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, new fashioned folk duo Bobby Glendy & Ruthie Haynie perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. A performance from the traditional family folk trio “Love Holler.” Also, interviews with Bobby & Ruthie, and also with “Love Holler.” Mark Jones offers an archival recording of famed songwriter & Ozark folklorist Jimmy Driftwood, playing a traditional instrument called the “picking bow.” Writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the last in a series of three Ozark song catchers, Max Hunter.

Bobby Glendy is a second generation guitarist who learned his love of music from his father. A long-time collaborator with many musicians in the Ozark region, Bobby is one of the finest flat pickers in the area and has a rich, resonate singing voice. Paired up with Ruthie Haynie, (vocals) the duo performs classic and traditional material with attention to detail and authenticity.

Emma and Caroline Russell are among the next generation of outstanding young Ozark musicians. The sisters have crafted a truly unique and heartfelt vocal harmony style that is unrivaled. Raised on the music of the Carter Family and other traditional sounds, Emma and Caroline (guitar/banjo) are joined by their father, Tracy on bass to form the group Love Hollar. The name, Love Hollar, references a geographical location near their home in Batesville, Arkansas. Their sound is real and without pretension. They sing and they do it VERY well.

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of the famed songwriter & Ozark folklorist Jimmy Driftwood, playing a traditional instrument called the “picking bow,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

From his series entitled “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins presents the last of three episodes on Ozark song catchers, the Springfield, Missouri collectors. This episode features a recording of Gordon McCann, Glenn Rickman, and Missy Pearce in a traditional Ozark jam session at Crane, Missouri, on December 16, 1978. The recording was made by song collector Gordon McCann, and is preserved by Missouri State University’s Meyer Library in its online collections.

http://digitalcollections.missouristate.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/McCann&CISOPTR=0&CISOBOX=1&REC=2

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, seraphic modern folk duo “the Vogts Sisters” perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with the Vogts Sisters. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Arkansas native Uncle Floyd Holland, singing the song “Suzy Licked the Ladle.” Writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the second in a series of three Ozark song catchers, John Quincy Wolf.

With haunting harmonies and wickedly creative songs, the Vogts Sisters (Maggie and Abigail) are relative new comers to the old time/acoustic music scene. While they draw from traditional instrumentation (guitar/fiddle/mandolin) and source material, their song repertoire is mostly original and features themes of coming of age in small town America. Harmony singing among family members is always something special and unique; it’s a sound and feel that comes from familiarity and unspoken communication. The Vogts stand out in a crowded field of similar performers, with a fresh sound from America’s Heartland.

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of beloved Stone County, Arkansas native Uncle Floyd Holland, singing the humorous folk song “Suzy Licked the Ladle.” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

From his series entitled “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the second of three Ozark song catchers, John Quincy Wolf. This episode features a recording of Owen Harvel performing the traditional song “Bad Companions” at Lunenburg, Arkansas on July 2, 1952. The recording was made by collectors John Quincy Wolf Jr. and his wife Bess, and is preserved by the Lyon College Regional Studies Center in its John Quincy Wolf Jr. Collection.

http://web.lyon.edu/wolfcollection/songs/harvellbad1231.html

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, political folk music provocateur and Ozark original Tom Parker performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park with his friends, songwriter Mark Crabtree and bass player Jeff Sowards. Also, interviews with Tom. Featured also is talented singer/songwriter and traditional music educator Kathy Jensen. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of traditional Ozark dance fiddler Charley Richardson, playing the fiddle tune “Gold Rush.” Writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the first in a series of three Ozark song catchers, Mary Parler.

Tom Parker was a bit of an enigma to us, in a good way. Here is the short story on how we found out about him. Virgil Brawley, Mountain View musician and member of Flat Broke, came to us one day after a trip to Springfield, Missouri and told us of a unique banjo player he saw at an old time jam. Not one to mince words “you should get this guy” he said, referring to this week’s feature artist, Tom Parker. Virgil went on about Tom and to paraphrase, noted that his banjo style was neither old time, nor modern, nor even bluegrass. Tom is just something different. Well, you can judge for yourself as we feature Tom on this weeks’ show.


Another one of Stone County’s fine multi instrumentalists (piano and guitar) and vocalists, Kathy Jensen is more than a working musician. She’s also a blueberry farmer and one of the key organizers and instructors for Stone County’s “Music Roots” program. Like so many in the Ozarks, she excels in multiple fields, and has a deep passion and understanding of what makes old time and traditional musics special.

