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 on a musical journey with historians, authors, and personalities who explore the people, stories, and history of the Ozark region.
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This week, a special road trip episode. Once again, OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Series featuring their Ozark Folk Jamboree, a compilation of bands recorded live over two days at the City of Rogers’ Butterfield Stage located next to Railyard Park in downtown Rogers. Also, commentary from Rogers Arts & Culture Coordinator Kinya…
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This week, in honor of Hispanic history month, OHR presents California based multi-instrumentalists, singers and purveyors of traditional Southwestern American folk music Frank Fairfield & Zac Sokolow recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Frank & Zac.Music has the power to transport us to another time and place. F…
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This week, old-time Appalachian multi-instrumentalists and educators Dan Levenson & Bob Carlin recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Dan and Bob acted as judges at our annual old-time fiddle & banjo contest where they also gave us this masterful evening performance.“Dan Levenson is an Appalachian native who has grown up with the music …
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This week, a tribute to legendary singer-songwriter John Prine by his son Tommy Prine & longtime friend and co-writer Keith Sykes recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park.John Prine was an American singer-songwriter of country-folk music. Widely cited as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, Prine was known for his sig…
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This week, Ozark original old time harmonica and guitar duo Seth Shumate & Roy Pilgrim recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this dynamic musical duo. A feature performance by renowned singer George Hulsey this week as well.Ozark original Seth Shumate plays harmonica in ways that one does not hear too often anymor…
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This week, Ozark original singer, multi-instrumentalist and hit song writing powerhouse Shawn Camp recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this #1 country song writing genius.Some careers can be described with a couple of words but Shawn Camp's isn't one of them. A bold and distinctive singer, a songwriter who's pro…
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This week, national champion hammered dulcimer Jedi and viral internet phenomenon Ted Yoder recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this unique musical hammer wielding genius.“Ted Yoder is a world-renowned musician, known for his groundbreaking and innovative approach to the hammered dulcimer. In 2016, Ted gained wi…
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This week, Hindman, Kentucky writer, educator, vocalist and world champion mountain dulcimer Jedi Sarah Kate Morgan recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, a special performance by the 2024 Ozark Folk Center Mountain Dulcimer Contest winner Melinda McMillan of Martinsville, IN.“Born of Appalachian soil in Sharps Chapel, Tennessee, …
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This week, here comes Dulcimer Jamboree once again! Each year, dulcimer players from all over come to the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas for a weekend of learning, listening, and loving all things dulcimer. Each evening of the event features concerts by world renowned dulcimer teachers and performers. We’ll enjoy highlights…
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This week, Springfield, Missouri based Ozark original husband & wife duo The Creek Rocks recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these genuine Ozark troubadours. A bonus offering of songs and interviews with Ozark original singer-songwriter and multiple ACMA winner Grace Stormont.The Creek Rocks from Springfield, Mi…
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This week, unconventional folk-blues-Americana-bluegrass trio “The Howlin’ Brothers” recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these folk music mavericks.“The Howlin’ Brothers are a Nashville based string band composed of Ian Craft, Ben Plasse and Jared Green. Anchored in a bed of old-time blues and bluegrass, their u…
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This week, an accidental masterpiece performance featuring three finger bluegrass banjo Jedi and Ozark original Adam Fudge & friends recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park.Once in a while, when things don’t go as planned, something happens that’s unexpectedly great. To quote famed artist Bob Ross, a “happy accident.” One such happy accid…
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This week, Kentucky Music Hall of Fame member and six time International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year, Dale Ann Bradley, recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park.“Dale Ann Bradley is a Kentucky native who is proud of her state. Her music reflects that love as she often sings of the state’s multiple charms includi…
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This week, voices. A collection of contemporary folk singers with unique and authentic voices recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park.Ballad singing is a primary form of expression in folk music. Folk ballads merge melody and story to recount events but also transport the listener to an emotional space. How well a ballad can bring the listene…
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This week, Ozark original ACMA nominated and rising national bluegrass sensation The Casey Penn Band recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, an interview with Casey Penn. As a bonus, music and commentary from Ozark original prodigies and Mountain View’s very own Ozark Strangers.Based in Central Arkansas, Casey Penn is an Arkansas C…
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This week, authentic Minneapolis old time bluegrass string band Steam Machine recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, an interview with the bands founders AJ Srubas and Rina Rossi. Joining AJ and Rina in this performance are David Robinson on banjo and Andrew Deia on upright bass.“Steam Machine is a midwest based old time/bluegrass mus…
