Podcast appearances and mentions of charley sandage

This week, a retrospective of the second season of Ozark Highlands Radio featuring a variety of outstanding performances recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Host Dave Smith and OHR producer Jeff Glover provide context and commentary for this captivating collection. Each year at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, we record many hours of live music. We cherish all of it, but some of these performances stand out as being uniquely interesting or moving. On this episode, OHR producer Jeff Glover guides us through some of the most memorable moments of season two. Featured on this show are: Bill & the Belles; Anna & Elizabeth; The Honey Dewdrops; Jamey Stone & the Lomax Project featuring vocalist Moira Smiley; Clarke Buehling & Carl Anderton; Dom Flemons; The Vogts Sisters; Don Edwards; Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton; David Holt & Josh Goforth; Sad Daddy; Suzy Boggus; Willie Carlisle & Allison Williams. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, legendary educator, country music legacy, and the original keeper of the vault, Mark Jones, offers a 1974 archival recording of Ozark original folk school the Jr. Rackensack Society performing the traditional tune “Down in the Arkansas” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode explores the uniquely American art form of shape note singing.

This week, in honor of Hispanic history month, OHR presents California based multi-instrumentalists, singers and purveyors of traditional Southwestern American folk music Frank Fairfield & Zac Sokolow recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Frank & Zac. Music has the power to transport us to another time and place. Frank Fairfield loves to harness that power with a broad audience of fellow music lovers and passionate musicians alike. Ever since a young age, Fairfield has found great joy and satisfaction by being involved in the creative music process. Frank plays down-home, old time folk music. He plays fiddle, guitar, banjo and he sings. Frank has been featured on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert, as well as the PBS documentary series American Epic. Born in Fresno, California, he now lives in Los Angeles with his wife. https://www.frankfairfield.net On this show, Frank will share the stage with the equally adept multi-instrumentalist & singer Zac Sokolow. Zac is at home on guitar, banjo, fiddle, as well as mandolin. Sokolow is a founding member of the contemporary Americana band “The Americans,” also featured on PBS' “American Epic.” Zac began learning music from his father at an early age, playing bluegrass as a child. http://www.theamericansmusic.com In this week's “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Frank Ellis performing the tune “Seamus O'Brien,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode brings us a portrait of The Meadowcreek Project, a sustainable agriculture & education facility located in the Ozarks.

This week, here comes Dulcimer Jamboree once again! Each year, dulcimer players from all over come to the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas for a weekend of learning, listening, and loving all things dulcimer. Each evening of the event features concerts by world renowned dulcimer teachers and performers. We'll enjoy highlights recorded from these live performances featuring both mountain dulcimers and the more ancient hammered dulcimers. Artists performing this year include: OHR guest contributor, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater; world champion mountain dulcimer player and multi instrumentalist Duane Porterfield accompanied by vocalist Alex Prince; world champion mountain dulcimer artist, singer and educator Sarah Kate Morgan; hammered dulcimer master and educator Rick Thum; world famous hammered dulcimer Jedi and internet sensation Ted Yoder. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark originals Tommy & Jean Simmons performing the traditional tune “Bonnie Lass,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley explores the history of McSpadden Dulcimers, the iconic mountain dulcimer manufacturer located right next door to the Ozark Folk Center State Park for over 50 years.

This week, a celebration of 50 years of the Ozark Folk Center State Park presented through archival audio from its 1973 grand opening as well as interviews of key park figures and commentary by historian and writer Charley Sandage. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, in an early attempt to preserve the vanishing heritage of the Ozark Mountains, assisted local craftsmen and musicians to form the Ozark Foothills Crafts Guild in 1962. The guild started with 30 members and grew to a membership of over 300 master craftsmen and musicians. In 1963 the guild, in cooperation with local civic organizations, education advocate Bessie Moore, and renowned Ozark singer-songwriter Jimmy Driftwood organized the first Arkansas Folk Festival which attracted approximately 15,000 people. The festival became an annual event and within a few years was attracting almost 100,000 people to Mountain View. Because of the success of the annual festival the guild realized that they needed a permanent home. The guild, in cooperation with local government, obtained a grant from the United States Economic Development Administration to establish a private commercial craft center at Mountain View. Prior to its opening in the Spring of 1973, the state of Arkansas recognized the potential of the project and folded the Ozark Folk Center into the state park system and provided additional funding. Ozark Folk Center State Park is dedicated to perpetuating the music, crafts, and culture of the Ozarks. Located in Mountain View, Arkansas, and open mid-April to late-October, the park offers visitors an opportunity to watch artisans work, to stroll through the Heritage Herb Garden, and to hear live Southern mountain music. In the Craft Village at the Ozark Folk Center, more than 20 working artisans demonstrate, create, and sell handmade items. Handcrafted items like leather purses and goods, baskets, brooms, stained glass, ironwork, pottery, knives, weavings, quilts, wood carvings, spun yarn, soap, candles, and more are made onsite. Artisans also host workshops throughout the year for a more immersive crafting experience with personal attention and hands-on instruction. The Heritage Herb Garden is where old-time pass-along plants, medicinal herbs, native plants, and edible herbs are grown. The Garden functions as a living classroom for workshops and programs. Events celebrating both culinary and medicinal herbs are held in May and October. Music is at the heart of this park. Fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, and autoharp are just some of the instruments that combine to produce that enduring Ozark Mountain sound. The Ozark Highlands Theater hosts live concerts and special events, bringing legendary artists from all facets of Americana music to the stage. Workshops are also available at scheduled times for musicians and dancers of all skill levels. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1973 archival recording of Ozark original Jimmy Driftwood singing is famous song “The Battle of New Orleans,” at the park's grand opening from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

This week, award winning country & Western swing trio The Farmer & Adele recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these rhythmic wranglers. “With the sounds of classic songwriting in their music and the future in their sights, The Farmer & Adele are reimagining the modern cowboy/cowgirl while respecting its beginnings. Based out of Nashville, TN, The Farmer & Adele – led by Grace Adele and Keenan Wade – leads the pack of a new wave of musicians revitalizing western swing music. With a star-studded record, award nominations and their own morning radio show, The Farmer & Adele are a one-two punch of classic meets modern. “The Farmer & Adele have quickly rooted themselves into the fabric of music communities near and far. Their debut album, Into the Wide Open Sky, was selected to be featured as part of Nashville Public Library's Boombox series, a closely curated music collection highlighting the best artists in Nashville. Most recently, the band was awarded Best Western Swing Group by the Ameripolitan Music Awards. Also, their annual Country and Western Christmas Party tour is a beloved tradition that travels annually nationwide, featuring classic Christmas tunes, original holiday songs and their own take on The Nutcracker with a western swing twist. The band is also featured regularly on 650 AM WSM as the house band during the station's Grand Ole Opry pre-show and live radio spot coverage.” https://www.everybodylovesthefarmerandadele.com/story In this week's “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1994 archival recording of Ozark originals the Apple Family performing the tune “Who's Gonna Dance with Sally Ann,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley profiles early country music superstar and Arkansas native Patsy Montana.

This week, Grammy Award winning oldtime singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Smithsonian Folkways recording artist Dom Flemons with renowned cowboy poet, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and archivist Andy Hedges recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with Dom & Andy. “GRAMMY Award Winner, Two-Time EMMY Nominee, 2020 United States Artists Fellow- Dom Flemons is originally from Phoenix, Arizona and currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his wife Vania Kinard and their daughter Cheyanne Love. He has branded the moniker ‘The American Songster' since his repertoire of music covers over 100 years of early American popular music. Flemons is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, actor, music scholar, historian, and record collector. He is considered an expert player on the banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills, fife and rhythm bones. Flemons was selected for the prestigious 2020 United States Artists Fellowship Award for the Traditional Arts category which was generously supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. He currently serves as a Governor on the Board of Directors for the Washington, D.C Chapter of the Recording Academy. In 2018, Flemons released a solo album titled ‘Dom Flemons Presents Black Cowboys' on GRAMMY Award-winning record label Smithsonian Folkways and received a GRAMMY Nomination for ‘Best Folk Album' at the 61st GRAMMY Awards. This recording is part of the African American Legacy Recordings series, co-produced with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.” - https://theamericansongster.com/about/ “Andy Hedges is a songster, reciter, storyteller, guitarist, and collector of cowboy songs and poems. The son of an Italian schoolteacher and a rodeo cowboy turned preacher, Andy was born in Lubbock, Texas, in the spring of 1980. He grew up in the small community of Tokio, Texas, where his family paid rent on an old farmhouse by looking after a few head of cattle. It was there that Andy fell in love with traditional music by listening to his father's cassettes of cowboy songs. “Andy's vast and varied repertoire includes classic cowboy poetry recitations, obscure cowboy songs, dust bowl ballads, and blues. He also hosts a podcast, Cowboy Crossroads which features in-depth interviews with fellow musicians and poets. Andy has performed many times with folk legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott and the duo's performance at the 60th Newport Folk Festival was named one of the '10 Best Things We Saw' by Rolling Stone.” - https://andyhedges.com/about Together Dom and Andy explore the songs of the old west and often overlooked music of African American Cowboys in this rare and special performance. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1975 archival recording of Ozark original fiddler Charley Richardson performing the tune “Gold Rush,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley profiles our very own Ozark original cowboy poet Glenn Ohrlin with an archival recording of Glenn reciting the classic Wallace McRae poem “Reincarnation.”

This week, it's Dulcimer Jamboree 2022! Each year, dulcimer players from all over come to the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas for a weekend of learning, listening, and loving all things dulcimer. Each evening of the event features concerts by world renowned dulcimer teachers and performers. We'll enjoy highlights recorded from these live performances featuring both mountain dulcimers and the more ancient hammered dulcimers. Artists performing this year include: hammered dulcimer prodigy Ben Haguewood accompanied by oldtime fiddle champion Kailee Spickes; multi-award winning mountain dulcimer maven Duane Porterfield; educator and mountain dulcimer phenom Erin Mae; ubiquitous hammered dulcimer performer, educator and luthier Rick Thum; hammered dulcimer master and educator Janis Huff accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Spike Huff; multi-instrumentalist, folk singer, traditional dancer, writer, educator and OHR guest host Aubrey Atwater; Ozark original hammered dulcimer champion and educator Joe Jewell; inimitable mountain dulcimer educator, showman and Jedi Bing Futch. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original hammered dulcimer master Jay Round performing a medley of Irish folk tunes from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode brings us a portrait of The Meadowcreek Project, a sustainable agriculture & education facility located in the Ozarks.

This week, Ozark original multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, audio engineer and OHR host, our very own Mark Jones recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Mark as well as with his long time friend, country music superstar Marty Stewart. Anyone who listens to Ozark Highlands Radio will be familiar with the fun loving and friendly voice of Mark Jones, the keeper of our “Vault.” In August of 2021, we lost Mark to Covid-19. His passing was a profound loss to all of us, both professionally and personally. Please join us as we pay tribute to the life and legacy of our dear friend, Mark Jones. Mark Alan Jones was born in 1955 to Country Music Hall of Fame & Grand Ole Opry performers Louis "Grandpa" Jones and Ramona Jones in Nashville, Tennessee. As a young man, he toured across the country with his famous parents making appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and the television show "Hee Haw.” He performed with numerous other artists including the Willis Brothers, the Wright Brothers, and Jimmy Driftwood's Rackensack Folklore Society. He also worked as a sound engineer for the Statler Brothers. Mark toured with renowned guitarist, Doyle Dykes, playing in churches throughout America. He was a regular performer at the Grandpa Jones Dinner Theatre in Mountain View, Arkansas, and was a founding member of the Arkansas Beanfest. Mark spent several years playing banjo and running sound and lights at Silver Dollar City and Shepherd of The Hills Outdoor Drama in Branson, Missouri. He also worked as a performer and sound engineer at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Arkansas. Throughout his life, Mark taught private music lessons helping to preserve traditional folk music. Even though his life was deeply engrained in music, he enjoyed working with the intellectually disabled and often used his musical talent as a therapeutic tool. Mark is a 2021 inductee of the George D. Hay Society Hall of Honor. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers archival recordings of himself and a few of his friends demonstrating his true passion, the clawhammer banjo. Hear Mark playing the tunes Mountain Whippoorwill, Cripple Creek and John Hardy, from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This week, Charley celebrates 50 years of the Buffalo National River. This episode continues our tour of places “you shouldn't miss” and other remarkable spots along the 135 miles of America's first national river, as well as where to find information about park events, facilities and services. Featured are interviews with park ranger & interpreter and Buffalo National River Partners Board member Kevin Middleton and Buffalo National River Partners Board Chairperson Terrie Martindale.

This week, Nashville, TN based high energy neo-traditional oldtime music sensation The Hogslop String Band returns to Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this rowdy rabble. “Staying true to tradition while maintaining a bold irreverence is something that rarely goes hand-in-hand but Hogslop String Band manages to walk that line. With their roots in old-time string band music and their energy based in wild rock-and-roll, you could almost call them punk purists. It's an unlikely combination, but given the talents of singer and fiddler Kevin Martin; guitarist, harmonica player and singer Gabriel Kelley; mandolin player and singer Will Harrison; banjo player and singer Daniel Binkley, and bassist and all-round entertainer Pickle, they pull it off with natural ease. The name alone hints at their wacky ways, but catching them live will give you a true sense of these bizarre, seemingly contradictory descriptions. They thrive on crossing genres, casting off the confines of straight old-time and bluegrass, delving into a deep repertoire of rock, folk, psychedelic, and original numbers that can only be described as, 'The Hogslop Sound.' It's clear that these boys are going places, and they've quickly become one of the most unique and exhilarating outfits on the scene today. 'It only gets weirder from here,' they often say from stage. They're not kidding.” - http://www.hogslopstringband.com Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This week, Charley continues our celebration of 50 years of the Buffalo National River. This episode describes the park staff and volunteer support structures as well as the immense logistical challenges of maintaining America's first national river. Featured are interviews with Buffalo National River Chief of Interpretation Cassie Branstetter, area native and long time Buffalo National River staff member Zed Davenport, Buffalo National River Partners Board Chairperson Terrie Martindale, park ranger and interpreter Lauren Ray, and long time area resident and photographer Ed Alexander.

