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

This playlist includes music from Grace-Full Journey, an acoustic, singing church group from Advent Lutheran Church in Conway, Arkansas. The idea of Grace-Full Journey originated from Pastor Ron Larson and Karen Larson (Advent's Music Director). Although there were many different members throughout the years, those included for these performances are Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg, Kelli Moon Burnett. and Mercedes Ray. The songs were written mostly by members of the group. Grace-Full Journey performed at churches, coffeehouses, and youth events in the late 1990s. We hope you enjoy the music.

Grace-Full Journey Live Performances

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 mostly 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 (VOL. II)

The songs in this playlist were written and co-written by Gary Alan Roberts. They are not professional studio recordings. They come from live performances and practice rehearsals.  Dr. Roberts worked in higher education for 42 years, the last 27 as dean of students at the University of Central Arkansas, before he retired in 2017. While working, Gary managed a coffeehouse series at his church called Advent Arts & Acoustics Cafe. He also managed a performance series at the University of Central Arkansas called UCA Unplugged. He formed an acoustic band called The Dean's List, whose core members included Gary Roberts, Terry Love, Tammy Solberg and Frankie Stovall. They performed folk, singer-songwriter, and Americana type music. Many of the songs are originals, written by band members. There is a message or meaning behind each song.  For more information about Gary Roberts' music, you can contact him by email at robertsgary1952@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!

Songs written by Gary Alan Roberts

New & hot: Country

This song, "I've Got A Poem For You," was recorded by The Dean's List on May 22, 2000 at Advent Lutheran Church in Conway, Arkansas. Members included Gary Roberts, Frankie Stovall, Tammy Solberg and Terry Love. This song is a tribute to the parents and memory of Kara Jill Black who died in an automobile accident on September 4, 1999. Kara was a student at the University of Central Arkansas. In the funeral program was a poem Kara wrote at age 10 called, "I've Got A Poem For You." We asked her parents if we could put a tune to the poem and perform it at a concert, and they gave us permission. Words to this song are from Kara Black, tune by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved). What an insightful poem for a 10 year old. We hope you enjoy as we remember Kara Black.

I've Got A Poem For You by The Dean's List, Live Practice Recording Session

This song, "Daughter and Me," was recorded by The Dean's List at Advent Lutheran Church in Conway, Arkansas on May 22, 2000. The song is about the reflections a father might have after the birth of a child.  Members of the group include Gary Roberts (guitar and vocals), Frankie Stovall (penny whistle and vocals), Tammy Solberg (vocals), and Terry Love (vocals). This song is written by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved). We hope you enjoy listening.

Daughter And Me by The Dean's List, Live Practice Recording Session

This song, "Walk On By," was recorded by The Dean's List at Advent Lutheran Church in Conway, Arkansas on May 22, 2000. This is a song about how many of us react when we see homeless people at a street corner asking for a handout. Members of the group include Frankie Stovall (piano and lead vocals), Gary Roberts (guitar and vocals), Tammy Solbert (vocals), and Terry Love (guitar and vocals). This song is written by Frankie Stovall (all rights reserved). We hope you enjoy listening.

Walk On By by the Dean's List, Live Practice Recording Session

This song, "The Famine Of Ireland," was recorded by The Dean's List at Advent Lutheran Church in Conway, Arkansas on May 22, 2000. This is a song about the potato famine that hit Ireland from 1845 to 1852 where many people perished, and others fled to other countries incuding America.  Members of the group in this recording include Gary Roberts (guitar and lead vocals), Tammy Solberg (vocals), Frankie Stovall (piano and vocals) and Terry Love (guitar). This song is written by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved). We hope you enjoy listening.

The Famine Of Ireland by The Dean's List, Live Practice Recording Session

This song, "Cast Your Sail Into The Sunset," was recorded by The Dean's List at Advent Lutheran Church in Conway, Arkansas on May 22, 2000. It 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.  Members of the group in this recording include Gary Roberts (guitar and lead vocals), Tammy Solberg (vocals), Frankie Stovall (penny whistle) and Terry Love (vocals). This song is written by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved). We hope you enjoy listening.

Cast Your Sail Into The Sunset by The Dean's List

This song, "How," was recorded by The Dean's List at Advent Lutheran Church in Conway, Arkansas on May 22, 2000. The song is about two individuals searching to reconnect out of their love for each other. Members of the group in this recording include Tammy Solberg and Gary Roberts (on lead vocals), Frankie Stovall (piano) and Terry Love. This song is written by Frankie Stovall (all rights reserved). We hope you enjoy listening.

How by The Dean's List, Live Practice Recording Session

This song, "They Call It Love," was recorded by The Dean's List at Advent Lutheran Church in Conway, Arkansas on May 22, 2000. It is about two individuals finding true love and deciding to get married. Members of the group in this recording include Terry Love (lead vocals) Gary Roberts (guitar and vocals), Tammy Solberg (vocals), and Frankie Stovall (penny whistle). This song is written by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved). We hope you enjoy listening.

