Festival celebrates American roots music

The Sisters Folk Festival is marking its 12th anniversary this summer with a rousing line-up of acts set to hit the stage on September 7-9.

All Event Badges ($85) are on sale now online at http://www.sistersfolkfestival.org allowing patrons access to all venues for all three days, including access to workshops and the Night Owl Showcase. Individual event tickets are also on sale: Friday Night, $30; Saturday Afternoon (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), $30; Saturday All Day, $60; Sunday, $30.

Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks are the Friday night headliner. The Sisters Folk Festival office has been flooded with folks who want another chance to experience the eclectic sound that Hicks brings to his performances.

The Sisters Folk Festival was able to bring Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks to this year's festival because of an anonymous contribution by a music enthusiast who wanted to help bring a great act to Sisters.

"That kind of generosity is so appreciated," said events director Katy Yoder. "We couldn't do what we do without support from so many different people in so many different ways."

The festival is gearing up for a week of music instruction at the Songwriter's Academy at Caldera. That begins on Tuesday, September 4, and runs through Friday morning. Performers including Willy Porter, Meg Hutchinson, Stephen Fearing and last year's songwriting contest winner Beth Wood will share their experience as songwriters and performers with participants.

All tickets are held in will call (available at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 7, at the Village Green Main Stage). All tickets are general admission and on a first come, first serve basis. Badge holders are not guaranteed a seat at all venues for all shows; it is encouraged to arrive early.

Tickets are available for purchase at Angeline's Bakery and Paulina Springs Books in Sisters and Boomtown Records in Bend. For more information about the Sisters Folk Festival and tickets, visit http://www.sistersfolkfestival.org or call 549-4979.