WHO WE ARE
Highlonesome Heritage Music Foundation
The Highlonesome Heritage Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in the Missouri Ozarks, dedicated to preserving and sharing the region’s rich musical and storytelling traditions. Founded by Claire Lea and Myke Gemkow, who enlisted a board of directors with deep roots in the Ozarks, the foundation supports programs that connect people of all ages to the cultural heritage of the area through music, education, and community events.
At the heart of the foundation’s work is a commitment to keeping traditional Ozark music, art, and culture alive as a living, shared experience. Through festivals, workshops, and school programs, the foundation helps sustain music, art, and stories that have represented the region for generations.
The foundation is closely tied to Dockley Ranch, a scenic venue where many of its events take place, including the annual Highlonesome Music Festival. These gatherings bring together musicians, artists, storytellers, foodies, families, and nature lovers in a rural setting that celebrates culture and community.
As a registered 501(c)(3), the Highlonesome Heritage Music Foundation operates with a focus on education, access, and preservation. Its work is devoted to a love for the Ozarks and a belief that its music and stories are worth passing on to future generations.
OUR BEGINNINGS
Highlonesome Music Festival is what happens when you mix good music, wild spaces, and a love for learning—all brought to life by lifelong educators Claire and Myke. More than just a festival, it’s a nonprofit dedicated to nature education, storytelling, and community, rooted deep in the Ozark hills at Dockley Ranch.
Here, kids can get their hands dirty in a pottery class, wander the woods on a guided nature walk, or giggle through a session of goat yoga. Families pitch tents under the stars, old friends reunite on the dance floor, and musicians fill the air with the sounds of folk, bluegrass, and country roots. As the sun sets, folks gather ‘round for storytelling by firelight, just like they’ve done in these hills for generations.
Claire and Myke built Highlonesome with one big idea in mind—to create a place where music, nature, and people come together in a way that feels real and right. We believe in keeping stories alive, passing down traditions, and making sure everyone, young and old, gets a chance to slow down and soak it all in. So whether you’re here to pick a tune, learn something new, or just breathe in the mountain air, welcome to Highlonesome. We’re glad you found your way.
Music festivals done right can help you feel like you've climbed up a magically extended branch of your own family tree. As I hopped from booth to booth, I felt welcomed by kindred spirits. The Highlonesome Music festival blends creative musicians, foragers, curious hippies and information seekers! This experience for me was like finding the Goldilocks special in the wilds.
2023 Highlonesome Music Festival AtTendee
PAST FESTIVALS
The 2024 Highlonesome Music Festival brought folks together in the spirit of music, storytelling, and wild Ozark beauty. Art and song filled the hills, and as night fell, the melodies rolled through the hollers, carrying that magic only Highlonesome can bring. Click the link to learn more.
JOIN US
If you love good music, good people, and the great outdoors, there’s a place for you at Highlonesome. Whether you’re picking a tune, sharing your art, lending a hand, or simply soaking it all in, this festival is built by the folks who show up and make it special. Come be part of the magic—join us in the hills and help keep the spirit of music and community alive.