Branson Centennial Museum features Ozarks music in August Tuesday Talk

On Tuesday, August 18, the Branson Centennial Museum welcomed a “Real Live Ozarks Hootenanny” as part of the regular Tuesday Talk series. Members of the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters were joined by young musicians and dancers from the Ozark Mountain Music Association. 

Jeff Michel, currently vice president of the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters, gave an overview presentation about traditional Ozarks fiddle music, the resurgence in popularity of square dancing and local music jams around the area. Michel and Hillcrofter Dennis Pritchard also presented some great fiddle music. 

Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters President Curtis Copeland shared via a follow-up social media post that there are some truly amazing and talented young people here in this part of the Ozarks, some of whom participated in the Tuesday Hootenanny by demonstrating square dancing as well as playing music. Copeland shared his gratitude for the mission of the Ozark Mountain Music Association, which offers regular opportunities for new generations of young people to learn and enjoy the traditional Ozarks music. The Michel family provides hospitality at their Homestead venue for camps and special events, and OMMA Director Wendy Wright keeps things planned and organized for several events each year. One of those OMMA camp alumni, Hawken Boldman, did a great job at the Tuesday Talk as a presenter, square dancer/caller and musician/singer. 

The partnership between the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters and OMMA around their shared goals goes back several years, when Hillcrofter board member and musician Larry Sifford also served on the advisory committee for OMMA. He proposed the idea to his fellow Hillcrofters of helping raise funds for OMMA camp scholarships, for youth whose families might not otherwise be able to send them to the camps. 

“It’s truly one of my favorite projects that the Hillcrofters do,” said Copeland, “because it invests in the next generation and their appreciation of Ozarks culture.” 

Learn more about the Michel family, the history of the Mountain Grove Schoolhouse Jam, and Ozark Mountain Music Association on Episode 55 of the Ozarkian Folk Chronicles podcast; and follow the OMMA and Hillcrofters pages on Facebook to stay informed about special events, camp registration, and more. 

For more interesting historical information about the area, mark your calendar for the next Tuesday Talk, “Hollywood Comes to the Ozarks,” planned for 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 15. Hollywood directors have visited the Ozarks several times, each one leaving with a greater appreciation for the land and its people. Featured speaker Rance King will explore how the productions were made and whether the films have truly captured the unique character and flavor of the Ozarks. 

Tuesday Talks are open to the public and free to attend. The Branson Centennial Museum is located at 120 S. Commercial St. in downtown Branson.