Podcasts about ozark folk center state park

This week, More Voices. Another collection of contemporary folk singers with unique and authentic voices recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Ballad singing is a primary form of expression in folk music. Folk ballads merge melody and story to recount events but also transport the listener to an emotional space. How well a ballad can bring the listener into that space very much depends on the singer. Less important to an effective folk singer are the rudimentary aspects of singing than is the authentic sound of their voice. The timbre and character of the singer's voice in service to the ballad becomes the vehicle, transporting the listener into that emotional space. Ozark original and legendary folk balladeer Aunt Ollie Gilbert for an example. As much as the stories Aunt Ollie relates, it's the sound of her instantly recognizable and authentic voice that moves listeners deep into the hills and hollers of the Ozarks. Featured on this episode are an all-star lineup of contemporary singers including: renowned vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Amythyst Kiah; Ozark original up and coming folk sensation Willie Carlisle; outlaw country music legends Malcolm Holcomb & Ozark original Billy Don Burns; singer-songwriter and educator Wil Maring; Paul Brock Band singer and multi-instrumentalist Dave Curley; famed folk duo The Secret Sisters; world champion mountain dulcimer player, vocalist and educator Sarah Kate Morgan; vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and musical time traveler Meredith Axelrod; folk blues superstar Taj Mahal; Jake Leg Stompers vocalist Lela Mae Smith; Kentucky Colonel and bluegrass sensation Dave Adkins. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1984 archival recording of Ozark original Pam Setser with Mike Gavin performing the Flatt & Scruggs song “Rough & Rocky” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the legendary Ozark original balladeer Oscar Gilbert, husband of famed ballad singer Aunt Ollie Gilbert. Featured is an archival recording of Oscar performing the traditional Ozark ballad “The Ballad of Cole Younger,” courtesy of the Lyon College Wolf Folklore Collection.

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, a sampling of Ozark original stringbands recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park's 2024 Stringband festival held annually in Mountain View, Arkansas. Each Fall, the Ozark Folk Center State Park holds its annual Stringband Festival featuring internationally touring musicians as well as local stringbands. In 2024, the headliners were The Lonesome Ace Stringband from Toronto and Dirk & Amelia Powell from Louisiana. Both these internationally touring acts were featured recently on Ozark Highlands Radio. In this episode, we'll spotlight the authentic local Ozark stringbands that round out our festival. Featured are Lillyanne McCool & Ozark Legacy, The Creek Rocks, Bug Shuffle, The Riggsville Ramblers, and Salem Plateau. Lillyanne McCool & Ozark Legacy is a five piece string band that straddles the line between oldtime and bluegrass musics. Led by award winning banjo virtuoso Lillyanne McCool, Ozark legacy is based in Mountain View, Arkansas. Joined by her brother Jared on mandolin and her mother Crystal on upright bass, Lillyanne has grown up on the Ozark Folk Center stage. Esther Exley joins in on fiddle and Emalee Flatness-Combs brings the guitar. The Creek Rocks from Springfield, Missouri are Cindy Woolf and Mark Bilyeu. Cindy Woolf was raised in Batesville, Arkansas along the southern foothills of the Ozarks Mountain region. Mark Bilyeu hails from Springfield, located atop the Ozarks Plateau. They began their musical collaboration in 2003 with Mark at the helm for Woolf's debut CD “Simple and Few.” They married in 2013 and have endeavored together on a mission to breath new life into traditional Ozark folk songs, a mission that's carried them all the way to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival! Bug Shuffle is a traditional oldtime stringband trio based in Mountain View, Arkansas. The band consists of husband and wife Scott & Shay Pool and our very own Dave Smith, the host of Ozark Highlands Radio. Shay Pool is an oldtime fiddle contest champion and educator in the Ozark Folk Center's Music Roots program. Scott is a renowned guitar accompanist and talented luthier. Together, they own and operate Mountain View Music, an old fashioned retail music store and local landmark. The Riggsville Ramblers are another Mountain View fixture. This four piece Ozark original stringband can be heard regularly in the craft grounds at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. The Ramblers are husband and wife Jenny & Tom Sartain on banjo and guitar, Joe Roe on fiddle, and Carl Adkins on resonator guitar. With a sound plucked right out of the 19th century, the Riggsville Ramblers will have your toes tapping and your hands clapping. Salem Plateau is an oldtime husband and wife duo made up of five time Arkansas CMA winner Grace Stormont-McCarthy and multi-instrumentalist Joseph McCarthy. With a penchant and a voice for ancient ballads, Grace grew up on the Ozark Folk Center stage singing and playing everything from upright bass to guitar and banjo to fiddle. Not only a talented multi-instrumentalist, Joseph McCarthy is a human encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to traditional Ozark music. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of Ozark original stringband Squirrel Heads in Gravy performing a medley of “My Own House Waltz and Come on with Dinah,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater discusses the folk song Lazy John.

This week, musicians born into powerful family musical traditions recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, commentary from some of these living legacies. Legacy is something handed down from the past. The tradition of folk music and culture is rooted in legacy. Musical legacies can exist in the form of songs, melodies, musical instruments, styles of playing, and sometimes even people. A musician born into a powerful family music tradition may find themselves a living connection to that legacy for thousands of fans. On this week's show, we feature some of these living legacies: Amy Helm; A.J. Croce; Carlene Carter; Dale Jett; and Thom Bresh. Amy Helm is an American singer-songwriter and daughter of The Band drummer Levon Helm and singer Libby Titus. She is a past member of the Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble Band and Ollabelle, as well as her own touring band. Born in Woodstock, New York, Amy spent her childhood between Woodstock, Los Angeles, and New York City. She attended Trinity High School where she studied jazz with Dr. Aaron Bell, while singing in bands, and playing in New York City clubs and bars. A lifelong musician and music-lover, Helm's parents guided her training and influences. She later became a founding member of the alt-country collective Ollabelle and served as a backing musician in her father's Midnight Ramble Band. Adrian James "A.J." Croce is an American singer-songwriter. He is the son of singer-songwriters Jim Croce and Ingrid Croce. A.J. Croce has been inextricably linked to a version of his own story by virtue of his name. He's experienced a lifetime of comparisons to a father he lost at age two, whose music bears little resemblance to his own output yet still serves as a reference point despite the years that have passed and the many iconic mentors who have stepped in to offer their counsel, creativity, and endorsement throughout his long career. Carlene Carter is an American country singer and songwriter. She is the daughter of June Carter of the famed Carter Family and her first husband, Carl Smith. She became the step-daughter of Johnny Cash. Between 1978 and the present, Carter has recorded twelve albums, primarily on major labels. In the same timespan, she has released more than twenty singles, including three No. 3-peaking hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Dale Jett is a proud bearer of the Carter Family musical legacy. Son of Jeanette Carter and grandson of A.P. and Sara Carter, Dale performs songs from the Carter Family song book with his group “Hello Stranger.” With his wife Teresa on bass, and Oscar Harris on auto harp, Dale keeps the music of his family tradition alive and relevant. 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. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of country music legacy and our very own Mark Jones performing in the banjo style of his famous father Grandpa Jones the tune “Mountain Whippoorwill,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater describes therapeutic music and her role as a musician in a pediatric hospital.

This week, Louisiana old time and traditional Cajun music father-daughter duo the inimitable Dirk Powell with his daughter Amelia recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with Dirk. “Dirk Powell is known as a “musician's musician” in the circle of American roots music and beyond. He learned banjo and fiddle from his Kentucky grandfather, James Clarence Hay, and has been a part of the thriving Cajun/Creole music community in Louisiana since his early 20s. He has toured and recorded with musicians such as Joan Baez, Rhiannon Giddens, Eric Clapton, Buddy Miller, Loretta Lynn, and Levon Helm, while his contribution to film has found him collaborating with directors like Anthony Minghella ("Cold Mountain"), Ang Lee ("Ride with the Devil"), and Spike Lee ("Bamboozled"). His solo records, which often combine a traditional foundation with a wide-ranging commitment to emotion and original songs, have had impact around the globe. His original song “Waterbound” has been recorded over 100 times. He is also in demand as a producer and owns his own studio, the Cypress House, on the banks of Bayou Teche near Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. On this performance, Dirk is joined by his daughter Amelia.” - https://www.dirkpowell.org/about In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of Ozark originals Aunt Lilly Freeze and her son Ervin Freeze singing the gospel classic “Just One Drop,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater deconstructs how melodies are played on the mountain dulcimer.

