Nestled in the heart of Prairie Grove, Magnolia House offered another unforgettable night — this time featuring the beloved Ozark folk duo, Still on the Hill. Known for their ability to weave rich storytelling with traditional instruments and heartfelt harmonies, they transformed the space into a living, breathing tribute to the people, places, and forgotten histories of Arkansas.
What makes Magnolia House so special is its commitment to being a true listening space. No amps, no distractions—just stories, music, and an audience leaning in. And with Still on the Hill, that intimacy felt especially powerful. Each song they performed carried the weight of memory and celebration, of loss and resilience, of humor and heart.
Throughout the evening, we were invited into tales of a forgotten Ozark community—once thriving, now reclaimed by nature. We heard about the mysterious town of Peanut, stood metaphorically on a ledge where a town used to be, and remembered the power of nature to take back what we leave behind.
Kelly and Donna, the duo behind Still on the Hill, took us through their own journeys, too. From painting gingerbread houses in San Francisco to playing in honky-tonks and nursing homes, their stories were as much about the beauty of making a life as they were about making music.
They sang of Granny Henderson, a legendary woman of the Buffalo River, and Julia Butterfly Hill, who lived in a redwood tree for two years to save it from being cut down. They introduced us to Jesse Jones and his yellow cat banjo, and to Elliot Smith, the centenarian instrument maker whose dulcimers carry as much spirit as they do strings.
The evening wasn’t just entertainment—it was education, memory-keeping, and activism, wrapped in melody. The songs spoke of the Buffalo River and the ongoing fight to protect it from industrial farming. They sang of Sam’s Throne and limber jack puppets, of blue banjos and spinning hearts.
They even brought us into the present with songs inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of unconditional love and a reminder that there’s always more room in our hearts—for stories, for people, for understanding.
As the evening came to a close, we left Magnolia House feeling full—not just from the delicious meal, but from the sense of connection that only music and storytelling can bring. If you haven’t been yet, make time for a Saturday evening at Magnolia House. And if Still on the Hill is on the lineup, don’t miss it. They are living treasures of the Ozarks.
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