MOUNTAIN VIEW – The Next Generation Concert returns to the Ozark Folk Center during Bean Festival and Championship Outhouse races in Mountain View on Saturday, October 26th. The concert is a fundraiser sponsored by the Committee of One Hundred to raise funds for the Music Roots Program for youth in the Mountain View area. Music Roots provides free music lessons and loaned instruments for homeschool and public-school students beginning in 4th grade.
The event will feature some of the Ozark’s most accomplished youth bluegrass and old time music groups during an evening concert at the state park’s 1,000-seat indoor music venue, Ozark Highlands Theater, from 7-10 p.m. Box office opens at 5 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Performing talent at Next Generation includes SPGMA’s 2024 International Bluegrass Band Champions and the Arkansas Country Music Awards’ Bluegrass Artists of the Year Sylamore Special, Taller Than You featuring National Hammered Dulcimer Champion Runner-Up Ben Haguewood, Ozark Strangers featuring state fiddle champion Truett Brannon, 5 South featuring state fiddle champion Kailee Spickes, and The Parker Unit featuring 13x 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, the Ozark Folk Center Square Dancers, and a guest appearance by one of Mountain View’s most popular veteran stringbands Whoa Mule.
The Music Roots Program is currently in its 26th year and has served thousands, keeping 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) and are available at OzarkFolkCenter.Ticketleap.com or tickets may be purchased the day of the concert at the Ozark Folk Center’ theater (or Gift Shop) for $2.00 more.
For visitors arriving during the day on Saturday, October 26th, the Craft Village and Heritage Herb Garden at the Ozark Folk Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The park will host live mountain music sets and craft demonstrations throughout the day at the Village’s 20 artisan shops. October 26th will be the last day of the park’s regular season
Shuttles will run from the Ozark Folk Center to downtown Mountain View for visitors to enjoy the festivities happening around the court square during Bean Festival and the Championship Outhouse races from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To find out about upcoming events, visit OzarkFolkCenter.com, or call the park at 870-269-3851 or 1-800-264-FOLK (3655).
The Committee of One Hundred for the Ozark Folk Center is made up of women from across the state who have devoted time and raised funds for ongoing programs at the center, including Craft Apprenticeships, the Music Roots Program, the Heritage Herb Garden, and other projects that support the park's mission. To learn more, visit www.OFC100.org.
