Courtyard Sessions | Mildenhall and Olympics
Forget streaming—we all know the best way to find new music is to hear it live. That’s why we decided to help bring some of the best new artists in Northwest Arkansas to you.
Come chill with us at the Arvest Bank Courtyard every Sunday afternoon this summer and discover your new favorite jams in this free, outdoor music series. From funk and soul breaks to immaculate LatinX harmonies, the best up-and-coming femme DJs to road-tested troubadours, every week will have you diving deeper with (and maybe ordering a round for) the rising stars all around us. Plus, with the RØDE Bar and the Momentary Food Truck just steps away, you’ll have access to some of the best brews and bites in town.
Dive into this week’s sessions with rising alt-rock stars Mildenhall. Fresh off their debut single “Small Step for Man,” these atmospheric indie rockers deliver relaxing jams that are perfect for those late-summer Sundays. Then, kick the tempo up with the post-punk style of Olympics (no, not that one). With a sound somewhere between the Killers and the 5.6.7.8’s, these Fayetteville natives are sure to send your weekend off right.
Free, no registration required.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Fantastic live music: What else? We’ll be showcasing some of the best indie artists and rising stars the country has to offer.
- Fun food and drink: Hungry or thirsty? Enjoy the culinary creations of the Momentary Food Truck and fun beverages from the RØDE Bar. Open Sundays 12 to 7 p.m. in the Arvest Bank Courtyard.
- Happy Hour Sundays at Onyx Coffee Lab: Treat yourself and a pal to a drink at Onyx! When you buy one drink, get 50 percent off your second. Happy Hour is from 3 to 5 p.m. during Courtyard Sessions shows and Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 3 p.m., during the week.
- Worried about the weather? Call the Inclement Weather line to check on any cancellations: 479.657.2488, or catch our Instagram and Facebook stories for the most up-to-date information.
- Safety Precautions: Per CDC’s updated guidelines, we are requiring all visitors ages 2 and up and staff to wear a face covering indoors and for outdoor programs. Masks will be available upon entry for those who do not have one.
Mildenhall
Mildenhall is the brainchild of Tom Benke. Conceived after the breakup of former Fayetteville band Kanna and in the throes of a global pandemic, Benke began writing new material. Quickly after tinkering in the studio, Bennett Cox, former bass player of Kanna, joined as the sole bass player and co-writer. Mildenhall released its first single in December of 2020, solidifying the trajectory of its musical vision. Eventually, realizing that the project needed a full band lineup, Matthew Johnson was recruited on drums, quickly followed by Andrew Cerra on lead guitar.
Olympics
Olympics is a project consisting of Kevin Lujano (guitar and vocals), Charles Crutcher-McGowan (drums), and Daniel Warner (bass) Miguel Aguila (keyboard and guitar). Formed in 2019, Olympics is influenced by genres such as Post-punk, Synth-pop, New Wave, and Shoegaze. Kevin and Daniel had been making music together since high school and took a break. Once they began making music again, they met Charles and, after a session of playing together, Olympics was formed. Miguel, a childhood friend of Kevin, later joined as there was a need for more instrumentation. Originally musically based in Dream Pop and Shoegaze, the band’s sound began to refine itself into its current phase of Post-punk.
