The Music Education Initiative

04/11/2026

We had a great time with the students and look forward to a return visit.

03/05/2026

TONIGHT!! TONIGHT!!! TONIGHT!!

03/03/2026

We’re kicking off the very first Tiny Nook at Handshake this Thursday — and we’re starting strong.

Join us March 5, 2026 | 7PM–9PM for an intimate, up-close performance by The Jake Hertzog Trio. This is the launch of a new live music series built around connection, musicianship, and that “you had to be there” energy.

Free to attend.
Audio powered by The Music Education Initiative.
Beverages generously donated by Olivia’s Basket.

Pull up early. Bring a friend. Let’s set the tone for something special.

02/19/2026

We want to thank Randy Coleman and students from the fabulous ALLPS School of Innovation for visiting us at our BC’s Blues Shack in the Pryor Center this morning. The ALLPS team learned what a juke joint is, their importance and influence in Black History, and on American music and culture. Young, emerging Bluesman, Chyrell Stanley, provided some serious guitar music during our program.

Additionally, we discussed our mission to provide production education, technical skill training and job opportunities in music, entertainment and live events.

02/02/2026

Hey friends — quick favor for the NWA music community.
You’ve probably seen the news about The Meteor trying to secure a new home. A lot of us have played shows there or worked with the owner over the years, and this is one of those moments where community support really matters.

This isn’t just about saving a venue — it’s about adding another active stage in Northwest Arkansas for artists, bands, DJs, and creatives. More venues = more opportunities for all of us.

They’re trying to raise funds quickly, and every share or contribution helps. Even just spreading the word makes a difference.

Here’s the article with details:
https://www.bentonvillebulletin.com/p/the-meteor-has-a-new-home-if-they-raise-650-000-in-two-weeks

This is one of those direct-impact moments where individual support actually moves the needle.

Wedding venue by day, concerts at night: the plan to save both The Meteor and The Ravington with “community ownership.”

01/15/2026

What a night at the Momentary!
It was fabulous to have NWA’s own Stella Hartmann open An Evening at the Rode House last night. A huge thank you to House of Songs and Troy Campbell for collaborating with us to give Stella the opportunity to share her remarkable gift and talent.
Stella joined us while home for Winter Break from the prestigious Eastman School of Music, and we couldn’t be more proud to showcase her artistry right here at the Momentary.
🎶 Watch Stella’s performance here: https://youtu.be/DThar4siuD0?feature=shared

01/15/2026

We were thrilled to welcome NWA’s own Stella Hartmann as the opening artist for An Evening at the Rode House last night at the Momentary.
Special thanks to Troy Campbell and the House of Songs for collaborating with us to create this opportunity for Stella to highlight her extraordinary talent. Stella joined us while home for Winter Break from the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and her performance was nothing short of inspiring.

🎵 Watch Stella’s performance here: https://youtu.be/DThar4siuD0?feature=shared

We are so proud to celebrate and uplift local artists on national and global paths.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

01/05/2026

Big things happening in NWA

Greg “GT” Thompson and I are excited to have brought Bar-Kays founder James Alexander to Northwest Arkansas for an incredible new music project and recording session at the Fayetteville Public Library – Center for Innovation.

New music from the Bar-Kays is coming Q1 2026 — stay tuned.

Huge thanks to our FPL friends David Johnson, Randy Wilburn, and the entire CFI team for making this possible.

And a special shoutout to our friend Nate Walls of Second Hand Smoke for a marvelous catered lunch—Memphis guests went back for seconds (and thirds)! 🤩🔥

Legendary energy. Community collaboration. New music on the way.

#2026

James Alexander, the founder and bassist of the legendary Bar-Kays, is recording new music in late December in Fayetteville, Arkansas.40/29 is your home for ...

12/30/2025

We’re thrilled to share a special moment of music history in the making.

Greg “GT” Thompson and I had the honor of bringing James Alexander, founder of the legendary Bar-Kays, to Northwest Arkansas for an exciting new music project and recording session at the Fayetteville Public Library’s Center for Innovation.

🎶 New Bar-Kays music is expected in the first quarter of 2026.

Our sincere thanks to David Johnson, Randy Wilburn, and the incredible CFI team for their partnership and support. And a heartfelt thank-you to Nate Walls of Second Hand Smoke for an outstanding catered lunch—Nate’s BBQ had our Memphis guests coming back for more! 🤩

This is what collaboration, culture, and workforce development look like when they come together.

#2026

12/13/2025

12/13/2025

The Larry B show has started at Fayetteville Festivous! Hurry before you miss it !!! Hazel has hit the stage!