Author Archives: tristanarquitt

A River of Bluegrass Runs Through Paragould

by Tristan Arquitt
Delta Digital News Service

PARAGOULD, Ark. — The Trinity River Band performed May 21 in the Collins Theater as part of KASU’s Bluegrass Monday.

Known for appearing on the Duggar Mountain Show, the band started playing in 2007. Strictly Country magazine named their song, “A Sinner’s Prayer,” as Song of the Year.

Joshua Harris leads the Trinity River Band in a song. Harris first asked his parents if he could learn the banjo at the age of 10.

Sarah Harris sings as Brianna and Lisa Harris back her up during The Trinity River Band concert. Sarah Harris also learned to play the mandolin in 2009.

Michael Harris interacts with the audience at The Trinity River Band concert. Harris’ grandfather Herndon “Hunky” Jones taught him music at a young age.

Brianna, Lisa and Joshua Harris plays at Paragould’s Collins Theater. Brianna Harris began learning the fiddle at the age of six.

Lisa and Joshua Harris plays while performing with The Trinity River Band. Lisa Harris grew up playing music with her five siblings.

Bluegrass Monday concerts typically occur on the fourth Monday night of each month.

Roots Music Festival Entertains Jonesboro

by Tristan Arquitt
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO — The 2018 Arkansas Roots Music Festival entertained Northeast Arkansas residents Saturday, April 14 at the City Water and Light Park.

The festival coincided with Arkansas State’s Delta Symposium XXIV. Musical guests comprised The Spencer Brothers, Tito Deler: The Original Harlem Slim, Side Street Steppers, Wilkinson James, Rising Star Fife and Drum Band, and the Arkansas Brothers.

Mike Doyle and the Spencer Brothers

KASU Station Manager Mike Doyle sings with the Spencer Brothers following their request to him. The siblings sang duets of country music’s favorite hits from the 1950s through the ’70s.

Tito Deler, the original Harlem Slim

Tito Deler, the original Harlem Slim, brought his blues to Jonesboro all the way from New York. Deler would travel to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for his next show following the festival.

The Side Street Steppers

Christian Stanfield sings while playing guitar with backing from bassist Ben Walsh during a performance from the Side Street Steppers. The Memphis band brought a vintage feel to the festival with its 1920s and ’30s inspired music.

Mandy Martin and Vera Stanfield

Mandy Martin plays washboard while Vera Stanfield plays her “Starry Uke.” Vera’s husband, Christian, helped make the banjo uke.

Liz Wilkinson and A.J. Schleber

Liz Wilkinson and A.J. Schleber, singer-songwriters of the band Wilkinson James, performed Americana music for the crowd. The band hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Fifemastor Sharde Thomas

Shardé Thomas, leader of the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band, plays a homemade cane fife in the vanishing fife-and-drum blues tradition. This style of country blues was integral to the African American community in the Delta.

The Arkansas Brothers

The Arkansas Brothers closed out the festival. Their original songs reflect their experiences within the state.

NEA District Fair Delights

by Tristan Arquitt & Ammar Taqi
Delta Digital News Service

Many sights and sounds will be found at the annual Northeast Arkansas District Fair, which runs through Sept. 23.

Pony Ride

Rylee Williams smiles at her mom while riding a pony at the NEA Fair. (Photo by Tristan Arquitt/A-State Photography)

Sunset

Sunset at the NEA District Fair. (photo by Tristan Arquitt/A-State Photography)

Little Ferris Wheel

Natalie Colindres, Leo Colindres and Esteban Turcio anticipate riding the Little Ferris Wheel. (Photo by Tristan Arquitt/A-State Photography)

Line for Ferris Wheel

People wait in a long line to ride the Ferris Wheel. (Photo by Ammar Taqi/A-State Photography)

Dusk on the Ferris Wheel

Dusk on the Ferris Wheel (photo by Ammar Taqi/A-State Photography)

Dart Toss

Kaden Gripp tosses darts to win a prize. (Photo by Tristan Arquitt/A-State Photography)

Balloon targets and prizes

Balloon targets and prizes. (Photo by Tristan Arquitt/A-State Photography)

Corn Dog restaurant

Fairgoers found plenty to eat on the Midway. (Photo by Ammar Taqi/A-State Photography)