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 beautiful 1,000-seat auditorium in Mountain View, Ark. 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, comedian, banjo prodigy, Grand Old Opry star and HeeHaw alum Mike Snider performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly discuss the cultural cross-pollination of traditional folk music, and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of original Ozark musician Floyd Holland. Mike Snider plays banjo, and has a great sense of humor. So much so, we’ve dedicated an entire program to his recent performance at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Mike is a long tenured member of the Nashville music scene, having performed on “Hee Haw” and the Grand Ole Opry among other notable venues. He’s a former national champion banjo picker (3 finger style,) but has converted to the more traditional claw hammer style in recent years. Mike is joined by a wonderful backing group of musicians for this performance. Renowned folk musicians Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly profile influential folk music icons Jean Ritchie and the Ritchie Family, as well as explore the traditional Appalachian music and dance that the Ritchie Family helped to perpetuate into the modern American folk lexicon. This episode offers a discussion of cultural cross-pollination of traditional folk music, as illustrated through the traditional song “Red Rocking Chair.” Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment offers an archival recording of original Ozark musician Uncle Floyd Holland, performing the tune “My Darling Nellie Grey,” 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, Ark. 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, North Carolina insurgent country folk singer/songwriter Malcolm Holcombe performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly profile legendary banjo ingenue Lily Mae Ledford, and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of original Ozark dulcimer master craftsman Lynn McSpadden. Malcolm Holcombe may not be a household name to music fans, and that probably suits him just fine.  Among his peers however, he’s respected and revered. Holcombe has shared the stage with Merle Haggard, Richard Thompson, John Hammond, Leon Russell, Wilco and Shelby Lynne. Though his instrumentation is nothing new to the singer/songwriter genre (guitar and vocals), Malcolm sets himself apart with honest and touching songs, arranged and crafted from his unique perspective. Malcolm is joined by longtime collaborator Jared Tyler on various stringed instruments and vocals. Renowned folk musicians Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly profile influential folk music icons Jean Ritchie and the Ritchie Family, as well as explore the traditional Appalachian music and dance that the Ritchie Family helped to perpetuate into the modern American folk lexicon. This episode profiles legendary banjo ingenue Lily Mae Ledford. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment offers an archival recording of original Ozark dulcimer master craftsman Lynn McSpadden, performing the traditional tune “Castle Grand,” 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, Ark. 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, Nationally recognized clawhammer banjo prodigy and Stone County native Lukas Pool with his band “The Moonlight Ramblers” perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Lukas, Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly relate Jean Ritchie’s childhood recollections of a real old fashioned mountain Christmas, and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of original Ozarker Horance Smith. Lukas Pool has done quite well, playing claw hammer banjo. After honing his craft in the fertile musical grounds of Stone County, AR, Lukas went on to win a few national banjo championships, and study at the Berklee College of Music. He later went on to become the first dedicated instructor at Berklee in the claw hammer style. In recent years, Lukas performed with Steve Martin (yes, the actor AND banjo player) among other notable gigs. Along with his partner, Eden Forman, Lukas began building instruments under the Ozark Banjo Co. moniker. Lukas and Eden (fiddle) are joined in this recorded performance by John Mailander on mandolin and fiddle, and Nick DiSebastian on guitar. Renowned folk musicians Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly profile influential folk music icons Jean Ritchie and the Ritchie Family, as well as explore the traditional Appalachian music and dance that the Ritchie Family helped to perpetuate into the modern American folk lexicon. This episode relates Jean Ritchie’s own childhood memories of an early Ritchie Family Christmas. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of original Ozarker Horance Smith performing “Hobo’s Meditation,” 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, Ark. 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, Nashville based neo-folk stringband “Locust Honey” performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with “Locust Honey,” Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly present a history of the “Play Party,” and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of original Ozark fiddler Red Gillihan. “Locust Honey” features the guitar, fiddle, and harmony singing of Meredith Watson and Chloe Edmonstone. After forming a musical partnership in Asheville, NC, the two have been touring the US and abroad since 2012. Their 2014 release, “Never Let Me Cross Your Mind” was in the top ten on the Folk DJ Charts for much of that year, and earned them an international audience. While their musical backgrounds are quite diverse, it’s easy to hear traditional old time and classic country influences in their music.   Renowned folk musicians Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly profile influential folk music icons Jean Ritchie and the Ritchie Family, as well as explore the traditional Appalachian music and dance that the Ritchie Family helped to perpetuate into the modern American folk lexicon. This episode focuses on the history of “play parties,” a type of traditional party game that originated in Batesville, Arkansas, and became common in 19th Century North America. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of original Ozark fiddler Red Gillihan performing his very own “KBTA Waltz,” 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, Ark. 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, the Original Ozark Stringband “The Leatherwoods” perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with “The Leatherwoods,” a performance from “The Apple Brothers,” Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly present memoirs of Jean Ritchie, and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark musician Freeman Thomas. “The Leatherwoods” have been a mainstay in the Arkansas music scene for years. Their songs and musical traditions have been passed down through many generations of Ozark families. Lead by Pam Setser on vocals, guitar and mountain dulcimer, “The Leatherwoods” features some of the area’s finest musicians including Roger Fountain on fiddle, Teresa Johns on bass/vocals, and the omnipresent Danny Dozier on guitar and mandolin. Renowned folk musicians Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly profile influential folk music icons Jean Ritchie and the Ritchie Family, as well as explore the traditional Appalachian music and dance that the Ritchie Family helped to perpetuate into the modern American folk lexicon. This episode focuses on Jean Ritchie’s memories of her family’s first radio, and her impressions of how “Hill Music” was presented in that media. