North Little Rock opens ATG Pavilion Celebrating Arkansas music Legacy

North Little Rock has opened the ATG Pavilion, a new public space housing the Mashburn Gallery of Americana Music and 21 bronze sculptures that put the state’s musical history front and center, KATV reported. The pavilion opened over a two-day celebration that drew strong community support, according to Rachel Reynolds, VP of Cultural Experiences at North Little Rock Tourism.

The pavilion is free and open to anyone who wants to visit. “You can just show up,” Reynolds said. One recent visitor was inspired enough by the artists and artwork inside to bring a saxophone and record music on site.

Seven musicians are represented among the sculptures. Johnny Cash stands at the front of the pavilion in an exact replica of the sculpture artist Kevin Kresse created for the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall, where Cash is one of two Arkansans honored, alongside Daisy Bates. The other musicians are Louis Jordan of Brinkley, described as “kind of the godfather of rock and roll” for blending blues and jazz; Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the gospel pioneer described as “really a rockabilly lady” and “considered the godmother of rock and roll,” whose influence reached Elvis and others; Al Green of Forest City; Glen Campbell of Delight; Florence Price of Little Rock, the first African American composer to have her work performed by a major U.S. orchestra; and Levon Helm, whom organizers said was born in Turkey Scratch, though Marvell also lays claim to him, and who played drums for The Band.

The last waltz levon helm cunited artists courtesy everett collection

John Guadin, campaign chairman of the ATG Pavilion, said Kresse had been working on the project for a few years after recognizing a need to elevate Arkansas musicians “that really hadn’t gotten their due.” The idea grew into a plan to feature the sculptures in a dedicated space in North Little Rock.

“We had a two-day roll, and there was really wonderful energy in the community as people came out to support the project and the storytelling behind it,” Reynolds said.

Each sculpture carries a QR code that gives visitors a description of the artist and links to the Arkansas Music Foundation website, which includes information about the musicians and ways to connect with the communities they came from.

Anniversary Events and a Levon Helm Exhibit Follow

The celebration continues beyond the pavilion. The city is marking the 50th anniversary of The Last Waltz, Martin Scorsese’s documentary about The Band’s final concert. November 25 marks the anniversary, Reynolds said, noting the film features performers including Mavis Staples and Bob Dylan. A VIP event with catered food is planned for November 25, followed by a free community screening on November 28 with food trucks.

Also coming to the Argenta district is a Levon Helm exhibit at the Acanza Gallery, running from the third Friday in November through April. Guadin said it will include Helm’s drum set, “many of his gold records,” and other memorabilia.

More information is available through North Little Rock Tourism and the Arkansas Music Foundation.