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, Sarah Kate Morgan sings, plays, and writes like she’s been in these hills since the dawn of time. She’s had plenty of varied influences, beginning with hearing a classical music CD belonging to her family and going on to discover old time music through a dulcimer built by her grandfather. She began playing dulcimer at age 7. 

This proved to be a pivotal moment. At 18 years old, Sarah Kate placed 1st at the 2012 National Mountain Dulcimer Championships in Winfield, Kansas. She’s gone on to build a unique personal style which honors mountain dulcimer giants such as Jean Ritchie while working across genres to build something new. Her dexterous approach to the instrument is one that only masterful artists can bring to the table; much like Bruce Molsky and the fiddle, having been a dedicated student of the dulcimer’s complexities Morgan is able to distill them into a beautifully polished package. 

Well-known and widely respected as one of the leading experts of the mountain dulcimer, Sarah Kate is also a first-rate singer and songwriter. Her earthy and poetic lyrics embrace the highs and lows of southern Appalachian life while her voice does the same – moving between alto and soprano parts with ease. Her crystal-clear but rootsy vocal style combines the best of country, old time, bluegrass, and gospel influences who, like Morgan, foreground their cultural roots. All of this goes hand in hand to create a musical experience akin to a sonic baptism.” - https://www.sarahkatemorgan.com/bio-1

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1981 archival recording of Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member Ramona Jones fiddling out a square dance on the traditional tune “Liberty,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles self-promoting Ozark folk artist and entrepreneur L.L. Broadfoot.

Ozark Highlands Radio

OHR Presents: Sarah Kate Morgan

Making The Bet Without Knowing The Odds

Transient

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 widespread attention when his hammered dulcimer cover of Tears for Fears' ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ became a viral sensation on Facebook, amassing over 100 million views.  He won the title of National Hammered Dulcimer Champion, performed on NPR radio, opened for Jake Shimabukuro, performed at Busch Gardens, and the historic WGN radio in Chicago.  Ted’s original compositions blend rock 'n roll sensibilities and unmistakable innovation, creating deeply moving and joyous music that captivates audiences. His live performances are unforgettable, leaving audiences asking for encores and prompting presenters to "BRING HIM BACK!”  Ted Yoder has redefined what's possible with the hammered dulcimer!” - https://tedyoder.com/about  

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of Ozark original hammered dulcimer master Joe Jewell playing the traditional tune “Music Box Waltz,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins profiles notable Ozark woodcarver Junior Cobb.

OHR Presents: Ted Yoder

Launching a social entrepreneurial venture is no easy task, and for Founder, President, and CEO of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute it was not an overnight success. Brandon conceived the EDWINS concept in 2004, with a three-fold mission: teach a skilled and in-demand trade in the culinary arts, empower willing minds through a passion for hospitality management, and prepare students for a successful transition home. The students who participate in this mission are all justice involved looking for a new life back in the community. But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it took another three years for Brandon, a formally trained chef and sommelier, to build out the social enterprise model and then another four years before Brandon could launch the Culinary Club classes at the Grafton Correctional Institution. Brandon opened EDWINS restaurant in 2013 and here in 2024 EDWINS has a French Restaurant, Butcher Shop, Bakery, and a Second Chance Life Skills Center which itself is a campus with housing, childcare, library, fitness center, computer lab and more!  600+ have graduated from the EDWINS culinary programs and can boast that only 1% of students have recidivated. Like Brandon says, when asked, how he accomplished so much, his response, “just knock down one problem at a time”.

The Hustler Files Ep. 73 - Reimagining Reentry So It Feels Like a Warm Hug

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 provided material for artists ranging from Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury and Ricky Skaggs to Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Porter Wagoner, Loretta Lynn and Brooks & Dunn with hits such as “Two Pina Coladas” (Garth Brooks,) “Nobody But Me” (Blake Shelton,) “Would You Go With Me” (Josh Turner,) “River Of Love” (George Strait) and Billy Currington’s hit single “Love Done Gone.”  Along with being a hit writer, he is a gifted multi-instrumentalist who's played as a touring/recording musician with everyone from Jerry Reed, Trisha Yearwood, Shelby Lynn, and Alan Jackson to the Osborne Brothers, Guy Clark and John Prine. - https://shawncamp.com/bio  

