Ozark Highlands Radio

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 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, Arkansas Ozark singer-songwriter Dane Joneshill recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this talented Ozark original. Dane Joneshill is a quiet man. A man accustomed to silence and the watching, listening and waiting that generally accompany it. He grew up in the coastal loneliness of rural Alaska in a home tucked against the base of a mountain, a stone’s throw from the cold Pacific. Educated in a bush school by his own father, he remembers the focus of much of that class time. “We read books constantly. Wrote poems and short stories when we weren’t reading, and played in the woods for hours. I have no memories of math or science, whatsoever.” Probably not a well-rounded education, but it forced words and language deep into his soul and forged a weld with the emotional power of story. With a lyricism more akin to a novelist than a songwriter, his songs are at once wry, charming, and bittersweet. Like a Steinbeck novel, they walk the tension of darkness and loss in order to find the lights of hope. - https://danejoneshillmusic.com In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1975 archival recording of Ozark original Stephanie Isaacs, performing the traditional ballad “Lady Mary,” 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 speaks with author and herbalist Tina Marie Wilcox on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 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, Texas based 2017 Ameripolitan 'Western Swing Group of the Year’ The Western Flyers recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this talented Texas trio. The Texas trio The Western Flyers consists of Joey McKenzie on guitar and vocals, Katie Glassman on fiddle and vocals, and Gavin Kelso on upright bass and vocals. Both Joey and Katie being world class fiddlers along with Gavin’s mastery of swing & jazz bass, you won’t find better Western Swing music anywhere this side of the Pecos. “The Western Flyers are one of the most exciting new bands to glide onto the music scene in years. Their music is a distinctive cross section of the Great American Songbook: authentic Western swing, hot jazz and swing standards, cowboy songs, and electrifying old-time fiddle tunes. Internationally renowned guitar master Joey McKenzie drives the train with his powerful rhythm, while reigning National Swing Fiddle champion Katie Glassman and world-class upright bassist Gavin Kelso add fuel to the fire. A blending of tradition and innovation, The Western Flyers are a singular musical experience; a fresh take on a venerable American art form performed by three Western swing virtuosos.” - https://www.facebook.com/twflyers/ In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1976 archival recording of Ozark originals Bob Hayes & Bud Bell performing the traditional tune “I’ll Fly Away,” 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 speaks with author and herbalist Tina Marie Wilcox on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 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, Toronto singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and CFMA “Traditional Singer of the Year” Hannah Shira Naiman recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this captivating Canadian. Performing with Hannah on this show is her father, famed Canadian banjoist Arnie Naiman. “Named ‘Traditional Singer of the Year' (2017) by the CFMAs, Hannah Shira Naiman’s banjo-grounded songs dance the listener into the Appalachian mountains and eras back in time, drawing on her roots in Toronto’s ‘old time’ folk music community to share powerful tales of hope and loss.   “With a sound that’s been described as a cross between Gillian Welch and Sarah Harmer, Naiman crafts original songs that ring with influences of Ola Belle Reed, The Carter Family, American oldtime, and traditional English ballads.   “Naiman grew up around folk music as her celebrated banjo-playing father, Arnie Naiman, and award-winning children’s musician mother, Kathy Reid-Naiman, brought her to numerous folk camps and festivals every year. But it wasn’t until she left home that Hannah began to explore her father’s instrument in a new way. Collaborating with vocalist Emily Adam as part of folk duo The Blackest Crow sparked a more serious interest in making music.” - http://www.hannahshiranaiman.com/bio-press In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1981 archival recording of his mom and sister, Ramona & Alisa Jones performing the Buck White tune “Down Home Waltz,” 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 speaks with author Tom Dillard on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 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, Portland, Oregon based singer-songwriter, square dance enthusiast, and Ozark original JT Trawick of the famed folk music family the Trawicks, recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with JT. JT is joined in this performance by champion fiddler Alex Sharps and bassist & multi-instrumentalist Bill Nesbitt. Being of the legendary Trawick folk music family of the Ozarks, JT Trawick grew up immersed in traditional music. Specializing in guitar, vocals and mandolin, JT has performed and worked with some of the premier musicians of our generation. Two-time Grand North American Fiddle Champion - Calvin Vollrath, seven-time World Champion Fiddler - Jim "Texas Shorty" Chancellor, National Flatpick Champion - Tyler Grant, world famous mandolinist - Evan Marshall, Grand National Champion - Dale Morris Jr., three-time Grand Master Fiddle Champion - Matthew Hartz, Canadian Fiddle Queen - April Verch, and World Champion Fiddler - Ricky Boen are just a few of the artists Jonathan has worked with. While calling Portland, Oregon his home base, JT Trawick remains involved with Fiddlin Arkansas, the Arkansas fiddle community outreach he started in 2010. Today, the organization remains a lighthouse for all things Arkansas fiddle. Continuing in the footsteps of his musical heroes, JT delivers authentic American roots music, traditional and original western swing, bluegrass and classic country to the people everywhere he goes. - https://www.jttrawick.com In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1981 archival recording of legendary Ozark balladeer Almeda Riddle, performing the traditional tune “From Jerusalem to Jericho,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In this rare recording, Almeda, who normally performs a cappella, is accompanied by guitarist Jim Lansford. 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 speaks with members of a nomadic recreational vehicle community on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

