These Ozarks Hills

Scenes from the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival in Washington, DC

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Marideth Sisco performs at the Folklife Festival in Washington, DC.

Barbara Gibbs Ostmann

During the past week, Marideth Sisco has been in Washington, DC at the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival representing the Ozarks as part of the festival's lineup.

KSMU's Jess Balisle spoke with her on the phone to get an inside look at the festival and some of Marideth's favorite moments. Hear their conversation by clicking the Listen button above.

These Ozarks Hills

Marideth Sisco

Marideth is a Missouri storyteller, veteran journalist, teacher, author, musician and student of folklore focusing on stories relevant to Ozarks culture and history. Each month, she’s the voice behind "These Ozarks Hills.” Sisco spent 20 years as an investigative and environmental writer for the West Plains Quill and was well known for her gardening column, “Crosspatch,” on which her new book is based. Sisco was a music consultant and featured singer in the 2010 award-winning feature film “Winter's Bone.”

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Jessica Balisle

Jessica Gray Balisle, a Springfield native, grew up listening to KSMU. When she's not wrangling operations and compliance issues, she co-hosts live music show Studio Live and produces arts and culture stories. Jessica plays bass in local band the Hook Knives. She and her husband Todd live with their two cats, Ellie and Jean-Ralphio, and way too many house plants.

See stories by Jessica Balisle