Shawn is joined in this performance by fiddle champion and multi-instrumentalist Tim Crouch.  A bluegrass and country fiddle player from Strawberry, Arkansas, Tim got his start fiddling with Jim & Jesse as a Virginia Boy when he was 19 years old. He has since worked with a long list of country and bluegrass artists including Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton and Alison Krauss. He is a former staff fiddle player for Nashville’s "Grand Ole Opry" and has also performed on numerous television programs including "Late Night with David Letterman," “The Conan O’Brien Show," "CBS This Morning," "Austin City Limits," "Hee Haw" and others.

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of Ozark original fiddle master Tim Crouch playing the tune “Tom and Jerry” at the 1981 SPBGMA Fiddle Contest held at the Ozark Folk Center State Park.

In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins discusses the Ozarks’ influence at the “Festival of Festivals,” the first National Folk Festival held in St. Louis, Missouri in 1934. (Part 1)

OHR Presents: Shawn Camp & Tim Crouch

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 anymore. His phrasing, technique and style go back to the pre war days of traditional American music when the harmonica was a lyrical and melodic instrument.   Another Ozark original, Roy Pilgrim is arguably Arkansas' premier Old-Time fiddler. Like his counterpart, Roy takes his musical cues from traditional American old time but with an emphasis on fiddle tunes from the Ozarks of Arkansas and Missouri.

Roy and Seth also perform together as part of the Ozark Highballers, who have earned a well-deserved reputation as one of today's premier Old-Time groups and dance bands.

Originally from Louisiana, George Hulsey moved to Mountain View, Arkansas a few years back and has become a well known singer in the local Stone County music scene.  George is accompanied on this performance by multi-instrumentalist Duane Porterfield, fiddler Mary Parker, bassist Chris Smith and vocalist Carolina Mendoza.

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of Ozark original harmonica legend Percy Copeland playing the traditional tune “Wabash Cannonball,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins discusses the Ozarks’ influence at the “Festival of Festivals,” the first National Folk Festival held in St. Louis, Missouri in 1934. (Part 2)

OHR Presents: Seth Shumate & Roy Pilgrim

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 signature blend of humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, often with elements of social commentary and satire, as well as sweet songs and melancholy ballads. He was active as a composer, recording artist, live performer, and occasional actor from the early 1970s until his death in 2020.  John was connected to Mountain View, Arkansas through his love of fishing and Jack’s Resort on the beautiful White River.  John visited Mountain View regularly since his childhood and made many friends in the area.  In fact, according to John, his first public performance as a teenager was for fellow patrons at Jack’s White River Resort.
https://www.johnprine.com/about  

Tommy Prine is an American singer-songwriter and is the youngest son of John Prine.  After his father's death in 2020, Tommy decided to pursue a musical career.  At the age of 10, Tommy learned how to fingerpick from his father.  As a teenager, Prine traveled with his father's tour primarily to assist with merchandise, then occasionally joining him on stage for the encore.  While Prine endeavored to create distinct and independent music from his father, his influence is remembered by everything from covering John Prine songs to writing songs about his father.  While Tommy is often compared to John, he developed his own path while acknowledging the legacy of his award-winning father.
https://www.tommyprine.com/  

Once upon a time in the summer of 1967, Keith Sykes hitchhiked to the Newport Folk Festival and saw Arlo Guthrie perform “Alice’s Restaurant.” In the fall of that year he got a copy of the album, learned the whole song and sang it at a Holiday Inn in Charleston, South Carolina. They hired him on the spot for a regular gig playing music in the hotel.  In the more than 40 years that followed, he would become a troubadour and storyteller, a massively successful songwriter with more than 100 songs recorded by artists as diverse as Rosanne Cash and George Thorogood. He would tour every corner of America and play in just about every conceivable kind of venue, appear on Saturday Night Live and Austin City Limits, and host songwriter nights on Memphis’ legendary Beale Street with many of music’s most talented songwriters. He would join Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, tour the country and record the Volcano album – the title track for which he co-wrote with Jimmy.  - http://www.keithsykes.com/