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of Ozark original Freeman Thomas performing the true folk song “Cowboy Wheel,” 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, Ark. 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, radio & television legend, and Country Music Hall of Fame member Grandpa Jones performs with his wife, Grand Old Opry star Ramona, live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews and a live performance from the Jones Family. Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly present “The Mother of Folk Music” Jean Ritchie, and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of original Ozark musician Jim Bullard. Grandpa Jones was a performer during the golden age of radio, and later found success as a cast member on the syndicated television program, “Hee Haw.”  After years of living near Nashville, TN, Grandpa moved to Mountain View, Arkansas in the early 1980’s. Along with his wife Ramona, they ran the Grandpa Jones Dinner Theater. The theater employed many musicians, many of whom are still around the Ozarks today including their son Mark and guitarist Danny Dozier. We’ll dig deep into the archives this week for a set of music, featuring some of Grandpa’s finest performances at Ozark Folk Center State Park. “The Jones Family Band” features a cast of all-star musicians, including Alisa and Mark Jones. This performance from the Jones Family Band was the last one recorded at the Ozark Folk Center State Park before Ramona passed in late 2015. Renowned folk musicians Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly profile influential folk music icons Jean Ritchie and the Ritchie Family, as well as explore the traditional Appalachian music and dance that the Ritchie Family helped to perpetuate into the modern American folk lexicon. This episode focuses on Jean Ritchie as a songwriter, and features Jean’s performance of her original song “Black Water.” Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of Ozark original Jim Bullard, performing the traditional song “Glory Land,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

This week, the unconventional folk-blues-rock-bluegrass trio “The Howlin’ Brothers” perform live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with “The Howlin’ Brothers.” “The Howlin’ Brothers” are Ian Craft, Ben Plasse, and Jared Green. The trio has a wide ranging appeal as evidenced by their popular performance at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Combining banjo, fiddle, guitar and upright bass, they perform traditional and original music with a sound familiar to fans of old time, roots, and Americana styles. Of note is fiddler and banjo player Ian Craft, as he could be creating a new style of hybrid banjo playing. Renowned folk musicians Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly profile influential folk music icons Jean Ritchie and the Ritchie Family, as well as explore the traditional Appalachian music and dance that the Ritchie Family helped to perpetuate into the modern American folk lexicon. This episode focuses on memories of Bayless Ritchie, and features Aubrey & Elwood’s performance of the traditional song “I am a Foreign Lander.” Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of Ozark originals Aubrey Richardson & Mike McGee performing the traditional folk song “Cluck Ole Hen,” 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, Ark. 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 and mountain dulcimer champion Duane Porterfield performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Duane, Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly profile the influential folk musician Jean Ritchie, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of his mother, Grand Ole Opry star Ramona Jones. Duane Porterfield is a retired law enforcement officer from Kansas…and no, he won’t be checking your tags for current registration. Like many others, Duane moved to Mountain View to enjoy the laid back lifestyle and welcoming music community. In 2014 Duane was attending the annual Walnut Valley Music Festival and was poked, prodded, and otherwise coerced into competing in the mountain dulcimer contest. Not necessarily prepared or planning to compete, he had to borrow an instrument from a local vendor. Turns out, he won first prize! He’s a fine fellow to boot and we are happy to feature him. Renowned folk musicians Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly profile influential folk music icons Jean Ritchie and the Ritchie Family, as well as explore the traditional Appalachian music and dance that the Ritchie Family helped to perpetuate into the modern American folk lexicon. This episode focuses on Jean Ritchie’s introduction of the mountain dulcimer to the New York City folk revival of the 1960’s, and features Jean Ritchie performing an haunting version of the traditional song “Pretty Saro.” Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of Mark’s mother, Grand Ole Opry star Ramona Jones, performing the traditional song “Roving Gambler,” 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, Ark. 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, bona fide Illinois French trouveur & fiddler Dennis Stroughmatt performs live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Dennis, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical sojourn into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of a trio of Ozark originals, Walter Gosser, Mike Hill, and Dean Hinesley. Dennis Stroughmatt is a renaissance man. His passion for the Creole fiddle and French music of the Southern Illinois/Missouri region has lead him on a journey to the backwoods of Louisiana and the University of Quebec. He has nearly single handedly revitalized the original Creole music and French culture of the Illinois-Missouri region by rekindling a love and passion for the culture and song. 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 an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on traditional dance styles of the Ozark region. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of a trio of Ozark originals, Walter Gosser, Mike Hill, and Dean Hinesley performing the song “Roving Gambler,” 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, Ark. 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, the accomplished traditional folk trio “Harmony” perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with the trio “Harmony,” folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical sojourn into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of the Ozark folk singer Kay Thomas. Harmony has been a mainstay on the Ozark Folk Center Stage for many years. Their vocals, as one might suspect, center around stellar three part harmony. The group features the talents of Ozark Highlands Radio host Dave Smith on vocals, guitar, and fiddle among other instruments. Husband & wife duo Robert and Mary Gillihan round out the trio, and are multi instrumentalists as well. Mary plays both bass and autoharp, while Robert covers the guitar and mandolin. 