Season begins at Ozark Folk Center
The Ozark Folk Center State Park’s season begins Tuesday, April 14! The Craft Village & Heritage Herb Garden, Skillet Restaurant and Homespun Gift Shop will open that day. Admission will be free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for live mountain music, craft demonstrations, and old-fashioned fun in the Village’s 20 artisan shops, gardens, and attractions.
On Saturday, April 18, a shuttle bus will run from the the lower parking lot to downtown Mountain View (across from the Wildflower Bed & Breakfast) between 9:30-4:30 so visitors can enjoy the festivities at both locations.
The Next Generation Concert returns April 18. The concert is a fundraiser sponsored by the Committee of One Hundred to support the Music Roots program for youth in the Mountain View area. Music Roots provides music lessons, instructors, and loaned instruments to homeschool and public-school students in fourth grade and up at no cost to parents.
The event will feature some of Mountain View’s most accomplished youth bluegrass and old-time music groups during an evening concert at the state park’s indoor music venue, Ozark Highlands Theater, from 7–10 p.m. The box office and doors open at 6 p.m.
Performing talent at Next Generation includes Sylamore Special, the 2024 SPGMA Awards “International Bluegrass Band Champions”; Ozark Strangers, featuring state fiddle champion Truett Brannon; 5 South, led by state fiddle and banjo champion Kailee Spickes; pianist Edward Steiger; and The Parker Unit, featuring 15-time state fiddle champion Mary Parker and two-time National Mandolin Champion runner-up Gordan Parker. The concert also includes a special performance by the Music Roots Ensemble and a guest appearance by Dave Smith & Kathy Jensen.
The Music Roots Program is currently in its 28th year and has served thousands of families, helping keep alive the folk music of the Ozarks. The Next Generation Concert helps fund this collaboration between Mountain View Public Schools and the Ozark Folk Center State Park.
Tickets to the benefit concert are $15 for adults, $8 for children, and $35 for a Family Pass (which admits two adults and children under 18). Tickets are available at Tickets.OzarkFolkCenter.com, or they may be purchased the day of the concert at the Ozark Folk Center’s theater for $2 more.
Ozark Folk Center Music & Craft Season Passes are honored at this event, along with 12 other concerts at Ozark Highlands Theater this season (a $240 concert value for $90). Passes also include discounts on year-round craft classes and herb events, as well as unlimited visits to the Craft Village every Tuesday through Saturday during the season (April 14–November 14).
To learn more about upcoming events, visit OzarkFolkCenter.com or call the park at 870-269-3851.
