The Accidentals

Fri. Sept. 7: Angeline’s 10:45-11:45

Sat. Sept. 8: FivePine 1:30-2:30 ACOUSTIC

Sat. Sept. 8: Depot Café 10:30-12:00

Named among Yahoo Music’s “Top 10 Bands to Watch in 2017,” the Accidentals are a group of high-energy, ultra-talented musicians whose wide-ranging influences and orchestral roots result in a sound that merges folk, bluegrass, alt-rock, and even classical music.

Sponsored by: The Source

Amber Rubarth

Fri. Sept. 7: The Open Door 6:15-7:15

SONGWRITER IN THE ROUND

Sat. Sept. 8: Sisters Coffee 3:00-4:00

Sun. Sept. 9: Sisters Coffee 1:00-1:45 WORKSHOP

Sun. Sept. 9: Angeline’s 3:00-4:00

Amber Rubarth is an artist continually reinventing herself, performing songs throughout the world in a unique brand of folk she delivers with a keen, poetic eye. Amber has gift of “knocking down walls with songs so strong they sound like classics from another era,” and recently added a film credit in 2018 with “American Folk – The Movie” with Joe Purdy.

Sponsored by: Tate & Tate Catering

Amy Helm

Fri. Sept. 7: Sisters Art Works 9:30-11:00

Sat. Sept. 8: Village Green 1:30-2:30

Sat. Sept. 8: FivePine 9:00-10:00

Blessed with a commanding, deeply expressive voice and an uncanny songwriting skill that instinctively draws upon a deep well of American musical traditions, Helm has won widespread praise as a singer, songwriter, and live performer, and for her extensive work with her father, musical icon Levon Helm.

Sponsored by: FivePine Lodge & Conference Center

Anna Tivel

Sun. Sept. 9: Angeline’s 12:00-1:00

A nationally touring artist with a deep love of quiet stories, Anna Tivel has carved a place for herself in the songwriting world. Her poetic and haunting songs recently made her the winner of the Kerrville Songwriting Contest, and she delivers intimate stories that take turns unexpected.

Sponsored by: Alpine Internet

Banda Magda Fri. Sept. 7: The Belfry 11:00-12:30

Sat. Sept. 8: Depot Café 9:00-10:00Sun. Sept. 9: Melvin’s 1:30-2:30

Banda Magda draws upon the band’s global background (Greece, Argentina, Japan, Colombia, USA) to combine South American rhythms with jazz improvisation, cinematic arranging, sophisticated audience participation, mid-century classics, and world “chansons” sung in six languages.

Sponsored by: Caldera

Battle of Santiago

Fri. Sept. 7: Melvin’s 11:15-12:30

Sat. Sept. 8: Village Green 9:30-10:45

Toronto-based Battle of Santiago combines classic Afro-Cuban rhythms and vocals with a distinctly Canadian post-rock spirit and sensibility. The result is a unique sound that tells a universal 21st-century story, transcending borders while staying rooted in one city’s immigrant experience.

Sponsored by: Metabolic Maintenance

Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons

Fri. Sept. 7: Sisters Saloon 7:00-8:00

Sat. Sept. 8: The Open Door 2:00-2:45 WORKSHOP

Sat. Sept. 8: The Belfry 8:00-9:00

Sun. Sept. 9: Fir Street Park 1:30-2:30

Ben and Joe’s musical kinship is evident in their luminous stage presence and affinity for the acoustic blues tradition. Teachers, workshop leaders, and groundbreaking interpreters of traditional music, their sense of joy in interpreting this music is inspiring and their performances riveting.

Sponsored by: The Bulletin

Beth Wood Sat. Sept. 8: The Open Door 7:30-8:30

With David Stoddard

Sun. Sept. 9: Village Green 10:00-11:30 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Beth Wood is a modern-day troubadour and believer in the power of song. Her exceptional musicianship, crafty songwriting, and commanding stage presence have been winning over American audiences for 18 years.

Sponsored by: Clearwater Gallery

Brother Roy

Sat. Sept. 8: Angeline’s 6:00-7:00 SONGWRITER IN THE ROUND

Billed as New York City’s rock ’n’ roll missionary, Brother Roy’s music is a sophisticated mix of ballads, rock ’n’ roll, and R&B. Passionate and polished, the music of Brother Roy is both finely crafted and filled with conviction.

