Jazz Weekend Returns

The Eureka Springs Jass Festival is happening at Gotahold Brewing this year.

Scheduled from Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9, the weekend of music features performances by tim Hollwood and the Paul Price Trip in the Beer Garden at Gatahold. Wendy Hartmann, co-owner of Gotahold, said she and her husband, Dave, heard a lot about past jazz weekends when they moved to Eureka Springs.

"Dave and I both enjoy Jazz and I'd wished I could have experienced it," Wendy said.

So a few years later, she approached a few local businesses that host live music and asked if they'd be willing to book only jazz on a specific weekend. Hartmann said Gotahold is a great location for Jazz music, because it's steeped in nature.

"The music is outside, under the trees. There's lots of space, so those who are really into it can sit in from of the stage and engage with the artists, while those who prefer it as background music can sit further away."

Wendy said "We are dog - and family - friendly."

Wendy remembered taking a jazz class incollege, saying her father was perplexed because they didn't play jazz in the house. About three years ago, Wendy said, she realized that she loves jazz because of the Charlie Brown Christmas album.

"We did listen to jazz, several times a year, whenever a Peanuts special was on, every year for 18 years of my youth," Wendy said. "Thanks to the Peanuts gang, I have a lifelong love of jazz."

Jass is all about structure and improvisation.

"It allows the freedome to create on the fly. The musicians often riff off the vibe of the audience, and it's magical to see," Wendy said. "Also, it's likely the last music, if ever, that AI will be able to replicate. In a time when so many people distrust AI, this is a beautiful way to embrace a resistance."

Wendy said she's excited to see the performers.

"They are all talented musicians and always bring something new and interesting," she said. "Tim also interacts with the audience and makes a connection that is deepend by the music."

What makes Eureka Spings such a perfect place for live music?

Wendy said the city has been associated with the arts and music for a long time. "It's a town that has many independenly owned businesses and the Victorian charm. We have incredible musicians," Wendy said.