This week, North Dakota based 2023 SPBGMA International Bluegrass Band Champions the Waddington Brothers recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with eldest brother Seth Waddington. “The Waddington Brothers, a band of four brothers from rural North Dakota, perform what they live: music that is real to them, that takes listeners on a journey through the heart of the American West. “Seth, Ethan, Jacob, and Job Waddington skillfully blend cowboy and bluegrass music, creating a style that's timelessly classic and yet refreshingly new and unique. With their rich, stirring vocal harmonies and instrumental versatility that ranges from hard-driving bluegrass to more mellow acoustic tones, this quartet has developed a sound that is truly as strong as it is special. And their gift for captivating an audience comes naturally to these men. Whether they're singing about cowboys or cabins, hunting or horseback riding, ranches or Indian reservations, The Waddington Brothers share heartfelt songs that evoke feelings of warmth, appreciation, and a genuine connection to the way life was lived by our country's pioneers. “This group shares their music as a well-polished craft: one that's been cultivated by four siblings who have been playing and singing together their entire lives. While their performing experience together traces back to 2004, the band officially came together as The Waddington Brothers in 2019. Their musical inspiration today is drawn from many pools of influences. Their sound might be described as a mixture of traditional bluegrass, gospel music, and Western strains reminiscent of The Sons of the Pioneers. Even more accurately, though, it can be described as something brand new—something powerfully different—a breath of fresh air to their audiences, that could only be created by four brothers with such an authentic synergy and blend. And it's been proven: in 2023 at the annual SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America) Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, The Waddington Brothers took first place in the International Bluegrass Band Competition.” - https://www.waddingtonbrothers.com/about In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of bluegrass legends the Country Gentlemen performing the Kris Kristofferson song “Darby's Castle,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater demonstrates American clog dancing styles and their influences.

This week, Toronto, Canada old time trio The Lonesome Ace Stringband recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park during our annual String Band festival. Also, interviews with Lonesome Ace founder and banjo player Chris Coole. “The Lonesome Ace Stringband bring grit, skill and abandon to Americana music, bridging old-time, bluegrass and folk traditions into a seamless hybrid of original material that is at once fresh and timeless.  The trio's sound is anchored in the fiddle and clawhammer banjo of John Showman and Chris Coole. They are joined by a rotating cast of extraordinary upright bassists (including founding member Max Malone, James Mceleney, and Lotus Wight). The band moves freely between a sound so commanding it doesn't seem like it should be coming from a stringband, to a sparse fragility that draws the listener closer.  Whether singing about climate change, modern love, BBQ techniques or life's inevitable existential crises, the band cuts to the core. They can also turn and churn out a tune with so much verve that it will make your heart spin and set the dance floor swirling.” https://lonesomeace.com/about In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of Ozark original Lisa Wiede singing the cowboy ballad “John Martin Duffy,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater discusses the seafaring song “Jamestown Homeward Bound.”

This week, a special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series featuring Siloam Springs Ozark original Dominic Bryan Roy and his band, recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers. Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series began in 2021. Held on the city's Butterfield Stage next to Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers, it features live concerts every weekend throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. All of the Railyard Live events are either free to the public or at very low cost of admission. The concert series features a wide array of musical styles and interests designed to appeal to the diverse population of Rogers and invite them to experience the newly revitalized Railyard Entertainment District. The Ozark Folk Center State Park and the City of Rogers, Arkansas partnered to bring Ozark Highlands Radio to capture a little slice of this modern Ozark culture. Dominic Bryan Roy's music takes his audience on a journey of emotions and leaves a lasting impact. His performances are known for their captivating storytelling, passionate vocals, and skilled instrumentation, making each live show a memorable and engaging experience for his fans. One of Dominic's notable attributes is his incredible whistling skills and the remarkable vibrato in his voice. His performances are infused with great energy and a touch of quirkiness that captivates the audience from start to finish. Additionally, Dominic occasionally incorporates the harmonica into his sets, showcasing the breadth of his musical talent. - https://www.facebook.com/DominicBRoyMusic/ In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1984 archival recording of Ozark originals Nellie and Glen Branscum performing the song “Cool Water” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater discusses lined out hymnody, a form of Anglo-American worship singing introduced by English and Scottish emigrants in the 1600s, where a leader chants a line and the congregation answers.

This week, a special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series featuring Ozark original indie-folk husband and wife duo National Park Radio, recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers. Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series began in 2021. Held on the city's Butterfield Stage next to Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers, it features live concerts every weekend throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. All of the Railyard Live events are either free to the public or at very low cost of admission. The concert series features a wide array of musical styles and interests designed to appeal to the diverse population of Rogers and invite them to experience the newly revitalized Railyard Entertainment District. The Ozark Folk Center State Park and the City of Rogers, Arkansas partnered to bring Ozark Highlands Radio to capture a little slice of this modern Ozark culture. “National Park Radio is a nationally touring indie-folk ‘power duo' based in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. With an impressive and consistently growing grassroots fanbase across the U.S. (and the world), husband and wife duo Stefan & Kerrie Szabo have made a name for themselves over the past several years with their beautiful harmonies, incredibly inspiring and relatable songwriting, and their unique and energetic live shows. Aside from their incredibly relatable songwriting and harmonies that connect with so many of their fans, their high-energy live shows - created by the duo bringing in a unique setup and multitasking configuration - brings a new level of sound created by just two people on stage. National Park Radio has been described as the ‘biggest sounding indie-folk duo' that there is, and between the two of them, many say they create the sound and energy of a 5-piece band.” https://npr.band/ In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1984 archival recording of Ozark originals Mary and Robert Gillihan performing the song “Keep on the Sunny Side” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

This week, a special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series featuring Eureka Springs post-folk Americana trio The Gary Lawrence Show, recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers. Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series began in 2021. Held on the city's Butterfield Stage next to Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers, it features live concerts every weekend throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. All of the Railyard Live events are either free to the public or at very low cost of admission. The concert series features a wide array of musical styles and interests designed to appeal to the diverse population of Rogers and invite them to experience the newly revitalized Railyard Entertainment District. The Ozark Folk Center State Park and the City of Rogers, Arkansas partnered to bring Ozark Highlands Radio to capture a little slice of this modern Ozark culture. The Gary Lawrence Show is a three-piece band from Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Like Eureka Springs itself, the trio brews an unlikely collection of influences into an uniquely fresh sound. Blending elements of ska, funk and indie-rock with Americana and true-folk themes, The Gary Lawrence Show is truly an Ozark original. Along with his acoustic guitar and colorful vocals, Gary is joined by Dylan Caldwell on bass and “Benji" on percussion. For this performance, Sophia Clark of the band Eureka Strings joins in on vocals. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1984 archival recording of Ozark original Elliott Hancock performing the traditional train wreck ballad “The Fate of Chris Lively and Wife” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater explores the origin and meaning of the traditional folk song “The Old Woman and the Pig.”

This week, a special road trip episode. Once again, OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series featuring their Ozark Folk Jamboree, a compilation of bands recorded live over two days at the City of Rogers' Butterfield Stage located next to Railyard Park in downtown Rogers. Also, commentary from Rogers Arts & Culture Coordinator Kinya Christian. Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series began in 2021. Held on the city's Butterfield Stage next to Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers, it features live concerts every weekend throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. All of the Railyard Live events are either free to the public or at a very low cost of admission. The concert series features a wide array of musical styles and interests designed to appeal to the diverse population of Rogers and invite them to experience the newly revitalized Railyard Entertainment District. The Ozark Folk Center State Park and the City of Rogers, Arkansas partnered to bring Ozark Highlands Radio to capture a little slice of this modern Ozark culture. Kinya Christian provides a brief overview of what's going on in Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Entertainment District and why. Musicians featured on the show are all local to Northwest Arkansas. They include National Park Radio, The Gary Lawrence Show, Jesse Dean, Dandelion Heart, and Dominic Bryan Roy. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1984 archival recording of Ozark original three finger banjo Jedi Adam Fudge performing the tune “Bugle Call Rag,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater explores the concept of the “old maid” in traditional music.

