would play, back in the day so to speak. We had one at Blanchard Springs, one at historical society. The first year was really a celebration of an anniversary project,” he said.
The series was so popular and well attended, they decided to continue it.
“We have 150 different musicians we employ throughout the year … and we pick out some of the groups and vary them throughout the season and have different folks perform. It’s a great way to promote the park. Folks may not realize we have music here,” he said.
Another effort for live music in Mountain View is Our Saturday Musical.
“The Saturday musicals sponsored by Old Time Ozark Traditions, Inc. carry on a tradition that dates back to the 1960s,” said Lori Freeze, vice
chair of Old Time Ozark Traditions. “Musicians started practicing for the first Arkansas Folk Festival, they moved up into the courtroom of the Stone County Courthouse and it evolved into a performance that was very popular. Following the first festival, sometime in the fall of 1963, a television crew requested a filming opportunity, so a stage was erected in front of the courthouse and a show put on. There has been a stage on the site ever since used by various groups at different times for hootenannies,” she said.
In 2012, a group of friends decided to revive the musicals.
They borrowed sound equipment and eventually held a fundraiser and bought a system. They formed Old Time Ozark Traditions which is 501c3.
It’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate Ozark music, dance and culture, said Freeze.
DEAN CURTIS FOR LIVING WELL MAGAZINE
Mountain Home hosts a Friday Night Block Party, providing free music on the square during the summer.
“In keeping with the history, we limit the type of music to what is traditional for our court square: traditional folk, gospel, country/western and bluegrass, primarily,” she said.
The performances are organized by volunteers and they’ve lost a few in recent years so there’s not a consistent performance schedule
but usually one or two a month are held on Saturdays. They update everyone through Facebook.
So regardless of where you live or what day you want to venture out, you can find live music to enjoy this summer.
“Music brings people together,” said Shire.
BB-0000122368 20 Living Well i July/August 2017
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