This week, Ozark original and Mountain View, Arkansas based seventeen year old award winning fiddle prodigy Mary Parker and her band of rising bluegrass superstars, Sylamore Special, recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this up and coming fiddle wunderkind. For over ten years now, Mary Parker has been a regular performer here at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. That's extraordinary, considering that she's only now seventeen years old. The middle in her family of nine children, Mary has distinguished herself as a world class oldtime and bluegrass fiddle player and vocalist. She's won ten state fiddle championships, as well as numerous bluegrass competitions with her many different bands. Most recently, her band “Sylamore Special” won first place at the Youth in Bluegrass Competition in Branson, Missouri. With her seemingly indefatigable sunny disposition and a voracious appetite for learning new music, Mary appears destined to carry on her already auspicious career in music. Mary is joined in this performance by her award winning band “Sylamore Special.” The band features another championship musical prodigy, Lillyanne McCool on banjo, also bass player and vocalist Mercy Grace, guitar picker and vocalist Turner “Turnip” Atwell, and mandolinist & jig dancer Gordon “Sugar foot” Parker, Mary's footstep following younger brother. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Mary Parker's mentor and Ozark original fiddler Roger Fountain performing the tune “Listen to the Mockingbird,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This week, Charley continues our celebration of 50 years of the Buffalo National River. This episode recounts the controversy over, and political maneuvering that resulted in the creation of America's first national river. Featured are interviews with writer, professor, and regular Ozark Highlands Radio contributor Dr. Brooks Blevins, and Buffalo River area native and long time Buffalo National River staff member Zed Davenport.

This week, Gatlinburg, Tennessee based neo-traditional bluegrass quintet The Po' Ramblin' Boys recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Ramblin' Boys guitarist and vocalist, Josh Rinkel. “At a time when most people feel constantly distracted by technology and barraged by the news, authenticity and straightforward honesty are paramount. There's something about the music of The Po' Ramblin' Boys that cuts right through the noise of the world and speaks plainly to the soul. Formed in the Smoky Mountains, The Po' Ramblin' Boys are at once exactly what you would expect and not at all what you would expect from a tattooed East Tennessee Bluegrass outfit. No strangers to hard work, the boys are as much at home riding in their restored Eagle tour bus as they are crawling underneath to fix it when it needs maintenance. But they take pride in being ambassadors of their genre, and the group has brought their music from rural bluegrass festival stages to the rock clubs of Europe, and even the GRAMMY Red Carpet, with stunning results. ‘I think to a certain extent everyone is just craving music that they can feel, and any music that feels real will reach any audience' says CJ Lewandowski, the groups founder, ‘We want to put bluegrass right where it's least expected.' Perhaps this mindset is why the group earned the title of Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2018 IBMA Awards.” https://www.theporamblinboys.com In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark original Ervin Freeze performing the traditional song “Charming Betsy,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley continues our celebration of 50 years of the Buffalo National River with a profile of the Buffalo National River Partners, a civic organization that supports the river in innumerable ways.

This episode inventories natural resources and the history of economic activity around America's first national river. Featured is an interview with park ranger & interpreter and Buffalo National River Partners Board member Kevin Middleton. In this special Ozark Highlands Radio series, author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage celebrates 50 years of the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. On March 1st, 1972, President Nixon signed the bill creating a new national park, the Buffalo National River. 2022, then, is a fiftieth anniversary, and Ozark Highlands Radio is joining the celebration. Everything that millions of visitors to the park have experienced on the Buffalo, or are planning to experience, will be here. The 135-mile jewel of a mountain river, the legendary bluffs, shoals for camping and swimming, forested trails to waterfalls, shelter caves, and historic sites, wildlife, including smallmouth bass and other species to challenge your fishing skills. This series is made possible with cooperation from the Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Buffalo National River Partners, The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, Arkansas State Parks, Ozark Folk Center State Park, The Committee of One Hundred, Stone Bank, and the Arkansas Arts Council. For the Buffalo theme song written and performed by Charley Sandage with music by Tim Crouch.

This episode continues our tour of places “you shouldn't miss” and other remarkable spots along the 135 miles of America's first national river, as well as where to find information about park events, facilities and services. Featured are interviews with park ranger & interpreter and Buffalo National River Partners Board member Kevin Middleton and Buffalo National River Partners Board Chairperson Terrie Martindale. In this special Ozark Highlands Radio series, author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage celebrates 50 years of the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. On March 1st, 1972, President Nixon signed the bill creating a new national park, the Buffalo National River. 2022, then, is a fiftieth anniversary, and Ozark Highlands Radio is joining the celebration. Everything that millions of visitors to the park have experienced on the Buffalo, or are planning to experience, will be here. The 135-mile jewel of a mountain river, the legendary bluffs, shoals for camping and swimming, forested trails to waterfalls, shelter caves, and historic sites, wildlife, including smallmouth bass and other species to challenge your fishing skills. This series is made possible with cooperation from the Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Buffalo National River Partners, The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, Arkansas State Parks, Ozark Folk Center State Park, The Committee of One Hundred, Stone Bank, and the Arkansas Arts Council. For the Buffalo theme song written and performed by Charley Sandage with music by Tim Crouch.

This episode guides us on a tour of places “you shouldn't miss” and other remarkable spots along the 135 miles of America's first national river. Featured is an interview with park ranger & interpreter and Buffalo National River Partners Board member Kevin Middleton. In this special Ozark Highlands Radio series, author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage celebrates 50 years of the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. On March 1st, 1972, President Nixon signed the bill creating a new national park, the Buffalo National River. 2022, then, is a fiftieth anniversary, and Ozark Highlands Radio is joining the celebration. Everything that millions of visitors to the park have experienced on the Buffalo, or are planning to experience, will be here. The 135-mile jewel of a mountain river, the legendary bluffs, shoals for camping and swimming, forested trails to waterfalls, shelter caves, and historic sites, wildlife, including smallmouth bass and other species to challenge your fishing skills. This series is made possible with cooperation from the Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Buffalo National River Partners, The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, Arkansas State Parks, Ozark Folk Center State Park, The Committee of One Hundred, Stone Bank, and the Arkansas Arts Council. For the Buffalo theme song written and performed by Charley Sandage with music by Tim Crouch.

This episode recalls early efforts to conserve and protect America's first national river. Featured is an interview with long time area resident and photographer Ed Alexander, who's father, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologist Harold Alexander was one of the early pioneers in seeking to protect the river. In this special Ozark Highlands Radio series, author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage celebrates 50 years of the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. On March 1st, 1972, President Nixon signed the bill creating a new national park, the Buffalo National River. 2022, then, is a fiftieth anniversary, and Ozark Highlands Radio is joining the celebration. Everything that millions of visitors to the park have experienced on the Buffalo, or are planning to experience, will be here. The 135-mile jewel of a mountain river, the legendary bluffs, shoals for camping and swimming, forested trails to waterfalls, shelter caves, and historic sites, wildlife, including smallmouth bass and other species to challenge your fishing skills. This series is made possible with cooperation from the Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Buffalo National River Partners, The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, Arkansas State Parks, Ozark Folk Center State Park, The Committee of One Hundred, Stone Bank, and the Arkansas Arts Council. For the Buffalo theme song written and performed by Charley Sandage with music by Tim Crouch.

This episode describes the park staff and volunteer support structures as well as the immense logistical challenges of maintaining America's first national river. Featured are interviews with Buffalo National River Chief of Interpretation Cassie Branstetter, area native and long time Buffalo National River staff member Zed Davenport, Buffalo National River Partners Board Chairperson Terrie Martindale, park ranger and interpreter Lauren Ray, and long time area resident and photographer Ed Alexander. In this special Ozark Highlands Radio series, author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage celebrates 50 years of the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. On March 1st, 1972, President Nixon signed the bill creating a new national park, the Buffalo National River. 2022, then, is a fiftieth anniversary, and Ozark Highlands Radio is joining the celebration. Everything that millions of visitors to the park have experienced on the Buffalo, or are planning to experience, will be here. The 135-mile jewel of a mountain river, the legendary bluffs, shoals for camping and swimming, forested trails to waterfalls, shelter caves, and historic sites, wildlife, including smallmouth bass and other species to challenge your fishing skills. This series is made possible with cooperation from the Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Buffalo National River Partners, The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, Arkansas State Parks, Ozark Folk Center State Park, The Committee of One Hundred, Stone Bank, and the Arkansas Arts Council. For the Buffalo theme song written and performed by Charley Sandage with music by Tim Crouch.

This episode investigates the impact of human activity on the river environment and ecology, as well as policies and guidelines designed to mitigate such issues for America's first national river. Featured are interviews with park ranger and interpreter Lauren Ray, park ranger & interpreter and Buffalo National River Partners Board member Kevin Middleton, and long time area resident and photographer Ed Alexander. In this special Ozark Highlands Radio series, author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage celebrates 50 years of the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. On March 1st, 1972, President Nixon signed the bill creating a new national park, the Buffalo National River. 2022, then, is a fiftieth anniversary, and Ozark Highlands Radio is joining the celebration. Everything that millions of visitors to the park have experienced on the Buffalo, or are planning to experience, will be here. The 135-mile jewel of a mountain river, the legendary bluffs, shoals for camping and swimming, forested trails to waterfalls, shelter caves, and historic sites, wildlife, including smallmouth bass and other species to challenge your fishing skills. This series is made possible with cooperation from the Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Buffalo National River Partners, The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, Arkansas State Parks, Ozark Folk Center State Park, The Committee of One Hundred, Stone Bank, and the Arkansas Arts Council. For the Buffalo theme song written and performed by Charley Sandage with music by Tim Crouch.

This episode recounts the controversy over, and political maneuvering that resulted in the creation of America's first national river. Featured are interviews with writer, professor, and regular Ozark Highlands Radio contributor Dr. Brooks Blevins, and Buffalo River area native and long time Buffalo National River staff member Zed Davenport. In this special Ozark Highlands Radio series, author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage celebrates 50 years of the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. On March 1st, 1972, President Nixon signed the bill creating a new national park, the Buffalo National River. 2022, then, is a fiftieth anniversary, and Ozark Highlands Radio is joining the celebration. Everything that millions of visitors to the park have experienced on the Buffalo, or are planning to experience, will be here. The 135-mile jewel of a mountain river, the legendary bluffs, shoals for camping and swimming, forested trails to waterfalls, shelter caves, and historic sites, wildlife, including smallmouth bass and other species to challenge your fishing skills. This series is made possible with cooperation from the Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Buffalo National River Partners, The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, Arkansas State Parks, Ozark Folk Center State Park, The Committee of One Hundred, Stone Bank, and the Arkansas Arts Council. For the Buffalo theme song written and performed by Charley Sandage with music by Tim Crouch.

This episode examines the history of human activity and historic cultural sites along America's first national river. Featured is an interview with Buffalo National River archaeologist Suika Rivett. In this special Ozark Highlands Radio series, author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage celebrates 50 years of the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. On March 1st, 1972, President Nixon signed the bill creating a new national park, the Buffalo National River. 2022, then, is a fiftieth anniversary, and Ozark Highlands Radio is joining the celebration. Everything that millions of visitors to the park have experienced on the Buffalo, or are planning to experience, will be here. The 135-mile jewel of a mountain river, the legendary bluffs, shoals for camping and swimming, forested trails to waterfalls, shelter caves, and historic sites, wildlife, including smallmouth bass and other species to challenge your fishing skills. This series is made possible with cooperation from the Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Buffalo National River Partners, The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, Arkansas State Parks, Ozark Folk Center State Park, The Committee of One Hundred, Stone Bank, and the Arkansas Arts Council. For the Buffalo theme song written and performed by Charley Sandage with music by Tim Crouch.

This episode details planned park festivities for the 50th anniversary celebration year and profiles a unique volunteer support organization for America's first national river, the Buffalo National River Partners. Featured are interviews with Buffalo National River Chief of Interpretation Cassie Branstetter and Buffalo National River Partners Board Chairperson Terrie Martindale. In this special Ozark Highlands Radio series, author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage celebrates 50 years of the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. On March 1st, 1972, President Nixon signed the bill creating a new national park, the Buffalo National River. 2022, then, is a fiftieth anniversary, and Ozark Highlands Radio is joining the celebration. Everything that millions of visitors to the park have experienced on the Buffalo, or are planning to experience, will be here. The 135-mile jewel of a mountain river, the legendary bluffs, shoals for camping and swimming, forested trails to waterfalls, shelter caves, and historic sites, wildlife, including smallmouth bass and other species to challenge your fishing skills. This series is made possible with cooperation from the Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Buffalo National River Partners, The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, Arkansas State Parks, Ozark Folk Center State Park, The Committee of One Hundred, Stone Bank, and the Arkansas Arts Council. For the Buffalo theme song written and performed by Charley Sandage with music by Tim Crouch.

This episode explores the myriad of wildlife that thrive both above and below the waters of America's first national river. Featured are interviews with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologist Rachel Norton and Buffalo National River ecologist and aquatic wildlife specialist Shawn Hodges. In this special Ozark Highlands Radio series, author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage celebrates 50 years of the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. On March 1st, 1972, President Nixon signed the bill creating a new national park, the Buffalo National River. 2022, then, is a fiftieth anniversary, and Ozark Highlands Radio is joining the celebration. Everything that millions of visitors to the park have experienced on the Buffalo, or are planning to experience, will be here. The 135-mile jewel of a mountain river, the legendary bluffs, shoals for camping and swimming, forested trails to waterfalls, shelter caves, and historic sites, wildlife, including smallmouth bass and other species to challenge your fishing skills. This series is made possible with cooperation from the Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Buffalo National River Partners, The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, Arkansas State Parks, Ozark Folk Center State Park, The Committee of One Hundred, Stone Bank, and the Arkansas Arts Council. For the Buffalo theme song written and performed by Charley Sandage with music by Tim Crouch.

This episode explains the geology and natural water systems that created and continue to sustain America's first national river. Featured are interviews with Buffalo National River biological sciences technician Ashley Rodman and park ranger & interpreter and Buffalo National River Partners Board member Kevin Middleton. In this special Ozark Highlands Radio series, author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage celebrates 50 years of the Buffalo National River, America's first national river. On March 1st, 1972, President Nixon signed the bill creating a new national park, the Buffalo National River. 2022, then, is a fiftieth anniversary, and Ozark Highlands Radio is joining the celebration. Everything that millions of visitors to the park have experienced on the Buffalo, or are planning to experience, will be here. The 135-mile jewel of a mountain river, the legendary bluffs, shoals for camping and swimming, forested trails to waterfalls, shelter caves, and historic sites, wildlife, including smallmouth bass and other species to challenge your fishing skills. This series is made possible with cooperation from the Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Buffalo National River Partners, The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, Arkansas State Parks, Ozark Folk Center State Park, The Committee of One Hundred, Stone Bank, and the Arkansas Arts Council. For the Buffalo theme song written and performed by Charley Sandage with music by Tim Crouch.

