Rock Candy

 
If you've been around local music even for just a little while, you at least know his name — TJ Deeter. Few have promoted local art and music culture more fervently. As the founder and publisher of Localist, he's devoted countless hours and scrounged for funds (going into debt in the process) to spotlight underexposed local artists and bands, first in a glossy print magazine and lately in a sophisticated web magazine. Before Localist, he established the “Arkansas Rockers Revue” at White Water Tavern, a regular Tuesday night event that traditionally pairs three local acts — be they rap, black metal, folk or pop—with cheap beer specials and no cover charge. Deeter doesn't book the night anymore, but it's become such an institution that you'd be hard-pressed to find a local act who hadn't played. National acts regularly ask to be included, even if their only hope is to pick up gas money through donations. More recently, Deeter founded an after-school hip-hop program, a hands-on school for 13-17 year-olds, where the history and fundamentals of the culture were conveyed. Several months ago, Deeter was diagnosed with cancer of the thyroid. Surgery was successful but help was uninsured and faces mounting medical bills. To help mitigate those costs, Thick Syrup head honcho Travis McIlroy organized this benefit, which features the DJing prowess of ATM, '80s blue-eyed soul from Nathan Browningham and ubiquitous folk-rocker Chris Denny, who's just released his sophomore CD.