'Arkansongs' Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Special UCA Exhibit Event

The radio program 'Arkansongs', beloved for its focus on regional music and stories, is commemorating 25 years of broadcasting with a special celebration at the University of Central Arkansas. The affair, titled '25 years of Arkansongs', is set to offer a unique glimpse into the rich musical heritage of Arkansas.

Exhibition of Musical Heritage

The event includes an exhibition consisting of precious items from Arkansas's musical history. Notably, the exhibit features the 1959 Grammy award for Song of the Year, received by the talented Jimmy Driftwood, alongside the distinctive washboard of Jim 'Dandy' Mangrum. A particular highlight is the display of Louis Jordan's saxophone, offering fans a tangible connection to the music legend.

A Legacy on Air

Co-founded by Stephen Koch and Keith Merckx in 1998, 'Arkansongs' quickly became a staple for lovers of Arkansas's music scene. Initially a live program on 88.3 KABF-FM, the show has since expanded its reach, now broadcasting weekly across 12 stations in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. The program's broad catalog of episodes is an impressive archive of nearly 200 broadcasts available for enthusiasts.

Celebration Details

Attendees of the anniversary event can look forward to not only viewing historical memorabilia but also enjoying performances and stories by host Stephen Koch. Koch's presence is set to uplift the event with narrations on artists such as Almeda Riddle, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Sippie Wallace, Ronnie Hawkins, and Levon Helm. The exhibition and celebration are set to take place on Sunday at 2 p.m. in UCA's Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

Arkansongs, music, history