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of traditional Ozark dance fiddler Charley Richardson, playing the fiddle tune “Gold Rush.” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

From his series entitled “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the first of three Ozark song catchers, Mary Parler Randolph. This episode features a recording of Jim Means performing the traditional banjo tune “Cripple Creek” at Goshen, Arkansas on November 9th, 1949. The recording was made by collectors Mary Parler Randolph and Merlin Mitchell, and is preserved by the University of Arkansas Mullins Library in its Ozark Folk Collection.

http://digitalcollections.uark.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/OzarkFolkSong/id/3626/rec/7

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, traditional folk troubadours and Ozark originals Cathy Barton & Dave Para perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Cathy & Dave. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of his famous parents, Grandpa & Ramona Jones, singing the song “Kentucky.” Writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the last in a series of three Ozark Civil War Ballads, “The Battle of Prairie Grove.”

Long time purveyors of traditional old time music, Dave and Cathy are outstanding performers with a rich history tied to many well-known old time musicians in the Ozark region. Cathy Barton is well versed in both clawhammer banjo and hammered dulcimer. She’s performed and toured with Ramona Jones and Jimmy Driftwood among others, and was a featured hammered dulcimer player at one of the first Walnut Valley festivals in Kansas. Dave Para is a guitarist and a longtime resident of Booneville, Missouri. He has a great fondness for Civil War era songs and folklore. Along with Bob Dyer, Dave was a stalwart in the central Missouri folk music scene in the mid 70’s. It was during that time he met and teamed up with Cathy. The two currently live in Booneville, MO, and perform regularly at festivals and workshops around the United States.

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of his famous parents, Grandpa & Ramona Jones, singing a song about Grandpa’s birthplace called “Kentucky,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

From his series entitled “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the last of three Ozark Civil War ballads. This episode features a recording of Sara Jo Fendley, accompanying herself on the banjo, performing “the Battle of Prairie Grove” at the Leslie Homecoming on June 13, 1963. The recording was made by collector John Quincy Wolf Jr., and is preserved by Lyon College on its John Quincy Wolf Folklore Collection website.

http://web.lyon.edu/wolfcollection/songs/fendleybattle1302.html

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, modern folk minstrel and intimate songwriter Avery Hill performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Avery, and performances and interviews with our very own “Flathoof Stringband.” Mark Jones offers an archival recording of legendary Ozark balladeer Ollie Gilbert, telling the story of “The Preacher and the Bear.” Writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the second in a series of three Ozark Civil War Ballads, “The Battle of Pea Ridge.”

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Avery Hill captures the essence of modern singer/songwriters in her music. Though Avery studied to be a school teacher, an environmental educator, and then a storyteller, all of these things eventually led her back to music, the thing she knows and loves best of all. Avery's first full-length recording, entitled “Dreams & Ghosts: A Family Album,” features intimate portraits, life lessons, & sometimes embarrassingly humorous songs inspired by her family’s history. Like a photo album, this collection of songs presents musical snapshots of different times in history, reflecting on universal themes of growing up and being brave.

Old Time Ozark music played with passion and love, that’s the “Flathoof Stringband.” The group is comprised of guitarist Mike Sutter, who was a member of the original Ozark Folk Center house band when the park opened in 1973. (Sorry to age you there, Mike.) On fiddle is Roger Fountain, another long time OFC musician and one of the best dance fiddlers, anywhere. Wes Kent holds down mandolin duties and, along with his wife Judy, is an active volunteer in many Stone County music endeavors. Long time OFC musician Gresham McMillon holds it all together with his steady roll on the upright bass.

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of legendary Ozark balladeer Ollie Gilbert, telling her own version of the traditional story “The Preacher and the Bear.” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

From his series entitled “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the second of three Ozark Civil War ballads. This episode features a recording of archivist Max Hunter himself, singing the Ozark Civil War ballad “The Battle of Pea Ridge,” that he learned from Allie Long Parker of Hog Scald Holler, Arkansas. The recording was made at the tenth annual meeting of the Arkansas Folklore Society in 1958, and is preserved in the Max Hunter Collection at Missouri State University.

https://maxhunter.missouristate.edu/songinformation.aspx?ID=0126

This week, original Ozark Old Time folk minstrel and songwriting group “Sad Daddy” performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these interesting and innovative songwriters.

