Newcomers to the 501 area might not have had the time to discover all the hidden gems around the state, and will be surprised to find one that is definitely unique in Central Arkansas – the Arkansas Educational Television Network.
For over 40 years the network has provided valuable classroom teacher resources, educational programs for children, nationally recognized Arkansas productions and outstanding prime-time programs delivered through its network of transmitters to the entire state. Newcomers to the 501 area might not have had the time to discover all the hidden gems around the state, and will be surprised to find one that is definitely unique in Central Arkansas – the Arkansas Educational Television Network.
For over 40 years the network has provided valuable classroom teacher resources, educational programs for children, nationally recognized Arkansas productions and outstanding prime-time programs delivered through its network of transmitters to the entire state.
One important part of AETN’s mission is to “to illuminate the culture and heritage of Arkansas,” and over the past several years its producers have looked close to home for talented individuals to do just that. The resulting effort is the very popular cultural and arts series “AETN Presents Front Row.”
Featuring mostly Arkansas talent that ranges from bluegrass to jazz and everything in between, the program provides benefits for both the artist and audience. For those willing to drive to the studio in Conway, it is a special up close and personal experience with the featured artist. For the artist, it provides a controlled environment and enables their performance to be seen in all corners of the state not just once, but repeated times on AETN.
Past concerts have featured The Cate Brothers (Union Man), The Dave Rogers Trio, Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile, Epiphany, Hannah Blaylock, Jack Williams, Kat Hood Trio, the Rodney Block Trio, The Sara Thomas Band, Toad Suck Symphony, Trout Fishing in America, Wildwood, Steve Davidson, The Salty Dogs, The Carol Burson Trio and most recently Rockabilly Hall of Fame Inductee Dale Hawkins (Suzie Q). 
“We’ve been told it’s our version of Austin City Limits, and we’ll take that as a compliment,” said series AETN executive producer Carole Adornetto.
The studio concerts are free and are on a first come, first served basis, due to the limited space, with AETN asking the courtesy of an R.S.V.P. to help gauge the size of each audience. Most of the concerts are held in the largest studio space at the network headquarters, but special events require a larger space such as the Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas.
The Reynolds facility has allowed for greater flexibility in audience numbers, hosting Trout Fishing in America, Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile and A Holiday Music Gala.
While Front Row features mainly musical performances, the companion book show, “AETN Presents On The Same Page” features Arkansas authors. It has been called, “Good television for people who love good books.”
Previously featured authors include Crescent Dragonwagon, Rick Bragg, Fannie Flagg, Donna Tart, Buzz Bissinger, Steve Bowman, John Brandon, Sandra Cisneros, Tony Earley, John Edge, Patricia McKissack, Tom Piazza, George Singleton, Kenneth Smith, John Jeremiah Sullivan, Linda Bloodworth Thomason and Kevin Brockmeier.
Casey Sanders serves as the show’s producer, but has a variety of other projects she developed for the network. Her earlier years at AETN saw her at the helm of the network’s flagship public affairs program “Arkansas Week” and producing two multi-episode seasons of “Aging Successfully” with Doctor David.
Check local listings as well as your cable service provider for exact dates, times and channel designations for AETN.