The Power of Live Music

By Kayla Earnest

It is undeniable that music has an effect on us. I’m sure most of us can remember purchasing our first CD (or cassette, or maybe even your first vinyl record) and the happiness that it brought. We hum music to our babies to soothe them, blast tunes at parties to liven up the crowd, and some of us are known to perform entire one-person concerts in our car. Music can evoke emotion and bring us together. It entertains us, but also does so much more.

Yes, music is powerful. But live music? That is a whole different kind of energy. There is something very special about seeing a band perform in-person. To see singers and musicians up close and personal and share in their joy is a wondrous thing. When you can feel a performer’s excitement while they do something they love … It is a very magical experience.

I asked some of our ASC volunteers what it is that they believe makes live music so special, and I think that their answers are truly beautiful. Veteran volunteer, drummer, and sound engineer extraordinaire Christopher Moore explains live music as “a moment in time where an artist and an audience can truly connect. Artists and audiences need each other to create that magical experience that doesn't exist on a recording. Sure a recording can move you, but not like that moment when everything comes together in a live environment.” 

Gil Rogers, who was last seen onstage in ASC’s production of The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, is also a talented musician with training in saxophone, clarinet, flute, and piano. “Live music is more enjoyable for me because I can truly feel the music,” she says. “Not just emotionally but physically as well. I love when you can feel the bass line beating in your stomach or the goosebumps you get when the notes hit just right.”

Most of us know him for his excellent work backstage on multiple ASC productions, but Aaron Huckeba is also a musician, a flutist in particular. “Live music is 100% about the atmosphere,” he said. “The rush you get from feeling the music and seeing it being made right in front of you is unmatched. Also, LIGHTS. Lighting designers are magic, and they really pull a performance together.”

I’m sure that you’re just itching to go see a live performance after reading those sentiments. Well, I have some great news for you! ASC has no shortage of opportunities to experience live music. One of our upcoming events, ART ROCKS: Summer Bash on June 3, is where Arkansas-based band Neighbors will be performing. There will also be karaoke later that evening if you want to show off your own vocal skills! Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. 

You can purchase a membership here to save some cash while supporting arts programs in your community.

One of our staple programs here at ASC in Live@5 (link?), which takes place on the first Friday of each month. This is a perfect opportunity to discover new bands, and also see some local favorites. Platinum Hitz, The Vibe, David Ashley, The UAPB Jazz Ensemble, Thisness, and The Josh Park Band are all scheduled to perform during 2022. Live@5 is sponsored by MK Distributors and is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. 

What better way to tell a story than through music? That’s exactly what we are doing this summer when Rogers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella takes the stage in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater. Director Lindsey Collins, Assistant Director Joel Anderson, Stage Manager Tracy Sutherland, Music Director Faron Wilson, and Choreographer Tonya Simpson are teaming up to bring this magical story to life, with the help of some amazing local performers. You can experience this musical adventure live and in person July 22-24 and July 29-31. 

So this summer, why don’t you join us in putting down the CD collection for a change (Am I dating myself by saying that? Do people even have CDs anymore? Or is it all iPods now? No, wait … Spotify? Anyway, put down whatever it is you’re using to listen to canned music these days) and come have a toe-tapping good time at ASC.

For more information on Live@5 concerts, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@asc701.org or call 870-536-3375.