AETN Presents
AETN Presents
On the Front Row with 3 Penny Acre
3 Penny Acre is a musical collaboration between four up-and-coming songwriters. Each member is accomplished in their own right, bringing to the band vast experience and successes from prior musical endeavors. 3 Penny Acre is, however, greater than the sum of its parts. Listeners are starting to notice the unique blend of songwriting and vocals that form the foundation of this bands Ozark inspired bluegrass/folk music.
On the Front Row with Keith Harkin
Keith Harkin, a vocalist with Celtic Thunder, comes from County Derry in Northern Ireland, where he started performing for the public at age four, wowing audiences with his beautiful voice and musical talent. Now at 24, Harkin has played to audiences across Europe and North America. He is also an accomplished songwriter and guitarist and has opened concerts for acts such as John Martyn, The Undertones and David Kitt and has recently started his own record label, Busty Music.
On the Same Page with Robin Becker
Robin Becker, author of Brains: A Zombie Memoir talks to host Tommy Sanders about her debut book. Becker, a New Jersey native and world traveller, received her MFA from LSU in Baton Rouge in 2000 and currently teaches writing at UCA in Conway.
On the Same Page with Buzz Bissinger
Best-selling, Pulitzer Prize winning author Buzz Bissinger brings his new book, "Three Nights in August: Strategy, Heartbreak, and Joy Inside the Mind of a Manager," to "AETN Presents: On the Same Page,"
On the Front Row with Hannah Blaylock
Hannah Blaylock and Lost & Found blend folk, bluegrass, gospel and country in a variety of original songs and well-known favorites. After their first public appearance at the 2003 Arkansas Acoustic Festival, the group was deemed "ready for Nashville." They went on to win the competition and open for Judy Collins
On the Front Row with Rodney Block
'AETN Presents: Front Row with the Rodney Block Jazz Project' was recorded in the AETN studios before a crowd more than 100 jazz enthusiasts. Block, a classically trained instrumentalist, performs his unique blend of traditional jazz, gospel, hip-hop, Bebop, funk and soul.
On the Same Page with Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, creator of the television series Designing Women, brings her debut novel, Liberating Paris, to "On the Same Page". "Writing Liberating Paris was much akin to writing a love letter to the American South," Thomason said. "This book shouts out three especially important messages to every U.S. citizen: fight against the death of Main Street, don't dilute the lifeblood of America with trumped-up values and don't discount the South."
On the Same Page with Susan Bosak
This beautifully illustrated award-winning book looks very much like a childrens book and it is, however, it is also celebration of living for anyone, at any age, who dreams. It is full of remarkable illustrations, inspiring quotations and it continues to reveal more with each reading.
On the Front Row with The Shannon Boshears Band
Boshears performs her signature gritty, guitar-driven blues rock in the AETN Studios She has been performing in Arkansas since the late 80s. With their unique blend of blues and rock, Boshears band has played music festivals such as the Arkansas River Blues Festival and the King Biscuit Blues Festival.
On the Same Page with Steve Bowman
Steve Bowman explores the beauty, excitement and pain of duck hunting in his book The Season, A Photographic Look at the Sport of Duck Hunting. Bowman discusses the book, which highlights one season through text and color photographs, with OTSP host Tommy Sanders. The book captures the essence of duck hunting, from the anticipation of every duck hunter to the need to pass the passion to the next generation.
On the Same Page with John Brandon
The Natural State is the backdrop for a tale of quirky career criminals whose shaky circumstances and bad decisions send them spiraling into the most desperate of situations. The first published novel by Florida native John Brandon is full of elaborate deceptions, wrong turns and richly drawn characters whose lives collide in darkly imaginative ways.
On the Front Row with Cate Brothers
After more than 40 years together, Arkansas natives the Cate Brothers are taking a break, and they chose the Arkansas Educational Television Network studios as one of their final venues. Taped before an enthusiastic audience that traveled from across the state, the concert met with such excitement and success that a special one-hour episode of “AETN Presents” has been produced.
On the Same Page with Sandra Cisneros
When Sandra Cisneros turned her poetic talent to writing a series of fictional vignettes, The House on Mango Street came to life.
