In addition to some great local venues to enjoy bands and performers, Hot Springs has a number of non-profit arts organizations that produce multiple music events each year. So, whether you enjoy classical or folk, opera or blues, there’s something for you.
Arkansas Highlands Folk Project
The Arkansas Highlands Folk Project (AHFP) is a collaboration between the Garland County Library and HSACA with the mission of “Preserving the rural culture and heritage of the Ouachita’s and Arkansas through Education, Entertainment and Preservation. Since 2017 programs have been presented at schools, festivals, Garland County Library Programs, concerts and private gatherings. Funding comes from AHFP presentations, Arkansas Arts Council Grants via HSACA, the Garland County Library and private contributions. To find out more email ArkHighlandsFolkProject@Gmail.com or search www.Youtube.com for “Arkansas Highlands Folk Project”.
Big Steam Music Festival
The blues is back in Hot Springs. A new organization was formed in 2022 and put together the innauguals “The Big Steam Blues & Roots” music festival last fall. The event featured a weekend filled with blues and R&B. The event will be back in 2023, so mark your calendar for September 29-30, 2023 at Hill Wheatley Plaza in beautiful downtown Hot Springs. For more information visit www.BigSteamMusicFestival.com.
Hot Springs Jazz Society
The Hot Springs Jazz Society was founded in 1991 by a group of local jazz fans to Promote, Perpetuate and Preserve a truly original American art form – Jazz. Free monthly concerts at the Garland County Library, block party mini concerts in neighborhoods throughout the county and scholarships to Arkansas music students are just a few of the programs the Jazz Society produces each year along with the annual Hot Springs JazzFest’s free day-long outdoor concert “Jazz in the Streets”, the pinnacle of the organizations annual calendar.
Low Key Arts
Low Key Arts (LKA) was established in 2005 for the purpose of bringing underground, international music to Hot Springs and has since founded 2 annual music festivals, a filmmaking program, and a short film festival. Low Key Arts connects people and inspires creativity by providing tools, education, and opportunities to experience musical, cinematic, and artistic innovators from around the world. LKA’s site is lowkeyarts.org.
Low Key Arts’ 16th annual Arkansas Shorts Short Film Festival will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday January 6-8, 2023, at the historic Malco Theatre.