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, original Ozark Old Time stringband “The Upjumpers” perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. A performance from the unique Canadian Contra dance band “Maivish,” as well as interviews with “The Upjumpers.” Also, Ozark Highlands Radio host Dave Smith and producer Jeff Glover discuss the fine points of what makes “folk music,” and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark Original Elliot Hancock, singing the traditional song “Hole in the Stocking.”

Two families combine to form one special group. That’s the uncomplicated secret to the sound of “The Upjumpers.” A collaboration of the Pool family: Scott (guitar;) Shay (fiddle;) and daughter Rebecca (cello;) and the McCools: Jackie (bass;) Crystal (fiddle;) and Lillyanne (claw hammer banjo), the band has deep family ties and a strong sense of community. “The Upjumpers” performs traditional mountain music including vocal selections and fiddle tunes.

Each year, the Ozark Folk Center State Park hosts the annual Folk Dance Days weekend. As part of the entertainment, a house band is hired for the weekend to provide music for traditional contra dancing events. “Maivish" explores time-honored melodies and songs with traditions from the British Isles, Ireland and America. The group is a collaboration between American fiddler Jaige Trudel and British born guitarist Adam Broome, and includes Matthew Olwell on flutes, bodhrán, and percussive dance.

Ozark Highlands Radio host Dave Smith and producer Jeff Glover discuss the fine points of what makes “folk music,” drawing from interviews & perspectives of various folk musicians.

Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment offers an archival recording of Ozark Original Elliot Hancock, singing the traditional song “Hole in the Stocking,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.