Acoustic showcase helps people with disabilities
Jeff Sistrunk
Issue date: 3/7/08 Section: Life & Style
Acoustic roots rock music is all about the heart and soul, and both will be in large supply at the Grand Opening of Arkansas Support Network's Acoustic Music Showcase today. Singer-songwriter Emily Kaitz is scheduled to headline.
The Arkansas Support Network, which recently moved its offices to Springdale, is one of Northwest Arkansas's largest organizations for individuals with disabilities.
"Our mission is to support people with disabilities and involve them directly in community events," said ASN CEO Keith Vire, who will also serve as the Acoustic Music Showcase's opening act. "[They] deserve the chance to experience everything the community has to offer."
ASN already sponsors an annual benefit concert at George's Majestic Lounge, so the concept of holding a musical showcase as a fundraiser was nothing new for the organization, Vire said.
The idea for the showcase was bolstered further by the love of acoustic music shared by Vire and Christopher Bliss, the director of compliance for ASN.
"I was previously involved in an acoustic showcase in Conway, the Advent Acoustic Coffeehouse, which was successful," Bliss said. "I figured we could hold a similar event here."
The choice of headliner was made very quickly, as Vire and Kaitz were old friends, Bliss said.
"I thought that Emily was the best person to kick off the event and do the inaugural show," Vire said. "She's an excellent entertainer and songwriter."
Kaitz is a prolific singer-songwriter whose career has spanned over 41 years, according to the press release. Her extensive back catalogue includes the songs "Shallow End of the Gene Pool," "Small Medium at Large" and "Maintenance Nightmare."
Artists ranging from Trout Fishing in America to the Austin Lounge Lizards to the late Chet Atkins have covered Kaitz's tunes.
"[Although] the primary mission of this show is to show people what we're all about, it's also a way to introduce people to niche music and provide local bands with a place to play," Vire said.
ASN has already received demo tapes from many artists in Arkansas and Texas, and Vire hopes that the Acoustic Music Showcase will expand into a premiere venue for acoustic music.
"We've already had a lot of inquiries, so we encourage people to submit demos," Vire said. "Even if bands don't think they're ready to headline, they can always open. It's a win-win for us and the artists."
If the initial show goes well, the showcase will become a monthly event with concerts held on the first Friday of each month, he said.
The Acoustic Music Showcase will open its door at 7 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Café-style coffee and desserts will be offered with all proceeds benefiting ASN's Family Support Program.
The Arkansas Support Network, which recently moved its offices to Springdale, is one of Northwest Arkansas's largest organizations for individuals with disabilities.
"Our mission is to support people with disabilities and involve them directly in community events," said ASN CEO Keith Vire, who will also serve as the Acoustic Music Showcase's opening act. "[They] deserve the chance to experience everything the community has to offer."
ASN already sponsors an annual benefit concert at George's Majestic Lounge, so the concept of holding a musical showcase as a fundraiser was nothing new for the organization, Vire said.
The idea for the showcase was bolstered further by the love of acoustic music shared by Vire and Christopher Bliss, the director of compliance for ASN.
"I was previously involved in an acoustic showcase in Conway, the Advent Acoustic Coffeehouse, which was successful," Bliss said. "I figured we could hold a similar event here."
The choice of headliner was made very quickly, as Vire and Kaitz were old friends, Bliss said.
"I thought that Emily was the best person to kick off the event and do the inaugural show," Vire said. "She's an excellent entertainer and songwriter."
Kaitz is a prolific singer-songwriter whose career has spanned over 41 years, according to the press release. Her extensive back catalogue includes the songs "Shallow End of the Gene Pool," "Small Medium at Large" and "Maintenance Nightmare."
Artists ranging from Trout Fishing in America to the Austin Lounge Lizards to the late Chet Atkins have covered Kaitz's tunes.
"[Although] the primary mission of this show is to show people what we're all about, it's also a way to introduce people to niche music and provide local bands with a place to play," Vire said.
ASN has already received demo tapes from many artists in Arkansas and Texas, and Vire hopes that the Acoustic Music Showcase will expand into a premiere venue for acoustic music.
"We've already had a lot of inquiries, so we encourage people to submit demos," Vire said. "Even if bands don't think they're ready to headline, they can always open. It's a win-win for us and the artists."
If the initial show goes well, the showcase will become a monthly event with concerts held on the first Friday of each month, he said.
The Acoustic Music Showcase will open its door at 7 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Café-style coffee and desserts will be offered with all proceeds benefiting ASN's Family Support Program.
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