Arkansas Brothers perform April 10 in Bluesday Tuesday concert at Newport Country Club
Radio station KASU’s next Bluesday Tuesday concert features an evening with the Arkansas Brothers, on Tuesday, April 10, 7 p.m., in the ballroom of the Newport Country Club, 703 Walker Drive, Newport. The Arkansas Brothers are three Jonesboro blues-rock-and-roots artists who have played together and in separate bands for almost two decades. They are real brothers Jess and Tim Hoggard and their musical soul brother, Matt Pierce. Admission to Bluesday Tuesday concerts is free, but KASU passes the hat to supplement the band’s payment.
Performing as the Arkansas Brothers in concert and on their new CD, Jess Hoggard, Tim Hoggard, and Matt Pierce exemplify the Arkansas roots which grew to influence much of America’s popular music. The talented Jonesboro trio pays tribute to east Arkansas musicians who literally gave the world the blues, along with rockabilly, country, and gospel. Arkansas natives who influenced the band range from Sonny Boy Williamson to Sonny Burgess and from Albert King to Al Green.
The Brothers also draw deeply from other artists who lived in or passed through east Arkansas, including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Jimmy Reed. Sometimes they serve up Mick Jagger, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams classics. At the Newport concert, the trio will perform some of their original songs that appear on their new CD, including “Arkansas Boogie” and “Brinkley Jail.”
Jess, Tim, and Matt perform their set list with good humor and the relaxed feel of a backyard family jam session using guitars, harmonica, and vocals. Their first CD, “The Arkansas Brothers,” was recorded at Crystal Recording Studio in Bryant and will be available at the concert.
KASU Bluesday Tuesday concerts are presented on the second Tuesday night of each month in the ballroom of the Newport Country Club, 703 Walker Drive, Newport. Admission is free, thanks to the sponsors: ASU-Newport, C and C Distributors, and KASU 91.9 FM, but KASU passes the hat to supplement the band’s payment. For more information about KASU’s live events, call station manager Mike Doyle at (870) 972-3486.
