Jonesboro, Arkansas – The KASU-FM Bluegrass Monday concert series is set to continue its long-running tradition of bringing live acoustic music to Northeast Arkansas, with the Amanda Cook Band scheduled to take the stage for the next installment of the monthly event.
The performance will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 22, at the Collins Theatre, located at 120 West Emerson Street in Paragould. As always, the evening is expected to draw bluegrass fans from across the region, offering a mix of traditional sounds and modern influences in an intimate theater setting.
Before the main concert begins, acoustic musicians and fans will also have a chance to take part in a community jam session starting at 5 p.m. The informal gathering will be held in the Joe Wessell Building next to the theater, giving players an opportunity to perform together in a relaxed environment. A designated section inside the theater will be reserved for participants so they can continue playing right up until showtime.
The Amanda Cook Band brings a blend of experience, musical evolution, and industry recognition to the Bluegrass Monday stage. Amanda Cook, a Florida native, began her musical journey performing alongside her father, Mike Blanton, in a traditional bluegrass group known as High Cotton. That early project was rooted in classic bluegrass styles inspired by influential acts such as the Stanley Brothers and the legendary duo Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.
As her career developed, Cook began exploring a broader musical direction. In 2013, she formed her own band with a focus on modern bluegrass while still maintaining ties to traditional roots. Today, her six-piece group blends both styles, creating a sound that appeals to audiences across generations and backgrounds.
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Cook’s work in the industry has also expanded well beyond performance. She signed with Mountain Fever Records in 2017, where she has released five albums. Over time, her role within the label grew significantly. She transitioned into audio engineering in 2019 and later became chief operating officer in 2022. Following the retirement of the label’s founder in August 2025, Cook stepped into ownership of the respected bluegrass recording company, which represents artists such as East Nash Grass, Nothin’ Fancy, the Churchmen, Jackson Hollow, and many others.
Her influence in the bluegrass world has continued to grow through leadership and recognition. In 2024, she was selected for a prestigious leadership program run by the International Bluegrass Music Association. That same year, she and her band made their debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry, marking a major milestone in her career.
Cook’s recent albums have also seen strong chart success. “Changes,” released in 2022, debuted at number one on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart, while her 2024 follow-up “Restless Soul” entered the charts at number two. The band is currently touring in support of their upcoming album, “Love Through Time,” which is expected to be released this fall.
The current lineup of the Amanda Cook Band includes several experienced musicians with deep ties to the bluegrass and country music scenes. Among them is Arkansas native George Mason on fiddle, whose career includes performances with Grand Ole Opry members such as Jeannie Seely, Stonewall Jackson, and Del Reeves. Mason has also worked as music director for the Osmond Family and toured with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra, bringing a wide range of professional experience to the group.
The band is rounded out by banjo player Carolyne Van Lierop-Boone, bassist Joshua Faul, guitarist Chevy Watson, and mandolinist Ethan Church. Together, the group delivers a mix of technical skill and ensemble cohesion that has helped define their growing reputation on the bluegrass circuit.
Admission to the Bluegrass Monday concert is set at $10 per person, payable in cash at the door on the night of the performance. Attendees aged 18 and under will be admitted free of charge, making the event accessible for families and younger music fans. Advance tickets are also available through www.kasu.org/tickets, and all proceeds go directly to the performing musicians.
For those planning to attend in groups of eight or more, reserved seating can be arranged by contacting KASU’s Marty Scarbrough. Otherwise, doors will open at 6 p.m., with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Bluegrass Monday series is a nonprofit initiative presented by KASU-FM, which aims to provide affordable, family-friendly live music experiences to the community. The concerts are held on the fourth Monday of each month and continue to attract both local residents and visiting bluegrass enthusiasts.
Support for the series comes from a variety of local sponsors, including the Paragould Advertising & Promotion Commission, Kiss The Cook, Bibb Chiropractic Center, Gardner-Milner Law Firm, the Posey Peddler, Holiday Inn Express and Suites of Paragould, and KASU itself.
KASU operates as the public media service of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, broadcasting on 91.9 FM and streaming across multiple digital platforms. Additional information about the Bluegrass Monday series, upcoming performances, and related events can be found through KASU’s official channels, including its Facebook page, or by contacting Program Director Marty Scarbrough directly at [email protected] or 870-972-2367.
