RISON — Excitement is building in Cleveland County as the annual Rison in the Fall Festival approaches on Saturday, October 10.
In a special episode of the Free Range Conversations podcast, Festival Director Douglas Boultinghouse and Rison Shine President Keden Shrum caught up with this year's festival headliner, '90s country music icon Bryan White, to talk about his Arkansas roots, his chart-topping career, new music, and what festival-goers can expect when he hits the Rise Up Rison Stage on Main Street.
Deep Roots and Lasting Memories
For White, performing in Arkansas isn't just another tour stop—it's a homecoming of sorts.
"I've got a ton of relatives from Arkansas, so definitely some roots there," White shared during the interview. "In fact, I remember some of my first memories ever were taking trips to Arkansas. The first time I ever drove a car, I was on a dirt road in Arkansas. So I got a lot of good memories... I'm grateful that you guys would think of me to have me there."
That sense of connection extended as White and Shrum realized on the call they shared roots in the same small towns in Oklahoma, where White's parents grew up.
"I love when I run into people or meet peop...