Community Events

Dyess Arkansas Roots Music Festival: Sister Rosetta Tharpe Tribute

Delta
April 11, 2026
Community Events
Dyess Arkansas Roots Music Festival: Sister Rosetta Tharpe Tribute

Honoring the Legacy of the Godmother of Rock 'n' Roll

Celebrating the life and legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe — the Godmother of Rock 'n' Roll — at the Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home. Performers included Erin Enderlin, Mae Estes, Reverend Greg Spradlin, and the Delta Soul Singers. Partially sponsored by the Delta Symposium through Arkansas State University. The AFF team conducted community engagement throughout, gathering stories and inviting folks to help shape the festival. Special thanks to KASU Radio Station for sponsoring the tribute.

Share this
Delta
News & Stories

More from the festival

Discover recent announcements and stories from the community.

Map of Southeast Arkansas counties including Dallas, Calhoun, Bradley, Ashley, Chicot, Drew, Lincoln, Cleveland, Jefferson, Arkansas, Desha, White, and Grant.
Community
Southeast Arkansas

Southeast Arkansas: Food, Family, Folklórico, and Community Celebration

From tamales, pupusas, and soul food to cumbia, folklórico, family gatherings, and river-town pride, Southeast Arkansas voices helped shape the festival.
Read more
Map highlighting North Central River Valley counties Conway, Faulkner, White, and Little Red with diagonal peach and teal stripes alongside text reading Cultureshed Spotlight North Central River Valley.
Community
North Central / River Valley

North Central / River Valley: Where Arkansas Comes Together

From White Water Tavern and Argenta to Southern foodways, public music, fiddle tunes, gospel, city culture, and outdoor traditions, North Central / River Valley voices helped shape the festival.
Read more
Map of Northwest Arkansas highlighting Benton, Washington, Carroll, Madison, Boone, and Newton counties with notable lakes and reservoirs.
Community
Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas: Old-Time Roots, New Neighbors, and a Changing Arkansas Story

Northwest Arkansas voices show how Arkansas culture is both rooted and changing, shaped by music, foodways, makers, markets, mountains, and new communities.
Read more

Be part of the story

Volunteer, sponsor, or join our street team and help bring this festival to life.

VolunteerSponsor