Arkansas-based songwriter Kalyn Fay will perform a free outdoor concert Friday, June 5 at Vesper Point on Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville. The show begins at 6 p.m. and is part of the Mount Sequoyah Center’s Music on the Mountain series.
The evening will also feature Cherokee storyteller Gayle Ross of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, who will open the event with stories described as “rooted in heritage, culture, and connection.” The performance is free and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and outside food and beverages are permitted. A concession stand will offer snacks and drinks for purchase.
What to expect
The Mount Sequoyah setting offers a relaxed atmosphere for families. Vesper Point sits at the top of the mountain, giving visitors a clear view of the Fayetteville skyline and surrounding hills. The open-air venue makes it easy to spread out, and kids often enjoy the wide space to move around before the music starts.
Fay, known for her folk-influenced songwriting and warm vocal delivery, often draws from personal experience and rural Arkansas life in her lyrics. Her performances tend to feel conversational, even when the audience grows beyond the usual coffee shop crowd. She’s played across the state but remains deeply connected to the local music scene.
Ross, a member of the Cherokee Nation, brings a different rhythm to the evening. Her storytelling weaves together traditional tales and personal reflections, often connecting past and present in ways that resonate with all ages. Her segments usually last about 30 minutes and offer a gentle transition into the musical portion of the night.
Practical details
The event starts at 6 p.m. and typically wraps up around 8:30 p.m. Since it’s outdoors, dress for the weather — early June in Northwest Arkansas can be warm during the day but cools down in the evening. The paved path leading to Vesper Point is stroller-friendly, though the hill leading up to the point may be a challenge for very young children or those with mobility concerns. There is parking available at the Mount Sequoyah Center, with additional overflow areas nearby.
Because this is a free event, seating is first come, first served. Families often arrive early to claim a good spot on the grass. Bringing a picnic is encouraged — there are plenty of tables and open areas to spread out. Restrooms are available on-site, though they are portable units.
The Music on the Mountain series is supported in part by a grant from the Division of Arkansas Heritage, which helps fund cultural programming across the state. Mount Sequoyah Center, a nonprofit retreat and conference center, has hosted the series for several years as a way to bring live music and storytelling to the community at no cost.
This Friday’s show is a good option for families looking for something to do over the weekend that doesn’t involve screens or shopping. It’s also a chance to introduce kids to live music in a casual setting — many parents find that children are more open to new sounds when they’re outside and free to move around.
For more information about Mount Sequoyah or directions to Vesper Point, visit mountsequoyah.org.
Source: Fayetteville Flyer