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This week, traditional Irish musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Seamus Egan recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, an interview with Seamus.“It’s hard to think of an artist in traditional Irish music more influential than Seamus Egan. From his beginnings as a teen prodigy, to his groundbreaking solo work with Shanachie Rec…
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This week, hammered dulcimer prodigy, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Ozark original Ben Haguewood recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, an interview with this upstart hammer wielding dulcimer master.Ben Haguewood is an Ozark original hailing from the tiny hamlet of Potosi, Missouri near the heart of the Mark Twain Natio…
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This week, a retrospective of the very first season of Ozark Highlands Radio featuring a variety of outstanding performances recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Host Dave Smith and OHR producer Jeff Glover provide context and commentary for this captivating collection.Each year at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, we record many hours of…
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This week, another special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Series featuring Ozark original true folk troubadours Chucky Waggs & The Company of Raggs, recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers.Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Series began in 2021. Held on the city’s B…
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This week, another special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Series featuring post-folk newgrass phenomenon Arkansauce, recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers. Also, an interview with Rogers Arts & Culture Coordinator Kinya Christian.Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert…
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This week, another special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Series featuring Eureka Springs folk orchestra, Eureka Strings, recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers. Also, an interview with Eureka Strings’ bassist, Dave Gesualdo.Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Serie…
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This week, a special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Series featuring singer-songwriters Will Gunselman & Ashtyn Barbaree recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers. Also, an interview with Ozark original Will Gunselman.Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Series began in…
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This week, a special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Series featuring Eureka Springs hard-driving folk quartet, Front Porch, recorded live at Butterfield Stage in Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers. Also, commentary from Rogers Arts & Culture Coordinator Kinya Christian on the exciting things happening i…
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This week, a special road trip episode. OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Series featuring their Ozark Folk Jamboree. A compilation of seven bands recorded live over two days at the City of Rogers’ Butterfield Stage. Also, commentary from Rogers Arts & Culture Coordinator Kinya Christian.Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Seri…
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This week, a titanic trio of certified country blues guitar masters recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, commentary from these blues maestros. Country blues, also known as folk blues, rural blues, backwoods blues or down home blues, is one of the earliest forms of blues music. It’s performed primarily as a solo vocal with acoustic f…
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This week, it’s Dulcimer Jamboree time once again! Each year, dulcimer players from all over come to the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas for a weekend of learning, listening, and loving all things dulcimer. Each evening of the event features concerts by world renowned dulcimer teachers and performers. We’ll enjoy highlights …
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This week, songs and stories from a trio of Grammy award winning world class songwriters recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, commentary from these three musical musketeers. Featured on this show are world renowned songwriter Roger Cook, award winning Memphis singer-songwriter Keith Sykes, and singer-songwriter and session musician …
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This week, a collection of consummate cow poke crooners recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, commentary from these bovine balladeers. Included on this show are Grammy nominated cowboy performer Don Edwards, inimitable cowboy poet & humorist Glenn Ohrlin, and Arkansas original cowgirl, singer, songwriter, actress and Country Music Ha…
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This week, a collection of stringbands and stringband music both traditional and modern recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, commentary by musicians from these solely stringed outfits.A stringband is an old-time music ensemble made up solely of string instruments. Stringbands were extremely popular in 1920s and 30s America and were …
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This week, Ozark original old-time fiddler, banjo maker and legendary fiddle tune collector Banjo Billy Mathews recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Dave Smith is joined in hosting this week by expert musicologist and Banjo Billy’s most prolific protege, Emily Lawless.Billy Mathews is known far and wide across t…
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This week, a celebration of 50 years of the Ozark Folk Center State Park presented through archival audio from its 1973 grand opening as well as interviews of key park figures and commentary by historian and writer Charley Sandage.The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, in an early attempt to preserve the vanishing heritage of the…
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This week, singer, multi-instrumentalist, podcaster, story teller and musicologist Nicholas Edward Williams recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park.“Host of the popular roots music history podcast American Songcatcher, Nicholas Edward Williams is a multi-instrumentalist and storyteller who is dedicated to 'playing it forward' by preserving th…
