Folk Festival serves up roots music

The Sisters Folk Festival rolls into town this weekend, Friday through Sunday, September 5-7, carrying with it the traditions of American roots music.

Despite some jitters about the B&B Complex fires, music fans have been snapping up the few remaining tickets. All-events badges and Saturday passes are already sold out, according to festival organizers.

However, according to Executive Director Scott Pillar, tickets are still available to see many of the headline acts perform on Sunday afternoon. The Friday night show also has some seats left.

Pillar also noted that there is a free gospel show open to all members of the public on Sunday morning at the Village Green, from 10 to 11:45 a.m.

Events kick off on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. with a set from The Paperboys. Formed in Vancouver in 1992 by Tom Landa, The Paperboys have been tearing up stages across North America with their fusion of Celtic, bluegrass, Latin and roots pop.

Friday night's performance also features some of the genres finest performers in a Women of Folk showcase. Tracy Grammer, Eliza Gilkyson and Christine Kane will perform together Friday night. Each will have individual sets throughout the festival.

The performance closes with festival favorites The Waybacks.

This year's festival also features legendary singer-songwriter and musician Chris Hillman performing in a duo with Herb Pedersen. Hillman and Pedersen, who fronted the country music supergroup The Desert Rose Band, blend folk, country and bluegrass into a unique slice of Americana.

Hillman is a pioneer of the Americana music that the Sisters Folk Festival presents. He was a founding member of The Byrds and of the seminal country-rock group The Flying Burrito Brothers.

Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group return to the festival with their expert harmonies, fine songwriting and top-notch musicianship. They are favorite regulars on National Public Radio's "A Prairie Home Companion."

The acclaimed bluegrass band Blue Highway will be a highlight of this year's show. The Northern California Bluegrass Association notes that "Blue Highway has become one of the top bands in bluegrass and the instrumental and song writing skills of its members have blended new and traditional into an exciting and forward-looking sound."

The festival also includes performances by blues mainstay Del Rey and a range of other national, regional and local artists.

The festival features a songwriting contest.

Main performances will be held in a tent on the Village Green. Musicians will also entertain at Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill & Saloon and at Sisters Athletic Club. Workshops and an open mic will be held at Angeline's Bakery.

Remaining tickets may be purchased on-line at www.sistersfolkfestival.com; over the phone at 549-4979; or at Paulina Springs Book Co. and Sisters Feed and Supply.