WORDS / CHRISTOPHER BEAUMONT

The impetus for The White Water Tavern’s “Holiday Hangout” began as a birthday celebration for their best friend, Travis Hill, who owns and operates the one-of-a-kind Last Chance Records label in Little Rock. Hill released stellar records from artists Adam Faucett, John Moreland, John Paul Keith, and many more. The first official Holiday Hangout took place in 2010 and occurs the first weekend of December.

“We are lucky to have friends and music fans travel to Little Rock every year from all across the country and from across the sea,” says Matt White, owner of The White Water Tavern. “It kind of feels like a family reunion. Three nights of really great music. On the Sunday of the festival we always host Breakfast, Books, and Booze. We serve brunch starting at noon and transform our stage into a large alternative book and zine sale hosted by Mary Chamberlain of Tree of Knowledge book distro. Then later that evening we turn the platform in the back of the room into an acoustic stage with artists performing back there from 5 p.m. well into the night.”

With over 20 artists booked this year, the line-up is sure to entertain. As one example, White says, “Legendary Shack Shakers are one of the world’s great live bands. Patrick Sweany is bringing his band over from Nashville. Vandoliers are coming up from Fort Worth. Lee Bains and the Glory Fires are incendiary punk rock and roll out of Birmingham. Kayln Fay is a badass songwriter out of Tulsa. The great Adam Faucett will be playing his first show back after recovering from throat surgery the last several months. The list goes on and on.”

Confirmed Artists Include:

Adam Faucett

Bonnie Whitmore

The Baptist Generals 

Brent Best 

Clownvis Presley 

Isaac Hoskins 

Jeremy Pinnell 

John Calvin Abney 

John Paul Keith 

Jon Dee Graham 

Kaylyn Fay 

Lee Bains & The Glory Fires 

Legendary Shack Shakers 

Matt Woods 

Patrick Sweany 

Samantha Crain 

Shane Sweeney 

Slobberbone 

Todd May 

Vandoliers 

Cory Branan 

“Special Guests” and more to come! 

To Purchase Tickets, please visit Last Chance Records. The White Water Tavern is located at 2500 W 7th St, Little Rock, AR 72205. 501-375-8400. whitewaterbooking@gmail.com. Keep up with them on their website, Facebook, and Instagram @whitewatertavern