What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1270643
8 WHAT'S UP! JULY 19-25, 2020 Peacemaker all about music, community JOCELYN MURPHY NWA Democrat-Gazette T hough the Riverfront Amphitheater will look a little different July 24 and 25, organizers for Fort Smith's annual Peacemaker Music Festival are confident they will be able provide the laid-back, family- friendly experience fans have come to expect from the event in its sixth year. "The atmosphere for this festival, even pre- covid, it's not a typical concert," shares festival spokesperson Jordan Johnson. "It's a picnic-style concert. It is in an intimate setting, there's not throngs of people, there's no mosh pits. It's really a family-friendly, enjoyable experience that is wildly different from a typical music festival. "And that planning was very fortuitous in this sort of thing because you don't really have to change a lot," he adds of the festival's response to the covid- 19 outbreak. "The expectations of people are that it's a much more chill, much more settled type of environment." And so, the show goes on in the River Valley, with the venue at 46 percent capacity — well under the 66 percent an outdoor venue is legally allowed to host under the current directives from the governor and the Arkansas Department of Health. Even after issuing 250 more general admission tickets, this year's socially distanced festival sold out quickly and will give music lovers and artists alike something to look forward to. "We are not back on the road. Not even close. We are happy to be doing this show, but things have a long way to go for us to get back to touring," says Wade Bowen, performing during the Friday lineup with Randy Rogers as their side project duo Hold My Beer & Watch This. The fact that the twosome is participating in the festival is indicative of their confidence in the organizers' preparation. "The only shows we are playing now are the ones that promise proper social distancing and follow statewide guidelines," Bowen says. "Until this pandemic ends, unfortunately, we will continue to play random shows as much as we are allowed to do so." "Isolation has been tough on everyone I know. As a musician, I miss the connection with an audience and the energy and happiness I draw from it," adds Saturday performer Kaitlin Butts, an Oklahoma native making waves with her quick-witted and wry songwriting. "I have realized what a privilege and a simple joy it is to play live music," she continues. "I hope people As its sixth year is happening in the middle of a pandemic, Fort Smith's Peacemaker Festival has implemented safety procedures in line with the Arkansas governor's office and the Department of Health, including opening the festival to only 46 percent of the venue's capacity — even though, as an outdoor venue, they are allowed to host as much as 66 percent of their audience. (Courtesy Photo/Phil Clarkin) COVER STORY