The I-Friend program at the University of Arkansas helps international students and scholars connect with northwest Arkansas locals off campus. Last week students and host families were matched and met up for the annual Thanksgiving Dinner in An American Home event.

The start of December brings with it opportunities to see live performances of hard rock, metal, instrumental folk and a golden anniversary tour for one of the best-known western swing bands. Thu, Dec 2 Charley Crockett at Majestic (Fort Smith) - $30.00, 8 p.m. Fri, Dec 3 Earl and Them at George's Majestic Lounge (Fayetteville) - $8.00, 6 p.m. The Floozies at George's Majestic Lounge (Fayetteville) - $25 adv, $30 day of, 9:30 p.m. Dave Bright and Company at Mojo's East (Fayetteville) - 7 p.m.

The past two years have been a challenge for singing ensembles. With caution and practice, the Singing Men of Arkansas are ready to perform in public for the first time in two years. Their Christmas Concert is Sunday afternoon at 3:00 (doors at 2:00)at First United Methodist Church is Springdale. the concert is free and open to the public.

Courtney Lanning joins us for our weekly conversation about new movies. This week, we discuss the psychological thriller/sci-fi movie Encounter .

Olivia Walton is the new board chairperson at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. She tells Roby Brock, with our partner Talk Business and Politics , she believes in the power of art.

Our first show of a new month starts with rising COVID-19 numbers... a December 7th date for a special session... and a scheduled groundbreaking for a new animal shelter in Bentonville.

For the first time since late September the single-day total of new cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas is over 1,000. Hospitalizations are increasing again and flu season is approaching. Arkansas officials are keeping a close eye on developments.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding benefits to all LGBTQ+ service members for the first time. The Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks is keeping pace of the changes. The Fayetteville VA's LGBTQ+ care coordinator describes her mission and outreach.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe helped shape the future of secular and gospel music throughout her career. The TheatreSquared production of Marie and Rosetta, set in her native Arkansas, brings us her music and her story.

In late 1969 the University of Arkansas campus was active as a national TV crew came to town for a legendary football game. But much more was taking place.