Ozark Highlands Radio is a weekly radio program that features live music and interviews recorded at Ozark Folk Center State Park’s historic 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, a very special episode. Ozark Highlands Radio partners with Oxford American Magazine to bring Chapel Hill, North Carolina based rising contemporary folk and Americana superstars “Mandolin Orange,” recorded live at South on Main in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. Also, an interview with Oxford American Literary Project executive director Ryan Harris. Mandolin Orange are joined in this performance by Eli West on guitar & banjo, Josh Oliver on electric guitar, Clint Mulligan on Bass, and Joe Westerlund on drums. “The Oxford American is a nonprofit organization with a mission to explore the complexity and vitality of the American South through excellent writing, visual art, and events programming. Our quarterly print magazine was founded in 1992, and, in addition to winning four National Magazine Awards, has helped launch the writing careers of such noted authors as Jesmyn Ward and John Jeremiah Sullivan, while publishing beloved writers like Charles Portis, Nikky Finney, Peter Guralnick, and many others. “Our concert series at South on Main in Little Rock is an extension of the magazine, creating meaningful opportunities for the community to experience the most culturally significant artists in our region. “The OA has a longstanding history of curating great music. Our Winter 2018 issue is dedicated to the music of North Carolina. It is our twentieth installment of the series, which the Houston Chronicle calls "the single best music-related magazine of any given year." Each music issue comes with a sought-after CD, curated by the editors to showcase the region's hugely varied musical legacy.” More information about Oxford American programming, the magazine, and their mission can be found at https://www.oxfordamerican.org “Mandolin Orange is an Americana/folk duo based out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.The group was formed in 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and consists of the group's songwriter Andrew Marlin (vocals, mandolin, guitar, banjo) and Emily Frantz (vocals, violin, guitar). Mandolin Orange has produced five albums of Marlin's original works of American roots music. In the last three years, the group has toured throughout the U.S and Europe, including appearances at Austin City Limits, South-by-Southwest, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon, and Merlefest. They signed to Yep Roc Records in 2013 and have produced four albums under their umbrella, This Side of Jordan, Such Jubilee, Blindfaller and Tides of a Teardrop.” Learn more about Mandolin Orange at - http://www.mandolinorange.com/#home-section In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark originals Pat & Bob Momich performing the traditional tune “Soldier’s Joy,” 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 historic 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, Smithsonian Folkways artists and award winning Boston, Massachusetts progressive folk trio “Lula Wiles” recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these bright Boston bards. Lula Wiles is a Boston based progressive folk trio consisting of Isa Burke, Eleanor Buckland, and Mali Obomsawin. Their blending of instrumental virtuosity, intricate three part harmony singing, and visionary songwriting has quickly ushered them to the forefront of modern American contemporary folk music. With the recent release of their Smithsonian Folkways album “What Will We Do,” the trio now joins the ranks of America’s most important folk artists. “Long before they were in a band together, the members of Lula Wiles were singing folk songs and trading fiddle tunes at camp in Maine. ‘All of us were lucky to have access to the folk music community at a young age,’ Burke says. “The music traditions that we’re drawing on are social, community-building traditions.” On those warm summer nights, playing music was just plain fun. But the members of Lula Wiles carry those early lessons of community and the meaning of shared art with them to this day, as they seek to create music that questions cultural virtues, soothes aching wounds, and envisions a better world. “Lula Wiles came of age in Boston, in the practice rooms of Berklee College of Music and the city’s lively roots scene. In 2016, the band self-released Lula Wiles, a sensitive, twang-tinged collection of originals. Since then, they have toured internationally, winning fans at the Newport Folk Festival and the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and sharing stages with the likes of Aoife O’Donovan, the Wood Brothers, and Tim O’Brien. “Now, the release of What Will We Do on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings places the group squarely in line with some of its deepest influences, from the protest anthems of Woody Guthrie to the trailblazing songs of Elizabeth Cotten and Hazel Dickens. (Even the band’s name is a twist on an old Carter Family song.)” - http://www.lulawiles.com/bio/ In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1983 archival recording of Ozark original fiddler, Roger Fountain, performing the traditional tune “Saint Anne’s Reel,” 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 speaks with environmentalist and author Richard Mason on the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