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, old-time Appalachian multi-instrumentalists and educators Dan Levenson & Bob Carlin recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Dan and Bob acted as judges at our annual old-time fiddle & banjo contest where they also gave us this masterful evening performance. “Dan Levenson is an Appalachian native who has grown up with the music of that region. Today he is considered a respected master teacher and performer of both the clawhammer banjo and Appalachian style fiddle. Dan performs and teaches regularly throughout the world, including in England, Ireland, Israel and Brazil. He has taught at many music schools and camps, including in the John C. Campbell Folk School, Mars Hill, Maryland Banjo Academy, The Ozark Folk Center at Mountain View, AR, Banjo Camp North, The Rolland Fiddle Camp and Dan's own Clawcamp and Old-Time Music instructional weekends held at various locations throughout the country.” - https://clawdan.com/about/ “Banjoist Bob Carlin has been offering performances, lectures and workshops for over thirty years. Carlin had largely left the solo arena in the mid-1990s after an invitation to join the band of songwriter John Hartford. For six years, Bob Carlin toured throughout the United States and Canada with Hartford, even accompanying John on a ten day Japanese sojourn. Since the death of John Hartford in 2001, Bob Carlin has returned to solo performing, teaching and appearances with other musicians.” - http://www.bobcarlinmusic.com/teacher+performer/index.htm In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of Ozark original old-time fiddle champion Shay Pool playing the traditional tune “Grigsby's,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins discusses the Ozarks' influence at the “Festival of Festivals,” the first National Folk Festival held in St. Louis, Missouri in 1934. (Part 4)

This week, a tribute to legendary singer-songwriter John Prine by his son Tommy Prine & longtime friend and co-writer Keith Sykes recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. John Prine was an American singer-songwriter of country-folk music. Widely cited as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, Prine was known for his signature blend of humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, often with elements of social commentary and satire, as well as sweet songs and melancholy ballads. He was active as a composer, recording artist, live performer, and occasional actor from the early 1970s until his death in 2020. John was connected to Mountain View, Arkansas through his love of fishing and Jack's Resort on the beautiful White River. John visited Mountain View regularly since his childhood and made many friends in the area. In fact, according to John, his first public performance as a teenager was for fellow patrons at Jack's White River Resort. https://www.johnprine.com/about Tommy Prine is an American singer-songwriter and is the youngest son of John Prine. After his father's death in 2020, Tommy decided to pursue a musical career. At the age of 10, Tommy learned how to fingerpick from his father. As a teenager, Prine traveled with his father's tour primarily to assist with merchandise, then occasionally joining him on stage for the encore. While Prine endeavored to create distinct and independent music from his father, his influence is remembered by everything from covering John Prine songs to writing songs about his father. While Tommy is often compared to John, he developed his own path while acknowledging the legacy of his award-winning father. https://www.tommyprine.com/ Once upon a time in the summer of 1967, Keith Sykes hitchhiked to the Newport Folk Festival and saw Arlo Guthrie perform “Alice's Restaurant.” In the fall of that year he got a copy of the album, learned the whole song and sang it at a Holiday Inn in Charleston, South Carolina. They hired him on the spot for a regular gig playing music in the hotel. In the more than 40 years that followed, he would become a troubadour and storyteller, a massively successful songwriter with more than 100 songs recorded by artists as diverse as Rosanne Cash and George Thorogood. He would tour every corner of America and play in just about every conceivable kind of venue, appear on Saturday Night Live and Austin City Limits, and host songwriter nights on Memphis' legendary Beale Street with many of music's most talented songwriters. He would join Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, tour the country and record the Volcano album – the title track for which he co-wrote with Jimmy. - http://www.keithsykes.com/ In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1976 archival recording of John Prine himself performing his famous song “Paradise,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins discusses the Ozarks' influence at the “Festival of Festivals,” the first National Folk Festival held in St. Louis, Missouri in 1934. (Part 3)

This week, Ozark original old time harmonica and guitar duo Seth Shumate & Roy Pilgrim recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this dynamic musical duo. A feature performance by renowned singer George Hulsey this week as well. Ozark original Seth Shumate plays harmonica in ways that one does not hear too often anymore. His phrasing, technique and style go back to the pre war days of traditional American music when the harmonica was a lyrical and melodic instrument. 

Another Ozark original, Roy Pilgrim is arguably Arkansas' premier Old-Time fiddler. Like his counterpart, Roy takes his musical cues from traditional American old time but with an emphasis on fiddle tunes from the Ozarks of Arkansas and Missouri. Roy and Seth also perform together as part of the Ozark Highballers, who have earned a well-deserved reputation as one of today's premier Old-Time groups and dance bands. Originally from Louisiana, George Hulsey moved to Mountain View, Arkansas a few years back and has become a well known singer in the local Stone County music scene. George is accompanied on this performance by multi-instrumentalist Duane Porterfield, fiddler Mary Parker, bassist Chris Smith and vocalist Carolina Mendoza. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of Ozark original harmonica legend Percy Copeland playing the traditional tune “Wabash Cannonball,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins discusses the Ozarks' influence at the “Festival of Festivals,” the first National Folk Festival held in St. Louis, Missouri in 1934. (Part 2)

This week, Ozark original singer, multi-instrumentalist and hit song writing powerhouse Shawn Camp recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this #1 country song writing genius. Some careers can be described with a couple of words but Shawn Camp's isn't one of them. A bold and distinctive singer, a songwriter who's provided material for artists ranging from Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury and Ricky Skaggs to Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Porter Wagoner, Loretta Lynn and Brooks & Dunn with hits such as “Two Pina Coladas” (Garth Brooks,) “Nobody But Me” (Blake Shelton,) “Would You Go With Me” (Josh Turner,) “River Of Love” (George Strait) and Billy Currington's hit single “Love Done Gone.”  Along with being a hit writer, he is a gifted multi-instrumentalist who's played as a touring/recording musician with everyone from Jerry Reed, Trisha Yearwood, Shelby Lynn, and Alan Jackson to the Osborne Brothers, Guy Clark and John Prine. - https://shawncamp.com/bio Shawn is joined in this performance by fiddle champion and multi-instrumentalist Tim Crouch. A bluegrass and country fiddle player from Strawberry, Arkansas, Tim got his start fiddling with Jim & Jesse as a Virginia Boy when he was 19 years old. He has since worked with a long list of country and bluegrass artists including Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton and Alison Krauss. He is a former staff fiddle player for Nashville's "Grand Ole Opry" and has also performed on numerous television programs including "Late Night with David Letterman," “The Conan O'Brien Show," "CBS This Morning," "Austin City Limits," "Hee Haw" and others. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of Ozark original fiddle master Tim Crouch playing the tune “Tom and Jerry” at the 1981 SPBGMA Fiddle Contest held at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins discusses the Ozarks' influence at the “Festival of Festivals,” the first National Folk Festival held in St. Louis, Missouri in 1934. (Part 1)

This week, national champion hammered dulcimer Jedi and viral internet phenomenon Ted Yoder recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this unique musical hammer wielding genius. “Ted Yoder is a world-renowned musician, known for his groundbreaking and innovative approach to the hammered dulcimer. In 2016, Ted gained widespread attention when his hammered dulcimer cover of Tears for Fears' ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World' became a viral sensation on Facebook, amassing over 100 million views. He won the title of National Hammered Dulcimer Champion, performed on NPR radio, opened for Jake Shimabukuro, performed at Busch Gardens, and the historic WGN radio in Chicago.  Ted's original compositions blend rock 'n roll sensibilities and unmistakable innovation, creating deeply moving and joyous music that captivates audiences. His live performances are unforgettable, leaving audiences asking for encores and prompting presenters to "BRING HIM BACK!” Ted Yoder has redefined what's possible with the hammered dulcimer!” - https://tedyoder.com/about In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of Ozark original hammered dulcimer master Joe Jewell playing the traditional tune “Music Box Waltz,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles notable Ozark woodcarver Junior Cobb.

