Ozark Highlands Radio

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.