This week, next generation Ozark original folk, bluegrass and old-time musicians recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these budding artists.

A defining characteristic of folk music is its translation from one generation to the next. Traditional songs and melodies travel not only across oceans, mountains and cultures but also through time as they are passed down. Each new generation of musicians leaves their mark on these cultural artifacts as they experience them and this has not changed. Within the mission of Ozark Folk Center State Park is a desire to provide an environment for this cultural translation to take place. The park’s Music Roots program in local public schools in combination with performance opportunities at Ozark Highlands Theater have provided a rich medium for propagating a steady stream of young traditional musicians. We’re proud to offer this small sampling of the next generation of Ozark originals.

Featured on this special episode of OHR…

The unbridled energy and vertical ascendancy of the band Taller Than You will have you up and dancing. This six piece old-time Ozark original string band features an unusual lead instrument, the hammered dulcimer, played by vocalist and award winning hammered dulcimer maestro Ben Haguewood. Another award winner, Kailee Spickes brings her championship old-time fiddling as well as backup vocals. Old-time clawhammer banjo champion Grace Stormont rounds out the rhythm and lends her amazing vocals. Chandler Spickes provides some smooth guitar and Gresham McMillon fills out the low end on upright acoustic doghouse bass.

Up and coming Ozark original bluegrass phenomenon Southern Strings band straddles the line between traditional and modern. This bluegrass quintet can old-time with the best of them while bridging their unique modern acoustic sound to tunes from a variety of genres. The band is lead by vocalist and guitar whip Sophia Wright. Multi award winning fiddler and vocalist Mary Parker provides an impeccable virtuosity. World champion clawhammer banjo Jedi Lillyanne McCool shows her mastery of the three finger Scruggs banjo style. Mandolinist Isaac McCutchen rounds out the rhythm and style with his soulful voice, and Luke Nentrup brings it all together with his vocals and versatility on upright acoustic bass.

Also featured on this episode is Southern Strings banjoist Lillyanne McCool’s winning performance at the 2019 old-time clawhammer banjo contest held during Grandpa Jones Tribute Weekend at Ozark Folk Center State Park. We’ll close the show with a rare performance by vocal prodigy Carolina Mendoza that is guaranteed to make you weep like a baby.

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1973 archival recording of a very young Ozark original Greg Moody performing the traditional folk song “Going Down this Road Feeling Bad,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

Author, folklorist and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft. In this episode, Charley gives us a glimpse into pioneer survival techniques and the proper use of a “froe,” explained by long time Ozark Folk Center craftsman and musician Robert Gillihan.