This week, Hindman, Kentucky writer, educator, vocalist and world champion mountain dulcimer Jedi Sarah Kate Morgan recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, a special performance by the 2024 Ozark Folk Center Mountain Dulcimer Contest winner Melinda McMillan of Martinsville, IN. “Born of Appalachian soil in Sharps Chapel, Tennessee, Sarah Kate Morgan sings, plays, and writes like she's been in these hills since the dawn of time. She's had plenty of varied influences, beginning with hearing a classical music CD belonging to her family and going on to discover old time music through a dulcimer built by her grandfather. She began playing dulcimer at age 7. This proved to be a pivotal moment. At 18 years old, Sarah Kate placed 1st at the 2012 National Mountain Dulcimer Championships in Winfield, Kansas. She's gone on to build a unique personal style which honors mountain dulcimer giants such as Jean Ritchie while working across genres to build something new. Her dexterous approach to the instrument is one that only masterful artists can bring to the table; much like Bruce Molsky and the fiddle, having been a dedicated student of the dulcimer's complexities Morgan is able to distill them into a beautifully polished package. Well-known and widely respected as one of the leading experts of the mountain dulcimer, Sarah Kate is also a first-rate singer and songwriter. Her earthy and poetic lyrics embrace the highs and lows of southern Appalachian life while her voice does the same – moving between alto and soprano parts with ease. Her crystal-clear but rootsy vocal style combines the best of country, old time, bluegrass, and gospel influences who, like Morgan, foreground their cultural roots. All of this goes hand in hand to create a musical experience akin to a sonic baptism.” - https://www.sarahkatemorgan.com/bio-1 In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member Ramona Jones fiddling out a square dance on the traditional tune “Liberty,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles self-promoting Ozark folk artist and entrepreneur L.L. Broadfoot.

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, Springfield, Missouri based Ozark original husband & wife duo The Creek Rocks recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these genuine Ozark troubadours. A bonus offering of songs and interviews with Ozark original singer-songwriter and multiple ACMA winner Grace Stormont. The Creek Rocks from Springfield, Missouri are Cindy Woolf and Mark Bilyeu. Cindy Woolf was raised in Batesville, Arkansas along the southern foothills of the Ozarks Mountain region. Mark Bilyeu hails from Springfield, located atop the Ozarks Plateau. They began their musical collaboration in 2003 with Mark at the helm for Woolf's debut CD “Simple and Few.” They married each other in 2013, shortly after the release of Cindy's third solo CD, “May.” “Before they married, Springfield's Cindy Woolf and Mark Bilyeu were among the area's most potent songwriting talents; wedding their life and craft, the pair has become a true power couple, yet one whose greatness is best expressed through a humble folk-rock sound and heart-piercing lyrics.” - Columbia Daily Tribune, Columbia, MO Cindy & Mark are joined in this performance by percussionist Keith Symanowitz. One of the most exciting and talented young musicians in Arkansas, Grace Stormont is just getting started.  After moving to Mountain View, Arkansas to immerse herself in the local music scene, Grace has made a name for herself among a long list of outstanding musicians.  A multi-instrumentalist (bass, guitar, banjo and dulcimer,) Grace also excels as a vocalist and interpreter of traditional Ozark ballads.  Her musical phrasing and insight are well beyond her age.  Grace has won multiple Arkansas Country Music Awards including best original song. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1978 archival recording of Ozark originals Lonnie Roberts and his wife Thelma performing the 1946 song “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles notable Ozark folk artists.

This week, unconventional folk-blues-Americana-bluegrass trio “The Howlin' Brothers” recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these folk music mavericks. “The Howlin' Brothers are a Nashville based string band composed of Ian Craft, Ben Plasse and Jared Green. Anchored in a bed of old-time blues and bluegrass, their upbeat shows are heavy with original and traditional music, featuring the sounds of slide banjo, harmonica and old-time fiddle. Sounding like what would happen if a bunch of Appalachian punk rockers formed a jug-band, The Howlin' Brothers play with a ferocious energy that drags you in and finds you boogieing along in spite of yourself.” - https://thehowlinbrothers.com/bio/ In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1978 archival recording of Ozark original Lonnie Roberts performing the traditional tune “the Fiddler's Waltz” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins explores the history of The Shepherd of the Hills dinner theater in Branson, Missouri, the outdoor drama of the namesake novel, The Shepherd of the Hills.

This week, an accidental masterpiece performance featuring three finger bluegrass banjo Jedi and Ozark original Adam Fudge & friends recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Once in a while, when things don't go as planned, something happens that's unexpectedly great. To quote famed artist Bob Ross, a “happy accident.” One such happy accident occurred on Saturday of the Ozark Folk Center's 2023 bluegrass festival when, due to illness, banjo player Adam Fudge had to scramble to find musicians to help him with his set. In desperation, Adam and his brother, bassist Shane Fudge, recruited three local teenagers and staged an impromptu jam session. What followed, turned out to be one of the most exciting and energetic bluegrass performances ever heard at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Born and raised in the rich musical culture of the Ozarks, Adam Fudge has followed the legacy of his native mountain music with tenacity and a deep love for the traditional. Adam is a talented singer and guitarist playing traditional country & bluegrass but his true calling is the three finger style of banjo popularized by bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs. Adam has won numerous awards for his banjo skills both in Arkansas and at the traditional music proving grounds of the Walnut Valley Music Festival in Winfield, Kansas. Here, Adam performs with his brother, upright bassist Shane Fudge, siblings Mary and Gordon Parker on fiddle and mandolin respectively and Tyler Atwell on guitar. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark original bluegrass band Gospel Grass performing the traditional song “Will the Circle Be unbroken” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins discusses the role of squirrels in both Ozark culture and the Ozark diet.

This week, Kentucky Music Hall of Fame member and six time International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year, Dale Ann Bradley, recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. “Dale Ann Bradley is a Kentucky native who is proud of her state. Her music reflects that love as she often sings of the state's multiple charms including sparkling streams, rolling hills and mountains, lush hillsides filled with native plants and beautiful landscapes. She also includes songs about coal mines (her father was a miner) and another business, that of moonshine stills. Thanks to a great-uncle who noted Dale Ann's interest in music, an 8-track player appeared at her home, along with tapes of some of her favorite singers. When she was 14, she was given her first guitar. ‘It was a little plywood, small body guitar, but it had six strings, and I made a pick from a milk jug. I drove everybody crazy learning to play it.' The singer learned to play her guitar and soon was singing the songs she heard on the radio and off the 8-track player. When she was a junior in high school, the new band director at school and his wife, known as Back Porch Grass, sang in the summer at Pine Mountain Stage Park in Pineville. Acknowledging her talent, they asked Dale Ann to join them, which gave her the opportunity to learn to entertain an audience. Attending one of her concerts is almost like having a friend in your living room, as she chats back and forth with the audience and doesn't hesitate to share jokes on herself as well as the rest of her band. In 2018, Dale Ann was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, joining many people she looked up to including Bill Monroe, Keith Whitley, Sonny Osborne, and Sam Bush. The singer is a six-time winner of IBMA's Female Vocalist of the Year and took home the Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year in 2021 for ‘After While.' She has been named Female Vocalist of the year by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America three times.” -https://www.daleannbradley.com/about In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Texas swing legend Laura Lee McBride performing the classic Western song “I Bet Ya My Heart I Love Ya” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins talks about the Ozark tradition of growing and refining molasses.

This week, voices. A collection of contemporary folk singers with unique and authentic voices recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Ballad singing is a primary form of expression in folk music. Folk ballads merge melody and story to recount events but also transport the listener to an emotional space. How well a ballad can bring the listener into that space very much depends on the singer. Less important to an effective folk singer are the rudimentary aspects of singing than is the authentic sound of their voice. The timbre and character of the singer's voice in service to the ballad becomes the vehicle, transporting the listener into that emotional space. Ozark original and legendary folk balladeer Almeda Riddle for an example. As much as the stories Almeda relates, it's the sound of her instantly recognizable and authentic voice that moves listeners deep into the hills and hollers of the Ozarks. Featured on this episode are an all-star lineup of contemporary folk balladeers including: world renowned vocalist & educator Moira Smiley with the Jayme Stone Project; Ozark original & Smithsonian Folklife Festival performer Carolina Mendoza; Ozark original and Creek Rocks vocalist & multi-instrumentalist Cindy Woolf; OFC regular & prolific singer-songwriter Carolyn Carter; Ozark original vocalist & multi-instrumentalist Pam Setser with The Ozark Granny Chicks; inimitable folk singer & multi-instrumentalist Grace Stormont; and award winning Eureka Springs, AR singer-songwriter Melissa Carper with The Buffalo Gals. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1973 archival recording of Ozark original singer, Aunt Ollie Gilbert, performing the traditional Ozark ballad “The Ballad of Cole Younger” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the “Voice of the Ozarks,” the legendary Ozark original balladeer Almeda Riddle. Featured is a 1957 recording of Almeda performing the traditional Ozark ballad “The Oxford Girl,” courtesy of the Lyon College Wolf Folklore Collection.

