Storms Damage Rock N Roll Venue in Pocahontas

POCAHONTAS, Ark. – As storms rolled through Arkansas on the Memorial Day weekend, damage was reported all over.

The Rock N Roll Highway 67 Event Venue in Pocahontas suffered significant damage during the storms Sunday morning, May 26, owner J.R. Rogers told NEA Report. Further complicating the issue, Rogers said he did not have insurance on the building, as insurers wanted him to cover the replacement cost – $3.5 million – which would have cost him $1,000 a month.

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Between 10 and 20 sections of paneling were torn from the roof of the building, Rogers said, as photos also depict. The estimated cost to repair the damage would be around $20,000, he said. Without insurance, that’s an out of pocket expense. Rogers had just finished investing a large amount of money into the structure, he said, making the cost come at the worst possible time.

The building, the former Imperial Dinner Theater, was purchased by Rogers this year as he looked to do something good for the community. Rogers hoped to bring in regular musical performances, stemming from his contacts in the country music industry, where he has been a successful musician and promoter for years.

But Rogers told NEA Report he isn’t giving up. He views this as a test and plans to continue.

Rogers is also hopeful for community support to get the venue back open.