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, world renowned Grammy award winning musician, producer, writer, filmmaker, and founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John McEuen with his String Wizards recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this prolific creator and performer. “John McEuen has been a ‘professional performer’ since 1962, working as a magician in Disneyland’s Magic Shop as a teenager. Music soon came along, which led to his long and varied career first solo, then as a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1966. Over 10,000 concerts and 300 television shows throughout more than 3 million miles - with the band and as a solo performer - John has pursued his passion for performing and recording. John left NGDB at the end of their 50th year touring to focus on the demand for his solo performing and projects. Beyond performing, he concurrenty has a rich history of creating, producing and preserving original and traditional folk and acoustic music, and taking it to new audiences. “He brings his guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin along with favorite NGDB songs and the stories behind them to the stage in a manner that earned the honored Best in the West Award from the Folk Alliance Organization. “McEuen has made over 40 albums (7 solo) that have earned four platinum and five gold recognition awards, Grammy nominations, CMA and ACM awards, an Emmy nomination, IBMA record of the year award, and performed on another 25 albums as guest artist. He's also produced another 7 albums, and 14 film scores (two Emmy nominated shows) and more than 300 concerts throughout his career - the first in 1965 in Long Beach Calif., with Bob Dylan. “His production of Steve Martin - The Crow won the 2010 Best Bluegrass Album Grammy. Prior to that, The Music of the Wild West CD- produced by McEuen, was honored with the Western Heritage Award. A Grammy nomination for String Wizards II preceded the1994 Uncle Dave Macon Award for his excellence in preservation and performance of historic music. On Sirius/XM's The Bridge, John's popular Acoustic Traveller show is now in its 9th year. McEuen produced and directed the 2006 documentary film The Dillards - A Night In the Ozarks, which captures his early mentors at their best. “In April of 2018 John officially became an author, with his first book The Life I’ve Picked being published (On Chicago Review Press). A memoire, a telling of incredible stories from raising 6 kids in the music business and the ins and outs of being an iconic band member to being a single father to his current full and varied career, his book takes the reader on his unusual journey. “In September of 2017 John was inducted in to the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. McEuen's countless jams include street performers to Phish, Earl Scruggs, Levon Helm… and even on Sesame Street with a herd of goats and a cow! Arguably, McEuen's most important legacy may be his initiating what Rolling Stone called ‘The most important record to come out of Nashville’ and what the 2004 ZAGAT survey called ‘the most important record in country music’ - Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” http://www.johnmceuen.com/biography.html In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1973 archival recording of his father, country music icon Grandpa Jones performing the classic song “Mountain Dew,” 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, 2018 ACMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Ameripolitan Outlaw Female of the Year, songwriter and up and coming Outlaw Country star, Arkansas’ own Bonnie Montgomery recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this uniquely talented Arkansas singer-songwriter. “Upon first listening to Bonnie Montgomery, it’s easy to mistakenly assume that you’ve stumbled upon a long-buried track by a legend from the golden era of country/western music. Such is the artistry of this Arkansas native and silver-voiced songstress. Her story is of her journey but she presents it through a folk/bluegrass/country perspective that’s traditional and timeless. Montgomery’s stunning vocal chops and ability to draw listeners in with her natural songwriting talent should come as no surprise. Her musical roots run deep. Brought up among the never-ending sound of music that flowed through her family’s Arkansas music store, her childhood was heavily steeped in Ozark bluegrass, Texas swing, Delta blues, as well as gospel and rock and roll. Surrounded by talented musicians that ran the gamut from performers on the original Sun Records to bluegrass greats and opera singers, Montgomery expanded her musical horizons and began performing.” - https://www.bonniemontgomerymusic.com/about In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1983 archival recording of legendary fiddler Billy Matthews performing the traditional tune “Arkansas Traveller.” 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 discusses with Jeanette Larson, Craft Director at the Ozark Folk Center State Park the question “What’s Worth Keeping” from our past in the rapidly evolving culture of our present.

