JONESBORO – The 11th Arkansas Roots Music Festival will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday,
April 11, at the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home: Historic Dyess Colony, located at 110 Center
Dr. in Dyess.
The event, hosted by singer/songwriter Erin Ederlin, will honor the musical roots
of Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
“We will celebrate the life and legacy of the ‘godmother of rock ‘n’ roll.’ Tharpe
is an Arkansas music legend whose electrifying guitar and gospel roots helped shape
rock, soul and rhythm and blues,” said Will Reaves, director of the boyhood home.
A performer whose music was inspired by gospel, blues and swing, she is remembered
as a vibrant performer. Hailing from Cotton Plant, Ark., Tharpe’s groundbreaking style
influenced generations of artists, from Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley to Little Richard
and beyond.
“This year’s festival brings together Arkansas musicians to honor her powerful musical
legacy,” Reaves added.
Joining Ederlin are Mae Estes, Reverend Greg Spradlin and Delta Soul Singers. In addition
to the music, other activities are planned at the boyhood home.
“As part of our mission to showcase Arkansas Roots, we will have activities that have
roots in the state’s culture,” Reaves continued. “Among these is Baggo, which will
be set up adjacent to the stage. We are also leaning into the culinary roots of Arkansas
food with a regional cheese dip competition.”
Tickets to the music festival are $35 for those 18 and up, $10 for those 13-17 years
old; those 12 and under get in free. Tickets may be purchased through this link: AState.edu/ARMF26.
Sponsors are the Judd Hill Foundation, KASU, A-State Heritage Sites, and Delta Symposium.
Lost Forty Brewing has donated beverages for those 21 and older.
To learn more about the event, including how to enter the cheese dip competition or
purchase tickets, one may reach out to Reaves by email at wreaves@AState.edu or by
phone at 870-764-2274.
