The Ozark Folk Center State Park hosts the annual Thumbpicking Weekend honoring Merle Travis, May 12-14. Tickets to evening performances are $12. Daily combo tickets for matinee sets in the Craft Village and evening concerts are $19.50.
“This event always attracts some of the nation’s finest guitarists and this year is no exception. Merle Travis was co-founder of this event, many years ago, and we’re thrilled to play a part in keeping his legacy alive,” says Daren Dortin, Music Director.
The event features performances, contests and a one day workshop dedicated to the stylized guitar sound. On hand to perform are some of the genres most prolific players including; Thom Bresh, Shane Adkins, Randy Bucker, Danny Dozier, Kirby Easler and special guest Nate Lopez. All performances will be recorded for rebroadcast on Ozark Highlands Radio.
A one day master class is offered for all levels of play on Friday, May 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Cost for the workshop is $55.00 and pre-registration is not required. Walk ups are welcome.
Saturday, May 14 features a Merle Travis discussion panel with guest artists from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The competition in both traditional thumbpicking style and contemporary finger style playing will begin at 2:15 p.m.
Fret Monkey Records in Conway, Arkansas is a co-sponsor of the event, providing a unique prize package for the contemporary fingerstyle contest winner. The prize package includes; production of a 5-song EP, in-studio session music video, and accommodations at the Fret Monkey Records studio, all valued at over $1,500. The winner of this competition will earn admission to the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship held at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas.
For more information on this and other events, please visit OzarkFolkCenter.com or call 870-269-3851.
The mission of Ozark Folk Center State Park is to perpetuate, present and promote the Ozark way of life in an educational and enjoyable manner; through craft demonstrations, musical programs, the Heritage Herb Garden, workshops and other special events.