This week, Cincinnati, Ohio based post-punk neo-folk acoustic oldtime string band The Tillers recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with The Tillers' fearless leader, Mike Oberst. “The Tillers have been thumping their own distinctive sound of string band style folk music for a decade, riding it all over the country and across the sea. Four studio albums and one live record have won them praise as modern folk storytellers of the national soundscape. The band features Mike Oberst on banjo & vocals, Sean Geil on guitar & vocals, Joe Macheret on fiddle, and Aaron Geil on upright bass. “The Tillers got their start in August 2007 when they started thumping around with some banjos and guitars and a big wooden bass. Their look didn't fit the stereotype. They were clearly recovering punk rockers with roots in city's west side punk rock and hardcore scene. The punk influence gave their sound a distinctive bite, setting them apart from most other folk acts- a hard-driving percussive strum and stomp that brought new pulse and vinegar to some very old songs. But their musical range soon proved itself as they floated from hard-tackle thumping to tender graceful melody, all the while topped by Oberst and Geil's clear tenor harmonies. “Musically, the band wears many hats. Their sound has proven to be an appropriate fit with a wide range of musical styles- traditional folk, bluegrass, jazz, punk rock and anything else they might run into. They have shared the stage with a broad swath of national touring acts, ranging from renowned folk legends such as Doc Watson, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Guy Clark, Country Joe McDonald, Jerry Douglas, Iris Dement, Pokey LaFarge, The Hackensaw Boys and The Carolina Chocolate Drops to rambunctious rock daredevils like the Legendary Shack Shakers.” www.the-tillers.com/bio In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark original fiddler Sam Younger performing the traditional tune “Smoky Mountain Shuffle,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley begins our celebration of 50 years of the Buffalo National River, America's first national river.

This week, outlaw country music icons the legendary Billy Don Burns and his protege Josh Morningstar recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these artistic outlaws. As country music moved towards a more slick commercial “Nashville sound” in the 1970s, some of its most notable artists bucked the trend. Influential country musicians such as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings fought back against the major studios and won the right to record their music the way they wanted. With its roots in blues, honky tonk, rockabilly, and rock & roll, outlaw country has become a musical genre all its own. In Stone County, Arkansas, we have a legendary outlaw singer-songwriter right here in our community. Since the early days of outlaw country, Billy Don Burns has been a go to songwriter for artists like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Now in his 70s, Billy Don is still at it. BDB crisscrosses the country on his Harley Davidson while producing hit songs recorded by country music legacy Shooter Jennings, rising country music star Cody Jinks, and many others. Also featured on this episode of OHR is Billy Don's protege Josh Morningstar. An up and coming outlaw, Josh Morningstar has also had hit songs recorded by Cody Jinks. “Billy Don Burns is one of the few remaining original outlaw country music singer songwriters. This long and hard road paved with a honky tonk reality has taken him from Stone County, Arkansas and around the world touring for the past fifty years. He has been described as The Warrior Poet who has gained the respect of some of the greatest songwriters including Billy Joe Shaver, David Lynn Jones, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson. Some of BDB's critically acclaimed albums are ‘Desperate Men' with Hank Cochran, and “Heroes, Friends and Other Troubled Souls” with Hank Cochran, Willie Nelson, and Tanya Tucker. Johnny Paycheck, Willie, Connie Smith, Mel Tillis, and Sammy Kershaw have recorded his songs. A few artists that have recently recorded his songs are Cody Jinks, Colter Wall, and Whitey Morgan. Other BDB albums are ‘Graveyard in Montgomery,' ‘Train Called Lonesome,' and the live album produced by Shooter Jennings in Joshua Tree, California called ‘A Night in Room 8,' the room where Gram Parsons died. The newest album ‘The Country Blues,' is BDB's latest effort.” - The Hollywood Times “A curious and fresh combination of grit and humor, Josh Morningstar is knocking down stereotypes with his worn boots and unforgettable raspy voice. He is a small-town boy that originally hails from Funkstown, Maryland, and he carries those roots in a suitcase with him everywhere he goes. His small-town charm is evident in the way he greets people, and in the conversational way that he weaves the stories of his life into his music. “In front of the bright lights and behind the microphone isn't where Morningstar feels most at home. Named the 2018 Texas Radio Songwriter of the Year, he and his Kristofferson signed guitar have knocked out melodies in dingy hotels all across the country. He's written songs alongside Kendell Marvel, Channing Wilson, Autumn McEntire, and many more. Morningstar was also the writer of several Cody Jinks songs, including his #1 hit “Must Be The Whiskey.” - https://joshmorningstar.com In this week's “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1975 archival recording of Ozark original Uncle Floyd Holland performing the traditional tune “Nellie Grey,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley describes the Ozark journey of famed folk song collector Alan Lomax.

This week, postmodern folk singer-songwriter McKain Lakey and neo-acoustic folk-rock duo Jamie Lou & Garrett Brolund recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with these innovative trouveurs. Artists featured on this week's show embody the spirit of folk nouveau or “new folk.” They've taken in sounds and stories of traditional folk music as well as modern influences to build new sounds and stories bridging their own personal experiences to this ancient art. “Sometimes the pursuit of our greater humanity involves jumping into life head first. That's what McKain Lakey does. You can tell by her songs.  Armed with George the trusty road cat, a carful of instruments, and all the fight of a rambling, rural-raised, queer femme wanderer, McKain Lakey is one to be reckoned with. She's the rare human who feels as comfortable wielding a chisel as she does a guitar, who can be as often spotted behind the soundboard in a crowded venue as discussing the intersections of race and gender in old time music with a classroom full of 5th graders.  Described by What's Up Magazine as ‘a time capsule unearthed, fine-tuned and re-imagined', Lakey draws creative inspiration from far corners of the American music tradition, tracing the lines of musical lineage that connect Old Time to Rockabilly, Country to Cajun to Dixieland. She's a dedicated student of tradition, but at once unafraid to stare down convention through the modern lens of her lived experience. Her upcoming album, Somewhere, blurs lines of old and new, referencing musical textures of past eras while unabashedly exploring topics of mental health, family separation, rural identity and queer love. ‘My introduction to American folk music was so rooted in the knowledge that I am a part of living tradition, a web connected across time and distance, and built by generations of creative and resilient people.' - McKain Lakey” https://www.mckainlakey.com/about “Florida native Jamie Lou Connolly began writing and sharing her songs with family at the age of 15 in Florida. But just three years later, the songs and most everything took a back seat to survival, as tragedy left her homeless in a cold and snowy Colorado. By 2010, she'd rebounded and relocated to Russellville, Arkansas and began playing live in the local open mic and songwriter scene. Jamie Lou performed solo, as one half of a folk duo, and as front woman for a number of full bands.” Her latest project is a full electric band called “Jamie Lou and the Hullabaloo.” For her acoustic performance at Ozark Folk Center State Park, Jamie Lou is joined by singer, guitarist, songwriter and fellow Jamie Lou and the Hullabaloo band member Garrett Brolund. - https://www.jamielouandthehullabaloo.com/theband In this week's “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1975 archival recording of Ozark original Dwight Moody performing the traditional song “In the Pines,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley discusses the many and varied styles of folk music captured by legendary song collector Alan Lomax.

This week, Ozark original singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Caleb Ryan Martin recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with Caleb. “Caleb Ryan Martin has, according to one reviewer, ‘a lonesome voice and rhythm that can at times invoke a lonesome ramblin' man sound, a voice that will haunt you with some type of mysterious mountain holler sound, like a banshee singing in the nether woods.' Caleb Ryan Martin, an acoustic bluegrass, folk and roots musician hailing from the hills of Fayetteville, AR. Looking like a man from leaner and meaner times, Caleb has traveled and played music all across the Midwest and Gulf Coast region, singing with expressive vocals, playing guitar, and picking the banjo providing people with melodic medicine. Caleb currently averages between 150 - 200 shows a year, with no sign of slowing down.” https://www.reverbnation.com/calebryanmartin1 In this week's “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1975 archival recording of Ozark original Dave Leatherman performing the Louvin Brothers classic “From Mother's Arms to Korea,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with Ozark Folk Center Craft Director Jeanette Larson about the magic of fiber arts.

This week, a pair of fascinating internet born musical celebrities, Hillary Klug & Abby the Spoon Lady recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these online auteurs. The internet and its many social media outlets have created a space where regular folks can showcase their talents to the entire world. This vast endless digital showcase is mentoring a renaissance in folk music, culture, and expression. Occasionally, these online expressions take on a life of their own and go “viral.” It’s happened over and again, turning regular people living relatively quiet lives into international superstars quite literally overnight. In this episode of Ozark Highlands Radio, we feature two of these celebrious viral VIP’s. Hillary Klug is a buck dancer, award winning fiddle player and street performer from Nashville, Tennessee. She began as a dance & fiddle teacher but became a street performer after realizing that she could make a good living fiddling and dancing for tourists in Nashville’s art district. Quite by accident, Hillary became an internet sensation when in 2018 she posted a video to Facebook of herself performing that went viral. Now, with over one million Facebook followers and over one hundred thousand YouTube subscribers, Hillary is an international celebrity. For her performance recorded here at Ozark Folk Center State Park, Hillary is accompanied by her teacher and mentor, five time Tennessee fiddle champion and multi-instrumentalist Jim Wood. Also accompanying Hillary is multi-instrumentalist Ben Ayers. Together, they present an eclectic mix of traditional old-time music and original tunes, along with Hillary’s fancy percussive foot work. - https://hillaryklug.com Abby the Spoon Lady, born Abby Roach, is an American musician, radio personality, and free speech activist. Her music focuses on the American roots genre. In 2017, she posted a hastily made YouTube video for her friends for an event called Play Music on the Front Porch Day. The video went viral with over 44 million views and Abby became an international celebrity overnight. She now has almost a half million followers on Facebook and almost 400 thousand subscribers to her YouTube channel. Abby first started street performing and busking as a means to make money traveling across the United States, primarily hopping freight trains. She taught herself to play the spoons and traveled all over the United States by hitchhiking and railroad. She states that landing in Asheville, North Carolina, was completely an accident and that she took the wrong train. Today she hosts storytelling events where she discusses the lifestyle of the American hobo. She spent a good amount of her time traveling, recording the stories, interviews and songs of other American travelers. Abby is an advocate for street performance and free speech. In 2014 she was instrumental in developing a group called the Asheville Buskers Collective which advocates for street performance within the city of Asheville, North Carolina. Today she records buskers through a project called Busker Broadcast, and records interviews and songs of travelers passing through Asheville. Abby is accompanied on her Ozark Folk Center performance by singer-songwriter and one many band, Chris Rodrigues. - https://spoonlady.com/about/ In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a recording from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives of harmonica virtuoso Lonnie Glosson making his harmonica literally talk. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with Ozark Folk Center broom maker Shawn Hoefer about the history and process of traditional broom making.

This week, a boisterous bounty of Bluegrass bands both regional and international recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these peppy pickers. In the 1940’s, Kentucky mandolinist Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys band coined a brand new sound onto the American popular music landscape. Named after Monroe’s band, this new “bluegrass” music was an evolution of the traditional old-time music of Appalachia. Drawing its roots from the same English, Scottish and Irish ballads and dances as early Appalachian folk music, bluegrass also utilizes the same type of acoustic stringed instruments. Banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, dobro, and upright acoustic bass are the standard tools for bluegrass. Add to those a ferocious driving tempo, brilliant virtuosity, and a style of singing that Bill Monroe described as a “high lonesome sound” and you’ve got bluegrass! Featured in this episode of Ozark Highlands Radio are: Nashville based multiple IBMA award winners the Becky Buller Band; Grammy nominated Austin, Texas progressive bluegrass sensation Wood & Wire; Ozark Original ACMA award winning family bluegrass band The Keisler Brothers; Pikeville, Kentucky IBMA award winner and the most soulful voice in bluegrass today, Dave Adkins; Newark, Arkansas’ own three finger banjo Jedi Adam Fudge; Ozark Original mandolinist and Acoustic Music Talk podcast host Brad Apple; Bethesda, Maryland progressive bluegrass icons Seldom Scene. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1980 archival recording of bluegrass legend Buck White performing the traditional song “More Pretty Girls than One,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with Ozark Folk Center wood worker Joe Roe about the subtleties of bow making.

This week, a collection of exceptional Ozark original singer-songwriters recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these canorous poets. Folk songs don’t just materialize out of thin air and they don’t grow on trees. They’re conceived and written by regular people to express their feelings, their experiences and their culture. Although we tend to think of folk songs as records of a distant past, contemporary songwriters carry on this rich tradition. Nowhere is the tradition more alive than in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and Missouri. Join us, as we present a small sampling of true contemporary Ozark original singer-songwriters creating brand new folk music for these modern times. Featured on this episode of Ozark Highlands Radio are: Buffalo Gals band member Melissa Carper of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; Mountain View, Arkansas’ own Carolyn Carter; Batesville, Arkansas native and Creek Rocks band member Cindy Woolf; Mountain View resident and Ozark Folk Center regular, Grace Stormont; Taller Than You band member and hammered dulcimer champion, Mineral Point, Missouri’s Ben Haguewood; Buffalo Gals band member and award winning fiddler, Eureka Springs, Arkansas’ Rebecca Patek; Traveling minstrel and multi-instrumentalist Willi Carlisle of Fayetteville, Arkansas. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1973 archival recording of Ozark original singer-songwriter Jimmy Driftwood performing his well known song “The Battle of New Orleans,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with Ozark Folk Center master printer Troy Odom about the techniques of early printing presses.

This week, next generation Ozark original folk, bluegrass and old-time musicians recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these budding artists. A defining characteristic of folk music is its translation from one generation to the next. Traditional songs and melodies travel not only across oceans, mountains and cultures but also through time as they are passed down. Each new generation of musicians leaves their mark on these cultural artifacts as they experience them and this has not changed. Within the mission of Ozark Folk Center State Park is a desire to provide an environment for this cultural translation to take place. The park’s Music Roots program in local public schools in combination with performance opportunities at Ozark Highlands Theater have provided a rich medium for propagating a steady stream of young traditional musicians. We’re proud to offer this small sampling of the next generation of Ozark originals. Featured on this special episode of OHR… The unbridled energy and vertical ascendancy of the band Taller Than You will have you up and dancing. This six piece old-time Ozark original string band features an unusual lead instrument, the hammered dulcimer, played by vocalist and award winning hammered dulcimer maestro Ben Haguewood. Another award winner, Kailee Spickes brings her championship old-time fiddling as well as backup vocals. Old-time clawhammer banjo champion Grace Stormont rounds out the rhythm and lends her amazing vocals. Chandler Spickes provides some smooth guitar and Gresham McMillon fills out the low end on upright acoustic doghouse bass. Up and coming Ozark original bluegrass phenomenon Southern Strings band straddles the line between traditional and modern. This bluegrass quintet can old-time with the best of them while bridging their unique modern acoustic sound to tunes from a variety of genres. The band is lead by vocalist and guitar whip Sophia Wright. Multi award winning fiddler and vocalist Mary Parker provides an impeccable virtuosity. World champion clawhammer banjo Jedi Lillyanne McCool shows her mastery of the three finger Scruggs banjo style. Mandolinist Isaac McCutchen rounds out the rhythm and style with his soulful voice, and Luke Nentrup brings it all together with his vocals and versatility on upright acoustic bass. Also featured on this episode is Southern Strings banjoist Lillyanne McCool’s winning performance at the 2019 old-time clawhammer banjo contest held during Grandpa Jones Tribute Weekend at Ozark Folk Center State Park. We’ll close the show with a rare performance by vocal prodigy Carolina Mendoza that is guaranteed to make you weep like a baby. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1973 archival recording of a very young Ozark original Greg Moody performing the traditional folk song “Going Down this Road Feeling Bad,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley gives us a glimpse into pioneer survival techniques and the proper use of a “froe,” explained by long time Ozark Folk Center craftsman and musician Robert Gillihan.

