Sisters Folk Festival announces initial lineup

The Sisters Folk Festival released the 2017 Festival initial artist lineup for the annual event, September 8-10.

Celebrating the 22nd anniversary of one of the most well-respected acoustic music events in the Pacific Northwest, the Sisters Folk Festival is produced throughout Sisters, where "All the Town's a Stage."

Festival passes are $150 for adults and $50 for those 18 and under.

The Sisters Folk Festival welcomes patrons for three days of world-class performances by artists spanning multiple styles, cultures and genres.

Artists include multi-award-winning bluegrass singer Claire Lynch; flatpicking genius Billy Strings; Grammy-nominated Robbie Fulks; SFF encore artists from Prince Edward Island, Canada The East Pointers; Irish super-group We Banjo 3; old-timey medicine show The Dustbowl Revival; Amy Helm and her band; indie-folk group Parsonsfield; Montana-based newgrass band, The Lil' Smokies; nine-piece Hawaiian swing band Kahulanui; Afro-Cuban act Battle of Santiago; legendary songwriter Chuck Cannon; artists Lindi Ortega; Freddy and Francine; Jon Stickley Trio; Gangstagrass; Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys; ukulele master James Hill and Anne Janelle; songwriters Scott Cook; Kristin Andreassen; Justin Farren; Carrie Elkin and Danny Schmidt; the Portland-based duo The Talbott Brothers; barefoot troubadour Beth Wood; Didgeridoo and guitar player Trevor Green; and Canadian banjo player & singer Kaia Kater; and many more.

"Each year we seek new and unique talent to present to our Central Oregon audience," said Creative Director Brad Tisdel. "With 11 stages throughout town, two of them free to the community, we're able to present the best in acoustic music from up-and-coming talent to established career artists.

"We offer a wide diversity of eclectic and outstanding live performers - in intimate, beautiful venues - which helps bring out the best in their performances."

The Festival also hosts the 15th annual Americana Song Academy at Caldera, September 5-8. "Song Camp" has become a pilgrimage for songwriters to learn from the pros and build community around music. Teaching artists for 2017 include: Chuck Cannon, Claire Lynch, Robbie Fulks, The East Pointers, Freddy and Francine, James Hill, Jon Stickley Trio, Kristin Andreassen, Danny Schmidt, Carrie Elkin, Scott Cook and Justin Farren.

The Academy is sold out for this year, and registration for the 2018 Academy will open in early November. The festival itself is expected to sell out swiftly.

"The festival continues to sell out early, so for those who wish to be part of a unique musical experience, purchase tickets soon," says Tisdel.

For tickets, artist information, and a complete listing of the initial lineup, visit www.sistersfolkfestival.org. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 541-549-4979.