Missouri State University

Skip to content Skip to navigation
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

News

Your source for what's happening at Missouri State University

  • Headlines
  • Awards
  • Discovery
  • University Life
  • In the News
  • Media Resources
  • Office of Strategic Communication
Members of the The Ozark Mountain Daredevils

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils to play in D.C. on July 4 during Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Missouri State University Libraries is the lead partner for the program.

April 21, 2023 by Strategic Communication

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Ozark Mountain Daredevils  will participate in the nation’s birthday celebration this July 4, when the band will perform on the National Mall as part of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

“I continue to be amazed at all the places in my life that music has taken me,” said John Dillon, a founding member of the Daredevils. “I’m even more amazed by the number of new experiences that have come our way in just the past two years.

“We played the Grand Ole Opry last year and are invited back again this year. We played with the Springfield Symphony last fall, and we are playing with the Topeka Symphony later this year. Now, on July 4, we are playing on the mall at our nation’s capital for the Smithsonian. It is such an honor. What a truly magical trip this has been. We are grateful.”

The concert is held as part of “The Ozarks: Faces and Facets of a Region,” one of two programs at this year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Missouri State University Libraries is the lead partner for the program , which features representatives from the region showcasing local music, arts and crafts, foodways and other local traditions.

“We are thrilled to be bringing the Daredevils to the national stage, and particularly on our country’s birthday,” said Tom Peters, dean of Missouri State University Libraries and director of its Ozarks Studies Institute. “OMD was born and grown in the Ozarks, and exhibits local drive, determination, ambition and talent. They will do us proud on the National Mall.”

The concert is scheduled for 6 p.m. and is open to the public.

“As a band in the ’70s, we played to welcoming, enthusiastic crowds in the D.C. area – there are lots of fond memories,” said Michael “Supe” Granda, who is also a founding member of OMD. “This experience in 2023 builds on that experience and is especially meaningful for the fact that we will be shining a light on the Ozarks, of which we are very proud.”

To follow updates about festival planning, click here.

Filed Under: University Life Tagged With: Meyer Library, Thomas Peters

Connect

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | X

Recent post

  • Ongoing construction sparks creative Tent Theatre season
  • Missouri Legislature approves bills allowing Missouri State to offer doctoral degrees
  • Green tea: A smart sip for your body and brain
  • Two former employees selected for Wall of Fame  
  • Board recognizes six employees with Excellence in Public Affairs award

Categories

MSU Calendar

  • Calendar Image
    All Day Extra Given Day*
    January 02, 2026
  • Complete Calendar
Make your Missouri statementMake your Missouri statement
  • Last Modified: April 21, 2023
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Disclosures
  • Equal Opportunity Employer and Institution
  • © 2025 Board of Governors, Missouri State University
  • Contact Information