Free Music Industry Networking Event Set for Jonesboro on Oct. 27

JONESBORO, Ark. — A free networking event for musicians and music industry professionals will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Brickhouse Bar and Grill, located at 218 S. Main St. in downtown Jonesboro.

The Music Industry Meet-Up, hosted by KASU, the public media service of Arkansas State University, and Arkansas Music Experience, marks the first time the event will be held in Jonesboro and eastern Arkansas. According to Arkansas State officials, similar gatherings have previously been hosted in Fayetteville, Conway, and Little Rock.

The meet-up is open to musical artists of all ages, styles, and genres, as well as individuals and businesses supporting the live music community. This includes photographers, graphic designers, sound reinforcement companies, recording studios, booking agents, radio stations, merchandise producers, music teachers, and videographers. Vendors will also have the opportunity to set up booths during the event.

Arkansas Music Experience focuses on celebrating and preserving the state’s musical heritage while fostering growth for current artists and communities. The organization aims to build connections among artists, managers, promoters, venue owners, media professionals, and community stakeholders to support local talent.

Marty Scarbrough, KASU program director, expressed enthusiasm for expanding the program to northeast Arkansas after attending a previous meet-up in Fayetteville.

“The atmosphere at that event was amazing. There were hundreds of musicians all together in one room, with people from across generations and across musical genres all supporting and encouraging one another,” Scarbrough said.

Additional details about the event and vendor registration are available online.

KASU also highlights Arkansas musicians through its long-running “Arkansas Roots” radio show. The program features both historical and contemporary recordings by Arkansas-connected artists spanning a variety of genres. The show airs weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.