This week, Ozark original old-time family string band Love Holler recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these familial entertainers. Love Holler is a three piece old-time family string band. Father, Stacy Russell, leads the band on upright acoustic bass and vocals. Fronting the band are twin sisters Emma and Caroline bringing clawhammer banjo, guitar and the most ethereal sibling harmonies this side of paradise. Descendants of the original settlers of the Love Holler region of Independence County Arkansas, the Russell family has turned their ardor for all things antique into an authentic old-time sound. Although drawing their primary inspiration from legendary country music superstars The Carter Family, Love Holler has incorporated into their repertoire a collection of haunting ancient European ballads and early American folk songs as well as their own original songs. Join the Russell family as they embark on a journey through the past to the early days of radio and beyond. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1978 archival recording of Ozark original Judy Klemenson performing the traditional hymn “Where Could I Go but to the Lord,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley gives a perspective on both the corporeal and spiritual bounty of barns.

This week, Ozark original old-time family string band Love Holler recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these familial entertainers. Love Holler is a three piece old-time family string band. Father, Stacy Russell, leads the band on upright acoustic bass and vocals. Fronting the band are twin sisters Emma and Caroline bringing clawhammer banjo, guitar and the most ethereal sibling harmonies this side of paradise. Descendants of the original settlers of the Love Holler region of Independence County Arkansas, the Russell family has turned their ardor for all things antique into an authentic old-time sound. Although drawing their primary inspiration from legendary country music superstars The Carter Family, Love Holler has incorporated into their repertoire a collection of haunting ancient European ballads and early American folk songs as well as their own original songs. Join the Russell family as they embark on a journey through the past to the early days of radio and beyond. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1978 archival recording of Ozark original Judy Klemenson performing the traditional hymn “Where Could I Go but to the Lord,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley gives a perspective on both the corporeal and spiritual bounty of barns.

This week, Ozark original all girl old-time string band sensation the Ozark Granny Chicks recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with these seasoned sirens. The Ozark Granny Chicks are an old-time string band quartet comprising Kay Thomas on mountain dulcimer, fiddle and vocals, Tara Ludwig on clawhammer banjo and vocals, Pam Setser on mountain dulcimer, guitar, spoons and vocals, and Crystal McCool on upright acoustic bass, fiddle and vocals. Specializing in traditional Ozark folk music, these ladies bring superb mountain harmonies and mastery of a variety of acoustic stringed instruments. Their laid back style is evocative of gentler days, when Ozark folks gathered for what were called “pickins” where they could socialize, dance, and listen to local musicians “pick.” Let the granny’s music transport you to the old Ozarks for a toe tapping down home good time. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1978 archival recording of Ozark original Mary Gillihan performing the traditional a cappella ballad “Two Brethren,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley discusses the socio-economic ramifications of hay hauling.

This week, Ozark original all girl old-time string band sensation the Ozark Granny Chicks recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with these seasoned sirens. The Ozark Granny Chicks are an old-time string band quartet comprising Kay Thomas on mountain dulcimer, fiddle and vocals, Tara Ludwig on clawhammer banjo and vocals, Pam Setser on mountain dulcimer, guitar, spoons and vocals, and Crystal McCool on upright acoustic bass, fiddle and vocals. Specializing in traditional Ozark folk music, these ladies bring superb mountain harmonies and mastery of a variety of acoustic stringed instruments. Their laid back style is evocative of gentler days, when Ozark folks gathered for what were called “pickins” where they could socialize, dance, and listen to local musicians “pick.” Let the granny’s music transport you to the old Ozarks for a toe tapping down home good time. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1978 archival recording of Ozark original Mary Gillihan performing the traditional a cappella ballad “Two Brethren,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley discusses the socio-economic ramifications of hay hauling.

This week, Colorado old-time and progressive bluegrass singer-songwriter duo Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these promising new artists. “Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears revel in the endless groove of Appalachian fiddle/banjo duets, funky blues bass lines, and soulful harmony singing. Their original compositions and reverent interpretations of old-time and bluegrass standards draw from a rich history of listening and learning from great American music of the past. They have appeared on the stages of The John Hartford Memorial Festival, Jammin at Hippie Jack’s, BlackPot Festival, Swallow Hill, Steve’s Guitar’s, The Jalopy Theatre, and can be seen touring around their homes on the Western Slope of Colorado and beyond.” https://www.lizzyandnatalie.com/about “Natalie’s original compositions are a home-grown recipe of honest lyricism, soulful melodies, and placed-based inspiration. Drawing on the roots of Americana, including Old time and Jazz, she brings to life the history of these traditions with her own voice and quiver of instruments (banjo, bass, piano, and guitar). Her music offers listeners the space to both venture into the intimate corners of humanity and to rest easy under the strength of strings. Born and raised in the heart of Washington DC, Natalie took after her father, a Jazz and Classical pianist, and began playing piano at age five. By fifth grade she was schlepping her upright bass on the school bus, playing saxophone in her school band, and taking drum lessons. Music fell by the wayside after high school but in her early 20’s, Natalie stumbled upon American Roots music. While playing bass in an Old-Time string band, she became enamored by the driving rhythm of the clawhammer banjo, and since then, has dedicated herself to learning the instrument and its history.” http://nataliespears.com/welcome “Lizzy Plotkin’s place-based songwriting and fiddling is as exuberant as is it graceful. With reverence for the natural world and a humble, yet wise human perspective, Lizzy shares with listeners her joy and connection through original story, melody and voice. The sounds of Appalachian fiddles and banjos enliven Lizzy’s music, while she is equally drawn to the groove of old-jazz, blues and swing. Seamlessly combining a rich heritage of musical influence, she has sewn a folk fabric of her own. In 2012, Lizzy co-founded Colorado folk trio Free the Honey, released three records, reached #1 on the folk dj charts with their album Fine Bloom and performed nation-wide until 2016. As a guest instrumentalist, she has performed with a number of electronic, blues, jazz, bluegrass and country outfits such as The Polish Ambassador, Martha Scanlan, Drew Emmit Band, Ragged Mountain Bluegrass, Pure Prairie League, Gypsy Jazz Social Club and Trout Steak Revival . She lives full time in Almont, CO where she is an active community member and music instructor.” https://lizzyplotkin.com/bio/ In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1978 archival recording of himself and Ozark original Frank Ellis performing the traditional tune “The Chicken Reel,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley discusses a metaphysical aspect of hearing loss.

This week, Colorado old-time and progressive bluegrass singer-songwriter duo Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these promising new artists. “Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears revel in the endless groove of Appalachian fiddle/banjo duets, funky blues bass lines, and soulful harmony singing. Their original compositions and reverent interpretations of old-time and bluegrass standards draw from a rich history of listening and learning from great American music of the past. They have appeared on the stages of The John Hartford Memorial Festival, Jammin at Hippie Jack’s, BlackPot Festival, Swallow Hill, Steve’s Guitar’s, The Jalopy Theatre, and can be seen touring around their homes on the Western Slope of Colorado and beyond.” https://www.lizzyandnatalie.com/about “Natalie’s original compositions are a home-grown recipe of honest lyricism, soulful melodies, and placed-based inspiration. Drawing on the roots of Americana, including Old time and Jazz, she brings to life the history of these traditions with her own voice and quiver of instruments (banjo, bass, piano, and guitar). Her music offers listeners the space to both venture into the intimate corners of humanity and to rest easy under the strength of strings. Born and raised in the heart of Washington DC, Natalie took after her father, a Jazz and Classical pianist, and began playing piano at age five. By fifth grade she was schlepping her upright bass on the school bus, playing saxophone in her school band, and taking drum lessons. Music fell by the wayside after high school but in her early 20’s, Natalie stumbled upon American Roots music. While playing bass in an Old-Time string band, she became enamored by the driving rhythm of the clawhammer banjo, and since then, has dedicated herself to learning the instrument and its history.” http://nataliespears.com/welcome “Lizzy Plotkin’s place-based songwriting and fiddling is as exuberant as is it graceful. With reverence for the natural world and a humble, yet wise human perspective, Lizzy shares with listeners her joy and connection through original story, melody and voice. The sounds of Appalachian fiddles and banjos enliven Lizzy’s music, while she is equally drawn to the groove of old-jazz, blues and swing. Seamlessly combining a rich heritage of musical influence, she has sewn a folk fabric of her own. In 2012, Lizzy co-founded Colorado folk trio Free the Honey, released three records, reached #1 on the folk dj charts with their album Fine Bloom and performed nation-wide until 2016. As a guest instrumentalist, she has performed with a number of electronic, blues, jazz, bluegrass and country outfits such as The Polish Ambassador, Martha Scanlan, Drew Emmit Band, Ragged Mountain Bluegrass, Pure Prairie League, Gypsy Jazz Social Club and Trout Steak Revival . She lives full time in Almont, CO where she is an active community member and music instructor.” https://lizzyplotkin.com/bio/ In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1978 archival recording of himself and Ozark original Frank Ellis performing the traditional tune “The Chicken Reel,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley discusses a metaphysical aspect of hearing loss.

This week, award winning Baltimore, Maryland Old-time and progressive Bluegrass sensation The Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this musical father and son. “The dynamic father-son team Ken & Brad Kolodner weave together a captivating soundscape on hammered dulcimer and clawhammer banjo blurring the lines of Old-Time, Bluegrass and American Roots music. Regarded as one of the most influential hammered dulcimer players in North America, Baltimore’s Ken Kolodner has joined forces with his son Brad Kolodner, a renowned clawhammer banjo player. They've sculpted their own brand of driving, innovative, tasteful acoustic roots music with a ‘creative curiosity that lets all listeners know that a passion for traditional music yet thrives in every generation.’ The hypnotizing groove of the percussive hammered dulcimer and rhythmic clawhammer banjo is the core of their sound. They are joined by bassist Alex Lacquement who locks everything together with his commanding presence and the dynamic multi-instrumentalist Rachel Eddy on fiddle and guitar. The quartet won 1st place in the Neo-Traditional Band Contest at the Appalachian Stringband Festival in the summer of 2019. They released their fourth studio album "Stony Run" in March 2020.” https://www.kenandbrad.com/about.html In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1978 archival recording of Ozark originals Bob & Kay Blair performing the traditional song “Mary of the Wild Moor,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley discusses the literal and philosophical dilemmas posed by low water bridges for people who depend on them to get home.

This week, award winning Baltimore, Maryland Old-time and progressive Bluegrass sensation The Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this musical father and son. “The dynamic father-son team Ken & Brad Kolodner weave together a captivating soundscape on hammered dulcimer and clawhammer banjo blurring the lines of Old-Time, Bluegrass and American Roots music. Regarded as one of the most influential hammered dulcimer players in North America, Baltimore’s Ken Kolodner has joined forces with his son Brad Kolodner, a renowned clawhammer banjo player. They've sculpted their own brand of driving, innovative, tasteful acoustic roots music with a ‘creative curiosity that lets all listeners know that a passion for traditional music yet thrives in every generation.’ The hypnotizing groove of the percussive hammered dulcimer and rhythmic clawhammer banjo is the core of their sound. They are joined by bassist Alex Lacquement who locks everything together with his commanding presence and the dynamic multi-instrumentalist Rachel Eddy on fiddle and guitar. The quartet won 1st place in the Neo-Traditional Band Contest at the Appalachian Stringband Festival in the summer of 2019. They released their fourth studio album "Stony Run" in March 2020.” https://www.kenandbrad.com/about.html In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1978 archival recording of Ozark originals Bob & Kay Blair performing the traditional song “Mary of the Wild Moor,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley discusses the literal and philosophical dilemmas posed by low water bridges for people who depend on them to get home.

This week, nationally renowned Arkansas singer-songwriter Erin Enderlin recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this award winning wordsmith. “‘One of the best things about country music was that it was adult music,’ Erin Enderlin says of the country songs she grew up listening to in Arkansas. ‘It was real music that dealt with hard issues in life so that people going through those things don’t feel so alone.’   “The observation is signature Enderlin: She has a way of turning a song or even just a thought into an outstretched hand to the lonely or ashamed. While she first turned heads as a godsend to those aching for an artist with some golden-era country backbone, Enderlin’s acclaimed 2017 record Whiskeytown Crier firmly cemented her as something more. She’s a literary songwriter and superb vocal stylist with a knack for sharply drawn––and often sad––characters. Backsliders, avengers, lovers, and victims––they’re all swapping forlorn tales on the collection, which is a fresh take on the concept album set in a small Southern town.    “Now, Enderlin is home in Nashville, reflecting on that record and the past couple of years as she enjoys a little downtime after opening a run of shows for Jamey Johnson. 2018 was an especially busy year for the singer-songwriter. She was named a member of the 2018 CMT Next Women of Country, a recipient of the Arkansas Country Music Awards Songwriter and Album of the Year recognitions, and runner-up to Jason Isbell in the Best Singer-Songwriter field in the Nashville Scene’s touchstone Best of Nashville issue. Already a go-to writer for stars having penned mega country hits such as Alan Jackson’s ‘Monday Morning Church,’ Lee Ann Womack’s ‘Last Call,’ Luke Bryan’s ‘You Don’t Know Jack,’ and a host of other songs for Randy Travis, Joey+Rory, and more. Enderlin continues to add marquee cuts to her catalog including, ‘The Bar’s Getting Lower’ recorded by Reba for her upcoming album Stronger Than the Truth. Terri Clark also featured five Enderlin-written gems on her Raising the Bar album and Whisperin’ Bill Anderson recorded and released her ‘Waffle House Christmas,’ then featured her in the song’s beloved video. After hearing Enderlin perform on the radio broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry while en route there herself, Jeannie Seely decided to sing the song she heard Enderlin deliver, the gut-punching ‘I Let Her Talk.’ This summer, Enderlin is up for six more Arkansas Country Music Awards.” - https://www.erinenderlin.com/bio In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1978 archival recording of Ozark originals Jim & Denise Lansford performing the song “My Dear Old Southern Home,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley contemplates the promise of rain for those who’s lives and livelihoods are tied to the land.

