KASU Introduces New “Arkansas Roots” Program
JONESBORO, Ark. —KASU-FM, Arkansas State University’s public radio service, will premiere a new, locally produced program titled, “Arkansas Roots” on Dec. 2. This show will explore and celebrate music, arts, and culture with roots in the state of Arkansas. The program will be broadcast weekdays from noon to 1 p.m.
“KASU serves a unique geographical area, stretching from the Ozark hills to the Mississippi River Delta,” KASU station manager Mike Doyle noted. “Dozens of famous musicians were born or raised in the area including Johnny Cash, Luther Allison, Charlie Rich, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Albert King, Iris Dement, Louis Jordan, Conway Twitty, and Levon Helm. The ‘Arkansas Roots’ program will feature songs by these musicians as well as by other influential performers with connections to Arkansas.”
“’Arkansas Roots’ will also feature songs by outstanding contemporary Arkansas musicians playing in a variety of musical styles,” said Marty Scarbrough, KASU program director. “Such artists include those who have appeared at KASU events like Bluesday Tuesday and Jazz Thursday. The music of many of these talented artists is not being played on radio at all. Future plans for the series include in-studio interviews and exclusive performances by such musicians.”
Doyle also shared that songs by musicians who will perform at upcoming concerts in Northeast Arkansas, whether Arkansas natives or not, will also be a part of “Arkansas Roots.” In addition, the radio show will include interviews and features similar to the long-running “Spotlight On The Arts” segments broadcast on KASU. While the program will primarily feature music, “Arkansas Roots” will also discuss theatrical productions, art exhibitions, and other cultural happenings in the area.
When “Arkansas Roots” premieres, “Here and Now,” which is currently being heard from noon to 2 p.m., will move to 1-3 p.m. The program, “The Story” will end as its longtime host Dick Gordon has decided to retire, and WUMC-FM, which produces “The Story,” has decided to not continue the series without Gordon as host.
“KASU welcomes submissions of recordings by area musicians for consideration for broadcast on Arkansas Roots,” Scarbrough stated. “Such recordings should be professionally produced and of broadcast quality. KASU reserves the sole right to determine which songs are broadcast as part of Arkansas Roots.”
Additional information regarding submitting music for Arkansas Roots can be obtained at www.facebook.com/arkansasroots <http://www.facebook.com/arkansasroots> <http://www.facebook.com/arkansasroots>.
KASU, a 100,000-watt station, broadcasts to Northeast Arkansas, Southeast Missouri and West Tennessee at 91.9 FM. KASU is heard worldwide through live streaming at www.kasu.org http://www.kasu.org
