This playlist consists of 15 live performances by singer/songwriters in the central Arkansas area.  The performances took place at Advent Arts & Acoustics Cafe in Conway, Arkansas, and venues at the University of Central Arkansas between the years of 1999 to 2007. We have incredible singer/songwriter talent in Arkansas. Thanks to all the musicians, and to the sound engineers - Jack Gaiser, Brian Eggert, Allan Roisen, Brooks Walthall and Frank Rogers - who recorded this music.

Central Arkansas Folk Entertainment (CAFE) Live Performances, Vol. I

Faril Simpson Live at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas

I managed Advent Arts & Acoustics Cafe (Advent Cafe) Coffeehouse series in Conway, Arkansas for 12 years (from 1997-2014). I also managed the UCA Unplugged music series at the University of Central Arkansas. Most performers for both series were folk, singer/songwriters from central Arkansas. We recorded each performance. I am posting Advent Cafe and UCA Unplugged performances of original songs written by Central Arkansas musicians on my SoundCloud account for your enjoyment. You'll find a diversity of music - folk, country, Christian, rock, pop, jazz, blues, ragtime, Irish, etc. We have great singer/songwriting talent in central Arkansas. A very special thanks to Jack Gaiser, Brian Eggert, Allan Roisen, Brooks Walthall and Chuck Gilbert who recorded these performances. Please enjoy this music.

Central Arkansas Folk Entertainment (CAFE) Performances from Advent Cafe & UCA Unplugged

The lyrics and tune for this song, "Cast Your Sail Into The Sunset," was written by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved). It was performed live on March 17, 2007 by The Dean's List at the Annual St. Patrick's Day Potato-Fest held at Advent Lutheran Church in Conway, Arkansas. Members include Gary Roberts, Terry Love and Frankie Stovall. This song is about the Irish who emigrated to America, many who left during the mid to late 1840's due to the potato famine.  It is a song about despair, reflection and hope for the future.

Cast Your Sail Into The Sunset by The Dean's List Live at St. Patrick's Day Potato-Fest

This is a hilarious story and song, "Colonoscopy," performed by Faril Simpson and Friends at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas on September 9, 2005. Joining Faril on stage was Bill Whitenack on stand-up bass, and Mike Dunman on mandolin. This song is written by Faril (all rights reserved).  Faril served in World War II and the Korean Conflict. He earned a Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate in Education and retired after a 30 year career as an instructor at the University of Central Arkansas' Chemistry Department.  In addition to being a college professor, Faril was a singer, songwriter, and folk story teller.  He passed away in October 2011 at the age of 87.  Faril lived life to the fullest, giving his last performance only two months before his passing.  Faril is an Arkansas treasure.

Colonoscopy by Faril Simpson & Friends Live at Advent Cafe

This is a wonderful song, "Reach Out and Touch Someone," performed by Faril Simpson and Friends at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas. This song is written by Faril (all rights reserved). Faril served in World War II and the Korean Conflict. He earned a Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate in Education and retired after a 30 year career as an instructor at the University of Central Arkansas' Chemistry Department. In addition to being a college professor, Faril was a singer, songwriter, and folk story teller. He passed away in October 2011 at the age of 87. Faril lived life to the fullest, giving his last performance only two months before his passing. Faril is an Arkansas treasure.

Reach Out And Touch Someone by Faril Simpson & Friends Live At Advent Cafe

This is a song written and performed by Faril Simpson at Advent Arts & Acoustics Cafe in Conway, Arkansas. Faril served in World War II and the Korean Conflict. He earned a Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate in Education and retired after a 30 year career as an instructor at the University of Central Arkansas' Chemistry Department. In addition to being a college professor, Faril was a singer, songwriter, and folk story teller. He passed away in October 2011 at the age of 87. Faril lived life to the fullest, giving his last performance only 2 months before his passing. Faril is an Arkansas treasure.

Got A Good Appetite by Faril Simpson

This is a wonderful folk story and song, "Pickin' Policeman," performed by Faril Simpson at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas. This song is written by Faril (all rights reserved). Faril served in World War II and the Korean Conflict. He earned a Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate in Education and retired after a 30 year career as an instructor at the University of Central Arkansas' Chemistry Department. In addition to being a college professor, Faril was a singer, songwriter, and folk story teller. He passed away in October 2011 at the age of 87. Faril lived life to the fullest, giving his last performance only two months before his passing. Faril is an Arkansas treasure.