This week, Ozark original ACMA nominated and rising national bluegrass sensation The Casey Penn Band recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, an interview with Casey Penn. As a bonus, music and commentary from Ozark original prodigies and Mountain View's very own Ozark Strangers. Based in Central Arkansas, Casey Penn is an Arkansas Country Music Award-nominated songwriter and a performing bluegrass and Americana artist. She's represented by Mountain Fever Records, for which she has released three singles and a debut album (One Step Away / February 2023). Her newest single, "We Go Together Like a Guitar and a Fiddle," is available now and is climbing the Bluegrass Unlimited Top 30 charts. Her full album is climbing the Top 15 Album Chart for Bluegrass Unlimited as well. Casey is a former founding member of the Americana duo Lee Street Lyrical. Now dissolved, the band was signed to MFM's Travianna Records and was a repeat ACMA nominee for Acoustic Act of the Year. “I'll Never Be A Mountain Girl,” written by Penn and Irene Kelley, reached #8 on Bluegrass Today's Weekly Grassicana chart. Casey is joined in this performance by: her husband Will Penn on acoustic bass; singer-songwriter Roger King on guitar, dobro, and vocals; Gravel Yard band member Titus Turner on mandolin; and Titus' sister, multi-instrumentalist Tiffany Turner on banjo, guitar, and vocals. Although the Ozark Strangers are young, they're by no means novices. Born out of the Ozark Folk Center State Park's Music Roots program, these young men have built a name for themselves in the local bluegrass scene. Ranging in age from 13 to 19, the Strangers have already been performing professionally for years. Under the tutelage of Music Roots educator and renowned bluegrass producer Crystal McCool, the Ozark Strangers have competed at the Silver Dollar City KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Contest and have released a live album. The band's roster includes: Sugar Foot Gordon Parker on mandolin; Jordan Brannon on guitar; Truett Brannon on fiddle; Zach Ledbetter on acoustic upright bass; and Jake Ledbetter on banjo. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark original bluegrass band Gospel Grass performing the traditional song “Everlasting Arms” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater pays homage to folk icon Jean Ritchie, featuring the song “Sings the Soldier.”

This week, authentic Minneapolis old time bluegrass string band Steam Machine recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, an interview with the bands founders AJ Srubas and Rina Rossi. Joining AJ and Rina in this performance are David Robinson on banjo and Andrew Deia on upright bass. “Steam Machine is a midwest based old time/bluegrass music project fronted by award winning in-demand Minneapolis fiddler AJ Srubas and Twin Cities old time music & dance instigator Rina Rossi on guitar. A spectacular shortlist of stellar musicians perform with the band on banjo and bass, and when possible, mandolin. “Originally formed in Minneapolis in 2017, Steam Machine brought to the national stage a midwest influenced string band aesthetic that didn't draw such hard lines between bluegrass and old time music. Smooth powerful fiddling, driving three finger banjo, front-of-the-beat rhythm backup combined into a “suspiciously entertaining” sound. “Two time Appalachian String Band Music Festival (Clifftop) Traditional Band Contest ribbon winners and Folk Alliance Midwest Official Showcase Artists, since 2018 they have been touring the region and the country performing at diverse venues from roots music hubs to bluegrass and Americana festivals, and teaching workshops at traditional music epicenters across the country from the Augusta Heritage Center (WV) to Festival of American Fiddle Tunes (WA) with many others in between. At home in Minneapolis, they are heavily involved as organizers in many of the local community old time and bluegrass institutions. “While not purists, Steam Machine does listen closely to the “old stuff” and strives to capture the essence of what makes these tunes and songs special, as they hear it. The project continues to be an evolving vehicle for playing music they love and honoring the brilliance left behind by old time heroes like Lyman Enloe, Cyril Stinnett and more. Equally at home playing for an oldtime/bluegrass loving crowd or listeners new to these sounds, Steam Machine aspires to keep midwest style old time bluegrass music alive and well wherever they go.” - https://www.steammachinemusic.com/what-we-do In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark original Bob Olivera performing the classic cowboy song “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater sleuths out the origin of the folk song “The World is Old.”

This week, traditional Irish musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Seamus Egan recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, an interview with Seamus. “It's hard to think of an artist in traditional Irish music more influential than Seamus Egan. From his beginnings as a teen prodigy, to his groundbreaking solo work with Shanachie Records, to his founding of Irish-American powerhouse band Solas, to his current work as one of the leading composers and interpreters of the tradition, Egan has inspired multiple generations of musicians and helped define the sound of Irish music today. As a multi-instrumentalist, he's put his mark on the sound of the Irish flute, tenor banjo, guitar, mandolin, tin whistle, and low whistle, among others. As a composer, he was behind the soundtrack for the award-winning film The Brothers McMullen, co-wrote Sarah McLachlan's breakout hit, ‘Weep Not for the Memories,' and has scored numerous documentaries and indie films since. As a bandleader, Solas has been the pre-eminent Irish-American band of their generation for the past 20 years, continuously renewing Irish music with fresh ideas, including a collaboration with Rhiannon Giddens on their 2015 album. As a performer, few others can make so many instruments or such wickedly complex ornaments seem so effortless.” - https://seamuseganproject.com/about Seamus is joined in this performance by Owen Marshall.  “Vogue magazine calls musician Owen Marshall ‘A guitar/mandolin/banjo player rivaled in character only by the occasional three-pronged carrot' (Vogue 2009). With the music traditions of Quebec and Nova Scotia just over the border from his home in Vermont and the strong Irish musical scene of Boston to the south, Owen was immersed in the various textures and sounds of the Celtic music from an early age. In addition to touring with acts such as The Press Gang, Copley Street, Haas, Marshall, Walsh, and dance band Riptide, Owen is in demand at music camps throughout New England and the U.S., where he shares his approach to accompanying traditional music.” - www.owenmarshallmusic.com In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark originals Bob & Melissa Atchison performing the traditional tune “Miss Miranda” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater explores shape note singing and the haunting “Abolitionists Hymn.”

This week, hammered dulcimer prodigy, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Ozark original Ben Haguewood recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, an interview with this upstart hammer wielding dulcimer master. Ben Haguewood is an Ozark original hailing from the tiny hamlet of Potosi, Missouri near the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest. Although a relative newcomer to the competitive world of hammered dulcimer playing, Ben has left his mark on the art form both as a player and a composer. Since becoming a regular Ozark Folk Center performer as a teen, he's voraciously absorbed all the traditional folk music he could and collected many friends along the way. Ben has been in more than a few bands over the years but his partnership with champion old-time fiddler Kailee Spickes stands out as most enduring. The duo make up two fifths of the band “Taller Than You” and all of the band “Blackberry Summer.” Possessing a seemingly inexhaustible desire to create, both separately and together, Ben and Kailee have explored multiple instruments, musical styles, and even songwriting. From rousing traditional jigs to delicate original ballads, you'll enjoy this journey through the music of Ben Haguewood. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 2022 archival recording of Ozark original and dulcimer instructor to Ben Haguewood, Janice Huff, performing her original tune “Back of the Moon” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater examines nonsensical lyrics in traditional songs.

This week, a retrospective of the very first season of Ozark Highlands Radio featuring a variety of outstanding performances recorded live at 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 one. Featured on this show are: thumb picking guitar Jedi and country music legacy Thom Bresh; OHR guest host, writer, and renowned folk musician Aubrey Atwater; singer-songwriter Wil Maring with award winning guitarist Robert Bowlin; OHR host and our very own Dave Smith; Ozark originals The Lazy Goat String Band; Missouri folk sensations and Ozark originals Cindy Woolf & Mark Bilyeu; Outlaw Country star Malcolm Holcomb with multi-instrumentalist Jared Tyler; Ozark originals The Clark Family; world champion mountain dulcimer master Jeff Hames; writer, auto harpist and singer Bryan Bowers; and Ozark original husband and wife duo Lukas & Eden Pool. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR host Dave Smith offers a 1975 archival recording of Ozark original musician, educator, country music legacy, and the original keeper of “the vault,” Mark Jones, performing the traditional tune “Arkansas Traveler” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins presents a profile of renowned Ozark original folk singer Almeda Riddle, the voice of the Ozarks.

