Ozark Highlands Radio

Latest Episodes:

OHR Presents: The Clark Family Trio Sep 19, 2016

Show notes

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, the unique and inimitable Clark Family Trio, accompanied by virtuoso guitarist Bill Nesbitt, performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Performances from the youthful Old Time string band “Possum Juice,” as well as interviews with the Clark Family and Possum Juice members. 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 Highlands Radio host Dave Smith, singing the classic Stephen Foster song “My Old Kentucky Home.” Family bands always have that extra bit of bonding (sometimes even tension) that makes the music more compelling. The Clark Family Trio consists of mother Cindy on bass/vocals, daughters Sophie and Sally Ann on lead and harmony vocal, with guitarist Bill Nesbit rounding out the “trio.” Natives of Arkansas and stalwarts in the Stone County music scene, the Clarks cover a wide variety of material from traditional to modern, all with a signature family harmony. Comprised from some of Stone County’s finest youth musicians, “Possum Juice” is a traditional string band that features Oakley Smith on fiddle, Kai Perry on mandolin, Alana Brewer on guitar and Judy Munn on bass. The group specializes in traditional Ozark fiddle tunes and other instrumental music common to the area. 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 Highlands Radio host Dave Smith, singing the classic Stephen Foster song “My Old Kentucky Home,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

OHR Presents: Ruby Pines Sep 12, 2016

Show notes

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, the talented and versatile Ruby Pines performs with a variety of great musicians, including her father Larry Snyder, live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Ruby Pines, 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 Judy Husky, singing the classic song “Let’s All Go Down to the River.” Rachel Kempf (aka Ruby Pines) had an unassuming musical introduction at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. At one time she worked as a front desk assistant. Rachel made mention to another park employee that she did “some singing” on the side. We’re quite glad that conversation happened. Now a married mother of three, Rachel still performs at the OFCSP regularly, covering a wide range of musical styles. As “Ruby Pines” she performs traditional music of the region in a group that includes her father, Larry Snider on banjo. With “Romantics” the leanings are toward more traditional jazz standards. 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 Judy Husky, singing the classic song “Let’s All Go Down to the River,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

OHR Presents: "The Next Generation" Sep 05, 2016

Show notes

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, a select few of the next generation of Ozark folk musicians perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with the teachers and administrators of an innovative new school music program called “Music Roots.” Historian & folklorist Charley Sandage presents an exploration of the Ozark Folk Center as an institution of learning, and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Dave Leatherman performing the song “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” Started by local musician Joe Jewell, the “Next Generation” concert is a long standing tradition at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. The show features area musicians and performers, all under the age of 21. The continued success of the concert series is a testament to the deep well of music and tradition the community has to draw upon. Featured performances by; The Cobb Brothers, Clancey Ferguson, Twang, Grace Stormont and Sibling Rivalry. Historian & folklorist Charley Sandage presents an exploration of the Ozark Folk Center as an institution of learning. Charley interviews Folk Center staff about their role in presenting, preserving, and promoting traditional ways of the Ozark region through various educational activities and workshops. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment offers an archival recording of Ozark original Dave Leatherman, performing the classic song “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

OHR: Wil Maring & Robert Bolin Aug 28, 2016

Show notes

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, accomplished modern folk performers and songwriters Wil Maring & Robert Bowlin perform live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Wil & Robert, Dave Smith and producer Jeff Glover ask the question “What is folk music,” and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Clark Fowler leading the “Sacred Harp Singers.” Wil Maring got her start as a songwriter, picking out songs, while working at her family’s roadside fruit stand outside Carbondale, IL. And while she’s since traveled the world, Wil continues to call rural Illinois her home. Her voice and songwriting reflect the natural, uncomplicated beauty of the rural Midwest. Wil is joined by her longtime musical collaborator Robert Bowlin. Robert is an accomplished guitarist and fiddle player, and a native of Pocahontas, Arkansas. He has extensive credits for guitar and fiddle, performing with Bill Monroe and Kathy Mattea, among other notable musicians. 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 legendary shape note expert Clark Fowler, leading the Sacred Harp Singers in a traditional rendition of the song “Angel Band,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

