Students perform with visitor

Kerani Mitchell (right) performed an original song with backing vocals

Folks in Sisters were treated to an evening of original music from the young and the talented on Friday, May 31.

David Jacobs-Strain, an 18-year-old bluesman from Eugene, dazzled the audience in the high school Lecture/Drama Room with his fluid fingerpicking and his apparent ability to channel the spirit of 1920s and '30s Delta blues.

Just as compelling was the slate of Sisters students who opened the show with performances of their original songs. The students are participants in the Americana Project, a joint venture of the Sisters Folk Festival and the school district. The project introduces students to American roots music and encourages them to carry on the tradition through their own music and writing.

The audience enjoyed poised and impressive performances from Ben Scharf, Justin Crowfoot, Travis Napier, Kerani Mitchell with Lauryn Shultz, Dana Masapoust, Adam Hillis and Nate Harpham, and Justin Little.

The concert was also organized, promoted and staged by Americana Project students, under the direction of Brad Tisdel.