Just outside Martinsville, tucked away down amongst a hollow of southern Virginia, you will find Pop’s Farm, the home of Rooster Walk. The Rooster Walk Musical Festival started in 2009 as an annual party to honor high school friends and to raise money in their names for charity. It has since become one of the finest regional music festivals in the nation, with a dedicated fan base eager to ‘get their strut on’ every Memorial Day weekend.

This week, we had the opportunity to sit down with Johnny Buck, the executive director and co-founder of Rooster Walk, to discuss the upcoming Rooster Walk 14. The festival began in 2009 as a tribute to late high school friends Edwin Penn ('the rooster') and Walker Shank. From its inception, the festival has focused on supporting a charity that grants college scholarships to deserving seniors at Martinsville High School and provides instruments and funding to enhance local school band programs.

Progressive string quartet, Arkansauce, is thrilled to independently release their 5th album, OK to Wonder, TODAY April 21. With 11 original tracks—ranging from upbeat and stimulating to contemplative and encouraging—the collection is filled with songs of revelry, wonder, insight, and whimsy. Arkansauce is Tom Andersen on bass, guitarist Zac Archuleta, Ethan Bush on mandolin, and Adams Collins on banjo.

Arkansauce independently releases OK to Wonder, their 5th album, on April 21. Hear the melodies of the Ozark Mountains' rolling hills and raging rivers in this progressive string quartet’s distinct blend of newgrass. OK to Wonder is filled with songs of revelry, wonder, insight, and whimsy—inspired not only from their home state of Arkansas, but also throughout their travels.

Arkansauce is excited to independently release their 5th album, OK to Wonder, on April 21. The melodies of the Ozark Mountains' rolling hills and raging rivers can be heard in this progressive string quartet’s distinct blend of newgrass. Arkansauce is Tom Andersen on bass, guitarist Zac Archuleta, Ethan Bush on mandolin, and Adams Collins on banjo. Their music features improvisational string leads matched with complex melodies, intriguing rhythms, and deep thumping bass grooves.

Located along the serene Maremac River, Lost Hill Lake offers a natural venue and spot for a festival of interactive workshops and large, late night bonfire jams. Two stages are separated by the shade of a 50 year-old walnut grove, where the audience can participate in camping, have lake and river access and an assortment of food, artisan crafts and more. The 14-band lineup consists of local, regional and national touring bands performing a range of traditional and progressive bluegrass, jamgrass, Americana folk and more.

Arkansauce is set to release their 3rd album at Georges’ Majestic Lounge this Saturday, April 22. Upon first sight, the album art of Arkansauce’s latest release is very striking. A welcomed sight as many within the music industry are leaning toward digital releases with no real visual appeal.  Once opened this album, If I Were You, recorded in studio, provides a rush of the live energy Arkansauce is famous for with an image reminiscent of the experience of seeing them live.

Fall bluegrass festivals are usually pretty perfect no matter where you are. There's that cool heaviness in the air and the crisp laughter of folks coming together to enjoy the natural sound of bluegrass. This year's Hillberry Music Festival in Eureka Springs, AR was no exception. The stellar lineup and fantastic scenery compelled people from all over the U.S. to travel to Arkansas for a weekend of music and meaningful experiences.

Never overlook the little guy. Often in the shadows of larger festivals, smaller events are often left by the wayside. Not this little shindig outside of Dover, Arkansas called Creekfest.  The 7th annual Creekfest hosted at Moore Outdoors, headlined by Mountain Sprout, Whiskey Shivers, Arkansauce and 1 oz.