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, legendary Grammy nominated Bethesda, Maryland progressive bluegrass super-group The Seldom Scene recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this enduring and enigmatic group of bluegrass pioneers. “The Seldom Scene is an American bluegrass band formed in 1971 in Bethesda, Maryland. The Scene has been instrumental in starting the progressive bluegrass movement as their shows include bluegrass versions of country music, rock, and even pop. What does it take for a bluegrass band to remain popular for more than four decades? For The Seldom Scene, it's taken not only talented musicians, a signature sound, and a solid repertoire, but also a sheer sense of fun.” - https://www.seldomscene.com/band/ For almost fifty years, The Seldom Scene has been a staple of the American bluegrass landscape. Their innovative approach to this traditional genre has brought bluegrass music to an ever widening audience. While paying homage to the genre with traditional instrumentation & harmony singing, The Seldom Scene cleverly apply a fresh coat of bluegrass bent to seemingly any kind of song they choose. Along with traditional bluegrass songs, rock, country, pop, and even classical music are reimagined into fresh masterpieces. Although the lineup of The Seldom Scene has changed slightly over the decades, the sound and spirit of the group has endured. Today, they are Dudley Connell on guitar, Lou Reid manning mandolin & guitar, Ron Stewart taking on banjo & fiddle, Fred Travers on dobro, and Ronnie Simpkins holding up the bottom end on bass. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1983 archival recording of Ozark original Bob Atchison performing the traditional fiddle tune “Bull at the Wagon,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Writer, musician, and traditional dancer Aubrey Atwater presents “Ballads That End Well,” proving that folk ballads don’t always end with a grizzly horrifying death.

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, Grammy nominated Muscle Shoals Americana & contemporary bluegrass singer-songwriter mega-duo The Secret Sisters, recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these superlative siblings. The Secret Sisters are an Americana singing and songwriting duo consisting of vocalists Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle. The sisters’ music has been compared to artists like The Everly Brothers. Laura and Lydia are from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. With a love for music coming from both sides of their family (their grandfather and his brothers forged a group called The Happy Valley Boys,) they grew up with a zeal for country music and sang songs with their family by country music artists such as Don Williams. The girls first learned to harmonize through singing a cappella at their hometown church. The sisters have produced three albums. Their third album, “You Don’t Own Me Anymore” produced by Brandi Carlile, received the duo’s first Grammy nomination. Aside from touring the world with their unique brand of Southern story telling and impeccable harmonies, the Secret Sisters have appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and have a song featured on the movie soundtrack for “The Hunger Games.” In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1983 archival recording of autoharp master Ron Wall performing the traditional tune “Home Sweet Home,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Writer, musician, and traditional dancer Aubrey Atwater presents “Devil Songs.” Aubrey will guide us through the dark angel’s appearance in generations of traditional folk songs with musical examples and her own cultivated insight.

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, it’s “Banjo Time!” Join host Dave Smith and banjo royalty Mark Jones as they explore music of the banjo. From its ancient African roots, we’ll follow the banjo’s transition from a slave instrument into the mainstream of American popular and folk musics. Mark and Dave will guide us through performances by various banjo masters covering a myriad of styles into which the banjo has evolved, all recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Artists featured on this week’s show include Country Music Hall of Fame member & “Hee Haw" star Grandpa Jones, master of traditional African American banjo Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton, Carolina Chocolate Drops member Hubby Jenkins, Ozark original Uncle Floyd Holland, connoisseurs of classic sheet music and banjo duo Clark Bueling & Carl Anderton, songwriter and banjo frailing ninja Jimmy Connors, fresh-faced banjo slinging madman Samuel Blake, preeminent bluegrass virtuoso Adam Fudge, our very own Mark Jones, Berklee School of Music banjo pioneer Lukas Pool, up and coming clawhammer champion Lillyanne McCool, classic country music and banjo superstar Buck Trent, and the inimitable Paul Brock Band featuring banjo shredders Dave Curley & Shane Farrell. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of ubiquitous Ozark banjo legend Bookmiller Shannon performing the tune “Shortnin’ Bread,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. Bookmiller traveled America with famed Ozark songwriter and folklorist Jimmy Driftwood in the 1960’s and 70’s, bringing the Ozark style of clawhammer banjo into greater awareness. In this week’s guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater explores “The African American Banjo,” illuminating the African roots of this enduring musical instrument. Aubrey takes us back to the source of the banjo with musical examples and enlightening commentary.