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1976 archival recording of John Prine himself performing his famous song “Paradise,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins discusses the Ozarks’ influence at the “Festival of Festivals,” the first National Folk Festival held in St. Louis, Missouri in 1934. (Part 3)

OHR Presents:  A Tribute to John Prine

Behind the wall in Chicopee Massachusetts, there are 150 women serving time.  If you’re sentenced, you wear green prison garb.  If you’re waiting to be sentenced then you’re wearing orange.  The Women’s Western Mass Regional Correctional Center is under the watch of the Hampden County Sheriff, Nick Cocchi, and thus, considered a jail. Just don’t make the mistake of calling it a prison.  Prisons are either run by the state, the feds, or private industry.    Upon arriving at the jail, submitting to our CORI reports, and being escorted through the many sliding metal doors, we are ushered into a classroom where there are six incarcerated women sitting around a table and signing release forms for their interview.   Assistant Superintendent, Colleen Stocks, who runs the jail, graciously hosted us and allowed us to chat with Maggie, Vanessa, Brenda, Auntie, Keys, and Jay.  Listen in as these women open up about life behind the wall, the daily challenges of incarceration, and what they would tell their younger selves.

The Hustler Files Ep. 79 - The Women of the Western Mass Regional Jail

This episode continues some additional, and important storylines we explored during our recent visit behind the wall in Episode 79. Coincidentally, it also touched upon a recent Op-Ed article on BostonGlobe.com from Professor Susan Sered, a criminal justice specialist who wrote, ‘incarcerated women are being held in overly restrictive environments despite evidence that women pose little security risk, compared to their male counterparts.’ Based on what we heard and saw behind the wall, that article and ensuing soundbites we recorded, and now share in this episode created an interesting conversation that included The Hustler Files Producer Jess Tyler.  Of the six women we met, 1 was awaiting trial for an alleged murder, 1 for assault with a dangerous weapon, and 1 for carjacking and robbery.  The other 3 were sentenced; one for manslaughter (defending herself), one for multiple DUIs, and one for ‘being in the wrong place’.  To sit and chat with them, you could close your eyes and be anywhere but behind the wall. The sad common denominator between them was abusive childhoods, no parents or lack of parental boundaries, drugs, alcohol and/or, mental health challenges.  So the question to be asked is; Are these women as much the victims as they are the criminals?

The Hustler Files Ep. 80 - Are Many Incarcerated Women also the Victims?

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 of that region.  Today he is considered a respected master teacher and performer of both the clawhammer banjo and Appalachian style fiddle.  Dan performs and teaches regularly throughout the world, including in England, Ireland, Israel and Brazil.  He has taught at many music schools and camps, including in the John C. Campbell Folk School, Mars Hill, Maryland Banjo Academy, The Ozark Folk Center at Mountain View, AR, Banjo Camp North, The Rolland Fiddle Camp and Dan’s own Clawcamp and Old-Time Music instructional weekends held at various locations throughout the country.” - https://clawdan.com/about/  

“Banjoist Bob Carlin has been offering performances, lectures and workshops for over thirty years.  Carlin had largely left the solo arena in the mid-1990s after an invitation to join the band of songwriter John Hartford.  For six years, Bob Carlin toured throughout the United States and Canada with Hartford, even accompanying John on a ten day Japanese sojourn.  Since the death of John Hartford in 2001, Bob Carlin has returned to solo performing, teaching and appearances with other musicians.”
- http://www.bobcarlinmusic.com/teacher+performer/index.htm  

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers an archival recording of Ozark original old-time fiddle champion Shay Pool playing the traditional tune “Grigsby’s,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins discusses the Ozarks’ influence at the “Festival of Festivals,” the first National Folk Festival held in St. Louis, Missouri in 1934. (Part 4)

OHR Presents: Dan Levenson & Bob Carlin

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.  Frank Fairfield loves to harness that power with a broad audience of fellow music lovers and passionate musicians alike.  Ever since a young age, Fairfield has found great joy and satisfaction by being involved in the creative music process.  Frank plays down-home, old time folk music.  He plays fiddle, guitar, banjo and he sings.  Frank has been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, as well as the PBS documentary series American Epic.  Born in Fresno, California, he now lives in Los Angeles with his wife.
https://www.frankfairfield.net

