Ozark Folk Center

Subject: RE: Ozark Folk Center
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 04 Sep 04 - 03:04 PM

One of the best times to visit the Ozarks is in October. The fall color is usually striking and the weather most ideal. One can find enjoyable music on any weekend but on October 16 & 16 the Center is celebrating the 9th annual Cowboy Gathering. Guests are Jack Hannah of Colorado, a member of Sons of the San Juaqin, who is also a noted writer of contemporary western music, Johnny Kendrick of Missouri, another fine singer, and Dick Warwick of Washington state a singer, musician, and poet. I do not know yet if Glenn Ohrlin, a local singer, storyteller, and reciter will be on the program.   Glenn is one of the more respected performer of cowboy poetry and music and frequently booked elsewhere.   On Sunday evening a gospel concert is scheduled.

Subject: RE: Ozark Folk Center
From: Arkie
Date: 04 Sep 04 - 12:33 AM

I guess I should have a schedule at home, but I spend so much time at the Center I keep everything there. Jmule, I will post happenings in October tomorrow when I get to work.

Subject: RE: Ozark Folk Center
From:
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 11:36 PM

I would know what kind of events that mmight be happing in Mountain View on Oct.15-17,2004. Thanks alot.                                        Jmule

Subject: RE: Ozark Folk Center
From: KickyC
Date: 09 May 98 - 02:03 PM

Thank you for putting this information. My husband and I are headed for Mountain View this summer and wanted to stop by. Our time was limited, but we may have to build a little more into it. KickyC

Subject: RE: Ozark Folk Center
From: Art Thieme
Date: 09 May 98 - 01:37 PM

In the old days when I was there (1967) the music was pretty much confined to the big festival time & weekends as I recall. It was a wonderful gathering. Of course Jimmy was there, but so was Floyd Holland and Bookmiller Shannon. I've still got great photos of those trips to Mountain View and Timbo. A bunch of us from Chicago were allowed to sleep in what Glenn Ohrlin called his "bunk house"--actually the wreck of his old dwelling. THIRTY of us from Chicago slept on that floor in sleeping bags. I'll never forget waking up the next morning with 29 enemies. I SNORE!!! On returning to Chicago after the festival Carol and I picked ticks off each other for several days! We found 'em in the strangest places...

I NEED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH JIMMY DRIFTWOOD! WANNA PUT "TENNESSEE STUD" ON A CD. Does anybody know how to do that????? I wrote to him to no avail. Got a phone number from information but got only a busy signal for the last FIVE DAYS !

Art Thieme PO Box 117 Peru, IL 61354 [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Ozark Folk Center
From: Elliott
Date: 09 May 98 - 11:27 AM

Joe:

Dale has really covered the Folk Center and has not left alot to say. I will add that the Center is a state park and was established to preserve certain aspects of the pioneer Ozark culture such as music, dance, stories, and handcrafts. Those elements of the folk culture were alive and quite well in this area until the 50's and even early 60's since roads into the county were still gravel and TV and even radio reception was weak. At the Center we provide music concerts of music which was in circulation before the year 1941 when electric instruments began to dominate the country field. The music is performed acoustically and is basically 'old'. And as Dale said there is almost constant music, day and night, in the courtsquare when weather permits. Elliott

Subject: RE: Ozark Folk Center
From: Joe Offer
Date: 09 May 98 - 05:53 AM

Thanks a lot, Dale.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Ozark Folk Center
From: Dale Rose
Date: 08 May 98 - 11:01 PM

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.

Subject: Ozark Folk Center
From: Joe Offer
Date: 08 May 98 - 08:24 PM

Dale Rose, I've heard (seen?) you speak often about the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Arkansas, and it has intrigued me. I did a Web search, and I found this and this and this. That's all good, but it's mostly tourist information. Can you tell us more about the center? Is there a Web site that allows access to at least part of the center's collection to those of us not quite ready to venture to Arkansas? Thanks.
-Joe Offer-