This week, another special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series featuring Ozark original true folk troubadours Chucky Waggs & The Company of Raggs, recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers. Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series began in 2021. Held on the city's Butterfield Stage next to Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers, it features live concerts every weekend throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. All of the Railyard Live events are either free to the public or at very low cost of admission. The concert series features a wide array of musical styles and interests designed to appeal to the diverse population of Rogers and invite them to experience the newly revitalized Railyard Entertainment District. The Ozark Folk Center State Park and the City of Rogers, Arkansas partnered to bring Ozark Highlands Radio to capture a little slice of this modern Ozark culture. Chucky Waggs is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and recording artist based out of the hills of Eureka Springs, AR. Chucky Waggs plays a mix of acoustic and electric guitar, 5 string and tenor banjo, dobro, resonator guitar, harmonica, musical saw and kazoo, while using his feet to stomp out the back beat on a thrown together drum kit during live performances. Drawing influences from early American roots music, as well as early punk and rock and roll, he's often joined on stage by numerous accompanying musicians during live performances to add to the energy and dynamic of his original material. This group is commonly referred to as the "Company of Raggs.” The result ranges from intimate, often humorous, folk ballads, to all out rowdy stomp alongs.
- https://chuckywaggs.com/bio In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark original Dave Para performing the traditional song “Frankie and Albert” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater presents a collection of coal mining disaster songs.

This week, another special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series featuring post-folk newgrass phenomenon Arkansauce, recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers. Also, an interview with Rogers Arts & Culture Coordinator Kinya Christian. Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series began in 2021. Held on the city's Butterfield Stage next to Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers, it features live concerts every weekend throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. All of the Railyard Live events are either free to the public or at very low cost of admission. The concert series features a wide array of musical styles and interests designed to appeal to the diverse population of Rogers and invite them to experience the newly revitalized Railyard Entertainment District. The Ozark Folk Center State Park and the City of Rogers, Arkansas partnered to bring Ozark Highlands Radio to capture a little slice of this modern Ozark culture. “Arkansauce is Tom Andersen on bass, Zac Archuleta on guitar, Ethan Bush on mandolin, and Adams Collins on banjo. Their music features improvisational string leads matched with complex melodies, intriguing rhythms, and deep thumping bass grooves. Each member sings lead and harmony parts as well as contributes to the lyrics, which offer authentic, intelligent songwriting with hard-hitting hooks. “We are a band that spends most of our time in the back of a van hurtling toward long nights, good times, and a destiny unknown,” says Ethan. “Our inspiration is gathered by events unfolding in our own adventures in real time. These days, the desire to create, inspire, and redefine within our scene seems to be the main driving force behind our music.” The melodies of the Ozark Mountains' rolling hills and raging rivers can be heard in this progressive string quartet's distinct blend of newgrass.” https://www.arkansaucemusic.com/info In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark originals The Bill Sky Family Trio performing the traditional song “Twilight is Stealing” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater traces the peregrination of the tune “John Stenson's No. 2.”

This week, another special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series featuring Eureka Springs folk orchestra, Eureka Strings, recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers. Also, an interview with Eureka Strings' bassist, Dave Gesualdo. Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series began in 2021. Held on the city's Butterfield Stage next to Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers, it features live concerts every weekend throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. All of the Railyard Live events are either free to the public or at very low cost of admission. The concert series features a wide array of musical styles and interests designed to appeal to the diverse population of Rogers and invite them to experience the newly revitalized Railyard Entertainment District. The Ozark Folk Center State Park and the City of Rogers, Arkansas partnered to bring Ozark Highlands Radio to capture a little slice of this modern Ozark culture. Eureka Strings is a folk orchestra. A seven piece menagerie of instrumentation and musical styles based in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The band features Dave Gesualdo on bass, Warren Dietzel on drums, Damian Sisca on keys, Alex Hawf on mandolin & vocals, Dylan Hawf on fiddle, Bear Morrison on guitar & vocals, and Sophia Clarke on guitar & vocals. Their sound is difficult to define, first appearing as a mild mannered country/southern rock band. But when they quickly begin to color outside of those lines, the listener finds Eureka Strings is a full blown genre bending psychedelic musical experience. Original southern twang and brutal folk candor meld with angular jazz chords, space grass virtuosity, southern rock energy, and slap bass to create an infectious country-fried Funkadelic-esque party on the stage. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark originals The Sylamore Creek Quartet performing an unknown tune from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater discusses the themes of conundrums and impossible tasks in traditional music.

This week, a special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series featuring singer-songwriters Will Gunselman & Ashtyn Barbaree recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers. Also, an interview with Ozark original Will Gunselman. Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series began in 2021. Held on the city's Butterfield Stage next to Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers, it features live concerts every weekend throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. All of the Railyard Live events are either free to the public or at very low cost of admission. The concert series features a wide array of musical styles and interests designed to appeal to the diverse population of Rogers and invite them to experience the newly revitalized Railyard Entertainment District. The Ozark Folk Center State Park and the City of Rogers, Arkansas partnered to bring Ozark Highlands Radio to capture a little slice of this modern Ozark culture. Will Gunselman is a singer-songwriter from Bella Vista, Arkansas. Will's vivid writer's voice along with his unique style invents an honest and authentic Ozark story. Honing his art through decades of live performance, Will has crafted a simple sound that is modern and relatable but reveals a rich patina of life lived. Although plaintive, his music, rooted in folk, country and blues, dwells on the positive nature of experience and seeking joy in the everyday. Like traversing the river Will ardently describes in his song Buffalo River Run, sitting with a set of his music is a journey bent with scenic vistas of the soul. Ashtyn Barbaree is an internationally touring gritty Americana singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Fayetteville, Arkansas. Sweet, soulful, charming and relatable, her lyrics have found their way into the hearts of folks from all walks of life. She has a smokey, yet silky voice accompanied with harmonies, guitar, tenor 8-string ukulele, upright bass, pedal steel, drums and piano.  https://www.ashtynbarbaree.com/about In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of bluegrasser Lenny Wallace performing the tune “Take Your Shoes Off Moses,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater explores the theme of riddles and trick questions in traditional folk music.

This week, a special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series featuring Eureka Springs hard-driving folk quartet, Front Porch, recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers. Also, commentary from Rogers Arts & Culture Coordinator Kinya Christian on the exciting things happening in the Rogers Entertainment District. Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series began in 2021. Held on the city's Butterfield Stage next to Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers, it features live concerts every weekend throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. All of the Railyard Live events are either free to the public or at very low cost of admission. The concert series features a wide array of musical styles and interests designed to appeal to the diverse population of Rogers and invite them to experience the newly revitalized Railyard Entertainment District. The Ozark Folk Center State Park and the City of Rogers, Arkansas partnered to bring Ozark Highlands Radio to capture a little slice of this modern Ozark culture. Front Porch is a hard driving four piece folk ensemble. Self described as “contemporary bluegrass, old time and mayhem from Northwest Arkansas,” the band is based in Eureka Springs. Front Porch is Petey Wesley on banjo & fiddle, John Henry Holthus on guitar, Alex Hawf on mandolin, and Cameron Keeling rounding out the low end with upright bass. In true bluegrass fashion, all the guys in the band sing, but that's where the traditional ends. Front Porch performs with all the usual ingredients of bluegrass and folk but bakes them up into a post-punk old-time acid jazz barn-burning bluegrass fusion that will have you jumping. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark original Uncle Floyd Holland performing the tune “Nellie Gray,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater explores variations of the traditional folk song “Polly Put the Kettle On.”

This week, a special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series featuring their Ozark Folk Jamboree. A compilation of seven bands recorded live over two days at the City of Rogers' Butterfield Stage. Also, commentary from Rogers Arts & Culture Coordinator Kinya Christian. Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Live Concert Series began in 2021. Held on the city's Butterfield Stage next to Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers, it features live concerts every weekend throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. All of the Railyard Live events are either free to the public or at a very low cost of admission. The concert series features a wide array of musical styles and interests designed to appeal to the diverse population of Rogers and invite them to experience the newly revitalized Railyard Entertainment District. The Ozark Folk Center State Park and the City of Rogers, Arkansas partnered to bring Ozark Highlands Radio to capture a little slice of this modern Ozark culture. OHR producer Jeff Glover sits down with Arts & Culture Coordinator Kinya Christian to discuss what's going on in Rogers, Arkansas' Railyard Entertainment District and why. Musicians featured on the show are all local to Northwest Arkansas. They include Chucky Waggs, Ashtyn Barbaree, Rachel Ammons, Will Gunselman, Front Porch, Eureka Strings, and Arkansauce. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a recording of Ozark original one woman band Rachel Ammons giving a very unconventional performance of the song “Shady Grove,” at the Rogers, Arkansas Railyard Live Ozark Folk Jamboree.

