On May 11-12, 2012 the Ozark Folk Center State Park will host the Merle Travis Festival including the National Thumb picking Guitar competition.Guest performers will include Moon Mullins, Ben Hall, Shane Adkins and Washtub Jerry. They will be paying tribute to Merle Travis by playing our favorite Travis tunes and telling stories about this talented artist. Merle Travis had an unequaled blend of talents as an innovative guitarist, songwriter,vocalist, guitar designer, and author. His influence on several generations of performers—from Chet Akins to hit makers like Marty Stuart—is beyond question. He was a master at the “thumb-picking’ style of guitar and recorded several classics, among them the Travis originals”Sixteen Tons,” “Dark as a Dungeon,” and “Over by Number Nine,” as well as introducing such standards as “Nine Pound Hammer”.
On Friday, May 11th, there will be a jam session in the Small Auditorium from 2– 4 p.m. On Saturday at 2:30 p.m., the Prelims for the Thumb pickingContest will be held in the Large Auditorium. The Finals will take place at6:00 p.m.in the Large Auditorium, followed by the Dead Heat Playoffs at 6:30 p.m.
The evening concerts will be at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. Friday and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children ages 6-12. The Prelims are included in your purchase of a daytime ticket at$10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children ages 6-12. A combination ticketfor 1 day event and 1 evening event can be purchased for $17.50 for adults and$8.25 for children ages 6-12.
For more information call 870-269-3851 or go on-line to www.ozarkfolkcenter.com.
You can access an entry form as well as contest rules and information on the website.
