Ozark Highlands Radio

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 Turner 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.