The Music Education Initiative

10/09/2026

Our executive director and co-founder being instructed on playing the custom, trapezoidal, acoustic, resonator, lap-steel, Big Bertha, with its owner, Roy Wells of Indiana at our legendary, Gist Music Company in historic downtown Helena, AR, during the King Biscuit Blues Festival.

09/27/2026

The Startup Ju**ie Startup Crawl 2026 was fantastic! Glad to be a part again with our BC’s Blues Shack, in the atrium of the Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, to provide and highlight fabulous, local musical talent. Like…

Incredible Pianist, Charles Berg, who tickled the ivories with Jazz, Blues, ballads, and more. Renowned Jazz guitarist, Ryan Fourt dazzled the crowd with fantastic guitar Jazz arrangements. Thanks again to the Startup Ju**ie team and Experience Fayetteville for their support!

09/24/2026

08/23/2026

If you weren’t at Railyard Live in downtown
Rogers Friday night for the Aretha Franklin and Prince Tribute by shows last night, you missed a PARTY!

Two incredible shows with incredible singers and musicians.

Our own Thompson put down some serious percussion and Arkansas Drum Hall of Fame drummer, Cliff “Drummer Boy” Aaron showcased some of the best drumming you could see anywhere! Here’s a glimpse…

08/09/2026

Honored to be a judge at the Ozark Blues Society 2026 Road to Memphis Blues Challenge today! 🎶

I’ll watch 7 incredible acts compete for 2 winning spots to represent Northwest Arkansas.

It all kicks off today, August 9th, at 4:00 PM at George's Majestic Lounge. Come out, support local live music, and help us keep the blues alive!

📍 George's Majestic Lounge
🗓️ Today, August 9th @ 4:00 PM
🌐 Learn more: ozarkbluessociety.org

07/31/2026

The official King Biscuit Blues Festival artwork for this year’s event has been unveiled! Helena, AR artist Jámin Crawford’s portrayal of the first King Biscuit Radio Show has been selected for the poster art. Congratulations Jámin!

“The Birth of King Biscuit” depicts Sam Anderson , the owner of KFFA, introducing Sonny Boy Williamson II and Robert Jr. Lockwood as the first live performers on the King Biscuit Radio Show in 1941.

TIX -> https://kingbiscuitfestival.com/tickets/

07/26/2026

Friends!
Gist Music Company Celebrates 85 Years (1941–2026) this year!
One Legendary Music Store. Countless Stories. What an incredible milestone.

In 1941, the doors of Gist Music Company opened in Helena, Arkansas. It was where dreams began. Where young musicians bought their first guitars. Levon Helm remembered buying his first guitar at Gist—a memory he later shared in the liner notes of his Grammy Award-winning album Dirt Farmer.

Where generations gathered to talk music, swap stories, and discover new sounds. Where Delta music found another home, from the jukeboxes to the instruments. Blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson bought harmonicas here. Even Elvis stopped by to see if any of his records were in the store…they were!

Now, the next chapter begins with revitalization and restoration. As we celebrate 85 years, Gist Music Company will remain a place where history, music, education, and community come together. Join us as we honor the past and embrace the future. Places like this don't just make music and memories, they make history.
The Gist Music Company is owned and operated by The Music Education Initiative.


Support the Gist here: https://givebutter.com/300for333

07/17/2026

I enjoyed and was happy to support the New Memphis Sound on the first night of their Summer Tour ‘26 at the historic in downtown Rogers. Have a fantastic show in Little Rock tonight!

07/11/2026

As America continues to celebrates its 250th Anniversary. Please honor those who helped make it possible.

For over 45 of America's 250 years, the men and women of the Strategic Air Command stood watch—24 hours a day, 7 days a week and kept America safe. Visit thelastsalutesong.com and help give these heroes the salute they earned. Purchase the song, and make a donation in honor of a veteran or military member.

To support the National Cold War Center, and honor veterans of all military branches, help us reach our goal of $250,000 — $1,000 for each year of America's history—and honor the generation that stood the long watch.

#1776

MEI Majesty Music and The National Cold War Center present a song tribute to the men and women of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) who stood the long watch through the Cold War.

07/08/2026

At The Music Education Initiative, we believe that supporting emerging artists programs is one of the best ways to strengthen the future of the music industry.

We’re excited to support The New Memphis Sound Summer Tour ’26 and celebrate these talented artists as they bring original music to audiences across the region.

If you’re near one of these stops, come out, enjoy a great show, and help encourage the next generation of musicians who are building on the rich musical legacy of Memphis.

Tour Stops:
• July 16 – Rogers, AR
• July 17 – Little Rock, AR
• July 18 – Jonesboro, AR

Best of luck to Demi Lowrell, Keer, Dee Goat, We Are Memphis, and everyone involved in making this tour happen. We’re proud to cheer you on!