Fort Smith, like many towns in Arkansas, is working to bring new life to the city. Perhaps unlike many other towns though, Fort Smith's revitalization is not focused solely on businesses or buildings; it involves a heavy artistic component. This is evidenced by the murals all over downtown left behind by the Unexpected Mural Festival from last year. Just before that festival took place, another new fest found a home at Riverfront Park: the Peacemaker Music and Arts Festival.
"There was a lot of hesitation with a first-year festival, and people didn't know what to expect," says Bill Neumeier, the vice president of the event. "That it was a success at all is a huge accomplishment for a first-year festival. I think between these two festivals, it created a lot of momentum and a catalyst for more [cultural growth]."
FAQ
Peacemake Music
& Arts Festival
WHEN — July 29-30
WHERE — Riverfront Park in Fort Smith
COST — $29-$199; Saturday is final day for pre-sale prices
INFO — peacemakerfest.com
Music Lineup
Friday, July 29
Hosty Duo — 4:30 p.m.
American Aquarium — 5:30 p.m.
Old 97’s — 6:50 p.m.
TBA — 8:15 p.m.
Turnpike Troubadours — 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 30
Jillia Jackson — 4:30 p.m.
Ben Miller Band — 5:30 p.m.
The Revivalists — 6:50 p.m.
Blackberry Smoke — 8:15 p.m.
Cold War Kids — 10 p.m.
Peacemaker returns July 29-30 and will bring even bigger names to the stage for its second year including headliners Turnpike Troubadours and Cold War Kids.
"By bringing multiple genres of talent to downtown, people get the opportunity to see bands they may have never heard of or never seen before," Neumeier says. "Our headliners are the biggest things of the festival. The Turnpike Troubadours are very popular here and don't play this area very often. And we're trying something different with the Cold War Kids. They're a more mainstream act, something you don't see here very often. That's what I like."
The music and arts event is also a nonprofit organization that was able to donate more than $10,000 to local charities last year. This year's charity partners include the Children's Emergency Shelter, Developmental Wings and Girls Inc.
"Expose people to different genres of music and give back to our community through children's organizations -- that's what we're trying to do," Neumeier adds. "I think we hit a home run with the talent last year, and I think we'll hit an even bigger home run this year."
NAN What's Up on 07/22/2016