On the Same Page with Billy Collins
Billy Collins served two terms as the US Poet Laureate, from 2001-2003, and was New York State Poet Laureate from 2004-2006. Collins talks about The Apple that Astonished Paris, a collection of some of his most anthologized poems, including Introduction to Poetry, Another Reason Why I Dont Keep a Gun in the House and Advice to Writers. Originally published in 1988, it was reprinted in February 2006 with a new preface by Collins in honor of this anniversary. The success of this collection over the years has made it one of the all-time best sellers for the Press.
On the Front Row with Damn Bullets
Critically lauded roots-rock band Damn Bullets includes Joe Sundell, DJ Bennett and Graeme Higgins who play a blend of early rock and roll, ragtime blues, folk, bluegrass and country. Damn Bullets bring both classical training and folk sensibilities together with their three-part harmonies.
On the Same Page with Tony Early
Tony Earley talks with Kane Webb about his latest book, The Blue Star. Webb interviewed Earley on location at the Butler Center in the Central Arkansas Library Systems downtown library during the Arkansas Literary Festival.
On the Same Page with John Edge
Edge brings to AETN two of his four books examining iconic American food "Fried Chicken: An American Story" and "Apple Pie: An American Story." The books are said to be about the foods "that conjure childhood and comfort, that compel the reader to hit the road in search of the greasy grail, that call a reader to the kitchen the ones everybody thinks their mom made best.
On the Front Row with Epiphany
Another first in the diverse line-up for AETN Presents: On the Front Row, the live-band infused hip-hop stylings Epiphany along with collaborators Gina Gee and One Night Stand. A unique look into a truly genre-bending performance given by one of Arkansas' up and coming entertainers.
On the Front Row with Go Fast
For nearly 12 years, North Little Rock band Go Fast has blended Americana-infused proto-rock, hot-rod culture, monster movies and other American rock staples. Among their influences are southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynryd and Mountain, whose song Mississippi Queen they have covered. Go Fast features Scott Diffee on lead guitar and vocals, Jimmy Powell on drums and Brent LaBeau on bass.
On the Front Row with Holiday Gala
The University of Central Arkansas Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, the Arkansas Chamber Singers and the Vesper Choir from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff perform traditional carols and other holiday songs, as well as unique arrangements of spiritual hymns.
On the Front Row with Wayland Holyfield
Holyfield is the writer and performer of Arkansas (You Run Deep in Me), which was named one of Arkansass official state songs in 1987. Holyfield performed the song at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1992. When I wrote Arkansas (You Run Deep in Me) I really meant those words and still do, Holyfield said. Although I've lived in Nashville for many years, I'm very proud to be known as a born-and-raised Arkansan, and I love to get back home whenever I can.
On the Front Row with Kat Hood Trio
‘AETN Presents’ is going to break new ground and provide an incredible performance opportunity for the many talented singer/songwriters and musicians in Arkansas. The Kat Hood Trio is truly honored to have been invited to lead off this series that will bring Arkansas talent state and regional exposure.
On the Front Row with Kevin Kerby + Battery
Kevin Kerby + Battery features entertaining, energetic rock ‘n’ roll and the honest songwriting style of lead singer, Kevin Kerby. The band often helps bridge the gap between themselves and the audience with their witty banter and humble demeanor. Battery consists of Geoff Curran, guitars; Joshua Bentley, bass; and Marcus Lowe, drums and backup vocals.
On the Same Page with Ted Kooser
Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate from 2004 to 2006, was the first poet from the Great Plains to hold the position. On this episode of On the Same Page Kooser discusses his book, The Poetry Home Repair Manual, and his Pulitzer Prize winning collection Delights and Shadows.
On the Front Row with Ted Ludwig Trio
Ludwig is a young virtuoso of the seven-string guitar. Hitting the Arkansas music scene from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, Ludwig plays a blend of traditional jazz and innovative improvisation with incredible skill. With clear lines back to his mentor, Hank Mackie, Ludwig holds melody and rhythm in place while adding solos and riffs of amazing brilliance.
On the Same Page with Norris Church Mailer
Norris Church Mailer recently sat down with Kane Webb and discussed her new book A Ticket to the Circus: A Memoir. Mailer, Barbara Jean Davis, was the sixth wife of Pulitzer Prize winning-writer Norman Mailer.
