording camps. Founded in 2017 by musician and educator Correne Spero, it serves girls in the Little Rock area through arts and leadership programing.
Henry Rollins: Travel Slideshow Tour / Revolution Music Room / 8 / $30, $155 VIP
Henry Rollins returns to Little Rock for a special one man performance showcasing his photographs and the stories behind them from his travels all over the world.  This will be a special intimate evening with one of the most iconic rockers of our time. VIP tickets are available, which include early entry front and center seating, a photograph with Henry, post-show meet and greet, and a commemorative exclusive VIP laminate. Get your tickets here.

Around Arkansas

Helena

Wednesday 10/3 – Saturday 10/6
King Biscuit Blues Festival / $95 three day pass, $55 one day
The legendary King Biscuit Blues Festival brings blues lovers from across the country to Helena Arkansas for 4 days of the best in the blues.  With five stages, and buskers up and down the strip you’re sure to run into your favorite artist and meet new ones.  Headliners include Bobby Rush, Jamiah “Blues Superman” Rogers, Willie Cobbs, Robert Finley Band, Blackberry Smoke, G-Hope Choir, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith Band, Blind Mississippi Morris, Dave Mason and Steve Cropper and many many more.  Going strong since 1986 and growing, this is a special weekend in the Delta you’ll be talking about all year.

Hot Springs

Friday 10/5 – Saturday 10/6
Hot Water Hills Music and Arts Festival / Hill Wheatley Plaza 629 Central Ave. / $15 daily at the gate or $25 weekend online
Low Key Arts is proud to present the 8th Annual Hot Water Hills Music and Arts Festival.  A weekend of live music, art cars, artist, unique vendors, food, drinks, and fun.  This year’s performers include JD Wilkes, Larkin Poe, Rah Howard, Lola Marsh, Broncho, and more.  Come enjoy a great weekend in the Spa City.

Pine Bluff

Saturday 10/6
Pine Bluff-Altheimer Fall Blues Fest / Cook Family Park– US 79 North / $25 advance,  $35 day of show
Performers at the Pine Bluff-Altheimer Fall Blues Fest will include J-Wonn, TK Soul, LJ Echols, Al Chauncy, CoCo, Summer Wolfe, Lady Trucker, Mean Green and the Platinum Blues Band.  Hosted by Broadway Joe and comedian Keith Glason, it’s sure to be a night of fun times and great music.

Bentonville

Friday 10/5
Eric Gales / Meteor Guitar Gallery – 128 W. Central Ave / $30-$50
Guitar great Eric Gales comes to the Meteor Guitar Gallery for a special one night performance. Come see the guitar man that has received praises from such legendary guitar players as Joe Bonamassa, Carlos Santana, Dave Navarro and more. Get your tickets here.

El Dorado

Saturday 10/6
Big Dam Horns / Griffin Restaurant – 101 E. Locust St. / $10 advance $15 door
Central Arkansas’ favorite party band brings their big sound and one of a kind stage show to the Griffin for a night of your favorite songs infused with that one of a kind horn section; from rock, pop, R&B, and hip-hop the dance floor will be on fire.
RELATE: Read more of Sarah Woolf’s music coverage here!