Sisters Folk Festival to host free concert

Sisters Folk Festival (SFF) will present a free concert by FY5 & Eli West at Fir Street Park on Saturday, June 25, at 7 p.m. Both artists have performed at the Sisters Folk Festival in years past and return for this stand-alone show as part of the annual Bluegrass Jam Camp taking place June 23-26 at the Sisters Art Works building.

Colorado’s FY5 proudly swim in the deep currents of American music, playing new songs, well-informed of country and bluegrass traditions, but not bound to them.

Their fourth studio album, “The Way These Things Go” was released in early 2018 and features thoughtful arrangements as well as strong singing and musicianship.

As with all their music, the band strives to connect listeners with stories of common struggles and big ideas.

The band’s guitar player and primary songwriter, Mike Finders, won the Merlefest-Chris Austin songwriting contest in 2005 and 2006.

While FY5’s sound evokes timelessness, it is a decidedly contemporary, well-traveled 21st-century sensibility that informs their songwriting.

A trained designer, Eli West sees music architecturally, visualizing his compositions spatially. On his new album, “Tapered Point of Stone,” West lays out original songs and tunes like houses built by hand, weaving their melodies into the setting of acoustic roots music that first inspired him. The album brings together West’s favored quartet of musicians: Andrew Marlin (Watchhouse) on mandolin and guitar, Christian Sedelmeyer (Jerry Douglas) on fiddle, himself on mandolin, guitar, and banjo, and Clint Mullican (Watchhouse) on bass. As a noted arranger, songwriter, performer, and composer, West is crafting his own Northwest-centric roots music aesthetic.

Folk Festival sponsor First Interstate Bank will be hosting a free barbeque for attendees from 6 to 7 p.m. (or while supplies last) at their 272 E. Main Ave. location, just across the street from Fir Street Park. Inside the venue, SFF’s bar will be serving beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic offerings.

This is a free-admission, all-ages show. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. Chairs are not provided; bring your low-back festival chairs or blankets. Only service animals are permitted in the venue. Follow @SistersFolkFestival on Instagram and Facebook for updates and additional information.