Pickin' Policeman by Faril Simpson Live at Advent Cafe

Wow! I have no better words to describe this song, Lady Of The Mississippi Queen, performed by The Boomers at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on Jan. 8, 1999. The Boomers included Joe Lombardi, Conrad Shumaker and Michael Schaefer. Joining them on stage were Jim Herden, Kat Hood Glisich and Rand Retzloff. This song was written by Joe Lombardi (all rights reserved). Please enjoy this amazing folk performance.

Lady Of The Mississippi Queen by The Boomers at Advent Cafe

This is an incredible song, "The Ouachita," performed by Ernie Oakleaf at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on October 30, 1999. Joining Ernie was Kat Hood Glisich. Ernie writes music rich in detail using colorful imagery. Musicians ask to perform and record his music.  This song is written by Ernie Oakleaf (all rights reserved).  Please enjoy his music.

The Ouachita by Ernie Oakleaf with Kat Hood Glisich At Advent Cafe

You might want to stand up for this one, because at the end you'll give a standing ovation. Buddy Case played "Walkabout," a guitar instrumental, at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on Oct. 30, 1999. In the past I introduced Buddy Case as the finest finger style guitar player West of the Mississippi (since Chet Atkins lived East of the Mississippi). After hearing this live performance, I think you'll agree. This song is written by Buddy Case (all rights reserved). And by the way, Buddy Case was named 2021 GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR by the Arkansas Country Music Awards. Please enjoy Walkabout!

Walkabout by Buddy Case LIVE At Advent Cafe

Wow! You listen to a song and wonder why it is not a top 10 country hit! This is one of them. Kat Hood Glisich performed "Every Song" at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on Dec. 3, 1999. She was joined on stage by Buddy Case on guitar and Nancy Silver on fiddle. This song is written by Kat Hood Glisich (all rights reserved). Please sit back, relax and listen to this magnificent song.

Every Song by Kat Hood Glisich with Buddy Case & Nancy Silver At Advent Cafe

This is a song, "The Ballad of Billy" by Dan Clanton which I have posted previously. But when you add Buddy Case's guitar, with a bit of Spanish flare, you just have to post the song again. Joining Dan and Buddy are Nancy Silver on fiddle and Kat Hood Glisich on vocals. They performed this song at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on Dec. 3, 1999. This song is written by Dan Clanton (all rights reserved). Please enjoy.

The Ballad of Billy by Dan Clanton with Buddy Case, Nancy Silver & Kat Hood Glisich At Advent Cafe

Faril Simpson performed "The Cotton Pickin Blues" at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on June 1, 2001. This was Faril's fourth appearance at Advent.  Joining Faril were John Murphy on guitar, Jerry Manion on banjo, Bill Whitenick on bass, and Jim Riedeon (unsure of spelling) on harmonica. Faril is a folk legend in central Arkansas. He is a humorous storyteller and an excellent songwriter. When I can I try to capture his stories in these recordings, because he simply makes you laugh. This song is written by Faril Simpson (all rights reserved). Faril passed away Oct. 11, 2011 at the age of 87. Although he is no longer with us, his music and stories continue to live on!

The Cotton Pickin Blues by Faril Simpson & Friends at Advent Cafe

WOW! Enjoy the incredible sound of the Sara Thomas Band as they perform "Keeps His Eyes On Me" live at UCA Unplugged X on October 8, 2004 at the University of Central Arkansas. Joining Sara Thomas are Dave Hoffpauir on drums, Ben Harris on guitar, and Chris Michaels on bass. Sara possesses a unique bluesy, sultry voice that captivates the audience. This song was written by Sara Thomas (all rights reserved). It was recorded by Jack Gaiser and Allan Roisen. Please enjoy their music.

Keeps His Eyes On Me by Sara Thomas Band at UCA Unplugged X

I managed Advent Arts & Acoustics Cafe (Advent Cafe) Coffeehouse series in Conway, AR for about 17 years (from 1997-2014). I also managed a UCA Unplugged series at the University of Central Arkansas around this same time, and co-managed the Arkansas Acoustic Festival. Most performers were folk, singer/songwriters from central Arkansas. We recorded each performance. I am posting Advent Cafe, UCA Unplugged, and Arkansas Acoustic Festival performances on my SoundCloud account for your enjoyment. Most of these songs are originals written by Central Arkansas Musicians. You'll find a diversity of music - folk, country, Christian, rock, pop, jazz, blues, ragtime, Irish, etc. We have great singer/songwriting talent in Central Arkansas. I especially want to thank Jack Gaiser, Brian Eggert, Brooks Walthall, Allan Roisen, and Chuck Gilbert who ran sound and recorded this music. If you wish to contact me my email is robertsgary1952@gmail.com.  Please enjoy!

Colonoscopy by Faril Simpson & Friends Live at Advent Cafe

Gary Alan Roberts