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This week, bluegrass superstar, beloved television personality and founder of the legendary bluegrass group the Dillards, Rodney Dillard, recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Rodney is accompanied on this show by multi instrumentalist George Giddens, Gary Smith on upright bass, Corey Walker on guitar, and Beverly Cotton Dillard on clawham…
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This week, renowned Mississippi blues guitarist and singer Alvin Youngblood Hart recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park.Alvin Youngblood Hart was born in Oakland, California in 1963 and spent some time in Carroll County, Mississippi in his youth, where he was influenced by the Mississippi country blues performed by his relatives. Hart is kno…
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This week, acoustic ragtime and early jazz quintet the Lovestruck Balladeers recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this fascinating group’s fearless leader, Jake Sanders.“The Lovestruck Balladeers enchant audiences with their masterful performances and inspired repertoire of ragtime, jazz and beautiful songs from arou…
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This week, award winning country & Western swing trio The Farmer & Adele recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with these rhythmic wranglers.“With the sounds of classic songwriting in their music and the future in their sights, The Farmer & Adele are reimagining the modern cowboy/cowgirl while respecting its beginnings. Ba…
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This week, Grammy Award winning oldtime singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Smithsonian Folkways recording artist Dom Flemons with renowned cowboy poet, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and archivist Andy Hedges recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with Dom & Andy.“GRAMMY Award…
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This week, it’s Dulcimer Jamboree 2022! Each year, dulcimer players from all over come to the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas for a weekend of learning, listening, and loving all things dulcimer. Each evening of the event features concerts by world renowned dulcimer teachers and performers. We’ll enjoy highlights recorded fr…
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This week, legendary award winning Texas cowboy singer-songwriter and poet Pipp Gillette recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with this canorous cow-poke.“Pipp Gillette lives and works on the family ranch near Lovelady, Texas, where his grandfather started raising cattle and cotton in 1912. Pipp…
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This week, more songs out of style performed by various artists recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Songs can transcend musical styles and those styles can also transcend their traditional roots. “More Songs out of Style” continues our exploration of the movement of great songs across musical genres. We’ll hear modern songs remade into t…
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This week, songs about saying goodbye performed by a variety of artists recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas.Farewells have produced some of our most powerful and emotional works of art. Goodbye is a theme endlessly explored in paintings, sculpture, literature and film. Music is no different. In this episode, we’…
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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.There was never a more popular, outspoken or controversial musician or personality to come out of Stone County, Arkansas th…
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This week, It’s Dulcimer Jamboree! A whole host of mountain & hammered dulcimer national champions recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas. Also, interviews with the some of these interesting and eclectic musicians.For over 35 years, Ozark Folk Center State Park has hosted the annual Dulcimer Jamboree. The annual ev…
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This week, Ozark original multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, audio engineer and OHR host, our very own Mark Jones recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Mark as well as with his long time friend, country music superstar Marty Stewart.Anyone who listens to Ozark Highlands Radio will be familiar with the fun lovi…
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This week, Nashville, TN based high energy neo-traditional oldtime music sensation The Hogslop String Band returns to Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this rowdy rabble.“Staying true to tradition while maintaining a bold irreverence is something that rarely goes hand-in-hand but Hogslop String Band manages to walk that line. With…
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This week, Ozark original and Mountain View, Arkansas based seventeen year old award winning fiddle prodigy Mary Parker and her band of rising bluegrass superstars, Sylamore Special, recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with this up and coming fiddle wunderkind.For over ten years now, Mary Parker has been a regular perfor…
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This week, Gatlinburg, Tennessee based neo-traditional bluegrass quintet The Po' Ramblin’ Boys recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Also, interviews with Ramblin’ Boys guitarist and vocalist, Josh Rinkel.“At a time when most people feel constantly distracted by technology and barraged by the news, authenticity and straightforward honesty …
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This episode continues our tour of places “you shouldn’t miss” and other remarkable spots along the 135 miles of America’s first national river, as well as where to find information about park events, facilities and services. Featured are interviews with park ranger & interpreter and Buffalo National River Partners Board member Kevin Middleton and …
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This episode guides us on a tour of places “you shouldn’t miss” and other remarkable spots along the 135 miles of America’s first national river. Featured is an interview with park ranger & interpreter and Buffalo National River Partners Board member Kevin Middleton.In this special Ozark Highlands Radio series, author, folklorist and songwriter Cha…
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