Folk rocker Jerry Yester has lived all across the U.S., but there’s something special about North Arkansas that really soothes his soul.

Raised in Burbank, Calif., by the age of 18 Yester was working as a singer at folk clubs in Los Angeles. Soon after, in the 1960s, he joined the Modern Folk Quartet (MFQ) and moved to New York.

Yester joined The Lovin’ Spoonful – most famous for their first single “Do You Believe in Magic” – in 1967. He played the piano for that song and helped with vocal arrangements on their first album before the group disbanded in 1968.

Yester then turned to producing and met and married his wife, Marlene, in 1972. He produced Tom Waits’ album “Closing Time” in 1973.

Over the next two decades, the Yesters lived in Burbank, Hawaii and Portland, before visiting some friends in Arkansas, and shortly thereafter, buying a home just two blocks off the square in Harrison.

One of the things Yester loves most about Arkansas is the culture. “I started playing mountain music again,” he said. “I met some ladies who played dulcimers, autoharps, mandolins and guitars, and I was able to play my banjo again. I learned a folk song about Harrison, which was a great surprise.”

The Lovin’ Spoonful got back together in 1992 and today performs about 40 concerts a year. “We just went to Germany a year ago for a TV show, and I stayed and did four solo concerts,” Yester said. The MFQ also still tours and recently wrapped up a tour in Japan.

When he’s not on tour, Yester performs two days a week at the Grand Central Hotel and one day a week at The Stonehouse, both in Eureka Springs.

Local Flavor
Some of Yester’s Favorites

Where to eat:
Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café - Delicious, fresh food; they even mill their whole grain flour on-site!

Leonardo’s Pizza Villa - Try the Alfredo chicken pizza.

What to do:
Harvest Homecoming Fall Festival —October:
Live entertainment, as well as vendors, crafts and great food