NPR Tiny Desk Contest returns to Little Rock
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- Little Rock Public Radio, in collaboration with Arkansas NPR affiliate stations KUAF and KASU, will host the fourth annual NPR Tiny Desk Contest: Arkansas Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at The Hall, 721 W 9th St., Little Rock, AR 72201 in downtown Little Rock. This vibrant event shines a spotlight on emerging local musicians, featuring the top three Arkansas entrants selected from NPR’s national Tiny Desk Contest.
More than 45 artists from across the state submitted performances for consideration, representing genres from folk to hip-hop. This year’s showcase will feature Jupiter’s Flytrap of Conway, Brae Leni of Little Rock, and Rachel Fields and the Blues Therapy Group of Prairie Grove.
“This year’s artists really set the scene for the diverse genres that make Arkansas so special,” said Grace Zafasi, director of development at Little Rock Public Radio. “We’re bringing out the best of blues, R&B, and jazz, in a way you’ve likely never heard before and Tiny Desk is the perfect place to hear it.” Event details: • Doors open at 5 p.m.; show begins at 6 p.m. with 30 minute sets from the selected artists • Tickets range from $15 to $75, with a variety of seating options available • Local vendor booths for arts & crafts, with food trucks such as Little Red Wagon The event is presented with support from Lost Forty Brewing and Gibson Gives Foundation.
For additional information contact grace@kuar.org
Arkansas TV will livestream LR Touchdown Club 2026 season CONWAY, Ark. — As part of its Arkansas Live initiative, Arkansas TV will be the livestreaming provider for the Little Rock Touchdown Club 2026 season, giving viewers statewide a front-row seat in the room with veteran coaches, NFL Hall of Famers, analysts and others. Each week, starting Aug. 24 and continuing through Nov. 23, Arkansas Live will provide livestreaming coverage of the Little Rock Touchdown Club at arkansastv.gov/arkansaslive..
Founded in 2004, the Little Rock Touchdown Club meets weekly this fall at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Little Rock during football season, featuring speakers ranging from college and professional football legends to ESPN hosts, SEC reporters and coaches. The weekly meetings begin Aug. 24 and will continue through Nov. 23.
This year’s speaker lineup will include: • Monday, Aug. 24 – Ryan Silverfield, University of Arkansas Razorbacks football head coach.
• Monday, Aug. 31 – Emmitt Smith, Three-time Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl MVP, NFL’s All-time leading rusher, NFL Hall of Famer, College Football Hall of Famer.
• Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Lynn Swann, Four-time Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl MVP, NFL Hall of Fame, NCAA National Champion, All-American, College Football Hall of Famer.
• Monday, Sept. 14 – Gus Malzahn, Former Arkansas Razorbacks assistant coach, former Arkansas State University head coach, former Auburn University head coach.
• Monday, Sept. 21 – Doug Flutie, Heisman Trophy winner, College Football Hall of Famer.
• Monday, Sept. 28 – Jason Peters, Super Bowl Champion, nine-time Pro Bowl selection, elected to 2010s NFL All-Decade Team.
• Monday, Oct. 5 – John Tyson, CEO of Tyson Foods.
• Monday, Oct. 12 – Will be announced at a later date. *Will be held at Simmons Bank Arena.
• Monday, Oct. 19 – Wally Hall, Assistant Managing Sports Editor for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
• Monday, Oct. 26 – Butch Jones, Arkansas State University Red Wolves football head coach.
• Monday, Nov. 2 – Nathan Brown, University of Central Arkansas Bears football head coach.
• Monday, Nov. 9 – Frank Ragnow, Former Arkansas Razorback Center, Four-time Pro Bowl selection.
• Monday, Nov. 16 – Lance Barrow, Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer, 13-time Emmy Award-winning producer.
• Monday, Nov. 23 – Matt Stinchcomb, College Football Hall of Famer, two-time All-American tackle at the University of Georgia.
Arkansas TV