This week, nationally renowned Arkansas singer-songwriter Erin Enderlin recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this award winning wordsmith. “‘One of the best things about country music was that it was adult music,’ Erin Enderlin says of the country songs she grew up listening to in Arkansas. ‘It was real music that dealt with hard issues in life so that people going through those things don’t feel so alone.’   “The observation is signature Enderlin: She has a way of turning a song or even just a thought into an outstretched hand to the lonely or ashamed. While she first turned heads as a godsend to those aching for an artist with some golden-era country backbone, Enderlin’s acclaimed 2017 record Whiskeytown Crier firmly cemented her as something more. She’s a literary songwriter and superb vocal stylist with a knack for sharply drawn––and often sad––characters. Backsliders, avengers, lovers, and victims––they’re all swapping forlorn tales on the collection, which is a fresh take on the concept album set in a small Southern town.    “Now, Enderlin is home in Nashville, reflecting on that record and the past couple of years as she enjoys a little downtime after opening a run of shows for Jamey Johnson. 2018 was an especially busy year for the singer-songwriter. She was named a member of the 2018 CMT Next Women of Country, a recipient of the Arkansas Country Music Awards Songwriter and Album of the Year recognitions, and runner-up to Jason Isbell in the Best Singer-Songwriter field in the Nashville Scene’s touchstone Best of Nashville issue. Already a go-to writer for stars having penned mega country hits such as Alan Jackson’s ‘Monday Morning Church,’ Lee Ann Womack’s ‘Last Call,’ Luke Bryan’s ‘You Don’t Know Jack,’ and a host of other songs for Randy Travis, Joey+Rory, and more. Enderlin continues to add marquee cuts to her catalog including, ‘The Bar’s Getting Lower’ recorded by Reba for her upcoming album Stronger Than the Truth. Terri Clark also featured five Enderlin-written gems on her Raising the Bar album and Whisperin’ Bill Anderson recorded and released her ‘Waffle House Christmas,’ then featured her in the song’s beloved video. After hearing Enderlin perform on the radio broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry while en route there herself, Jeannie Seely decided to sing the song she heard Enderlin deliver, the gut-punching ‘I Let Her Talk.’ This summer, Enderlin is up for six more Arkansas Country Music Awards.” - https://www.erinenderlin.com/bio In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1978 archival recording of Ozark originals Jim & Denise Lansford performing the song “My Dear Old Southern Home,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley contemplates the promise of rain for those who’s lives and livelihoods are tied to the land.

This week, we celebrate the life of award winning Indiana finger style guitar prodigy the late Evan Twitty recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with the talented teen as well as his mentors and friends Thom Bresh and Randy Buckner. We are deeply saddened at the tragic passing of eighteen year old Evan Twitty. Evan lost his life in a car accident on February 7th of 2020. We here at Ozark Folk Center State Park have watched Evan grow up over his many years of attending our Merle Travis Thumbpicking Weekend. He began as a bright and promising student and matured into a championship winning guitarist, contest judge, teacher and mentor. In his brief eighteen years, Evan had placed himself among the finest guitarists in the world. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1975 archival recording of Ozark original Clark Fowler and the Sacred Harp Singers performing a shape note version of the traditional song “Angel Band,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley discusses the importance of time in our lives and how we measure it.

This week, Baltimore based Old Time string and Irish button accordion band Charm City Junction recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these masterful Maryland musicians. “From dance inducing Old Time rhythms and foot stomping Irish melodies to hard-driving Bluegrass, Baltimore-based acoustic roots quartet Charm City Junction creates a fresh soundscape that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats wondering where they'll go next. Featuring fiddle, clawhammer banjo, button accordion and upright bass, this quartet isn’t afraid to take roots music to new places — but always with an eye on tradition. Formed in 2014, Charm City Junction has taken the acoustic music scene by storm performing around the country gaining high praise along the way for their high-energy, captivating and dynamic performances. Bobby Britt takes charge with his virtuosic, powerful and musical approach to the fiddle. Clawhammer banjo wizard Brad Kolodner adds his playful, driving, melodic and groovy Old-Time touch. Sean McComiskey soars through the tunes and fills the gaps with his soulful button accordion playing. The versatile bassist Alex Lacquement drives the train, locking everything together with his commanding and tasteful choices.” https://www.charmcityjunction.com/about.html In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1976 archival recording of Ozark original Charley Sandage performing the traditional tune “Blacksmith of Brandywine,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. From his series entitled “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins continues his exploration on the story of the Ozark Jubilee, one of America’s first nationally-broadcast Old Time barn dance country music television shows, based in Springfield, Missouri.

This week, Baltimore based Old Time string and Irish button accordion band Charm City Junction recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these masterful Maryland musicians. “From dance inducing Old Time rhythms and foot stomping Irish melodies to hard-driving Bluegrass, Baltimore-based acoustic roots quartet Charm City Junction creates a fresh soundscape that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats wondering where they'll go next. Featuring fiddle, clawhammer banjo, button accordion and upright bass, this quartet isn’t afraid to take roots music to new places — but always with an eye on tradition. Formed in 2014, Charm City Junction has taken the acoustic music scene by storm performing around the country gaining high praise along the way for their high-energy, captivating and dynamic performances. Bobby Britt takes charge with his virtuosic, powerful and musical approach to the fiddle. Clawhammer banjo wizard Brad Kolodner adds his playful, driving, melodic and groovy Old-Time touch. Sean McComiskey soars through the tunes and fills the gaps with his soulful button accordion playing. The versatile bassist Alex Lacquement drives the train, locking everything together with his commanding and tasteful choices.” https://www.charmcityjunction.com/about.html In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1976 archival recording of Ozark original Charley Sandage performing the traditional tune “Blacksmith of Brandywine,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. From his series entitled “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins continues his exploration on the story of the Ozark Jubilee, one of America’s first nationally-broadcast Old Time barn dance country music television shows, based in Springfield, Missouri.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Arkansas Ozark singer-songwriter Dane Joneshill recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this talented Ozark original. Dane Joneshill is a quiet man. A man accustomed to silence and the watching, listening and waiting that generally accompany it. He grew up in the coastal loneliness of rural Alaska in a home tucked against the base of a mountain, a stone’s throw from the cold Pacific. Educated in a bush school by his own father, he remembers the focus of much of that class time. “We read books constantly. Wrote poems and short stories when we weren’t reading, and played in the woods for hours. I have no memories of math or science, whatsoever.” Probably not a well-rounded education, but it forced words and language deep into his soul and forged a weld with the emotional power of story. With a lyricism more akin to a novelist than a songwriter, his songs are at once wry, charming, and bittersweet. Like a Steinbeck novel, they walk the tension of darkness and loss in order to find the lights of hope. - https://danejoneshillmusic.com In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1975 archival recording of Ozark original Stephanie Isaacs, performing the traditional ballad “Lady Mary,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with author and herbalist Tina Marie Wilcox on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Texas based 2017 Ameripolitan 'Western Swing Group of the Year’ The Western Flyers recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this talented Texas trio. The Texas trio The Western Flyers consists of Joey McKenzie on guitar and vocals, Katie Glassman on fiddle and vocals, and Gavin Kelso on upright bass and vocals. Both Joey and Katie being world class fiddlers along with Gavin’s mastery of swing & jazz bass, you won’t find better Western Swing music anywhere this side of the Pecos. “The Western Flyers are one of the most exciting new bands to glide onto the music scene in years. Their music is a distinctive cross section of the Great American Songbook: authentic Western swing, hot jazz and swing standards, cowboy songs, and electrifying old-time fiddle tunes. Internationally renowned guitar master Joey McKenzie drives the train with his powerful rhythm, while reigning National Swing Fiddle champion Katie Glassman and world-class upright bassist Gavin Kelso add fuel to the fire. A blending of tradition and innovation, The Western Flyers are a singular musical experience; a fresh take on a venerable American art form performed by three Western swing virtuosos.” - https://www.facebook.com/twflyers/ In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1976 archival recording of Ozark originals Bob Hayes & Bud Bell performing the traditional tune “I’ll Fly Away,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with author and herbalist Tina Marie Wilcox on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Toronto singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and CFMA “Traditional Singer of the Year” Hannah Shira Naiman recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this captivating Canadian. Performing with Hannah on this show is her father, famed Canadian banjoist Arnie Naiman. “Named ‘Traditional Singer of the Year' (2017) by the CFMAs, Hannah Shira Naiman’s banjo-grounded songs dance the listener into the Appalachian mountains and eras back in time, drawing on her roots in Toronto’s ‘old time’ folk music community to share powerful tales of hope and loss.   “With a sound that’s been described as a cross between Gillian Welch and Sarah Harmer, Naiman crafts original songs that ring with influences of Ola Belle Reed, The Carter Family, American oldtime, and traditional English ballads.   “Naiman grew up around folk music as her celebrated banjo-playing father, Arnie Naiman, and award-winning children’s musician mother, Kathy Reid-Naiman, brought her to numerous folk camps and festivals every year. But it wasn’t until she left home that Hannah began to explore her father’s instrument in a new way. Collaborating with vocalist Emily Adam as part of folk duo The Blackest Crow sparked a more serious interest in making music.” - http://www.hannahshiranaiman.com/bio-press In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1981 archival recording of his mom and sister, Ramona & Alisa Jones performing the Buck White tune “Down Home Waltz,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with author Tom Dillard on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Portland, Oregon based singer-songwriter, square dance enthusiast, and Ozark original JT Trawick of the famed folk music family the Trawicks, recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with JT. JT is joined in this performance by champion fiddler Alex Sharps and bassist & multi-instrumentalist Bill Nesbitt. Being of the legendary Trawick folk music family of the Ozarks, JT Trawick grew up immersed in traditional music. Specializing in guitar, vocals and mandolin, JT has performed and worked with some of the premier musicians of our generation. Two-time Grand North American Fiddle Champion - Calvin Vollrath, seven-time World Champion Fiddler - Jim "Texas Shorty" Chancellor, National Flatpick Champion - Tyler Grant, world famous mandolinist - Evan Marshall, Grand National Champion - Dale Morris Jr., three-time Grand Master Fiddle Champion - Matthew Hartz, Canadian Fiddle Queen - April Verch, and World Champion Fiddler - Ricky Boen are just a few of the artists Jonathan has worked with. While calling Portland, Oregon his home base, JT Trawick remains involved with Fiddlin Arkansas, the Arkansas fiddle community outreach he started in 2010. Today, the organization remains a lighthouse for all things Arkansas fiddle. Continuing in the footsteps of his musical heroes, JT delivers authentic American roots music, traditional and original western swing, bluegrass and classic country to the people everywhere he goes. - https://www.jttrawick.com In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1981 archival recording of legendary Ozark balladeer Almeda Riddle, performing the traditional tune “From Jerusalem to Jericho,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this rare recording, Almeda, who normally performs a cappella, is accompanied by guitarist Jim Lansford. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with members of a nomadic recreational vehicle community on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Smithsonian Folkways artists and award winning Boston, Massachusetts progressive folk trio “Lula Wiles” recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these bright Boston bards. Lula Wiles is a Boston based progressive folk trio consisting of Isa Burke, Eleanor Buckland, and Mali Obomsawin. Their blending of instrumental virtuosity, intricate three part harmony singing, and visionary songwriting has quickly ushered them to the forefront of modern American contemporary folk music. With the recent release of their Smithsonian Folkways album “What Will We Do,” the trio now joins the ranks of America’s most important folk artists. “Long before they were in a band together, the members of Lula Wiles were singing folk songs and trading fiddle tunes at camp in Maine. ‘All of us were lucky to have access to the folk music community at a young age,’ Burke says. “The music traditions that we’re drawing on are social, community-building traditions.” On those warm summer nights, playing music was just plain fun. But the members of Lula Wiles carry those early lessons of community and the meaning of shared art with them to this day, as they seek to create music that questions cultural virtues, soothes aching wounds, and envisions a better world. “Lula Wiles came of age in Boston, in the practice rooms of Berklee College of Music and the city’s lively roots scene. In 2016, the band self-released Lula Wiles, a sensitive, twang-tinged collection of originals. Since then, they have toured internationally, winning fans at the Newport Folk Festival and the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and sharing stages with the likes of Aoife O’Donovan, the Wood Brothers, and Tim O’Brien. “Now, the release of What Will We Do on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings places the group squarely in line with some of its deepest influences, from the protest anthems of Woody Guthrie to the trailblazing songs of Elizabeth Cotten and Hazel Dickens. (Even the band’s name is a twist on an old Carter Family song.)” - http://www.lulawiles.com/bio/ In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1983 archival recording of Ozark original fiddler, Roger Fountain, performing the traditional tune “Saint Anne’s Reel,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley speaks with environmentalist and author Richard Mason on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, 2018 ACMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Ameripolitan Outlaw Female of the Year, songwriter and up and coming Outlaw Country star, Arkansas’ own Bonnie Montgomery recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this uniquely talented Arkansas singer-songwriter. “Upon first listening to Bonnie Montgomery, it’s easy to mistakenly assume that you’ve stumbled upon a long-buried track by a legend from the golden era of country/western music. Such is the artistry of this Arkansas native and silver-voiced songstress. Her story is of her journey but she presents it through a folk/bluegrass/country perspective that’s traditional and timeless. Montgomery’s stunning vocal chops and ability to draw listeners in with her natural songwriting talent should come as no surprise. Her musical roots run deep. Brought up among the never-ending sound of music that flowed through her family’s Arkansas music store, her childhood was heavily steeped in Ozark bluegrass, Texas swing, Delta blues, as well as gospel and rock and roll. Surrounded by talented musicians that ran the gamut from performers on the original Sun Records to bluegrass greats and opera singers, Montgomery expanded her musical horizons and began performing.” - https://www.bonniemontgomerymusic.com/about In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1983 archival recording of legendary fiddler Billy Matthews performing the traditional tune “Arkansas Traveller.” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley discusses with Jeanette Larson, Craft Director at the Ozark Folk Center State Park the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, California based multi-instrumentalists, singers, and purveyors of traditional Southwestern American folk music Frank Fairfield & Zac Sokolow recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Frank & Zac. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Frank Ellis performing the tune “Shamus O’Brien.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of The Meadowcreek Project, a sustainable agriculture & education facility located in the Ozarks. Music has the power to transport us to another time and place. Frank Fairfield loves to harness that power with a broad audience of fellow music lovers and passionate musicians alike. Ever since a young age, Fairfield has found great joy and satisfaction by being involved in the creative music process. Frank plays down-home, old time folk music. He plays fiddle, guitar, banjo and he sings. Frank has been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, as well as the PBS documentary series American Epic. Born in Fresno, California, he now lives in Los Angeles with his wife. https://www.frankfairfield.net On this show, Frank will share the stage with the equally adept multi-instrumentalist & singer Zac Sokolow. Zac is at home on guitar, banjo, fiddle, as well as mandolin. Sokolow is a founding member of the contemporary Americana band “The Americans,” also featured on PBS’ “American Epic.” Zac began learning music from his father at an early age, playing bluegrass as a child. http://www.theamericansmusic.com In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Frank Ellis performing the tune “Shamus O’Brien,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode brings us a portrait of The Meadowcreek Project, a sustainable agriculture & education facility located in the Ozarks.

