Concert kicks off with football-friendly time

The Sisters Folk Festival's 2011 Winter Concert Series has a bit of competition for people's attention during their first concert. With the show scheduled for Monday, January 10 - the same day as the Oregon Ducks' championship game in Arizona - organizers are hoping folks will be able to enjoy the game and make time to come down for the concert at Sisters High School auditorium.

Showtime for the concert was moved back to 8 p.m. to accommodate the football game.

"This is such an awesome opportunity for the Ducks," said Sisters Folk Festival Executive Director Brad Tisdel. "It's our hope that we'll all be able to watch some fantastic football and enjoy some of the best bluegrass music around."

While the Ducks will serve up the football action, the Steep Canyon Rangers, from Brevard, North Carolina, will provide the bluegrass. The band was a big hit in the 2008 Sisters Folk Festival Winter Concert Series.

"They really made an impression here in Central Oregon," said Events Director Katy Yoder. "We've had fans asking us to bring them back ever since."

After bursting onto the bluegrass scene in 2001, the young, innovative bluegrass band was named IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year in 2006. They have perfected their ensemble approach using fierce dynamics and seamless harmonies and are past winners of the prestigious new band contest at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Along with providing music- and arts-oriented curriculum in the Sisters schools, Sisters Folk Festival is committed to providing affordable, quality entertainment in Sisters during the off-season. The concerts help stimulate the local economy, especially since the Winter Concert Series has developed a reputation for bringing top talent to Sisters. A $40 package deal for all three concerts is available for purchase up to the beginning of the first concert. A student package is offered for $25.

Each concert has a local restaurant who has generously offered to provide food for sale for the evening. Depot Café is the food sponsor for the first concert. They will be providing light snacks, including delicious homemade cookies. Sisters Coffee will be offered as well. Proceeds from the food sales will be used to further Sisters Folk Festival programs and events.

Steep Canyon Rangers will be providing a performance workshop for students and community members at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 10, in the choir room at Sisters High School. For community members interested in attending the workshop, Sisters Folk Festival asks that all folks check in and get a visitor's pass from the front office before going to the choir room.

Prior to the concert, advanced Americana Project students will perform their original music in the Commons area from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m.

To purchase tickets visit http://www.sistersfolkfestival.org or call the festival office at 541-549-4979. Tickets are also available at Paulina Springs Books in Sisters and Redmond and FootZone in Bend. The price for all shows is $15/adult for advance tickets and $10/student; $20/adult,

$12/student at the door.

For more information on the 2011 Sisters Folk Festival Winter Concert Series visit http://www.sistersfolkfestival.org, or call 541-549-4979. Visit the Sisters Country Web site for lodging specials in Sisters on the evening of these concerts, at http://www.sisterscountry.com.