Sad Daddy combines the talents of four unique Arkansas musicians in one convenient package.  The group features Brian Martin on guitar, Melissa Carper on bass, Joe Sundell on banjo, and Rebecca Patek on fiddle.  Sad Daddy performs all original material, and their songs have the unique quality of sounding familiar yet new at the same time.  Music fans in these parts are notoriously very selective about “new” or “original” music.  Suffice it to say, Sad Daddy easily won over a tough room.  Oh, and the name?  Guitarist Brian Martin tells the story of an old Arkansas backwoods man who’s common refrain to something in less than a good state of operation….”that’s one Sad Daddy….” 

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark legend and dance banjo maven Bookmiller Shannon, playing the traditional song “Shortnin’ Bread.” 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 week, Charley continues our celebration of 50 years of the Buffalo National River. This episode investigates the impact of human activity on the river environment and ecology, as well as policies and guidelines designed to mitigate such issues for America’s first national river. Featured are interviews with park ranger and interpreter Lauren Ray, park ranger & interpreter and Buffalo National River Partners Board member Kevin Middleton, and long time area resident and photographer Ed Alexander.

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 Alternative Folk music ingenue Grace Stormont performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this fast rising new folk artist. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of the Junior Rackensack Society, singing the Jimmy Driftwood song “Down in the Arkansas.” Writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the Brockwell School, and its tradition of education in the uniquely American art form of shape note singing.

One of the most exciting and talented young musicians in Arkansas, Grace Stormont is just getting started. After moving to Mountain View, Arkansas a few years ago 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,) sixteen year old Grace also excels as a vocalist and interpreter of traditional Ozark ballads. Her musical phrasing and insight are well beyond her age. Aside from her solo performances, which are featured on this program, Grace also performs with the incredible all female group “Pretty Lil Miss.”

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of the Junior Rackensack Society, singing the Jimmy Driftwood song “Down in the Arkansas,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

From his series entitled “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor, and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles the Brockwell School, located in Brockwell, Arkansas, and its tradition of education in the uniquely American art form of shape note singing. This episode features an archival recording of Orgel Mason and a gospel quartet singing the traditional song “It’s a Mighty Hard Road to Travel.”

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 phenomenon “The Lazy Goat String Band” performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, a performance from the dynamic mountain dulcimer duo Jack & Mary Giger, as well as interviews with “The Lazy Goat String Band” and Jack & Mary. Ozark Highlands Radio host Dave Smith and producer Jeff Glover discuss the fine points of what makes “folk music,” and Dave Smith offers Mark Jones an archival recording of, well, Mark Jones playing the traditional song “Arkansas Traveler,” in the clawhammer banjo style of his famous father, Grandpa Jones.

“Authentic, heartfelt, and relevant” are just a few words that folks have used to describe the Lazy Goat String Band. Consisting of Arkansas State Fiddle Champion Emily Phillips and the father/son duo of Scott and Samuel Blake (guitar/banjo,) the Lazy Goat String Band captures the sound and feel of pre-war musical ensembles like few other bands.  

Jack & Mary Giger have been regular performers at the Ozark Folk Center State Park for many years, and are active in a number of dulcimer events around Mountain View and Stone County, Arkansas.  The duo (husband and wife) perform traditional songs with Mary’s wonderful voice leading the way.

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, well, Mark Jones playing the traditional song “Arkansas Traveler,” in the traditional clawhammer banjo style of his famous father, Grandpa Jones, from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

This week, legendary songwriter, performer, folklorist, historian and Ozark original Jimmy Driftwood recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Dave Smith gives an historical portrait of the life of this remarkable Ozarker. Also, Ozark Highlands Radio host Dave Smith and producer Jeff Glover discuss the fine points of what makes “folk music.” Mark Jones offers an archival recording of another Ozark original, Jean Simmons, performing the song “Unclouded Day” in her pioneering mountain dulcimer style.

There was never a more popular, outspoken or controversial musician or personality to come out of Stone County, Arkansas than James Corbitt Morris (better known as Jimmy Driftwood).  Driftwood was a driving force behind the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and a successful singer songwriter who penned “The Battle of New Orleans” and “Tennessee Stud” among other notable songs. Jimmy helped put Stone County on the musical map and left a legacy that is still talked about to this day. Our program this week features special and seldom heard songs from some of Jimmy’s archival Ozark Folk Center performances.

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 Jean Simmons, performing in her pioneering mountain dulcimer style the song “Unclouded Day,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

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.