This week, distinguished traditional Louisiana Cajun music connoisseurs The Savoy Family Cajun Band recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with renowned fiddler Joel Savoy. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark originals Ervin & Lily Freeze performing the song “Let Those Brown Eyes Smile at Me.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of Blanchard Springs National Park, featuring an interview with long time U.S. Forest Service visitor information specialist Tony Guinn. The Savoy Family Cajun Band consists of father Marc, mother Ann, and brothers Joel & Wilson Savoy. Marc Savoy was born and raised in the small Cajun prairie town of Eunice, Louisiana. Drawing inspiration from 'bals de maison' (house dances) in his father's outdoor kitchen, Savoy obtained his first accordion and began playing it at the age of 12. Playing the instrument led to repairing it and after disassembling enough accordions he began to build them. Playing the accordion has always been a natural part of his life from the dancehall to the home. The musicians with whom he has played Cajun music read like a who’s who of the finest in Cajun music, from the Balfa Brothers, DL Menard, Doc Guidry to early fiddle masters Dennis McGee and Wade Fruge. Ann Allen Savoy is a musician, photographer, record producer, and writer.  Her destiny was sealed when she began to listen to rare collections of Cajun 78’s. She met her future husband, acclaimed accordion builder/musician Marc Savoy, and after their marriage she began documenting the Cajun culture, taking photographs, interviewing important musicians, and transcribing the Cajun French songs. Her documentation ultimately became a book, Cajun Music: A Reflection of a People Volume 1, which won the prestigious Botkin book award from the American Folklore Society. An avid photographer since high school, her photos have been exhibited at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and at the Festival of American Music in Eugene, Oregon. Joel Savoy is one of the most requested fiddlers in SW Louisiana today. Joel grew up in Eunice, Louisiana, literally at the feet of Cajun heros like Dennis McGee, Dewey Balfa, Michael Doucet, and Wade Frugé. In 2006 Joel founded Valcour Records. He’s worked and played with Linda Ronstadt,T-Bone Burnett, Steve Buckingham, Allison Krauss, Linda Ronstadt, Steve Miller, Tim O’Brien, Darol Angor and many more. Joel also builds accordions with his father, makes electric guitars and hi-end tube amps and studio gear, and is an excellent recording engineer. Wilson Savoy, the youngest son of Marc and Ann, has made music since before he could walk. He began playing boogie-woogie and blues piano, inspired by Louisiana native Jerry Lee Lewis, at the age of 10. Wilson took up the accordion after graduating from high school. His major influences are his father, Amede Ardoin, and Iry Lejeune. Besides being a musician he is an avid filmmaker, and has produced films of many of the finest bands in SW Louisiana. (www.almenafilms.com) When he isn’t making and producing music videos and short biographies he is traveling with his three times Grammy nominated dynamic young band, the Pine Leaf Boys. - http://www.savoyfamilycajunband.com/index.html In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark originals Ervin & Lily Freeze performing the song “Let Those Brown Eyes Smile at Me,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode brings us a portrait of Blanchard Springs National Park, featuring an interview with long time U.S. Forest Service visitor information specialist Tony Guinn.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, a celebration of Ozark traditional music pioneers and their influences. This special episode features Betse Ellis & Clarke Wyatt, The Creek Rocks, and The Aching Hearts recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark originals The Apple Family performing the traditional song “Who’s Gonna Dance With Sally Ann.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents the Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour of the Ozarks, featuring an interview with Becky Dahlstedt, one of the organizers of the tour. https://www.betseandclarke.com/bio/ http://www.thecreekrocks.com https://theachinghearts.com/bio

This week, preeminent old time fiddler Bruce Molsky and his Molsky’s Mountain Drifters recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Moon Mullins performing the tune “Tiptoe Through the Tulips.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of the M&NA railroad of the Ozarks, featuring an original song & interview from Tom Simmons, the very first director of the Ozark Folk Center. Bruce Molsky is a self-described “street kid” from the Bronx who bailed on college and big city life for a cold-water cabin in Virginia in the 1970s. His mission?  To soak up the passion that was dramatically upending his parent’s life plan for him  – authentic Appalachian mountain music – at the feet of its legendary pioneers, old masters who are now long gone. Molsky’s Mountain Drifters also includes banjoist Allison de Groot and guitarist & singer Stash Wyslouch.   Today, Bruce Molsky is one of the most revered “multi-hyphenated career” ambassadors for America’s old-time mountain music. For decades, he’s been a globetrotting performer and educator, a recording artist with an expansive discography including seven solo albums, well over a dozen collaborations and two Grammy-nominations. He’s also the classic “musician’s musician” – a man who’s received high praise from diverse fans and collaborators like Linda Ronstadt, Mark Knopfler, Celtic giants Donal Lunny and Andy Irvine, jazzer Bill Frisell and dobro master Jerry Douglas, a true country gentleman by way of the Big Apple aptly dubbed “the Rembrandt of Appalachian fiddlers” by virtuoso violinist and sometimes bandmate Darol Anger.   Molsky digs deep to transport audiences to another time and place, with his authentic feel for and the unearthing of almost-forgotten rarities from the Southern Appalachian songbook. His foils are not only his well-regarded fiddle work, but banjo, guitar and his distinctly resonant vocals.  From tiny folk taverns in the British Isles to huge festival stages to his ongoing workshops at the renowned Berklee College of Music, Molsky seduces audiences with a combination of rhythmic and melodic virtuosity and relaxed conversational wit – a uniquely humanistic, downhome approach that can make Carnegie Hall feel like a front porch or parlor jam session. - https://www.mountaindrifters.com In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Moon Mullins performing the tune “Tiptoe Through the Tulips,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode brings us a portrait of the M&NA railroad of the Ozarks, featuring an original song & interview from Tom Simmons, the very first director of the Ozark Folk Center.

This week, celebrated singer/songwriter & hometown humorist Antsy McClain with world renowned harp-guitarist Muriel Anderson recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Antsy & Muriel. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark originals Robert & Mary Gillihan performing the traditional song “Banks of the Ohio.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of the White River Line railroad of the Ozarks, featuring an interview with George Lankford, professor emeritus at Lyon College in Batesville. Antsy McClain brings his unique blend of music and “humor with heart” to the stage, combining his original songs with a hilarious slide show, including Antsy’s own life observations, social commentary and imaginary sponsors from his home town trailer park of Pine View Heights. As a master storyteller with the likes of PBS, NPR and TEDTalks under his belt, Antsy includes humorous and serious songs in his shows. Songs such as “One Less Trailer Here in Pine View Heights,” My Baby Whistles When She Walks,” and “The Junk Drawer of Your Heart,” are keenly humorous observations about love and loss, while his more serious songs, like “Field Trip,” “I’m Everyone,” or “Falling in Love in America,” are more akin to personal journal entries written in the act of living. It’s this tightrope walk between humor and heart that makes Antsy McClain a true original. - http://unhitched.com/antsys-bio/ One of the world’s foremost fingerstyle guitarists and harp-guitarists, Muriel Anderson is the first woman to have won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. Her CD “Nightlight Daylight” was chosen as one of the top 10 CDs of the decade by Guitar Player Magazine her “Heartstrings” recording accompanied the astronauts on the space shuttle Discovery. She has performed/recorded with Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Victor Wooten and the Nashville Chamber Orchestra. Her obvious joy of music, humor and her facility across the genres of folk, classical, jazz, bluegrass and international music is revered by guitarists worldwide. An engaging performer, Muriel’s unique approach to the instrument virtually transforms the guitar into a lyrical choir, then a marching band, then a Japanese koto, then a Bluegrass band, one minute launching into a Beatles’ tune and the next, a Rodrigo concerto. Her video “Why Worry” has garnered a total of over 8 million views. Muriel is host of the renowned Muriel Anderson’s ALL STAR GUITAR NIGHT® and founder of the MUSIC FOR LIFE ALLIANCE charity. - http://murielanderson.com/press/bio/ In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark originals Robert & Mary Gillihan performing the traditional song “Banks of the Ohio,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode brings us a portrait of the White River Line railroad of the Ozarks, featuring interviews with George Lankford, professor emeritus at Lyon College in Batesville.

This week, world renowned Irish button accordion & melodeon player Paul Brock & his band recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this master of Irish traditional music. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Ulys Pilcher performing the traditional tune “Sally Goodin.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of the Little Red River of the Ozarks, featuring interviews with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Stream Fisheries Biologist Jeff Quinn & Angela Chandler, Arkansas Geological Survey supervising geologist. Button accordion and melodeon player Paul Brock is a multiple All-Ireland champion from Athlone, County Westmeath now residing in Ennis, County Clare. Brock’s solo album, Mo Charidin (Gael-Linn), was described by the Rough Guide to Irish Music as “a masterpiece of accordion playin.” Brock co-founded Brock McGuire Band in 2000 with fiddle player Manus McGuire. The band has gone on to record a number of highly acclaimed albums including Green Grass Blue Grass, a collaboration with 14-time GRAMMY Award winner Ricky Skaggs celebrating the connection between Appalachian and Irish music. In 2014, the band performed a fully-scored program of their music with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in Jackson, Mississippi. As a soloist, Brock has toured extensively internationally. He has performed with leading musicians and has been a special guest artist on a number of occasions with acclaimed Irish band The Chieftains. In 1989, Brock and McGuire co-founded Moving Cloud, with whom he recorded two award winning albums for Green Linnet Records. Brock’s 2006 collaboration with Enda Scahill, Humdinger (Compass Records), was voted “Irish Music Album of the Year” by The Irish Times and “Instrumental Album of the Year” by The Irish American News. Brock’s many album credits include A Tribute to Joe Cooley (Gael-Linn) with fiddler Frankie Gavin. - https://paulbrockband.com For this performance, Paul Brock is joined by famed Irish composer & teacher Denis Carey, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and dancer Dave Curley, and also multi-instrumentalist Shane Farrell. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Ulys Pilcher performing the traditional tune “Sally Goodin,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode brings us a portrait of the Little Red River of the Ozarks, featuring interviews with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Stream Fisheries Biologist Jeff Quinn and Angela Chandler, Arkansas Geological Survey supervising geologist.

This week, high energy Neo-Grass acoustic music phenomenon The Barefoot Movement recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with The Barefoot Movement vocalist & co-founder Noah Wall. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Brooke Breeding performing the traditional tune “Tying the Leaves.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of the White river of the Ozarks, featuring interviews with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Stream Fisheries Biologist Jeff Quinn and historian & folklorist Dr. George Lankford. Heartfelt, energetic, and down home. Heralded by CMT Edge as "one of the most promising bands on the bluegrass scene," the music of the Nashville based group The Barefoot Movement is as down to earth as their intention for members of their audience: sit back, relax, take your shoes off, and stay a while. All the worries and frustrations of the world melt away as this charming, acoustic band takes listeners back to a simpler place and time. Whether you're seeking emotional ballads or rip-roaring barn-burners, you can expect a collection of music that offers something for everyone. With two full length albums, an EP of traditional music, several cross-country tours, and appearances at some of the top bluegrass festivals in the United States already under their belt, the possibilities for this act are endless. The group has enjoyed almost non-stop touring including a trip to Burkina Faso, Africa where they were guests of the American Embassy, and in September of 2014, they received a Momentum Award, naming them "Band of the Year" by the International Bluegrass Music Association. - http://www.thebarefootmovementofficial.com/bio/ In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Brooke Breeding performing the traditional tune “Tying the Leaves,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode brings us a portrait of the White river of the Ozarks, featuring interviews with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Stream Fisheries Biologist Jeff Quinn and historian & folklorist Dr. George Lankford.

This week, New York born Haitian-American classical & folk music sensation and former Carolina Chocolate Drops member Leyla McCalla recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Leyla. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original & hammered dulcimer legend Jay Round performing a medley of traditional Irish tunes. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an introduction to Ozark geology, featuring an interview with Arkansas Geological Survey supervisor Angela Chandler. Leyla McCalla is a Haitian-American living in New Orleans, who sings in French, Haitian Creole and English, and plays cello, tenor banjo and guitar. Deeply influenced by traditional Creole, Cajun and Haitian music, as well as by American jazz and folk, her music is at once earthy, elegant, soulful and witty — it vibrates with three centuries of history, yet also feels strikingly fresh, distinctive and contemporary. Violist Free Feral - Guitarist, banjoist, and triangle Daniel Tremblay Leyla’s debut album, Vari-Colored Songs: A Tribute to Langston Hughes, was named 2013’s Album of the Year by the London Sunday Times and Songlines magazine, and received additional raves from a number of other publications, including the New York Times, Boston Globe and Offbeat, for its haunting mixture of music and message. - https://leylamccalla.com In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original & hammered dulcimer legend Jay Round performing a medley of traditional Irish tunes, from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode gives us an introduction to Ozark geology, featuring an interview with Arkansas Geological Survey supervisor Angela Chandler.

This week, two time Grammy Award winning Texas Swing fiddler and Asleep at the Wheel member Jason Roberts & the Jason Roberts Band recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Jason. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of four Ozark originals; Buddy Lancaster, Tom Simmons, Jackie Stewart, and of course Mark Jones performing “Bile Them Cabbage Down.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a profile of the Shawnee residents of the Ozark region. Grammy Award winning fiddle player Jason Roberts brings his signature style to the Jason Roberts Band. Having spent his childhood among legends in Texas honky-tonks -- and then nearly 20 years with the world-famous band Asleep at the Wheel -- Jason has soaked up the very best of Western Swing and brings his own signature style to this traditional American genre. Two Grammy Awards and four individual Hall of Fame inductions later, Jason and his Jason Roberts Band delight fans around the world. Music is a family thing in the Roberts clan.  Jason’s grandfather, Buck Roberts, a fellow Texas Western Swing Hall of Famer, toured nationally with The Roberts Brothers Rhthymaires in the 1940’s and 50’s.  A 12-year-old Jason eventually fronted a band with his grandfather and other Rhythmaires’ veterans.  From the other side, Jason’s grandmother played swing piano well past her 100th birthday.  Jason learned to play on his grandfather Carl’s fiddle, an instrument that’s on stage with him to this day. Legendary fiddler Johnny Gimble (Jason’s kin by marriage) took notice of young Jason's remarkable natural talent and took him under his wing. Jason has said, “Every good lick I know, I stole from Johnny Gimble.” By the time he was 15, Jason had played with greats like Gimble, Leon Rausch, Bobby Boatwright, Herb Remington, and other members of Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys. From the White House to The David Letterman Show and the Kennedy Center to Bob Wills’ hometown of Turkey, Texas, Jason has helped keep the spirit of Western Swing alive across generations. His fiddle magic and endearing personality make him a fan favorite everywhere he plays. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of four Ozark originals; Buddy Lancaster, Tom Simmons, Jackie Stewart, and of course Mark Jones performing “Bile Them Cabbage Down,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on the history of the Shawnee Indian inhabitants of the Ozark region.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, traditional bluegrass & Ozark legends The Keisler Brothers Band recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this talented band of brothers. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of harmonica virtuoso Lonnie Glosson performing “Mama, I Want a Drink of Water.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a brief history of white settlers to the Ozark region. The Keisler Brothers Band is comprised of Redmond, Randy and Rick Keisler, as well as their long time friend Rodney Heslep. This traditional bluegrass group has been bringing their fiery brand of acoustic music to American audiences for four decades. Redmond Keisler, the leader of the group, plays Dobro, while his brothers Randy and Rick play bass & guitar, respectively. The brothers’ long time compatriot Rodney Heslep brings the all important three finger banjo to round out a perfect traditional high energy bluegrass sound. One of the Keisler Brothers’ specialties is their razor sharp harmony singing. Family harmonies are breathtaking to behold, and this family has been perfecting theirs for decades. True, honest, and decidedly down home, a Keisler Brothers show is a testament to their traditional bluegrass legacy. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of harmonica virtuoso Lonnie Glosson performing “Mama, I Want a Drink of Water,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on the history of early white settlers to the Ozark region, and their impact on the indigenous cultures of the area.

