News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Folk festival offers free music

The Sisters Folk Festival is a sell-out, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy some cool and fantastic music over the weekend. Organizers have some great options for those who couldn't get tickets this year. Alumni of the Americana Project, the educational outreach arm of Sisters Folk Festival, will perform on the new stage at Fir Street Park.

"We're thrilled to host the inaugural performance on that stage," said Ann Richardson, managing director for the Festival.

Former and current Sisters students will not only take the stage, they will provide sound engineering, venue management and will share information about the Americana Project with visitors. Performances run from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 6.

"The fact that alumni students of our program will fill an entire day of music is testament to the longstanding program teaching youth music and the craft of being a performing singer-songwriter. And, they are very good," said Creative Director Brad Tisdel.

On Friday and Saturday nights, all are welcome to join Rich Powell at the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce for Pickin' Central. Bring your instrument or just hang out and take it in. This is a moderated picking and song session.

Sisters Coffee Company is the place to be on Saturday afternoon to enjoy an intimate presentation by festival artists on their craft and process. This is a relaxing, shady spot to enjoy lunch or a coffee drink and be enlightened and entertained by Sam Baker, Tim & Gretchen May, Erin Ivey and the Ruth Moody Band.

"There are some really cool opportunities to learn about songwriting and technique from the performers, jam with fellow musicians or just sit back and see what the Americana Project is all about." said Jeannine Munkres, marketing director. "It's possible to take in some of the festival every day, visit the food and craft vendors and enjoy the whole weekend without a ticket."

Wrap up your weekend with the Sunday morning Community Celebration at Village Green Park. Singer, songwriter and host Beth Wood coordinates festival artists in an inspiring performance. If you've ever wondered if the festival is "for you," the Sunday-morning show provides a glimpse into what makes the Sisters Folk Festival such a unique experience. The hour-plus performance is emotionally moving, and it demonstrates the power of community and music coming together.

• Pickin' Central - Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 291 E. Main Ave.

• Sisters Coffee Company - Workshops with festival performers, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, 273 E. Hood Ave.

• Americana Stage at Fir Street Park - Saturday, noon to 9 p.m., corner of North Fir St. and Main Ave.

• Community Celebration - Sunday, 10 to 11:15 a.m., Village Green Park, 375 S.

Fir St.

For more information, visit sistersfolkfestival.org or call the office at 541-549-4979.

 

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