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, songs out of style performed by various artists recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Songs can transcend musical styles and those styles can also transcend their traditional songs. “Songs out of Style” explores the movement of great songs, both old and modern, across musical genres. We’ll hear traditional songs made new again, and modern songs remade in the old ways. Artists featured on “Songs out of Style” include bluegrass sensation The Barefoot Movement, experimental acoustic ensemble Jayme Stone & The Lomax Project - featuring Moira Smiley, amazing sibling duo The Vogts Sisters, renowned traditional music explorers Anna & Elizabeth, internet star & hammered dulcimer Jedi Ted Yoder, mountain dulcimer world champion Jeff Hames, mountain dulcimer guru & musical mad scientist Bing Futch & Co, Red Wing Roots Music Festival founders & old-time supergroup The Steel Wheels, as well as old-time music masters, comedians, and all-around hooligans The Hogslop String Band. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of a very young Ozark original, Dwight Moody, performing the song “In the Pines,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. “In the Pines” is a traditional American song that was remade into a modern hit in 1993 by the grunge rock band Nirvana as “Where Did You Sleep Last Night.” In this week’s guest host segment, renowned traditional folk musician, writer, and step dancer Aubrey Atwater explores the peregrination of a song, following the journey of traditional song “Loving Hannah” from Ireland to America and back again. Aubrey presents various artists’ versions of the song including herself, Mary Black, Carrie Norris, and Jean Ritchie with her son Jon Pickow.

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, music by family, for family, and about family, performed by various artists recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Family life and ties are a big part of Ozark folk culture and music. Come on home with us to the Ozarks as we enjoy a little “family time,” celebrating the joy of familial bonding through song. Featured on this episode are a variety of artists including A.J. Croce, The Purple Hulls, Thom Bresh, Lukas & Eden Pool, The Gordons, The Honey Dewdrops, The Creek Rocks, The Lazy Goat String Band, The Weide Family, The Vogts Sisters, Love Hollar, and the Grandpa Jones Family Band. We’ll hear songs by, for, and about family, many of them written by the artists themselves. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1981 archival recording of Ozark originals, husband & wife team Jim & Denise Lansford performing the song “Are You From Dixie” 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 strange tradition of “counting songs,” songs that feature counting numbers as part of their lyrics and meaning. This episode includes, among other examples, the song “Bluebird,” written by folk music legend Jean Ritchie for her young sons.

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, songs not so serious, both modern and traditional, performed by various artists recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Folk music is often thought of as being either dark and serious or naive and childish. Not so with this collection of artists and songs. In this episode, explore with us a lighter side of folk. Featured on this episode are a variety of artists including Antsy McClain, the Buffalo Gals, Bill & the Belles, Muriel Anderson, David Holt & Josh Goforth, Mike Snider, Jimmy Driftwood, the Hogslop Stringband, and Jerron Paxton. We’ll hear their most humorous songs, both traditional and modern, many of them written by the artists themselves. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1979 archival recording of Ozark original Kenneth Rorie performing the traditional song “In the Pines,” 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 traditional songs that are unmetered & crooked and do not fit into our common ideas about rhythm. Hear Aubrey as she dares us to try and dance to these crooked tunes.

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, multi instrumentalist, composer, and Ozark original Brad Apple, recorded live with some of his many friends at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this magnetic maestro of mandolin & guitar. Mark Jones offers an archival recording of the musical family of Fred Crouch with his gifted progeny, Dennis and Tim, performing the tune “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down,” accompanied by Ozark legend Frank Ellis. Writer, musician, and traditional dancer Aubrey Atwater explores the world of the “Woman on the Shore,” and songs of tragedy told from the perspective of those left behind. Growing up in Batesville, Arkansas on the edge of the Ozark plateau, Brad Apple has been immersed in the music & culture of the Ozarks throughout his life. Brad was raised in a musical family. From his earliest instruction given by his musical grandfather, on to playing live with his parents & brother as a teen and into adulthood, Brad Apple has become one of the Ozarks’ finest musicians. Along with his immeasurable skills on both mandolin & guitar, Brad is also a gifted composer of New Acoustic music, as well as a master of traditional folk and bluegrass. In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers a 1979 archival recording of the amazing musical family of Fred Crouch with his gifted progeny, Dennis and Tim Crouch, and accompanied by Ozark legend Frank Ellis, performing the tune “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down,” 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 world of the “Woman on the Shore,” and songs of tragedy told from the perspective of those left behind.