Music Moves is a music education nonprofit founded in Northwest Arkansas and committed to developing music programs and performances to share the extraordinary contributions of African Americans in all musical genres. Their mission is to provide opportunities to experience and appreciate the richness of Black music through educational programs for youth. African-American music is not just feel-good music produced through a multi-billion dollar industry – it is an original American art form and they are taking the next step opening The Music Depot. They leased their first brick and mortar location, from Brenda and Barry Golden Hester, the recently retired owners of Golden's Designer Jewelry, at 206 W Walnut Street in Downtown Rogers.

Music Moves was founded in 2019 by Reginald James and Anthony Ball to provide to make Black music more accessible in Northwest Arkansas. The Music Depo, a dedicated place for education and live music, providing a venue for the growth of Black Music Curriculum, as well as crating a safe space for the community to show up authentically and learn all about the amazing musicians and artists the greater region has to offer. 

Education and Curriculum: Music Moves develops K-12 curriculum, programs and performances to share the stories of Black musicians and their influence on American culture. Our mission is to make Black music accessible to students and communities through performance and education. As part of their educational programming, Music Moves partnered with Dr. Jeffrey Allen Murdock, associate professor of music education at University of Arkansas and winner of the 2021 Grammy Music Educator of the Year. Dr. Murdock developed a nine-week lesson plan and on-site presentations to educate K-12 students on the history of Black music in America, and how it relates to the discourse today.

Bringing Black music to the community: The community is invited to the inaugural concert performances at 206 W Walnut, 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Friday, July 7.  Guest artists, The Hamiltones. According to cclture.org, The Hamiltones, an R & B/Soul group, "are a bit of a rarity. In a synth-driven, auto-tuned inundated world of contemporary music, they bring it back to a simpler time, utilizing primarily one skill: their voices. Amassing a pretty large following in just a few years, it’s not only their vocal talents that keep propelling the group higher." 

The entertainment continues Saturday, July 8 with a performance by the Chris Cameron Blues Band at 7:00 p.m. At the age of 18, Chris Cameron swept the 1997 International Blues Challenge in Memphis as he bested 37 bands in the overall contest and earned the Albert King Award for Most Promising International Blues Guitarists. A Fort Smith native, Cameron has turned his passion for blues, gospel and R&B into an impressive career. He has played with the blues-rock greats including Bonnie Raitt and Tab Benoit, performed on his own around the country, released albums, and now blends electric blues, R&B, Delta blues and originals in the Chris Cameron Blues Band. Hear for yourself at The Music Depot in Downtown Rogers. 

Looking back in time: Author and historian James F. Hales published, "Rogers Arkansas 1881-2006" where it is documented 206 W Walnut was built as The Gem Theater which operated from 1912 until 1921. A second owner purchased and renamed the space "The Victory" in 1924, before a new owner bought the theater and then built a second "Victory Theater," and relocated the entertainment business. From there it served as a grocery store. In 1943 until the mid 60s, 206 W Walnut was again seating audiences for movie screenings as Rogers Theater, in competition with the Victory Theater around the corner. From there it served as retail and office space.  

In 1994, Barry Golden Hester married Brenda and they purchased and renovated the 206 W. Walnut Street building in historic downtown Rogers. Brenda obtained her certification in horology, and together they opened Golden’s in 1995. They have specialized in creating custom designed jewelry, special orders, gun engraving and watch repairs in Downtown Rogers for 26 years before retiring and closing the retail store on Christmas Eve, 2021.

A new 3rd Space: This gem of a location is now Downtown Rogers' newest music venue, The Music Depot. We invite you to check it out as one of your preferred 3rd Space destination locations. You will find them online, and on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.