The stage is set for the 2023 Arkadelphia Festival of the Arts

By EMMA BROWN | City of Arkadelphia

Sponsored by Hostess Brands, festival coordinators have curated a variety of local, regional and national musical artists to perform on the Hostess Brands Stage October 13-14 in downtown Arkadelphia. The festival kicks off on Friday, October 13, with regionally-known acts deFrance, Fonky Donkey, Cliff and Susan, Midnight South and Dazz and Brie.

Friday’s performances will be headlined by up-and coming country star Drew Green. Green’s hit song “Good Ol’ Man” has over 23 million streams on Spotify and has earned him national recognition as a performing artist on the country music stage.

Sparks will continue to fly on the Hostess Brands Stage on Saturday, October 14. Saturday’s lineup features Arkadelphia’s own Jody Evans, as well as regional acts Amie and The Slingerz, Magnolia Brown, Posey Hill, The Big Dam Horns and Mae Estes. Saturday’s Music Row headliner is country music sister duo, Tigirlily Gold. Known for their catchy song, “Shoot Tequila,” Tigirlily Gold has over 6.3 million likes on TikTok and almost 1.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Paul Shuffield is a musician and owner of Shuffield Music Company located in downtown Arkadelphia. Shuffield is going on his third year as AFOTA’s Music Row Coordinator and claims this year’s lineup has something everyone can enjoy. 

“Each year, we consider comments from the public and utilize those to make our choices for the next festival,” Shuffield said. “We’ve been working on this lineup for well over a year – starting with 75 artists and whittling it down to the 13 that are performing. It was no easy task, but we’ve got a great mix of local, regional and national touring performers and I can assure you, there is something for everybody!”

Event coordinators are also excited to announce this year’s Music Row sponsor, Hostess Brands. The snack company is on the verge of opening its newest bakery in Clark County, Arkansas. The new bakery is expected to bring 150 new jobs to Clark County and increase Hostess Brands’ bakery capacity on its Donettes and cake platforms by approximately 20%.  

“We could not be more thrilled to have Hostess sign on as the title sponsor for the 2023 Arkadelphia Festival of the Arts,” City Manager Gary Brinkley said. “Hostess has proven to be a valuable advocate and partner for our community. We are grateful for their support and look forward to supporting all of the amazing talent performing on the Hostess Brands Stage!” 

Performance times and information about this year’s Music Row lineup can be found at https://arkadelphiafestivalofthearts.org or on social media @afota23.