AETN Presents
AETN Presents: On the Front Row
AETN Presents: On the Front Row is a music and performance program featuring a variety of musical acts that perform in AETN’s intimate 100-seat studio stage.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
