5 Hot Spots To Hear Live Music in Little Rock
1. Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack
107 River Market Ave., (501) 372-7707
Hours: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.–1 a.m. Mon–Fri, 11 a.m.–1 a.m. Sat.
Located in the heart of the River Market District, Stickyz serves up their famous chicken fingers (with your choice of 10 scrumptious sauces) and live music from nationally known bands like Lincoln Durham and the Banditos. Up-and-comers perform here too, like season one winner of “The Voice” Cody Belew. All genres of music are represented on the performance calendar throughout the year.
2. Rev Room
300 President Clinton Ave., (501) 823-0091
Kitchen hours: 4 p.m.–10 p.m. Mon, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Tue, Wed & Sun. Bar hours vary. Open until 2 a.m. Mon–Fri, 1 a.m. Sat, midnight Sun.
Enjoy live acts and a full bar at this wide-open music hall just minutes from many downtown Little Rock hotels. Local and national acts – like Mutemath, Robert Earl Keen, Blues Traveler, Matisyahu, REK, Pat Green and Boom Kinetic – sell out regularly. Concerts all weekend long span varied genres from country and hip-hop to dance and rock.
3. The Afterthought
2721 Kavanaugh Blvd., (501) 663-1196
Hours: Shows start 8 p.m. Mon–Thu, 9 p.m. Fri & Sat.
Head to Hillcrest for a relaxing experience at The Afterthought. With live acts performing smooth jazz, R&B and even comedy, this hotspot has something going on nearly every day of the week. On Sundays, pop in next door at The Afterthought’s restaurant Vieux Carre 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for Sunday Jazz Brunch featuring New Orleans-style jazz and memorable menu items like Crab Cake Benedict and Shrimp & Grits.
4. White Water Tavern
2500 W. Seventh St., (501) 375-8400
Hours: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Mon–Fri 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Mon–Sat.
A favorite local dive, White Water Tavern regularly hosts indie talent with genres ranging from country and folk to punk and rock. It’s a hidden gem you’d miss if you weren’t looking for it. Mouthwatering bar food, pool tables in the upper level and an outdoor area make for plenty of good times for natives and guests, alike.
5. South on Main
1304 S. Main St., (501) 244-9660
Hours: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mon-Fri, 5-10 p.m. Tue-Sat.
South on Main is a revolutionary cultural experience that includes a restaurant and performance venue focused on spotlighting the best in Southern culture and cuisine. Oxford American magazine curates the musical performances, literary readings, film screenings and other offerings—taking its content “from the page to the stage.”
Piano Bar Scene
Looking for a lively place with fun entertainment, great drinks and classic music you can sing along to (if you feel so inclined)? Little Rock is happy to oblige with two popular dueling piano bars located in the heart of the River Market District: Willy D’s and Ernie Biggs. Both of these hip nightlife spots draw in locals and visitors alike with the promise of talented musicians and great service. Special happy hours, events and promotions take place year-round at both venues.
