These are the two sites that are most valuable: Ozark Folk Center is the official site which has not been in operation very long. Dan Brackin, the OFC sound man, runs a site with the schedule updated more frequently, and in more detail than the official site. It is located here: Dan's site

You can click on the Ozark Cultural Resources Center button at the official site, but there is not a lot there yet in terms of useable information. That might come later, but I am not the one to ask about when that might be. In short, there is no access to any resource materials unless you are in the area, or want to correspond with Dr. McNeil by mail.

Dan's site includes information about many of the special events that are held at the center. For instance, you could have seen information about Sara Grey in April. (excellent, I might add) Ballad singer Mollie Andrews was there tonight, and will be there again tomorrow night. The Tribute to Merle Travis and National Thumbpicking Guitar Championships will be held on May 22-23 with special guests Thom Bresh(Merle's son), Randall Hylton, Eddie Adcock, and Bob Saxton.

Cost is nominal. A season pass is only $45, which lets you in to the music shows six nights a week (if you care to go that often), and one Sunday gospel show each month from April to October. Admission to the craft grounds and daytime shows is also included. I don't know where you are likely to find a better deal than that. I certainly get my money's worth each year.

I hope these sites give everyone a better picture of what the OFC and OCRC are about, and better yet, convince you that you need to jump in the car and head for Mountain View, Arkansas. In the course of a year, there are visitors from virtually every state, and many foreign countries. I personally have met people from New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Scotland, England . . . You can also visit the Jimmie Driftwood Barn on Friday and Sunday nights. If you are there on the right night, you just might get to meet the man himself, and hear him do The Battle Of New Orleans or The Tennessee Stud. Nearly every summer evening, especially on weekends and during special events, you can visit the Square downtown and hear countless musicians playing the old time music, bluegrass, and maybe a Hank Williams or Marty Robbins tune or two. Visitors wander from group to group, listening, sometimes joining in if they have the talent and an instrument handy. It is a scene like no other on earth that I know of.