Spring Preview

The Setlist

By Brian Washburn

The past weeks around the Northwest Arkansas music scene has seen the likes of multiple national artists, whether it was the University of Arkansas bringing Dierks Bentley to campus or Greek organizations bringing rappers, electronic and country artists to the university for their annual Row Week. However, this is only the beginning of what seems to be a spring music bonanza.

With George’s not disappointing, the UA still pumping out free concerts and the Arkansas Music Pavilion on the verge of another mega year — even if it Is geared toward mostly middle-aged adults — the warm weather is the questions and concerts are the only answer.

The AMP will open its doors April 22 when Levon Helm will visit Fayetteville to put on an outdoor concert. In late spring, classic rock enthusiasts and middle-age women around Fayetteville will rejoice when Blue Oyster Cult and The Georgia Satellites will hit the Pavilion on May 22, as well as the Indigo Girls who will roll through town May 26.

However, the AMP is not the only outdoor concert venue for the spring concert series. Pop-rock band Rooney will stop by the University of Arkansas Chi Omega Greek Theatre on April 26 to give a free concert to not only students, but to anybody who wishes to come by enjoy the weather and the music.

Though Rooney has not come along as most would have hoped for after their massive debut album more than five years ago, as well as their stint on the short-lived, much-loved primetime soap “The O.C.,” they still know how to write a catchier than hell tune for pop-rock lovers.

The AMP might be opening its gates, and the UA is still attempting to catch up with bands who relate to college students, but George’s Majestic Lounge will retain their “best concerts” crown for the spring.

Still keeping up with the electronica/hip-hop wave sweeping underground music nations throughout the nation, Electronic duo BoomBox will hit George’s this Saturday in what is sure to be a packed house for a band loved by Fayetteville music fans.

A big change for George’s this spring is hosting hip-hop DJ Derek Vincent Smith (more commonly known as Pretty Lights) at the Fayetteville Towne Center on April 23. The Towne Center has hosted a slew of youth-centered concerts before (anyone actually remember Three Six Mafia? That’s what I thought), but this is a move that is going to present uncertain results. The concert mood might not be up to par with that witnessed in the past at George’s, but hosting the concert at a bigger venue will hopefully produce more attendees.

George’s will also play host to nu-metal/hard rock band Sevendust on April 27. The venue will also see recent Academy Award winning singer/songwriter Ryan Bingham stroll through the venue May 2 to perform country hits with his band The Deadhorses, as well as his award-winning material from the movie “Crazy Heart.”

The warm weather caught everybody’s attention over the past few weeks and now it’s time to enjoy it by venturing to a venue and welcoming summer with the great artists making their way through the Ozarks.

Brian Washburn is the founder of DBW and is currently working on a way to revolutionize the music industry.