On the Same Page with Jo McDougall
Jo Garot McDougall is a poet of the Arkansas Delta with five books of poetry: The Woman in the Next Booth, Towns Facing Railroads and From Darkening Porches, and, most recently, Dirt and Satisfied with Havoc. Her memoir in progress, Daddys Money, focuses on growing up on a rice farm in the Arkansas delta.
On the Same Page with Patricia McKissack
Children's author Patricia McKissack and panelists discuss "Precious and the Boo Hag," the story of a little girl left home alone with a stomachache.
On the Front Row with Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile
Two musicians at the very top of their careers visited the University of Central Arkansas in January for one of only 13 tour stops in the nation. The Arkansas Educational Television Network had the privilege of taping Edgar Meyer, a world-renowned double-bass soloist, and Chris Thile, mandolinist for the "newgrass" band Nickel Creek.
On the Front Row with Bonnie Montgomery
Arkansas native Bonnie Montgomery is a formally trained musician who mixes country, folk and opera. Montgomery Trucking blends guitar, kazoo and mandolin for an eclectic mix of music that has been described as a cross between country, hillbilly and folk.
On the Same Page With Darcy Pattison
Author Darcy Pattison discusses her latest children's book, "Prairie Storms". "Prairie Storms" gives children a front row seat into the harsh climate of the American prairie and how the animals that reside within it adapt to the ever-changing climate.
On the Same Page with Tom Piazza
With hurricane season now underway, the Arkansas Educational Television Network brings author Tom Piazza and his latest book “Why New Orleans Matters”. Kane Webb interviewed Piazza at Lorenzen & Company Booksellers in Little Rock during the Arkansas Literary Festival.
On the Same Page with Scott L. Price
From the author of Pitching Around Fidel and Far Afield comes an account of the accidental death of minor league first base coach Mike Coolbaugh, illustrating the many ways in which baseball still has a hold on America.
On the Same Page with Francine Prose
Hailed by Larry McMurtry as "one of our finest writers," Francine Prose is the author of 12 novels, including Blue Angel, which was a finalist for the 2000 National Book Award. Her newest book, Goldengrove (Harper Collins, 2008), was released to immediate critical acclaim.
On the Front Row with Dave Rogers Trio
Dave Rogers; drummer, composer, educator, recording engineer, and producer; has found a perfect combination of outstanding jazz musicians to excite listeners at any occasion. The Dave Rogers Trio is bassist Joe Vick, guitarist Dan Sieckman, and Dave. Following are short biographies of each member.
On the Front Row with Salty Dogs
The Salty Dogs, hailing from the streets of Little Rock, include: Brad Williams, vocals/guitar; Bart Angel, kick and snare/percussion/backing vocals; Brent LaBeau, bass; and Nick Devlin, lap steel/guitar. The 2003 Arkansas Times Musician’s Showcase led them to earn the title “Best Original Band in Arkansas.” Their music has been featured on the TLC hit show, “Trading Spaces."
On the Same Page with George Singleton
George Singleton brings Why Dogs Chase Cars, a series of interwoven short stories, to the Arkansas Educational Television Network. OTSP host Tommy Sanders had the opportunity to speak with Singleton at That Bookstore in Blytheville. Set in the tiny town of Forty-Five, S.C., in the 1970's, Why Dogs Chase Cars tells the story of a precocious Southern boy coming to terms with his father's odd legacy.
On the Same Page with Kenneth Smith
Gain appreciation for one of Arkansas' natural treasures the Buffalo River in "AETN Presents: On the Same Page with Kenneth L. Smith". Smith brings his lifelong accumulation of knowledge to OTSP with the "Buffalo River Handbook." The handbook includes complete trail and river guidelines, geology and history of the Buffalo River area and more than 170 photos, maps and diagrams that are coordinated with Trails Illustrated geographic maps.
On the Front Row with The Smittle Band
The Smittle Band formed two years ago and features vocalist Stephanie Smittle from Cave Springs, Ark. The Smittle Band has been described as “jazzy Americana” featuring smooth vocals and a pop sensibility and is reminiscent of Smittle’s childhood Baptist church stylings.
