Podcast appearances and mentions of pam setser

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, 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, 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 we welcome Pam Setser and Kensley Medrano! Pam adds to her musical memories with the current lineup of groups she performs with; The Pam Setser Band, Apple & Setser, Leatherwoods, and Ozark Granny Chicks. She also performs as a solo artist. And today, Pam's newest album, “Now”, reflects her life in music. It is an Americana mix of folk, bluegrass, gospel, 1930s swing, and country. It all began with her family. "I started singing when I was 5 years old," Pam recalls. "My dad was already playing some guitar; mom played some autoharp...so we started playing as a family band, The Simmons Family." She feels blessed to have been able to play music with her parents. "I am the youngest of four children, so music was a great outlet for me to see places I wouldn't have experienced otherwise," Pam says. "We had lots of fun and adventures together, and I treasure those memories." Pam also sang in church. "My grandpa was a Baptist preacher," Pam says, "so the church was and still is a part of my life." Pam learned to play the autoharp when she was 8. "I would lay it on my lap to play so I could use my left hand for strumming" recalls the left-handed musician. She describes how "my mother tried to teach me on a right-handed mountain dulcimer, but I was having trouble..."; so "Lynn McSpadden, the maker, said, 'Let me make her a left-handed dulcimer.' And that was what I needed." At 15, Pam took up spoons. "I saw someone play them and just thought how neat," she remembers. "I want to do that!" By the time she was 23, it was time to learn guitar and upright bass. "Most of my guitars have been specially ordered," Pam says. "Not every music store carries lefties. My latest guitar is a Red Gibson J200. We looked for it for three years and finally found it at a store in Texas called Southpaw." She plays upright bass, by the way, right-handed. Of all these instruments the mountain dulcimer is her favorite. "It has such a sweet sound, and I have such wonderful memories playing duets with my mom." While rearing her two children, Pam says, "my income from my music was our fun money...money was tight then." "Most of the songs on Crooked Ridge are more familiar songs," Pam says, "whereas on Now, most of these songs are first-time recordings." Pam enjoys a diversity of Americana music, and that is reflected in the 13 songs on Now. But at the end of the day, it is all about the song. "I didn't pick the songs thinking about genres. I picked the songs because I liked the words and melody. When we recorded them, each song took its own direction." Pam is now with Valerie Smith's Bell Buckle Records. Valerie is also acting as Pam's creative marketing director. Pam continues to make her musical memories with her records, performances with her bands while living in Mountain View, Arkansas, the place where she grew up and still calls home. Like many musicians, Pam has been performing on Facebook because of the pandemic. "I feel God has given me my talent, and I always hope my music blesses those who listen," Pam says. "I feed off an audience that gets into your performance. No matter what is going on in my life, when I get on stage, it's like all is OK." For more information visit PamSetser.com. Kensley was born to sing. She has a natural ear for all things music and finds great joy in using her God-given talent. At 12 years of age she has performed in many vocal competitions, school events, and has even performed on Branson stages. The old saying, “the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree,” is very appropriate. Kensley is the daughter of former Grand Jubilee female vocalist, Callie (Agler) Medrano. Callie started singing with Grand Country in 2006 in both Comedy Jamboree and Grand Jubilee. She moved back to Kansas in 2012 to raise her family. Kensley has been a vocal student of longtime Branson vocalist, Nicole Starling. Last year Mike Patrick got to see Callie and Kensley and told them to find a date when they would be in Branson for a vocal recital and he would find a guest spot for her on Branson Country USA. The magic happens this Friday night. This little lady is so talented! Never short on a smile and great attitude, this girl will go far! You will enjoy her performance.

Pam Setser grew up singing in a family band, for 16 years, getting to meet icons like Doc Watson and Maybelle Carter. As a young adult she took on family responsibilities, but in recent years has returned to the music. She joins me on this edition of Americana Music Profiles to explore her musical journey and latest recorded project. 

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

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

This week, Woodstock, NY singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and American musical legacy Amy Helm recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this descendant of American music royalty. “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.” http://www.amyhelm.com/home#about-amy In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1975 archival recording of Ozark originals The Simmons Family and also Pam Setser performing the traditional song “Bright Morning Stars are Rising.”

Included Music: Angels from the Realms of Glory, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Silent Night, and How Great Is Our God followed by Pam Setser, Jim Duncan, Chelsea Jones, and Matthew Jones singing Beautiful Star of Bethlehem   Message Title: A Time for Celebration   Text: Luke 2:8-10   Take Home Point: Through Jesus, God gives each of us the opportunity to exchange our guilt and sorrow for His forgiveness and joy.

Included Music: You Are My All in All, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, It is Well with My Soul, and Before the Throne of God Above followed by Pam Setser and Matthew Jones singing Over in the Glory Land  Message Title: Finding Rest   Text: Matthew 11:28-30   Take Home Point: Jesus knows your burdens and your pain, and He will exchange them for the freedom and life that come from following Him.  

Included Music with special guest Ron Taylor: I'll Fly Away, Victory in Jesus, This Is Amazing Grace, and Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) followed by a special song by Pam Setser and friends Message from special guest Ronnie Toon

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Arkansas. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, Stone county native, Ozark original, and our very own traditional folk legend Pam Setser, recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this Ozark icon. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of another Ozark icon, Almeda Riddle, performing the traditional tune “Pretty Peggy-O.” Writer, musician, and traditional dancer Aubrey Atwater waxes poetic in a discussion about songs of undying love. Pam Setser is an award winning multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire. It's not just her musical talent that will catch your heart but her angelic voice as well. Setser has played at many venues including Louisiana Hayride, Hee Haw, The Ralph Emery Show, Jay Leno, and You Can Be A Star. Not to mention playing in Washington D.C. for President Clinton, and winning third place in the National Wrangler Country Showdown at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. From the first time you here Pam Setser perform, you will want to hear her again and again. http://pamsetser.com In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1979 archival recording of Ozark folk icon Almeda Riddle, performing the traditional tune “Pretty Peggy-O,” 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 waxes poetic in her discussion about songs of undying love. The segment features the most beautiful of all love songs ever conceived, “The Blackest Crow.”

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Ark. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments take listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. This week, the Original Ozark Stringband “The Leatherwoods” perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with “The Leatherwoods,” a performance from “The Apple Brothers,” Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly present memoirs of Jean Ritchie, and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark musician Freeman Thomas. “The Leatherwoods” have been a mainstay in the Arkansas music scene for years. Their songs and musical traditions have been passed down through many generations of Ozark families. Lead by Pam Setser on vocals, guitar and mountain dulcimer, “The Leatherwoods” features some of the area’s finest musicians including Roger Fountain on fiddle, Teresa Johns on bass/vocals, and the omnipresent Danny Dozier on guitar and mandolin. Renowned folk musicians Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly profile influential folk music icons Jean Ritchie and the Ritchie Family, as well as explore the traditional Appalachian music and dance that the Ritchie Family helped to perpetuate into the modern American folk lexicon. This episode focuses on Jean Ritchie’s memories of her family’s first radio, and her impressions of how “Hill Music” was presented in that media. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of Ozark original Freeman Thomas performing the true folk song “Cowboy Wheel,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.