Donna Stjerna and Kelly Mulhollan of Still on the Hill perform Friday morning inside Fayetteville Montessori School as part of the 2013 Fayetteville Roots Festival.
Photos by Todd Gill, Flyer staff
The Fayetteville Roots Festival just keeps growing.
What started with a dozen acts playing inside a restaurant has become an all-out festival celebrating the life and culture of the Ozarks. Aside from four days of folk, bluegrass and Americana music spread across 11 venues in Fayetteville, the event also highlights local artists, farmers, chefs and a crew of local craft brewing experts.
Kelly Mulhollan of Still on the Hill speaks to students at Fayetteville Montessori School.
Over the past two years, the event has expanded to include free live music performances at the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market, the Fayetteville Public Library and even a local elementary school.
The free events aim to provide more opportunities for any Fayetteville resident interested in further experiencing their “mountain town in its natural state.”
We caught up with Kelly Mulhollan and Donna Stjerna of Still on the Hill early Friday as they performed for a group of primary and elementary students inside the Fayetteville Montessori School in midtown. The local duo played a few songs and introduced the children to a fiddle and guitar made by Ed Stilley, a quintessential Ozark folk artist and instrument maker.
Later in the day, KUAF’s Ozarks at Large team brought its radio program to the Fayetteville Public Library for a live broadcast as part of their festival activities.
Kyle Kellams and crew spoke with festival organizer Bryan Hembree, local farmers and several local and regional craft beer brewing experts.
Those in attendance were treated to surprise live mini performances by The Del McCoury Band, Iris Dement and Joe Crookston.
For more on the 2013 Fayetteville Roots Festival, check out our handy Flyer Guide or visit fayettevilleroots.com.
More photos
Still on the Hill’s performances often include interactive songs with children…
…and singing puppets.
Ozarks at Large producers Antoinette Grajeda (left) and Christina Thomas joined host Kyle Kellams for the live broadcast.
Over 100 people gathered in the Walker Community Room at the Fayetteville Public Library for the Friday afternoon event.
Festival headliners The Del McCoury Band played a couple of songs.
Del McCoury sings during the group’s second song.
Basic Brewing video host James Spencer (left) and Mother’s Brewing Company brewmaster Brian Allen discuss the allure and rise of the craft brewing industry.
Festival co-headliner Iris Dement performed using the library’s piano.
