What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1061909
JOCELYN MURPHY NWA Democrat-Gazette A s a region grows and develops, it stands that the culture and artistic infrastructure tend to grow and develop along with it. This year saw some major strides to "do it right" as far as the music ecosystem is concerned — with local, regional and international entities converging on Northwest Arkansas to continue working toward a sustainable support system for a community, moving ever closer to becoming a full-fledged worldwide music destination. Infrastructure In September, London-based organization Sound Diplomacy was invited to the Natural State by the Northwest Arkansas Council with support from the Walton Family Foundation. The company has worked in 40 countries to develop long-term, self-sufficient music strategies, maximizing the potential of these communities. Through 10 roundtable discussions, interviews and a public forum hosted at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, Sound Diplomacy has been researching the make-up, assets, needs and economic impact of Northwest Arkansas' music scene. To further that research, the next step in the company's process is the launch of an online survey to gain even more input from others. The survey is open to the public through Jan. 16 and is available in English and Spanish. Using the information learned from their research and the survey, the team at Sound Diplomacy will develop recommendations for the council — "literal, doable actions that make a difference," explains Lucas Knoflach, senior project manager with the company. "Currently, a lack of local music industry and support structures is creating a barrier for musicians to develop further within the region. This, for example, is one of the areas we are looking closely at." The survey is available at sounddiplomacy.com/nwarkansas. Zing in the New Year is the most unique, family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration in Northwest Arkansas. Celebrate early with interactive activities, pop-up surprises, and an incredible end-of-day balloon launch. Join the party! Monday, December 31 10 am to 3 pm ing in the New Year at the Scott Family Amazeum! Admission $9.50 for adults and children aged 2 years and older. Members admitted free. 1009 Museum Way Bentonville, AR amazeum.org TOP 10 4 WHAT'S UP! DECEMBER 16-22, 2018 FYI Read More About It Sound Diplomacy — sounddiplomacy.com/nwarkansas House of Songs — thehouseofsongs.com Power of Music — illflyawayfoundation.org/pomfest Bike Rack music — bikerackbrewing.com Music To Our Ears Region tunes in on what musicians want Courtesy photo Participating musicians and other folks gather at Haxton Road Studios in Bentonville for a listening party after the completion of the first record, "Bike Rack Records: Volume 1." See Music Page 6 For The Writers In 2017, Austin-based music collaborative House of Songs expanded to the Ozarks with a permanent Bentonville location. In its second year, the program continued pursuing its mission of building cross-cultural relationships through cooperative artist residencies with musicians and writers from all over the world. One local artist tangibly benefited from that collaborative spirit as a Danish artist staying at the House invited Ashtyn Barbaree to perform a few shows across the pond — which turned into a full tour across Denmark, Sweden and Germany. Barbaree will undoubtedly share her experience representing Northwest Arkansas internationally, and new cultural appreciations, with her home community, including during