It’s almost autumn in the Ozarks. Football, Fishing,  and Fantastic Music.

Two black men riding white horses down Dickson Street dismount in front of Walton Art Center. Together, they step on stage, pick up their guitars and start playing music and telling stories.

It’s a style Keb Mo and Taj Mahal have mastered, like no other in history. A decade of difference in age, the folkie blues & modern soul artists share striking similarities; mastering multiple instraments before guitar: piano, trombone, clarinet, French horn, steel drums, harmonica, and standup bass. Although both began their careers in California, they understand the deep south’s delta blues and modern soul.

 

Taj Mahal started his career with Rising Sons, and Keb Mo played with famed violinist Papa John Creech of Jefferson Airplane. Both have reached the top of their respected art, as individuals, and now have partnered to create the duo, “TajMo” – a diverse platform of brilliant artistry. When playing acoustic, they drive us towards a deep emotional journey.

The two join forces September 19th, at Walton Arts Center on Fayetteville’s playful Dickson Street.

With your tank refilled by TajMo and the sophistication of Walton Art Center still lingering, ByrdFest peaks her bohemian head from around the mountain, inviting you, September 22 – 23, to kick off your birkenstocks, and enjoy all things outdoors.

One of the Ozarks prized festivals, ByrdFest offers an array of history, experience and tribute. The Grateful Dead Experience – The Schwag, Led Zeppelin Tribute: Hindenburg Project, Undertow: A tribute to Tool, The Driftaways, Molly Adamson, and one of Arkansas’ hometown favorites, Freeverse will all be on stage performing for hula hoopers, fire dancers, and disc throwing families.

Byrdfest is hosted by Byrd’s Adventure Center. This is a rain or shine event (oddly is seems many prefer the rain.) Camping and RV parking is available on the banks of aesthetically pleasing Mulberry River.

Autumn in the Ozarks, it doesn’t get any better than this. Whether you’re into sophistication and deeply rooted acoustics, or psycho jams, we know one thing for sure. The Ozarks is the place to be in Autumn.

Turn off the TV (except for the Hogs game) and leave your phone in the VW van, because the fall is upon us and there is no other place I’d rather be, than right here at home, in the Ozarks.

Charles Kochel lives in the Illinois Watershed and fly fishes.

I write, play mandolin, and hang with my family. I don’t use the phone much, but often watch leaves float downstream.

The Ozarks have become home for me. I work here, play here, and raise my children as good bohemians.