Sisters Folk Festival explores roots

The Sisters Folk Festival has been bringing the best of American roots music to Sisters for the past 13 years. The festival has established a nationwide reputation for outstanding performances in an intimate and beautiful setting.

This year the Sisters Folk Festival, September 5-7, offers a variety of performers who explore every aspect of the world of folk music ‹ from singer-songwriters to string bands.

It may well be the best three days of music in Oregon.

The festival will bring legendary songwriter Jesse Winchester to Sisters, treating its audience to a chance to hear one of America's finest songwriters in a Oregon performance. Winchester is famous for songs such as ³Defying Gravity" and ³Biloxi," among many others, and is covered by artists ranging from Emmylou Harris to Jimmy Buffett.

Another legend of American music will grace the stage as Tim O'Brien makes a solo appearance at the festival. O'Brien was one of the pioneers of the ³New Grass" movement with the band Hot Rize. He is a virtuoso musician and one of the best entertainers on the folk circuit.

Exciting acts include The Waifs — a favorite of the summer music festival circuit ‹ and the stellar harmonies of The Wailin' Jennies. The festival will also bring a taste of the Southwest to the Northwest with the Santa Cruz River Band, who blend Western folk with Mexican music, celebrating a hybrid of American music and culture.

These are just a few of the artists who will take the stage in Sisters, along with other local and regional acts.

The festival offers workshops that allow an intimate glimpse of how the artists create and perform their music; a free Sunday morning gospel show; and an after-hours showcase that lets the party roll on into the wee hours.

The Dave Carter Memorial Song Writing Contest has launched many careers in folk music and offers the winner a $750 cash prize and a slot on the main stage.

The Americana Song Academy offers songwriters a chance to work closely with nationally recognized songwriters to hone their craft and spark their creativity.

For more information contact the festival at 541-549-4979 or visit www.sistersfolkfestival.org.