This week, Ozark old time duo “Old Ties” performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with the members of this eclectic duo, Allison Williams & Willi Carlisle. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Walter Gosser playing the traditional tune “Cripple Creek.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a piece on the uniquely American art form of shape note singing. Allison Williams and Willi Carlisle were brought together by a passion for old-time music. The duo is best known around these parts as the leaders of monthly square dances at various hotspots throughout Northwest Arkansas. When they aren’t calling dances, Williams and Carlisle gig as “Old Ties.” A native of the Arkansas Ozarks, Allison Williams got her start as a punk rock musician before rediscovering her musical roots. Several years in the mountains of North Carolina educated her in Appalachian banjo techniques, especially the fast distinctive styles of Hobart Smith and Wade Ward. Allison has toured internationally, sharing stages with Rhonda Vincent, Donna the Buffalo, and many other giants of the new roots music scene. Her solo CD ”Give Me the Roses” came out in the autumn of 2008, featuring driving arrangements of traditional old-time songs as well as eclectic originals, woven together by a talented backing band of rising stars: alumni of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Old Crow Medicine Show, and the Wiyos, among others. Since then, Allison has toured internationally, playing to a sold-out Barbican Hall in London as part of the BBC’s “Folk America” special, and backing folk legend Michelle Shocked on her 2010 East Coast tour. Willi Carlisle has, according to one reviewer, "an authenticity it takes some songwriters years to achieve." After years of collecting folklore, playing or calling square dances, and working in the avant-garde, Willi Carlisle is a multi-faceted writer, performer and instrumentalist. With a style forged in the fire of Ozark oldtime and an ever-growing collection of antique musics, Carlisle’s multi-instrumental stories hoot, stomp, and saunter through joys and troubles uniquely Southern and timelessly true. Equally comfortable on banjo, fiddle and guitar, Carlisle has earned accolades for his versatility with performances at the Ozark Folk Center, the Fayetteville Roots Festival, Thacker Mountain Radio, and Fringe Festivals across the country.   In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Walter Gosser playing the traditional tune “Cripple Creek,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode presents a piece on the uniquely American art form of shape note singing.

This week, Ozark guitarist, singer, and master of the three finger banjo Adam Fudge performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Adam. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of harmonica player & Ozark original Lou Alderman playing the traditional tune “Danny Boy.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of Arkansan & country music superstar Patsy Montana, through the lens of archivist Bill McNeil. Born and raised in the rich musical culture of the Arkansas Ozarks, Adam Fudge has pursued the legacy of his native mountain music with tenacity and a deep love for the traditional. Adam is a fine singer and guitarist playing traditional country & bluegrass, but his true love is the three finger style of banjo popularized by bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs. Adam has won numerous awards for his incredible banjo skills, both in Arkansas and at the traditional music proving grounds of Winfield, Kansas. As well as possibly being one of the greatest three finger banjo players alive today, his guitar skills and Jimmie Rogers style vocals are finely tuned as well. On this show, Adam performs with a variety of musicians including his brother bassist Shane Fudge, bluegrass legend Dave Brancecum, old time fiddler Roger Fountain, guitar guru Brad Apple, educator & multi-instrumentalist Bill Nesbitt, and prolific bassist Gresham McMillon. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of harmonica player & Ozark original Lou Alderman playing the traditional tune “Danny Boy,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode presents a portrait of Arkansan & country music superstar Patsy Montana, through the lens of long time Ozark Folk Center archivist & author Bill McNeil.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, three world renowned autoharp virtuosos, Bryan Bowers, Karen Mueller, and Charles Whitmer perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park’s annual “Autoharp Weekend.” Mark Jones offers an archival recording of bluegrass legend Buck White performing the song “More Pretty Girls Than One.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of Dr. Bill McNeil, the long time archivist at the Ozark Folk Center, in which Dr. McNeil discusses Ozark folk tales. Bryan Bowers takes the auto harp to places not known to exist. Sounds strange, but it’s true. He possesses a powerful and soulful voice, and is a regular contributor to the Annual Auto Harp Weekend at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. From Washington State, Bowers became very popular with the audience of the comedy radio program The Dr. Demento Show with his 1980 recording of Mike Cross' song "The Scotsman.” In 1993, Bowers was inducted into the Autoharp Hall of Fame whose membership includes Mother Maybelle Carter, Kilby Snow, and Sara Carter. Karen Mueller is one of the top autoharp and mountain dulcimer players performing today. Her exciting and innovative performing style, featuring Appalachian, Celtic and contemporary music, has been applauded by critics and audiences from LA to Boston. Bluegrass Unlimited magazine has said "Karen Mueller's touch, timing and taste make her a true virtuoso. Her talent and clarity...deserve a wide audience.” Charles Whitmer is a music educator and composer, as well as being an autoharp virtuoso. He currently has 612 traditional songs in print arranged for autoharp for which he is known internationally. In 2008 he was inducted into the Autoharp Hall of Fame. He is a current staff member of The Autoharp Quarterly as a sheet music editor and was also a long time staff member for I.A.D. Publications, a former international quarterly magazine for autoharp enthusiasts. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of bluegrass legend Buck White of “The Whites” performing the song “More Pretty Girls Than One,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on Dr. Bill McNeil, the long time archivist at the Ozark Folk Center. For thirty years, from 1975 until his untimely passing in 2005, Dr. Bill McNeil served as the Ozark Folk Center’s folklorist and all-purpose advisor on all things dealing with traditional Ozark culture. During his tenure at the Folk Center, Bill McNeil guided the establishment of the Ozark Cultural Resource Center, an archival and teaching facility on the Folk Center’s grounds. This installment examines Dr. McNeil’s take on Ozark folk tales.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, old time fiddler, composer, actress, singer, Grand Ole Opry star, and country music royalty Ramona Jones performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Ramona and her talented progeny. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Onis Morrison singing the traditional Ozark song “Dry & Dusty.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of Ramona Jones through the lens of archivist Bill McNeil. Ramona Jones was a musician, actress, and composer known for Hee Haw (1969,) R.I.O.T.: The Movie (1996,) and He's So Fine (1993.) Born Ramona Riggins in Indiana, Jones met her first husband, country entertainer Louis Marshall "Grandpa" Jones while both were working at Cincinnati radio station WLW. They moved to Nashville in 1947. Grandpa Jones was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and a longtime Grand Ole Opry member. They were married 52 years until his death in 1998. A musician from a young age, Jones learned the fiddle from her father, then taught herself several other stringed instruments, competing in (and winning) several amateur contests during high school. She made her solo debut on the Opry in 1947, and performed all over the world with Jones, including shows for service members on the front lines during the Korean War. They later toured U.S. military bases in Italy, Austria, and Germany. In the mid-Fifties, the couple regularly appeared on the Washington, D.C.-based TV series Town and Country Time. She would go on to record numerous duets with her husband as well as a handful of solo singles for Monument Records, and albums that spotlighted her fiddle work. From its 1969 debut — and for the next 25 years — the couple appeared on TV's Hee Haw. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Onis Morrison performing the traditional Ozark song “Dry & Dusty,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on Ramona Jones through the lens of legendary archivist Bill McNeil.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, prodigious purveyors of the past, multi-instrumentalists, singers and story tellers, Anna & Elizabeth perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these unique performers. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark originals The Hall Family, performing the traditional song “Cowboy’s Dream.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of world famous cowboy poet & singer Glenn Orhlin. The collaboration between Anna & Elizabeth spans worlds — between their homes in Brooklyn and rural Virginia -- between deep study of mountain ballads with old masters and explorations into the avant garde — between music, performance, and visual art. Anna & Elizabeth have performed across the country and in Europe. Highlights include: The Newport Folk Festival; NPR's Tiny Desk Concert; The Chicago Folk Festival; The High Museum of Modern Art (Atlanta); and the Cambridge Folk Festival (UK.)  Their work has been featured on BBC Radio 2 and BBC3's Late Junction, Vice’s Noisey, the Huffington Post, and No Depression. They have shared the stage with Alice Gerrard, Mick Moloney, Sam Lee and Riley Baugus, Bruce Greene, Abigail Washburn, Wayne Henderson, and also National Heritage Award winners Sheila Kay Adams and Billy McComiskey. Elizabeth Laprelle lives on a farm in Rural Retreat, Virginia, where she grew up, and  has pursued her interest in mountain ballads for over a decade. Since the release of her debut album at age 16, she’s been hailed as one of the most dedicated students of the traditional unaccompanied style of her generation. The student of master singer Ginny Hawker and National Heritage Fellow Sheila Kay Adams, Elizabeth was the first recipient of the Henry Reed Award from the Library of Congress at age 16, and won the 2012 Mike Seeger Award at Folk Alliance International. She has released three solo ballad albums, and was called “the best young Appalachian ballad singer to emerge in recent memory” by UK’s fRoots Magazine.  Anna Roberts-Gevalt is a voracious and curious multi-instrumentalist originally from Vermont, described by Meredith Monk as a "radiant being." She fell in love with the sound of banjo in college, moved to the mountains, and learned with master musicians in Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina, becoming a blue-ribbon fiddler and banjo player (WV State Folk Fest, Kentucky Fiddle Contest.) She was a fellow at the Berea College Archive, a 2014 OneBeat fellow (Bang on a Can's Found Sound Nation,) artistic director of Kentucky’s traditional music institute, the Cowan Creek Mountain Music School, and curator of Baltimore's Crankie Festival.  She has recently delved into new musical worlds, including recent work with composers Brian Harnetty, Nate May and Cleek Schrey, Matmos, David Rothenberg, Susan Alcorn, and saxophonist Jarrett Gilgore. She has contributed writing to No Depression and The Old Time Herald. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark originals The Hall Family, performing the traditional song “Cowboy’s Dream,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on world renowned cowboy poet, balladeer, and story teller Glenn Orhlin.