This week, a titanic trio of certified country blues guitar masters recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, commentary from these blues maestros. Country blues, also known as folk blues, rural blues, backwoods blues or down home blues, is one of the earliest forms of blues music. It's performed primarily as a solo vocal with acoustic finger style guitar accompaniment. Country blues was developed in the rural Southern United States in the early 20th century and stands in contrast primarily to the urban blues style, especially in the pre-world war two era. Artists such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charley Patton, and Blind Willie McTell were among the first to record blues songs in the 1920s. Country blues ran parallel to urban blues, which was popular in cities. Featured on this episode of Ozark Highlands Radio are renowned old-time singer and multi-instrumentalist Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton, award winning Carolina Chocolate Drops veteran Hubby Jenkins, and celebrated bluesicologist & Reverend Gary Davis protege' Roy Bookbinder. Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton is an American musician from Los Angeles. A vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Paxton's style draws from blues and jazz music before World War II and was influenced by Fats Waller and "Blind" Lemon Jefferson. According to Will Friedwald in the Wall Street Journal, Paxton is "virtually the only music-maker of his generation—playing guitar, banjo, piano and violin, among other implements—to fully assimilate the blues idiom of the 1920s and '30s, the blues of Bessie Smith and Lonnie Johnson.” Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi-instrumentalist, who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he delved into his Southern roots, following the thread of African American history that wove itself through country blues, ragtime, fiddle and banjo, and traditional jazz. After years of busking around the country and making a name for himself, Hubby became acquainted with the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Since 2010 he has been an integral part of the Grammy award winning Carolina Chocolate Drops and continues to make solo performances. Guitarist Roy Book Binder has traveled the world as a solo performer for nearly 50 years. Roy's career and playing style is heavily influenced by the late Reverend Gary Davis, who specialized in a unique style of guitar finger picking. Roy's performances are as much a story of his life and experiences as they are a musical endeavor. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark original Kenneth Rorie performing the tune “The Devil and the Farmers Wife,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins tells the story of Enoch Wolf, an adventitiously fortunate Arkansas Confederate Civil War officer whom, at the very end of the war, was spared an undeserved execution at the hands of his Union captors.

This week, it's Dulcimer Jamboree time 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: educator, songwriter and award winning mountain dulcimer maven Kara Barnard; hammered dulcimer prodigy Ben Haguewood accompanied by oldtime fiddle champion Kailee Spickes; ubiquitous hammered dulcimer performer and educator Ken Kolodner; hammered dulcimer master and educator Mary Lynn Michal; inimitable mountain dulcimer and auto-harp Jedi Karen Mueller; hammered dulcimer phenom Colin Beasley; multi-instrumentalist, folk singer, educator and Ozark original Pam Setser; In this week's “From the Vault” segment, musician, songwriter and Music Roots educator Kathy Jensen offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark originals Tommy & Jean Simmons performing the tune “Greensleeves,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins explores scary Ozark Monster stories, featuring such horrifying beasts as the “Gowrow,” the “Highbehind” and the “Whangdoodle.”

This week, songs and stories from a trio of Grammy award winning world class songwriters recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, commentary from these three musical musketeers. Featured on this show are world renowned songwriter Roger Cook, award winning Memphis singer-songwriter Keith Sykes, and singer-songwriter and session musician Shawn Camp. Born in Bristol, England, Roger Cook is recognized as one of the world's greatest modern songwriters. During his lengthy international songwriting career, Roger has had more than 80 top 30 hits, including classics such as Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart – Gene Pitney, Something Tells Me – Cilla Black, Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress – The Hollies, and You've Got Your Troubles – The Fortunes. However, Roger is perhaps best known for his song I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing, which was recorded by the New Seekers and became the theme song for a long-running series of Coca-Cola commercials. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Cook_(songwriter) Once upon a time in the summer of 1967, Keith Sykes hitchhiked to the Newport Folk Festival and saw Arlo Guthrie perform “Alice's Restaurant.” In the fall of that year he got a copy of the album, learned the whole song and sang it at a Holiday Inn in Charleston, South Carolina. They hired him on the spot for a regular gig playing music in the hotel. In the more than 40 years that followed, he would become a troubadour and storyteller, a massively successful songwriter with more than 100 songs recorded by artists as diverse as Rosanne Cash and George Thorogood. He would tour every corner of America and play in just about every conceivable kind of venue, appear on Saturday Night Live and Austin City Limits, and host songwriter nights on Memphis' legendary Beale Street with many of music's most talented songwriters. He would join Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, tour the country and record the Volcano album – the title track for which he co-wrote with Jimmy. - http://www.keithsykes.com/ Some careers can be described with a couple of words but Shawn Camp's isn't one of them. A bold and distinctive singer and a songwriter who's provided material for artists ranging from Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury and Ricky Skaggs to Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Porter Wagoner, Loretta Lynn and Brooks & Dunn with hits such as “Two Pina Coladas” (Garth Brooks,) “Nobody But Me” (Blake Shelton,) “Would You Go With Me” (Josh Turner,) “River Of Love” (George Strait,) and Billy Currington's hit single “Love Done Gone.)  Along with being a hit writer, he is a gifted multi-instrumentalist who's played as a touring/recording musician with everyone from Jerry Reed, Trisha Yearwood, Shelby Lynn and Alan Jackson to the Osborne Brothers, Guy Clark and John Prine.  Camp also co-produced a compilation tribute album for his friend and hero Guy Clark which was #1 on the Americana Charts for several weeks in the spring of 2012 and voted Americana Album Of The Year 2012. - https://shawncamp.com/bio In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark original Buddy Lancaster performing the tune “Fire on the Mountain,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this week's guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater explores regional variations of the traditional folk song “Going to the West.”

This week, a collection of consummate cow poke crooners recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, commentary from these bovine balladeers. Included on this show are Grammy nominated cowboy performer Don Edwards, inimitable cowboy poet & humorist Glenn Ohrlin, and Arkansas original cowgirl, singer, songwriter, actress and Country Music Hall of Fame superstar Patsy Montana. One of America's best loved and most enduring cowboy singers, Don Edwards is indeed an American treasure. His love and passion for traditional cowboy songs is second to none and has earned him a fan base worldwide. He knows the songs, the stories, and even some of the old trails that made the old West famous. Accompanied by his trusty guitar, Don takes us on a trip back in time when cowboy singers and songs echoed through the trails, taverns, and cattle drive camps of yesterday. 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. 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. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark original Dean Hinesley performing the tune “Letter Edged in Black,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins discusses the origin of some odd words and pronunciations in the native dialect of Ozarkian.

This week, a collection of stringbands and stringband music both traditional and modern recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, commentary by musicians from these solely stringed outfits. A stringband is an old-time music ensemble made up solely of string instruments. Stringbands were extremely popular in 1920s and 30s America and were the forerunners of modern country and bluegrass bands. Early old-time stringbands were comprised mainly of a fiddle, a banjo and acoustic guitar. They may have also been joined by other instruments including spoons, washboard, jug, harmonica, mountain or hammered dulcimer, autoharp and bones. Eventually, other stringed instruments began to be added to the fiddle-banjo duo that was essential to dance music of the early United States. These other instruments included mandolin and double bass or washtub bass. Such an assemblage of instrumentation became known simply as a “stringband.” Featured on this stringband show are Ozark originals The Lazy Goat Stringband, Possum Juice, The Leatherwoods, The Upjumpers, and Harmony. Also featured are Shenandoah Valley old-time supergroup, The Steel Wheels and Minnesota stringband sensation, The Roe Family Singers. In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark originals Lloyd & Floyd Armstrong performing the song “Dust on the Bible,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins explores how to speak Ozarkian and the origins of Ozark vernacular.

