Sisters Folk Festival announces initial lineup

The initial lineup for the 2016 Sisters Folk Festival, September 9-11, was announced last week.

Sisters welcomes festival patrons for three days of world-class performances by artists including: Legendary British guitarist and songwriter Richard Thompson; Texas gospel-folksinger Ruthie Foster; Canadian powerhouse Whitehorse; San Francisco-based band Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express; bluegrass luminary Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum with Nina Gerber; the soulful blues-rock of The Brothers Landreth; Prince Edward Island trio The East Pointers; the encore return of Boston supergroup Session Americana with Jefferson Hamer; award-winning songwriters Sarah Siskind; Peter Mulvey; Caitlin Canty; Max Gomez; and Mark Erelli; alt-country poet and songwriter Sam Lewis; indie-folk rockers The Ballroom Thieves; the Canadian duo The Small Glories; North Carolina string band Mipso; Laney Jones and the Spirits; The Americans; The Novel Ideas; The Good Time Travelers; Moody Little Sister; and many more.

Festival passes are $140 for adults and $75 for those 18 and under.

"The lineup represents well-respected artists we've always wanted to bring to Central Oregon, and also fresh bands and songwriters from throughout North America to round out the musical palette that makes up American Roots Music. We are excited with the diversity, talent and energy these acts will bring to the festival," said Creative Director Brad Tisdel.

The Festival also unveiled the newest original painting created by renowned artist Dennis McGregor entitled, "Hot Dogs." The 2016 image portrays a collection of dogs sitting around a campfire enjoying the night sky and playing music together. While the idea first occurred to McGregor to do a parody of Coolidge's dogs playing poker, he soon realized that wasn't far from reality... having a collection of friends who like to "pick around the fire and howl at the moon."

All the town's a stage at Sisters Folk Festival.

"Our model is unique, with large tented venues bookending town, and many intimate stages spread throughout private businesses," said Tisdel. "We have excellent, long-standing partnerships with business owners, which helps put on display the beauty, hospitality and quality-of-living that Sisters represents. The music is the focal point, and the town embraces the artists and the festival each year. The festival continues to sell-out early, so for those who wish to be a part of a unique musical experience, purchase tickets soon."

For tickets and artist information, visit www.sistersfolk festival.org or call the office at 541-549-4979. A complete listing of the initial lineup is available at the website.