On the Same Page with Mark Spitzer
Author Mark Spitzer, a novelist, poet, essayist, literary translator, professor of writing at the University of Central Arkansas, and editor of Toad Suck Review, discusses his newest book, "Season of the Gar: Adventures in Pursuit of America's most Misunderstood Fish,"
On the Front Row with Still on the Hill
Hailing from the Ozarks, Still on the Hill features a unique brand of Arkansan "folkgrass." The accomplished multi-instrumental and 2010 Governor’s Arts Award-winning duo of Kelly Mullhollan and Donna Stjerna has produced seven albums since 2001. The group’s repertoire is primarily their own original compositions interspersed with new arrangements of traditional songs.
On the Same Page with John Jeremiah Sullivan
When John Jeremiah Sullivan learned that his sportswriter father's most memorable moment was at the horse races, he began a two-year study of the sport and the animal to write Blood Horses: Notes of a Sportswriter's Son. The book is an expansion of his 2002 cover story for Harper's Magazine, Horseman, Pass By, which won a National Magazine Award and the Eclipse Award.
AETN Presents: On the Tamale Trail
"AETN Presents: On the Tamale Trail" features three Arkansans in search of the best tamalesCulture, region, tradition, personal history, and a sense of place are all must-have ingredients for satisfying soul food. They simmer together over the decades to become one distinctive dish, in this case, tamales.
On the Front Row with The Sara Thomas Band
Taped before an enthusiastic audience in AETN's Conway studios, the group includes Thomas, vocals and rhythm guitar; Dave Hoffpauir on drums; Chris Michaels on bass and Ben Harris on guitar. The Sara Thomas Band produces a sound described as folk, popo, country and bluegrass infused with just enough rock influence. They finished as semi-finalists in the 2003 Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase and finalists and runners-up in the 2004 Musicians Showcase.
On the Front Row with Toad Suck Symphony
Taking their name from an historic Arkansas River crossing, Toadsuck Symphony has entertained audiences with their special brand of "newgrass" music for over a quarter of a century. While the band has had various members over the years, 4 of the 5 current players are from the original group formed in the fall of 1976.
On the Same Page with Wells Tower
Viking marauders descend on a much-plundered island, hoping some mayhem will shake off the winter blahs. A man is booted out of his home after his wife discovers that the print of a bare foot on the inside of his windshield doesnt match her own. Teenage cousins, drugged by summer, meet with a reckoning in the woods. A boy runs off to the carnival after his stepfather bites him in a brawl.
On the Front Row with Trout Fishing in America
This concert, titled “My Best Day,” features Ezra Idlet on guitar and Keith Grimwood on bass and was taped at the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall on the University of Central Arkansas campus. The duo performs songs from their two Grammy-nominated albums, as well as some new songs, before an enthusiastic audience that becomes a part of the show. Accompanying TFIA is “multi-instrumentalist” Fred Bogert on guitar, piano, accordion and more.
On the Front Row with Wildwood and Steve Davidson
Taped live in the AETN studios before an intimate audience, join group winners Wildwood, a high-energy band from Fayetteville, and individual winner Davison, who composes original music on 6- and 12-string guitars.
On the Front Row with Jack Wiliams
Acclaimed folk-troubadour Jack Williams performed before an enthusiastic audience for AETN’s premier live music production, “AETN Presents: Front Row,” Thursday, April 26, 2007. Williams, a guitarist/singer/songwriter/storyteller from South Carolina, has become near-legendary among folk guitarists in his 45-year career. He has accompanied Tom Paxton, Peter Yarrow, Mickey Newbury and Harry Nilsson.
AETN Presents: Charles Banks Wilson
This 30-minute film tells the story of an 88-year old Fayetteville man who awakes every morning to draw and paint. Charles Banks Wilson earliest days are chronicled in this documentary showing film footage from the 1950s of Wilson in his old studio in Miami, Oklahoma painting the pureblood Native Americans. Wilson admits to having painted approximately 150 different tribes of Native Americans that trace their ancestry to a single tribe. The collection of original art was donated to the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa in honor of Wilsons promise to his Native American models that he would not sell their images. His mutual respect and admiration for their culture is evident in his drawings and paintings that are beautifully illustrated in the program.
On the Same Page with C.D. Wright
Poet C.D. Wright, a native of Mountain Home, discusses her latest book, “One With Others: [a little book of her days],” . “One with Others” is a mix of poetry and prose in which Wright examines a racist event.