On this show, Frank will share the stage with the equally adept multi-instrumentalist & singer Zac Sokolow.  Zac is at home on guitar, banjo, fiddle, as well as mandolin.  Sokolow is a founding member of the contemporary Americana band “The Americans,” also featured on PBS’ “American Epic.”  Zac began learning music from his father at an early age, playing bluegrass as a child.
http://www.theamericansmusic.com

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, musician, educator, and country music legacy Mark Jones offers an archival recording of Ozark original Frank Ellis performing the tune “Seamus O’Brien,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

Author, folklorist, and songwriter Charley Sandage presents an historical portrait of the people, events, and indomitable spirit of Ozark culture that resulted in the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and its enduring legacy of music and craft.  This episode brings us a portrait of The Meadowcreek Project, a sustainable agriculture & education facility located in the Ozarks.

OHR Presents: Frank Fairfield & Zac Sokolow 2024

This week, a special road trip episode.  OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Series featuring Eureka Springs post-folk Americana trio The Gary Lawrence Show, 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 Butterfield Stage next to Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers, it features live concerts every weekend throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall.  All of the Railyard Live events are either free to the public or at very low cost of admission.  The concert series features a wide array of musical styles and interests designed to appeal to the diverse population of Rogers and invite them to experience the newly revitalized Railyard Entertainment District.  The Ozark Folk Center State Park and the City of Rogers, Arkansas partnered to bring Ozark Highlands Radio to capture a little slice of this modern Ozark culture.

The Gary Lawrence Show is a three-piece band from Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  Like Eureka Springs itself, the trio brews an unlikely collection of influences into an uniquely fresh sound.   Blending elements of ska, funk and indie-rock with Americana and true-folk themes, The Gary Lawrence Show is truly an Ozark original.  Along with his acoustic guitar and colorful vocals, Gary is joined by Dylan Caldwell on bass and “Benji" on percussion.  For this performance, Sophia Clark of the band Eureka Strings joins in on vocals.

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1984 archival recording of Ozark original Elliott Hancock performing the traditional train wreck ballad “The Fate of Chris Lively and Wife” 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 origin and meaning of the traditional folk song “The Old Woman and the Pig.”

OHR Presents: Railyard Live - The Gary Lawrence Show

This week, a special road trip episode.  OHR visits Rogers, Arkansas’ Railyard Live Concert Series featuring Ozark original indie-folk husband and wife duo National Park Radio, 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 Butterfield Stage next to Railyard Park in historic downtown Rogers, it features live concerts every weekend throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall.  All of the Railyard Live events are either free to the public or at very low cost of admission.  The concert series features a wide array of musical styles and interests designed to appeal to the diverse population of Rogers and invite them to experience the newly revitalized Railyard Entertainment District.  The Ozark Folk Center State Park and the City of Rogers, Arkansas partnered to bring Ozark Highlands Radio to capture a little slice of this modern Ozark culture.

“National Park Radio is a nationally touring indie-folk ‘power duo’ based in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas.  With an impressive and consistently growing grassroots fanbase across the U.S. (and the world), husband and wife duo Stefan & Kerrie Szabo have made a name for themselves over the past several years with their beautiful harmonies, incredibly inspiring and relatable songwriting, and their unique and energetic live shows.  Aside from their incredibly relatable songwriting and harmonies that connect with so many of their fans, their high-energy live shows - created by the duo bringing in a unique setup and multitasking configuration - brings a new level of sound created by just two people on stage.  National Park Radio has been described as the ‘biggest sounding indie-folk duo’ that there is, and between the two of them, many say they create the sound and energy of a 5-piece band.” 
https://npr.band/

In this week’s “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1984 archival recording of Ozark originals Mary and Robert Gillihan performing the song “Keep on the Sunny Side” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.

OHR Presents: Railyard Live - National Park Radio

Podcasts from all of the local show on WHMP Radio in Northampton, MA. including Talk the Talk with Bill Newman and Buz Eisenberg, The Hustler Files, The Western Mass Business Show, and Panorama.

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.

New tracks tagged #Center,