Sisters Folk Festival announces lineup

The Sisters Folk Festival has announced its lineup for the 2010 festival.

Held September 10-12 in downtown Sisters, this year's festival will celebrate 15 years of world-class music in Sisters Country. This year's performers bring a wide array of musical talent and diversity to the stage.

Artists include legendary bluesman John Hammond, Texas troubadour Ray Wylie Hubbard, the bluegrass, Western swing, and ragtime sounds of Hot Club of Cowtown, dynamic bluesy soul of Geoff Muldaur & Jim Kweskin, Celtic sensation Solas, Americana songwriter Slaid Cleaves, prolific Welsh lyricist and musician Martyn Joseph, the multi-instrumental and genre-bending Canadian group, Po' Girl, and encore performer Ellis.

For a complete list of performers go to the "Performers" page on the Web site http://www.sistersfolkfestival.org.

"The lineup this year is stronger than ever, and has legendary performers mixed with musicians that hold a great deal of respect and admiration everywhere they perform, but may not be household names. Our goal is to introduce new artists to the Northwest, and our Central Oregon audience, while bringing international artists of stature and longstanding excellence in many genres of music," said Executive Director Brad Tisdel.

Since its inception in 1995, Sisters Folk Festival's national reputation has grown, and so have the audiences.

"The beauty of the area, combined with six concurrent stages, all within walking distance, gives people plenty of options to see their favorite artists. Generally speaking, if you can't fit them in on one day, you can catch them the next," said Katy Yoder, events director.

Each year an artist is chosen to be the SFF "encore performer." The Minneapolis-based Ellis will be returning after receiving rave reviews for her captivating lyrics and charming stage presence.

"We received so many requests to have Ellis back, we are thrilled to have her join us again in 2010," said Yoder.

The Sisters Folk Festival strongly encourages purchase of the $85 All-Events Badge for the weekend. The pass includes all music and workshops and is offered at the discounted price until August 1, when the price goes to $95.

A limited number of individual day tickets will be available.

In addition, tickets for the Americana Song Academy, a unique and empowering songwriting and music camp are on sale now.

"Song Camp," held September 7-10, brings Festival performers to teach for three inspiring days before the festival. The academy is held at Caldera, a private performing-arts camp at Blue Lake. This opportunity provides participants a chance to work closely with nationally recognized songwriters to hone their craft and spark their music and creativity. Tickets for the three-day camp are $400 through July 30, then $425 starting July 31. Sign up through the festival office or SFF Web site.

To order early-bird tickets for the festival, visit http://www.sistersfolkfestival.org or call the Sisters Folk Festival at 541-549-4979; e-mail [email protected] Tickets will be available at remote ticket locations, the Footzone of Bend, and Paulina Springs Books in Sisters and Redmond starting July 1.