Sisters Folk Festival announces line-up

The Sisters Folk Festival has been bringing the best of American roots music to Sisters for the past 13 years. The festival, held September 5-7, has established a nationwide reputation for outstanding performances in an intimate and beautiful setting.

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

The festival will bring legendary songwriter Jesse Winchester to Sisters, treating the audience to a chance to hear one of America's finest songwriters in an Oregon performance. Winchester is famous for songs such as "Defying Gravity" and "Biloxi," 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 "New Grass" movement with the band Hot Rize. He is a virtuoso musician and one of the best entertainers on the folk circuit.

Other exciting acts include The Waifs - a favorite of the summer music festival circuit - and the stellar harmonies of The Wailin' Jennys. 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.

In addition, Keith Greeninger Band, 3 Leg Torso, Molly's Revenge, Stonehoney, Susan Werner, Jonathan Byrd, Johnsmith, Jud Caswell, Rosalie Sorrels, Joe Craven, Jackstraw, Richard Julian, Ray Bonneville, The Erins, Noah Gundersen and Brent Alan will grace the stages throughout the event.

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. Deadline to enter is July 31.

The Americana Song Academy offers songwriters a chance to work closely with nationally recognized songwriters to hone their craft and spark their creativity. According to organizers, there are a few slots left in the academy, but they're filling fast. The "early bird" price of $350 expires on August 1.

The "early bird" price of $75 for a three-day festival pass ends August 1, when the price goes up to $85. Individual day tickets are available starting August 15. For more information contact the festival at 549-4979 or visit http://www.sistersfolkfestival.org.