OHR Presents: Van Colbert/Dave Para & Cathy Barton Aug 22, 2016

Show notes

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, award winning Missouri Ozark traditionalist Van Colbert performs live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. A performance from Old Time musicians Dave Para & Cathy Barton. Also, interviews with Van Colbert, Dave Para & Cathy Barton. 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 famed songwriter and Ozark original Jimmy Driftwood. Like an old pair of jeans, Van Colbert and his family band are familiar and very comfortable in almost any setting. Van leads the group on banjo and vocals, with a laid back and easy style. Van and his family have been playing music all of their lives, in and around the Springfield, MO area. Van also performs with the “Blackberry Winter Band,” whose music was the soundtrack for the 2010 Oscar nominated film Winter’s Bone. Performing together for over 30 years, the husband and wife team of Dave Para and Cathy Barton have long been tuned into the sounds, traditions, and ways of old time musicians. Cathy Barton was an early adopter of Grandpa Jones’ “claw-hammer” style of banjo playing. She worked with both Grandpa and Ramona in Mountain View, AR and Nashville, TN among other musical hot spots over the years. Dave Para (guitar/vocals) moved to rural Missouri in the late 70’s and began what has been a long and fruitful career as a musician. The duo was recorded as part of the annual “Tribute to Grandpa Jones” event at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. 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 famed songwriter and Ozark original Jimmy Driftwood performing a song, using a hickory leaf as a musical instrument, from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

OHR Presents: "The Steel Wheels" Aug 15, 2016

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OHR Presents: "The Roe Family Singers" Aug 07, 2016

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OHR Presents: "The Poor Valley Girls" Jul 22, 2016

Show notes

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, East Tennessee all-girl stringboard “The Poor Valley Girls” perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, Interviews with The Poor Valley Girls, Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly present “Women Warrior Ballads,” and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Jay Round. The “Poor Valley Girls” hail from the hallowed musical grounds of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. “Poor Valley” refers to the geographical region that both Heather Pace and Madison Brown call home in Virginia. This region of the United States also includes Bristol, TN, which is known for the “sonic-boom” of country music recordings, on the Victor Record label in the early 1920’s (Jimmy Rogers and The Carter Family, among others.) For their performance at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, Heather and Madison are joined by friend and musician, Colleen Trenwith. This recording is a wonderful example of how the traditional sounds of their region have moved seamlessly to the next generation of musicians. Prolific 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 presentation of “Women Warrior Ballads.” Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment offers an archival recording of Ozark original Jay Round performing the traditional song “Soldiers’ Joy,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

OHR Presents: Carolyn Carter & "The Cobb Brothers" Jul 16, 2016

Show notes

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 True Folk singer/songwriter Carolyn Carter and Bluegrass prodigies “The Cobb Brothers” perform live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, Interviews with Carolyn and the Cobbs. Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly present seafaring songs of the Ozarks & Appalachia, and Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Lynn Young. Carolyn Carter is a Stone Country, Arkansas native and a regular performer at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Carolyn is a gifted songwriter and singer, whose talents are now becoming apparent to a larger audience, outside of Arkansas. Blessed with a songbird’s voice, Carolyn’s original compositions can be both haunting and heartwarming, reflecting her experiences growing up in the Ozarks. “The Cobb Brothers” (Caleb-fiddle/guitar/banjo/piano, Samuel-mandolin/guitar, and Nathan-guitar/bass) spent their youth in their hometown of McCrory, Arkansas, and learned their love of music from their father, Carl. A later move to Mountain View, AR gave the trio an active and supportive music community, where their skills could flourish. Individually, their skill on each instrument take a back seat to no one, and the trio of brothers helped usher in the latest generation of notable musicians into the Stone County region. Prolific 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 presentation of seafaring songs of the Ozarks & Appalachia, influenced by the English, Irish, and Scottish heritage of these mountain settlers. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment offers an archival recording of Ozark original Lynn Young performing the song “San Antonio Rose,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

OHR Presents: Muriel Anderson Jul 08, 2016

Show notes

This week, world renowned finger style and harp guitar phenom Muriel Anderson recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this prodigious picker. Muriel Anderson is a former National Thumbpicking guitar champion, a fine 6 string picker, and practitioner of the many stringed harp guitar. Creating a sound like no other, the harp guitar incorporates a multitude of strings that cover a wide sonic range. The result can be both ethereal and otherworldly, or just downright mind blowing. Muriel’s repertoire includes traditional folk music, world music, and original compositions. Prolific 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 profile of Ozark original balladeer Almeda Riddle, and features an archival recording of Almeda singing the traditional ballad “Will the Weaver.” Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment offers an archival recording of Grand Old Opry and “Hee Haw” star Grandpa Jones performing his song “Mountain Dew,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

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