As part of Newport’s Monster Nights Downtown Entertainment Series, KASU Public Radio and Arkansas Steel Associates have teamed up to bring you Monster Groovez Concerts. The concerts will take place on the third Tuesday of the month in May and June. We will skip over the summer heat of July, and resume the series in August, September, and October. All concerts are free and last from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The concerts will be held downtown Newport, at the Terry Scroggins Memorial Stage in Front Street Park.
Monster Groovez will kick-off the summer on Tuesday, May 21st, at 7:00pm, with a performance by The Akeem Kemp Band.
The Akeem Kemp Band is known statewide for skillfully interpreting songs from various old school and contemporary artists, such as Sam Cooke, Bobby Womack, Albert King, and Al Green. According to his band’s website, Akeem Kemp is a natural prodigy who is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter from Arkansas. He grew up performing in a gospel quartet, but branched out as a blues solo artist releasing his first album, “I Like It All,” followed by his second album, “A Woman Needs Love,” right after high school. Influenced by Albert King’s string bending and soulful, smoky vocals as well as Jimi Hendrix’s overdriven amplifiers with high volume and gain, Akeem has managed to create his own style and unique tone. Through the inspiration of life experiences, he uses his music to connect with all walks of life. Akeem is on a journey to create memories, conceive feelings, and communicate lyrics people may feel they cannot say any other way except through music.
This is an outdoor venue that is child and pet friendly. Feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. More information about this event and upcoming concerts is available at newportarcity.org or KASU.org.