KUAF host Mike Shirkey honored with Governor’s Arts Award

Long time KUAF volunteer host Mike Shirkey of Fayetteville will receive a Governor's Arts Folklife Award at a ceremony in Little Rock on October 18th. Shirkey is the founder and host of the two-hour radio program called “The Pickin’ Post,” which features a mix of folk, bluegrass, blues, singer and songwriter interviews and concerts. “The Pickin’ Post,” airs on University of Arkansas's NPR affiliate station KUAF 91.3 on Saturday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Shirkey also operates GoodFolk Productions, a popular destination for touring folk musicians.

The awards are presented by Gov. Mike Beebe and the Arkansas Arts Council. The awards recognize individuals and corporations for their outstanding contributions to the arts in Arkansas. The recipients were nominated by the public and then selected by an independent panel of arts professionals from around the state.

The ceremony will take place during a luncheon at noon Oct. 18 in the Grand Ballroom of The Peabody Little Rock. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased by contacting Cheri Leffew at cheri@arkansasheritage.org or by calling 501-324-9766.