This week, Ozark original old-time fiddler, banjo maker and legendary fiddle tune collector Banjo Billy Mathews recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Dave Smith is joined in hosting this week by expert musicologist and Banjo Billy's most prolific protege, Emily Lawless. Billy Mathews is known far and wide across this land for his musical skill and old time fiddling ability.  He has traveled extensively throughout the Midwest for over 40 years.  Thoughtful musical kinships, maintained throughout these many years, have earned him a considerable amount of notoriety and recognition in Old Time music circles. True to his name, Billy continues to play and record a vast amount of Old Time Clawhammer Banjo tunes.  Billy has released a recording of Original Banjo Tunes, The Ghost of Banjo Billy.  Billy still resides in the Ozark Mountains, continuing work on music projects. Billy keeps busy by traveling throughout the country for workshops, concerts and other special events, playing his huge repertoire of old time fiddle and banjo tunes. Billy has literally become the embodiment of his Scot-Irish ancestors by continuing their traditional approach to life.  Billy continues to collect and play a huge repertoire of old-time fiddle tunes.  He has already made a sizeable and significant contribution to our American musical culture and there is no end in sight!  Billy has shared the stage with such noteworthy musicians as Joe Burke, John Koener, John Hartford, The Fiddle Puppets, Mike Seeger, De Dannan, Bill Monroe and more!  - http://www.banjobilly.net/about-us/ In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1974 archival recording of Ozark original Larry Poff performing the tune “900 Miles,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins examines the gradual disappearance of traditional Ozarkian language in the modern Ozark region through the lens of his friendship and conversations with Ozark scholar Dr. Audrey Thompson.

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, singer, multi-instrumentalist, podcaster, story teller and musicologist Nicholas Edward Williams recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. “Host of the popular roots music history podcast American Songcatcher, Nicholas Edward Williams is a multi-instrumentalist and storyteller who is dedicated to 'playing it forward' by preserving the songs and styles that have shaped our country: ragtime, Piedmont blues, traditional folk, old time and early country. Williams has spent the last 15 years touring around the US, the UK, Western Europe and Australia, blending the roots music spectrum in his own style. He's opened for Taj Mahal, The Wood Brothers, Dom Flemons, CAAMP, John Paul White, Town Mountain, John Craigie, Rachel Baiman and Lucy Daucus, and has performed at festival stages on three continents. William's debut record As I Go Ramblin' Around made the International Folk Radio DJ Charts in 2019 with the #6 Top Album, #7 Top Song. His critically acclaimed sophomore release Folk Songs For Old Times' Sake unveiled in November of 2021 and has been heralded by the likes of Grammy-winning musician David Holt who said: ‘With tasteful guitar arrangements and a voice that draws you right in, Nicholas' recordings roll along like a mountain stream.” https://nicholasedwardwilliams.com/about/ In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark original Sam Younger performing the tune “Mississippi Sawyer,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins investigates the history of tourism in the entertainment Mecca of the Ozarks: Branson, Missouri.

This week, bluegrass superstar, beloved television personality and founder of the legendary bluegrass group the Dillards, Rodney Dillard, recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Rodney is accompanied on this show by multi instrumentalist George Giddens, Gary Smith on upright bass, Corey Walker on guitar, and Beverly Cotton Dillard on clawhammer banjo. “Rodney Dillard has had a long and varied career resulting so far in two Grammy Nominations, induction into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, a well-known acting stint on the Andy Griffith Show, many other movie, commercials and TV appearances, recipient of The Outstanding Missourian Award, and worldwide acclaim for his over 50 years of recording both traditional Bluegrass and his own brand of ‘DILLARDGRASS.'  Rodney Dillard as founding member of the legendary group, ‘THE DILLARDS' (aka the Darlings) is seen nearly everyday somewhere in the world thanks to the still enormous popularity of The ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW reruns. Rodney continued to modernize and innovate the sound of Bluegrass as he wrote and collaborated to write such now classic songs as ‘There Is a Time, The Darlin Boys, Ebo Walker, and Dooley.' By the late 1960′s Rodney had transformed the Dillards into the driving force creating new sounds in the West Coast music environment. Later, called ‘The Father of Country Rock,' Rodney was among the first Bluegrass musicians to ‘electrify' traditional Bluegrass instruments while also adding drums, steel guitar, and orchestra. The band's unique flare for song writing and arrangement affected a broad range of important future musicians in the Bluegrass and Pop music world alike. Rodney is credited with helping set the stage for the ‘Country Rock' movement and burgeoning progressive sounds of Bluegrass.” - https://rodneydillard.tv/bio/ In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark originals Jean and Pam Simmons performing the song “Scotland the Brave,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins investigates the history of tourism in the entertainment Mecca of the Ozarks: Branson, Missouri.

This week, renowned Mississippi blues guitarist and singer Alvin Youngblood Hart recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Alvin Youngblood Hart was born in Oakland, California in 1963 and spent some time in Carroll County, Mississippi in his youth, where he was influenced by the Mississippi country blues performed by his relatives. Hart is known as one of the world's foremost practitioners of country blues. He is also known as a faithful torchbearer for 1960s and 1970s guitar rock as well as western swing and traditional country. His style has been compared to Lead Belly and Spade Cooley. Bluesman Taj Mahal once said about Hart: "The boy has got thunder in his hands." Hart himself said, "I guess my big break came when I opened for Taj Mahal for four nights at Yoshi's." His debut album, Big Mama's Door, was released in 1996 on Okeh Records. In 2003, Hart's album Down in the Alley was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins investigates the history of tourism in the entertainment Mecca of the Ozarks: Branson, Missouri.

This week, acoustic ragtime and early jazz quintet the Lovestruck Balladeers recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this fascinating group's fearless leader, Jake Sanders. “The Lovestruck Balladeers enchant audiences with their masterful performances and inspired repertoire of ragtime, jazz and beautiful songs from around the world. They might whip out a lost melody from a forgotten mandolin folio or they might play a Mexican waltz. They might push into a renegade rearrangement of a swing standard or get down with a country rag. They are the five scorpion sons of a West Virginia dance hall, a Little Italy tourist attraction and a Oaxacan birthday party. Together or on their own paths, this stellar band of traveling musicians has traversed the country and the globe, carrying traditional styles into modern times. The versatile quintet features twin fiddles, clarinet, guitars, a mandolin trio, upright bass, banjo, piano and vocal harmonies. Their repertoire is a rare repository of American and international music seldom heard beyond the walls of low-lit dance halls at the edge of the known world. Hailing from across the United States and Canada, The Lovestruck Balladeers are: Jake Sanders, Aaron Jonah Lewis, Dennis Lichtman, Sean Cronin and Dalton Ridenhour.” https://www.lovestruckballadeers.com/ In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark originals Tommy Simmons & Dean Hinesley performing the song “Sinking Creek,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins investigates the history of “big fellers” and tall tales in the Ozarks. You've heard of Paul Bunyan, the legendary giant lumberjack, but have you heard of Blinky Bluejohn of the Ozarks? Brooks fills us in on this Ozark original “big feller.”

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, legendary award winning Texas cowboy singer-songwriter and poet Pipp Gillette recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this canorous cow-poke. “Pipp Gillette lives and works on the family ranch near Lovelady, Texas, where his grandfather started raising cattle and cotton in 1912.  Pipp and his late brother Guy received the Western Heritage Award for Outstanding Traditional Western Album of 2011 and the 2013 Western Heritage Award for Outstanding Original Western Composition for their performance of the Waddie Mitchell song "Trade Off.” Drawing on a lifelong interest in Western history and music, Pipp plays traditional cowboy music on guitar, banjo, harmonica and bones.  Pipp's first solo CD, Singing Songs by Waddie and Pipp received the Western Heritage Award for Outstanding Traditional Western Album of 2016. His newest CD, PippGillette with Lloyd Wright was released fall 2018.” Pipp is accompanied in this performance by Lloyd Wright. https://www.campstreetcafe.com/guy&pipp.htm In this week's “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1975 archival recording of Ozark original Freeman Thomas performing the song “The Cowboy and the Wheel,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Author and historian Brooks Blevins provides a native's view of the people, music, and colorful events that shape the Ozark region. This week, Brooks presents a profile of Oscar Gilbert, the husband of famed folk singer Ollie Gilbert. Also, we'll hear an archival recording of Oscar singing the classic “Ballad of Cole Younger.”