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 an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on the population and cultural impacts of the Ozark Folk Center State Park on the Stone County, Arkansas region. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of the genuinely talented Ozark folk singer Kay Thomas, performing a beautiful arrangement of the traditional song “All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies,” 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, Ark. 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, Dynamic traditional Ozark music duo Betse Ellis & Clarke Wyatt perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Betse & Clarke, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical peregrination into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of original Ozark songster Bob Blair. Betse Ellis & Clarke Wyatt are a fiddle and banjo duo, who specialize in traditional old time music of the Ozarks. For years Betse was the fiery fiddler in the touring group, The Wilders. A student and friend of Arkansas fiddle legend, Violet Hensley, Betse has made it her mission to carry on the traditional songs and fiddle style of her native Arkansas. Betse has enjoyed a successful solo career but has recently teamed up with Clarke Wyatt, a talented finger style banjo picker. Now a powerful team, together Betse and Clarke continue to explore the sounds and styles that make Ozark music unique. 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 an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on the beautiful gardens of the Ozark Folk Center State Park, and it’s mission to preserve the original ornamental, edible, and medicinal plants of the Ozarks. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of original Ozark songster Bob Blair, performing the song “Who Will Sing For Me,” 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, Ark. 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, International Blues Challenge award winning Dulcimer maven Bing Futch performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Bing, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical peregrination into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of authentic Ozark fiddler Sam Younger. Bing Futch is a new breed of talent in the world of the mountain dulcimer. While he performs traditional dulcimer tunes, his influences from all areas of music have been adapted to his dulcimer playing, including the use of effects pedals and other whiz-bang electronic stuff. He is a regular contributor and instructor at the Annual Dulcimer Jamboree at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Bing was recently won best guitarist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee and yes, he was playing his dulcimer. 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 an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on the roots music aspect of the Ozark Folk Center State Park, and it’s mission to preserve the old Ozark ways. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of authentic Ozark fiddler Sam Younger, performing the traditional song “Turkey in the Straw,” 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, Ark. 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, award winning guitar prodigy Ben Hall performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Ben, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical peregrination into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of original Ozark character Albert Sands. Ben Hall is a Mississippi native who now makes his home, where so many musicians do, in Nashville, TN. Ben is a former thumbpicking contest winner, and like Danny Dozier and Thom Bresh, is heavily influenced by Merle Travis. Not one to seek out the life of a traveling or full time musician, Ben might be low key but he’s full throttle on the 6 string box. 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 an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on the philosophy of the Ozark Folk Center State Park Craft Village, and it’s mission to preserve the old Ozark ways. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of original Ozark character Albert Sands telling a short story about going to a traditional Ozark dance, 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, Ark. 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 Delta Bluegrass pioneer Dave Brancecum performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Dave, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical peregrination into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of Judi Klemenson. Dave Brancecum was born and raised in the cotton fields of the Arkansas Delta. A working man most of his life, Dave had always dreamed of moving to the Ozarks to enjoy a simple life, where he could play music and enjoy all the region has to offer. Good thing all that happened because Dave is now a regular performer at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Equally adept on guitar and claw-hammer banjo, Dave possesses a natural feel in his playing and singing unique to the Ozark region. Dave says come visit the Ozark Folk Center rather than the website he’s yet to create. 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 an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode focuses on the founding of the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of noted Ozark mountain dulcimer mentor Judi Klemenson (Klinkhammer) performing the song “Where Would I Go But to the Lord,” 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, Ark. In addition to the music, our “Feature Host” segments carry listeners through the Ozark hills with historians, authors and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region. On this week’s show, original Ozark guitar wizard Danny Dozier performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Danny, folklorist and author Charley Sandage offers an historical peregrination into Ozark culture, and Mark Jones presents an archival recording of Aunt Ollie Gilbert. Danny Dozier is an Arkansas native and proud of it. He is one of the area’s premier guitar players, well versed in the Merle Travis, “thumbpicking” style. Danny has worked with a wide variety of performers over the years including; Grandpa and Ramona Jones, Omar and the Howlers and regional favorite, Leatherwoods. 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 an enduring legacy of music and craft. This episode features a background on the founding the very first Arkansas Folk Festival. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment features a rare recording of prodigious Ozark folk balladeer Ollie Gilbert singing the traditional Ozark folk song “The Ballad of Cole Younger,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.