They Call It Love by The Dean's List, Live Practice Recording Session

This is a fun Irish song, "The Courtship Song," that was recorded by The Dean's List at Advent Lutheran Church in Conway, Arkansas on May 22, 2000. The song is about two young lovers as they go back and forth in their courtship of each other. Members of the group in this recording include Gary Roberts (lead vocals and guitar), Frankie Stovall (lead vocals and penny whistle), and Terry Love (guitar). This song is written by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved). We hope you enjoy listening.

The Courtship Song by The Dean's List, Live Practice Recording Session

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FDJ OCAAK 05 JUNI 2023 GRAND DRAGON.mp3

FDJ OCAAK 17 JUNI 2023 GRAND DRAGON.mp3

Was there a place and time in your life where you grew as a person, where you became a young adult? A place where you went to have fun, to relax, and feel safe from the turmoil of everyday life? For our mother, Loreen Ratzloff, that place was Coon Creek near Cedar Point in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Mom was born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Dust Bowl, and World War II. She passed away in November 2022 at the age of 91. She said her most favorite time in life was between 1939 to 1946 playing on Coon Creek with her siblings and close friends. It was where she grew as a person, to find her voice, and become a young woman. She even wrote a poem about it called, “Ole Coon Creek.” Here are the words.
  
Don’t tell me (old friend), of your parties at Coon Creek.
There's a gnawing pain, and it makes me feel sick.
That’s okay, how could you know? Well, you got to stay.
And we had to go like some lost souls astray.

Then all was forgotten, as we traveled on our journey.
Trying to find ourselves, we were in a hurry!
Now it’s time to slow down. I put down my pick.
What do I think of? Well, it’s Ole Coon Creek.
 
There’s a lump in my throat, and tears are in my eyes.
As I write this note, like an old friend that dies.
Oh! Please bring it back! Turn back the tick!
Of the clock in the shack, bring back Ole Coon Creek!
  
I’ve met my challenge in life. I did it all, I think.
I couldn’t have handled the strife, without Ole Coon Creek!
As I reflect on life, I can’t help but think.
In every child there is a place, called Coon Creek.

Not long after she wrote the poem, her son, Gary Roberts, put a tune to it. As mom laid in hospice care during her final hours, mom’s four children sang the song to her. She could not speak, but her lips moved to the words. It was a tearful moment! Mom passed away that night. Her children performed the song a few days later at her funeral.

Mom’s grandson, Bryce Roberts, said he wanted to record the song as a tribute to his grandmother. He is a recording engineer in Nashville. We made the trip in 2023 to Nashville and recorded the song at Soultrain Sound Studios. Performing are her children - Gary Roberts on vocals and 6 and 12 string guitars, Charney Roberts Price on vocals and piano, Galen Roberts on vocals, and Wanda Roberts Lambert on vocals. The song was recorded, mixed and produced by Bryce Roberts. He also added slide guitar.

Many of us have a favorite place where we grew up, found our voice, and became young adults. Did you have a special place? That’s what this song is about. We hope you enjoy listening! 

The song, “Ole Coon Creek,” and its recording is Copyrighted 2023 by Roberts (family members). All rights reserved.

Ole Coon Creek from a poem by Loreen Ratzloff, Performed by Roberts (her children)

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 song, Father Time Keeps Rollin' On, was performed by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on Oct. 3, 1997.  Lyrics and tune are by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved). This is the first song he has ever written.  It pays tribute to two friends who passed away, Mary Stallcup and Richard Scott.  Members of Grace-Full Journey included Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg & Kelli Moon Burnett.  Hope you enjoy.

Father Time Keeps Rollin' On, Grace-Full Journey (Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg & Kelli Moon Burnett)

This song, With Grateful Heart, was performed by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on Oct. 3, 1997.  The song lyrics were written by an Advent Lutheran Church youth group; tune is by Gary Roberts.  Members of Grace-Full Journey include Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg and Kelli Moon Burnett.  We hope you enjoy.

With Grateful Heart by Grace-Full Journey (Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg & Kelli Moon Burnett)

This song, "A Gift of Time," was performed live by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on Sept. 11, 1998.  Members of Grace-Full Journey for this performance were Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg, Kelli Moon Burnett & Mercedes Ray.  This song is about the need to give of our time to help others.  Lyrics and tune for A Gift of Time are written by Gary Roberts (all rights reserved).  We hope you enjoy.

A Gift Of Time by Grace-Full Journey Live at Advent Cafe

This song, "He Came," was performed live by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, Arkansas on September 11, 1998.  Members of Grace-Full Journey at the time were Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg, Kelli Moon Burnett and Mercedes Ray. "He Came" is a Christian song with words by Jessica Roberts-Catlett who was 12 at the time she wrote it; tune written by her father, Gary Roberts (all rights reserved).  We hope you enjoy.

He Came by Grace-Full Journey (Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg, Kelli Moon Burnett & Mercedes Ray)

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 a medley of Christian songs, set to an upbeat tune, performed by Grace-Full Journey at Advent Cafe in Conway, AR on October 30, 1999. Members of Grace-Full Journey for this performance included Gary Roberts, Tammy Solberg and Kelli Moon Burnett. They, along with Erin Enderlin, performed at a benefit concert at Advent Lutheran Church to raise funds to prevent domestic violence.

Medley of Christian Tunes by Grace - Full Journey 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! 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!