The Rackensack Folklore Society

Rackensack is Arkansas' oldest and best folklore society, dating back to the early sixties folk boom era, when Jimmie Driftwood (one of the founders) hit it big by writing "Battle of New Orleans" and other popular songs. We now meet together on the first Monday of each month at the Arkansas Arts Center at 7:30 p.m., where members and guests share folk songs, fiddle tunes, stories, jokes, and various barnyard noises. The NEZ even shows up to share his fingerstyle guitar stylings from time to time. Dues are only $10.00 annually and entitle you to a monthly newsletter and an invitation to their annual picnic. Check this page for information on their annual Folk concert!

Check out these pictures from the first Arkansas Folk Festival (ca. 1963) inside the Stone County Courthouse in Mountain View, Arkansas.

	Mrs. Ollie Gilbert sings an old spiritual.
	Laurence ("Arkansas Slim") Meeker sings an old folk ballad.
	The legendary banjoist Bookmiller Shannon.
	Jim Walker, Kenneth Gosser and Jackie Hess struggle to control their emotions.
	Jimmie Bullard and Walter Gosser harmonize while Coleman Gammill accompanies.
	George Fisher and Jimmie Driftwood.
	Bing Morris Driftwood with Almeda ("Granny") Riddle.
	Charlie Richardson (fiddle), Jimmie Driftwood (gourd), and Benson Fox (jawbone of a wild ass).
	The Johnson Family play their banjos simultaneously. AAAAAAA!
	Ersic Vickers plays banjo and sings about hairdressers.

Look at me with MSIE!!

Go home with THE NEZ

Music has charms to soothe the savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak. William Congreve