The staff at Hempstead Hall on the UAHT campus is one of five nominees for the Arkansas Country Music Association’s Venue of the Year award.

The awards ceremony, to be hosted by Ashton Gill and Charles Haymes, will occur June 6 at the Reynolds Performance Hall in Conway beginning at 6:30 p.m. Among the performers that night will be LeeAnn Womack, Jeannie Seely and 2021 ACMA female vocalist of the year, Mae Estes of Hope.

About the nomination, Hempstead Hall Interim Director John Gladden said, "I can't talk about the nomination without thanking our previous director, Amanda Lance.  She really spearheaded all of our efforts during the pandemic years, pushing for virtual, streaming, and drive-in events. 

“While most venues were shut down, we were utilizing new equipment to serve our community in a virtual capacity.  This included everything from industry trainings to stage plays and full-production concerts.  We're very proud of the work we've put in, and humbled to receive a nomination for Venue of the Year."

Technical Director Katie Daniels also commented on the nomination: "I cannot express how excited I am over this nomination! The HH team have worked so hard over the last couple of years to keep a consistent service to the community, and our diligence and perseverance was seemingly noticed!

“It is a huge honor to receive this prestigious nomination. We are so thankful for the community's continuous support, and for attending our shows and events!"

The other four nominees are The Collins Theater  (Paragould), George’s Majestic Lounge  (Fayetteville), The Hall  (Little Rock) and the Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down Music Theater (Eureka Springs).