New Businesses in Historic Helena Embrace Town's Roots

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. October 14, 2008

"People walked in rhythm and talked in this singsong talk; when I'd go

down by the river in Helena, the river seemed to be in rhythm, and I

thought, no wonder the music comes from here, the rhythm is already

there." Robbie Robertson, The Band

HELENA, Arkansas, August 13, 2008. Located on the Mighty Mississippi River, historic Helena has a long-standing history with the river. Native Americans made their homes nearby for easy access to fishing and transportation. The river brought immigrants from across the globe to Helena in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The community's close proximity to the Mississippi made it a target for occupation during the Civil War, culminating in a Union victory on July 4, 1863, at the Battle of Helena. The town battled the river in a series of devastating floods, most notably the Floods of 1927 and 1937.

Recently a new business opened in Historic Helena that offers visitors an opportunity to experience the Mississippi up close and personal. Quapaw Canoe Company opened in late June and is the first canoe and kayak rental outfitter located on the lower river. "Historic Helena is the only city that sits directly on the river between Memphis and Vicksburg," said John Ruskey of Quapaw Canoe Company. "It was the logical location since access to the river is very easy."

The company offers canoe and kayak rentals, and fees include paddles, life jackets and safety equipment. For the less experienced floater, Quapaw Canoe also offers guided tours of the Mississippi River, the St. Francis River and Buck Island. Quapaw Canoe Company is located at 411 Ohio Street. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., as well as by special appointment. For more information on the Quapaw Canoe Company, visit www.Island63.com or phone 870-228-2266.

Historic Helena also has strong ties to music and the voices that made the music famous. Robert Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson, Conway Twitty, Levon Helm and others who shaped the history of music all had ties to Helena. King Biscuit Time, the longest-running daily blues radio show in the United States, still broadcasts live weekdays from the Delta Cultural Center. The Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival (formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival) started here in 1986 and is now one of the largest free blues festivals in the country.

Brad Bishop, owner of Little Biscuit Productions, knew the musical heritage of the town and decided to open a recording studio and possibly give a legendary musician or singer of the future their start. "This community and region has so much talent," he said. "I've been coming to the festival for years. There are so many talented people in the area and I hope to help someone get their start."

Little Biscuit Productions is a high-definition recording facility located at 405 Cherry Street. The studio offers multi-track recording, mixing, remixing, production assistance and a house band, Live Soul, consisting of four members playing bass, keyboard, drums, saxophone and guitar.

Little Biscuit Productions is open by appointment only. phone 870-243-4726 or visit www.LittleBiscuitProductions.com.

A special election proposed the merger of Helena and neighboring West Helena in 2004. The proposition passed and on January 1, 2005, the cities consolidated and became known as Helena-West Helena. Historic Helena refers to the downtown area adjacent to the Mississippi River; it is home to three districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For additional information on Helena-West Helena and Phillips County, contact the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce at 870-338-8327.