One of the unique experiences for visitors to the Ozark Folk Center is the intimate matinee performances by our guest musicians. The shows are a unique way for musicians and guests share a time and space much different than a traditional indoor performance venue. There are often Q &A sessions, jokes, stories and of course, the occasional request from an audience member that make these sets so popular. These performances take place in the backdrop of the Ozark Folk Center State Park Craft Village, a large outdoor area, home to over 20 artisans who demonstrate traditional and contemporary craftsmanship on site. Nestled in the center of the Craft Village is an old wooden covered stage. The area seats about 50 people but is always overflowing with people for the matinee sets by our guest artists. Jay Ungar and Molly Mason are veterans of the acoustic music scene on the East coast and have been performing together for well over 20 years. Jay and Molly’s performance at the Ozark Folk Center State Park highlights all aspects of their musical style and ability. Ungar was born in the Bronx, the son of immigrant Jewish parents from Eastern Europe. He frequented Greenwich Village music venues during his formative period in the 1960s. He is probably best known for "Ashokan Farewell" (1982,) originally composed as a lament, which was used as the theme tune to the Ken Burns documentary The Civil War (1990.) Molly Mason has been a regular performer on Prairie Home Companion. In 1991, Ungar married Molly Mason, whom he had first met during the 1970s. They continue to perform as a duo, with their band, Swingology, and as the Jay Ungar and Molly Mason Family Band with Jay's daughter Ruthy Ungar (her mother is Lyn Hardy) and Ruthy's husband Michael Merenda. In 1992, Ungar and Mason provided the soundtrack to the acclaimed documentary film Brother's Keeper. In 2006 they headlined the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle. Dennis Stroughmatt is a renaissance man. His passion for the Creole fiddle and French music of the Southern Illinois/Missouri region has lead him on a journey to the backwoods of Louisiana and the University of Quebec. He has nearly single handedly revitalized the original Creole music and French culture of the Illinois-Missouri region by rekindling a love and passion for the culture and song. Masters of Texas style swing, fiddle and three voice harmony, The Quebe Sisters bring it like few can. Like other family and sibling performers we’ve featured on Ozark Highlands Radio, the Quebe Sisters (Grace, Sophia, and Hulda) have formed a sound and style that is both traditional and familiar, yet all their own. Each sister an accomplished fiddle player and singer, the trio specializes in western swing tunes with their signature three part harmony. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Shirley Greenfield singing the traditional song “Don’t Sing Love Songs, You’ll Wake My Mother,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on Dr. Bill McNeil, the long time archivist at the Ozark Folk Center. For thirty years, from 1975 until his untimely passing in 2005, Dr. Bill McNeil served as the Ozark Folk Center’s folklorist and all-purpose advisor on all things dealing with traditional Ozark culture. During his tenure at the Folk Center, Bill McNeil guided the establishment of the Ozark Cultural Resource Center, an archival and teaching facility on the Folk Center’s grounds. This installment examines Dr. McNeil’s interest in the evolution of folk music traditions.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, traditional American banjo performer & historian Clarke Buehling and his skilled protege’ Carl Anderton perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with Clarke & Carl. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of the Dogwood Stringband performing the song “Down in the Arkansas.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of Dr. Bill McNeil, the long time archivist at the Ozark Folk Center. Clarke Buehling is widely recognized for his interpretations of late 19th Century, classic finger-style banjo, and is in the forefront of the recent resurgence of interest in the earlier minstrel banjo style.  Much of his material is based around his extensive collection of 19th Century banjo and mandolin instruction books and sheet music. Clarke teaches banjo, fiddle, mandolin and guitar in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and plays with several popular old time stringbands, including The Skirt Lifters and The Ozark Highballers. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original The Dogwood Stringband performing the song “Down in the Arkansas,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on Dr. Bill McNeil, the long time archivist at the Ozark Folk Center. For thirty years, from 1975 until his untimely passing in 2005, Dr. Bill McNeil served as the Ozark Folk Center’s folklorist and all-purpose advisor on all things dealing with traditional Ozark culture. During his tenure at the Folk Center, Bill McNeil guided the establishment of the Ozark Cultural Resource Center, an archival and teaching facility on the Folk Center’s grounds. This installment examines Dr. McNeil’s support for amateur song collectors.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Austin, Texas based fiddle driven folk pop and renowned Contra Dance band “The Lost & Nameless Orchestra” performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this unique group of musicians. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of a much younger Mark Jones performing the song “Mountain Whippoorwill.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of Dr. Bill McNeil, the long time archivist at the Ozark Folk Center, focusing on Dr. McNeil’s attention to historical scholarship with regard to traditional music. They may call themselves Lost & Nameless, but all it takes is a few notes for listeners to recognize this foursome is anything but. With original compositions featuring complex, turn-on-a-dime arrangements and performing histories dating to childhood, the members of this Austin-based band are seasoned professionals who whip up an unforgettable sonic whirlwind wherever they play. Lost & Nameless can be traced to St. Louis, where Arkansas fiddle champion Chris E. Peterson met vocalist/guitarist Patrick Conway in 1993. They began jamming together and did some busking and recording in Europe, then went their separate ways. Peterson eventually moved to Austin to attend graduate school and in 2006, Conway followed. They decided to form “a great live band” and within a week, found keyboardist Nathan Quiring. Vocalist/fiddler Kimberly Zielnicki, winner of the 2012 Old Settler’s Music Festival Youth Talent Competition, became a full-fledged member in 2008, at age 11. Together, they imbue their music with a playful energy and soulfulness. Their sound simultaneously evokes Ireland and Appalachia, old-time folk and timeless pop, with an orchestral fullness. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of a much younger Mark Jones performing the song “Mountain Whippoorwill,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on Dr. Bill McNeil, the long time archivist at the Ozark Folk Center. For thirty years, from 1975 until his untimely passing in 2005, Dr. Bill McNeil served as the Ozark Folk Center’s folklorist and all-purpose advisor on all things dealing with traditional Ozark culture. During his tenure at the Folk Center, Bill McNeil guided the establishment of the Ozark Cultural Resource Center, an archival and teaching facility on the Folk Center’s grounds. This installment focuses on Dr. McNeil’s attention to historical scholarship with regard to traditional music.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, the witty & convivial Americana ragtime, blues & early jazz quartet, “Side Street Steppers” perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these fascinating performers. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Buddy Lancaster performing the traditional song “Back up & Push.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of Dr. Bill McNeil, the long time archivist at the Ozark Folk Center, focusing on Dr. McNeil’s knowledge of traditional ballads. Christian Stanfield and Miss Vera Victoria founded the Side Street Steppers in June of 2009.  What began as a simple duo of musicians unearthing material from the Golden Age of American Gramophone recording has grown into a full-blown Memphis institution. The Side Street Steppers are a page from Americas past, playing rare and popular music from the 1920s and 30s. Dubbed the Golden Age of Gramophone Recording, the two decades between 1920 and World War II saw the rise of jazz and the birth of the blues, the demise of ragtime and the emergence of hillbilly music that would become known through the world as country music. The Side Street Steppers present a pastiche of this transformation of the American musical landscape, performing on vintage and homemade instruments. Get ready for plenty of hip-shaking, foot stompin', caterwauling and croonin’. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Buddy Lancaster performing the traditional song “Back up & Push,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on Dr. Bill McNeil, the long time archivist at the Ozark Folk Center. For thirty years, from 1975 until his untimely passing in 2005, Dr. Bill McNeil served as the Ozark Folk Center’s folklorist and all-purpose advisor on all things dealing with traditional Ozark culture. During his tenure at the Folk Center, Bill McNeil guided the establishment of the Ozark Cultural Resource Center, an archival and teaching facility on the Folk Center’s grounds. This installment focuses on Dr. McNeil’s knowledge of traditional ballads.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, original cowgirl, singer, songwriter, actress and Country Music Hall of Fame superstar Patsy Montana performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this country music legend. Also featured is the inimitable cowboy poet & humorist Glenn Ohrlin. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark legend Cathy Barton performing the song “Ebenezer.” Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents a portrait of Dr. Bill McNeil, the long time archivist at the Ozark Folk Center. Patsy Montana, was an American country music singer, songwriter and actress. Montana was the first female country performer to have a million-selling single with her signature song "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart", and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. She was a mainstay on the National Barn Dance on Chicago radio station WLS for many years. Born “Ruby Blevins” in Beaudry, Arkansas, the 11th child and first daughter of a farmer, Patsy attended schools in President Bill Clinton's hometown of Hope, Arkansas. She was influenced early on by the music of Jimmie Rodgers, and paved the way for women in the male dominated world of country music. Born in Minneapolis, MN in 1926, Glenn Ohrlin was a veteran of the cattle industry and worked the rodeo circuit, both while being an acquisitive singer, poet, & story teller. Glenn put his extensive knowledge and years of experience collecting Western folk songs into a book, “The Hell Bound Train,” as well as performing his authentic style of cowboy poetry & prose. Ohrlin performed at cowboy poetry gatherings across America, and at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. In the 1970’s, Glenn moved to Mountain View, Arkansas, where he continued his music career, lending regular performances at the Ozark Folk Center. We at the Ozark Folk Center State Park reap the benefit of having years of Glenn’s live performance recordings in our archives. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Cathy Barton performing the traditional song “Ebenezer,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on Dr. Bill McNeil, the long time archivist at the Ozark Folk Center. For thirty years, from 1975 until his untimely passing in 2005, Dr. Bill McNeil served as the Ozark Folk Center’s folklorist and all-purpose advisor on all things dealing with traditional Ozark culture. During his tenure at the Folk Center, Bill McNeil guided the establishment of the Ozark Cultural Resource Center, an archival and teaching facility on the Folk Center’s grounds.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, a select few of the next generation of Ozark folk musicians perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with the teachers and administrators of an innovative new school music program called “Music Roots.” Historian & folklorist Charley Sandage presents an exploration of the Ozark Folk Center as an institution of learning, and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Dave Leatherman performing the song “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” Started by local musician Joe Jewell, the “Next Generation” concert is a long standing tradition at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. The show features area musicians and performers, all under the age of 21. The continued success of the concert series is a testament to the deep well of music and tradition the community has to draw upon. Featured performances by; The Cobb Brothers, Clancey Ferguson, Twang, Grace Stormont and Sibling Rivalry. Historian & folklorist Charley Sandage presents an exploration of the Ozark Folk Center as an institution of learning. Charley interviews Folk Center staff about their role in presenting, preserving, and promoting traditional ways of the Ozark region through various educational activities and workshops. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment offers an archival recording of Ozark original Dave Leatherman, performing the classic song “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Ark. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, bona fide Illinois French trouveur & fiddler Dennis Stroughmatt performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Dennis, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical sojourn into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of a trio of Ozark originals, Walter Gosser, Mike Hill, and Dean Hinesley. Dennis Stroughmatt is a renaissance man. His passion for the Creole fiddle and French music of the Southern Illinois/Missouri region has lead him on a journey to the backwoods of Louisiana and the University of Quebec. He has nearly single handedly revitalized the original Creole music and French culture of the Illinois-Missouri region by rekindling a love and passion for the culture and song. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on traditional dance styles of the Ozark region. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of a trio of Ozark originals, Walter Gosser, Mike Hill, and Dean Hinesley performing the song “Roving Gambler,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Ark. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, the accomplished traditional folk trio “Harmony” perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with the trio “Harmony,” folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical sojourn into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of the Ozark folk singer Kay Thomas. Harmony has been a mainstay on the Ozark Folk Center Stage for many years. Their vocals, as one might suspect, center around stellar three part harmony. The group features the talents of Ozark Highlands Radio host Dave Smith on vocals, guitar, and fiddle among other instruments. Husband & wife duo Robert and Mary Gillihan round out the trio, and are multi instrumentalists as well. Mary plays both bass and autoharp, while Robert covers the guitar and mandolin. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on the population and cultural impacts of the Ozark Folk Center State Park on the Stone County, Arkansas region. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of the genuinely talented Ozark folk singer Kay Thomas, performing a beautiful arrangement of the traditional song “All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Ark. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Dynamic traditional Ozark music duo Betse Ellis & Clarke Wyatt perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Betse & Clarke, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical peregrination into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of original Ozark songster Bob Blair. Betse Ellis & Clarke Wyatt are a fiddle and banjo duo, who specialize in traditional old time music of the Ozarks. For years Betse was the fiery fiddler in the touring group, The Wilders. A student and friend of Arkansas fiddle legend, Violet Hensley, Betse has made it her mission to carry on the traditional songs and fiddle style of her native Arkansas. Betse has enjoyed a successful solo career but has recently teamed up with Clarke Wyatt, a talented finger style banjo picker. Now a powerful team, together Betse and Clarke continue to explore the sounds and styles that make Ozark music unique. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on the beautiful gardens of the Ozark Folk Center State Park, and it’s mission to preserve the original ornamental, edible, and medicinal plants of the Ozarks. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of original Ozark songster Bob Blair, performing the song “Who Will Sing For Me,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Ark. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, International Blues Challenge award winning Dulcimer maven Bing Futch performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Bing, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical peregrination into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of authentic Ozark fiddler Sam Younger. Bing Futch is a new breed of talent in the world of the mountain dulcimer. While he performs traditional dulcimer tunes, his influences from all areas of music have been adapted to his dulcimer playing, including the use of effects pedals and other whiz-bang electronic stuff. He is a regular contributor and instructor at the Annual Dulcimer Jamboree at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Bing was recently won best guitarist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee and yes, he was playing his dulcimer. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on the roots music aspect of the Ozark Folk Center State Park, and it’s mission to preserve the old Ozark ways. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of authentic Ozark fiddler Sam Younger, performing the traditional song “Turkey in the Straw,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Ark. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, award winning guitar prodigy Ben Hall performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Ben, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical peregrination into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of original Ozark character Albert Sands. Ben Hall is a Mississippi native who now makes his home, where so many musicians do, in Nashville, TN. Ben is a former thumbpicking contest winner, and like Danny Dozier and Thom Bresh, is heavily influenced by Merle Travis. Not one to seek out the life of a traveling or full time musician, Ben might be low key but he’s full throttle on the 6 string box. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on the philosophy of the Ozark Folk Center State Park Craft Village, and it’s mission to preserve the old Ozark ways. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of original Ozark character Albert Sands telling a short story about going to a traditional Ozark dance, from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

An interview with Kevin Brockmeier, an author featured in the Arkansas Literary Festival 2016, conducted by Amy Bradley-Hole, moderator chair of the Arkansas Literary Festival; Selections from an interview with Dr. Ann Tice, a retired dermatologist who talks about growing up in a family of physicians and her non-traditional path to medical school; Selections from Legacies & Lunch featuring Vivienne Lie Schiffer, who has written a book and produced a film about the experiences of Japanese Americans who were held in internment camps in Arkansas during World War II; Chewing the Fat with Rex and Paul, who talk about Cherokee Village, the sales force at the Village and their sometimes-shady techniques involving Elvis and Jesus, an outstanding collection of shag carpet, the emergence of retirement communities, Paul's viewing of the moon landing in July 1969, John Cooper and his other developments at Bella Vista and Hot Springs Village, messing with salesmen, Horseshoe Bend, Holiday Island, the ferry at Norfork, the beginnings of tourism in North Arkansas, Imboden (a new record: Paul took seven minutes to mention his hometown), the great rivers and streams of Arkansas, fishing for smallmouth bass, the Eleven Point River, the Spring, the Strawberry, the Current, trout fishing in the cold water from Mammoth Spring to Hardy, Black Rock, the South Fork of the Spring, drum, perch, catfish, spring break on the Spring River, jon boats, the Many Islands, the use of hammers and electricity in catching and preparing fish, W.O. Prince's place on the Cache River, Murray's at De Valls Bluff, the Caddo River, Caddo Gap, how a longnose gar frightened a fellow from Virginia who thought it was a dinosaur, the Little Red River, and Lindsey's trout resort near Heber Springs; Bizarre Arkansas, with a story about reports of mysterious flying objects seen in the Ouachita Mountains in 1897; An interview with Gabrielle Simone, a very young published author who will be featured at the Arkansas Literary Festival 2016 -- interview conducted by Amy Bradley-Hole, moderator chair of the Arkansas Literary Festival; An interview with Sofia Gonzales, who will teach an upcoming CALS Community Learning course on embroidery; interview conducted by Kristen Cooke, CALS staff member; Selections from Legacies & Lunch featuring Ed Bethune; Selections from an Arkansas Sounds concert featuring Charley Sandage and Harmony, who present original music in a traditional Arkansas folk style.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Ark. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Arkansas Delta Bluegrass pioneer Dave Brancecum performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Dave, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical peregrination into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of Judi Klemenson. Dave Brancecum was born and raised in the cotton fields of the Arkansas Delta. A working man most of his life, Dave had always dreamed of moving to the Ozarks to enjoy a simple life, where he could play music and enjoy all the region has to offer. Good thing all that happened because Dave is now a regular performer at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Equally adept on guitar and claw-hammer banjo, Dave possesses a natural feel in his playing and singing unique to the Ozark region. Dave says come visit the Ozark Folk Center rather than the website he’s yet to create. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on the founding of the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of noted Ozark mountain dulcimer mentor Judi Klemenson (Klinkhammer) performing the song “Where Would I Go But to the Lord,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Ark. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments carry listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. On this week’s show, original Ozark guitar wizard Danny Dozier performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Danny, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical peregrination into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of Aunt Ollie Gilbert. Danny Dozier is an Arkansas native and proud of it. He is one of the area’s premier guitar players, well versed in the Merle Travis, “thumbpicking” style. Danny has worked with a wide variety of performers over the years including; Grandpa and Ramona Jones, Omar and the Howlers and regional favorite, Leatherwoods. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode features a background on the founding the very first Arkansas Folk Festival. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of prodigious Ozark folk balladeer Ollie Gilbert singing the traditional Ozark folk song “The Ballad of Cole Younger,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Ark. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments carry listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. On this week’s show, thumb picking guitar legacy Thom Bresh performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical peregrination into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of Ozark folk musician Greg Moody. Thom Bresh has led an incredible, multi-faceted life in the entertainment business. To start, his birth father is guitar royalty, Merle Travis. Thom was raised in California during the golden age of television and worked as a stuntman/actor during his youth. He went on to become one of the premier practitioners of his fathers “thumbpicking” style of guitar. Harnessing a quick wit and an equally quick set of ten fingers, there is nothing like a Thom Bresh performance. Seriously. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and an enduring legacy of music and craft. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of Greg Moody singing the traditional folk song “Going Down This Road Feeling Bad,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Ark. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments carry listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, traditional American folk music and dance power couple Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Aubrey & Elwood, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical peregrination into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of Ozark folk originals Dave Newburn and Charley Sandage. Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly are regular contributors at a number of Ozark Folk Center State Park workshops as well as numerous traditional and old time music gatherings across the United States. The husband and wife team were heavily influenced by Kentucky folk musician, Jean Ritchie. Both are multi instrumentalists but Aubrey takes it one “step” further with her incredible rhythmic dancing ability. Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode features a perspective on how the founding of the very first Arkansas Folk Festival affected the Stone County, Arkansas region. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of Ozark folk originals Dave Newburn and Charley Sandage performing the song “Going Back to the Red Clay Country,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.