Sponsored by: The Bulletin

Chuck Cannon

Fri. Sept. 7: The Open Door 6:15-7:15

SONGWRITER IN THE ROUND

Sat. Sept. 8: The Belfry 3:00-4:00

Sun. Sept. 9: The Open Door 3:00-4:00 Cannon has been described as often holding the audience in the palm of his hand. A masterful guitarist, his music ranges from blues to classical to Irish folk—he will surely leave you wanting more.

Sponsored by: Three Creeks Brewing Co.

Claire Lynch

Fri. Sept. 7: FivePine 7:30-8:30

Sat. Sept. 8: PKT Guitars 1:00-2:00WORKSHOP

Sat. Sept. 8: Village Green 6:00-7:15

Sun. Sept. 9: Sisters Art Works 12:00-1:00

Claire Lynch is a pioneer in acoustic music, continually pushing the boundaries of the bluegrass genre. She is a joyous musician, dynamic vocalist, and creative songwriter all wrapped into one, with a career decorated by three Grammy nominations, six IBMA awards, and the United States Walker Fellowship.

Sponsored by: Preston Thompson Guitars

Danny Schmidt & Carrie Elkin

Fri. Sept 7: Angeline’s 6:15-7:15 Songwriter In The Round
Sat. Sept 8: Depot Café 12:00-1:00 Sat. Sept 8: The Belfry 6:00-7:30 DAVE CARTER SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

Sun. Sept. 9: Angeline’s 1:30-2:30

With lyrical depth drawing and poetic, poignant imagery, Schmidt is considered a preeminent writer, an artist whose earthy poetry manages to somehow conjure magic from the mundane. Carrie Elkin is one of those rare artists with a tidal-wave singing voice that brings you to the edge of your seat, where meaningful songs meet the fierce yet fragile voices of powerful women.

Sponsored by: BendBroadband

Dar Williams

Fri. Sept. 7: Village Green 6:15-7:15

Sat. Sept. 8: Sisters Art Works 1:30-2:30

Songwriter, author, and social observer Dar Williams writes songs about her life, the world, and the confluence of the two with keen insight. Author of “What I Found in a Thousand Towns” reflects on how to build “positive proximity” in communities throughout the country where the people, places, and culture help everyone belong.

Sponsored by: Grand Peaks at Sisters

David Stoddard

Fri. Sept. 7: The Open Door 6:15-7:15

SONGWRITER IN THE ROUNDSat. Sept. 8: The Open Door 7:30-8:30

With Beth Wood

David is a noted lyricist and composer, and his music demonstrates a rare talent that brings heart to every performance. He will be performing both solo and as a duo with Sisters Folk Festival longtime performer and friend Beth Wood.

Sponsored by: The Source

Dennis McGregor & the Spoilers

Sat. Sept. 8: Angeline’s 10:30-11:30

If you’re a fan of the Sisters Folk Festival, then you know Dennis McGregor’s work, both as the poster artist and song-contest winner. His quirky material, pitched somewhere between old-timey fireside sing-alongs and New Orleans swing, dishes out plenty of humorous commentary over toe-tapping hooks.

Sponsored by: 1859 Oregon’s Magazine

The Dustbowl Revival

Fri. Sept. 7: Village Green 9:30-11:00

Sat. Sept. 8: Sisters Art Works 9:15-10:45

The Dustbowl Revival is a Venice, California-based roots collective that merges old-school bluegrass, gospel, jug-band, swamp blues and the hot swing of the 1930s to form a spicy roots cocktail.

Sponsored by: Alpine Internet

Erin Cole-Baker

Sat. Sept. 8: Depot Café 1:30-2:30

Sat. Sept. 8: Angeline’s 6:00-7:00 SONGWRITER IN THE ROUND

Erin Cole-Baker’s songs pull the listener in to want more, compelled by her gorgeous silvery voice, depth of raw emotion, and extraordinary sense of melody. As the 2018 Breedlove Guitar artist, Erin called Bend, Oregon, home for six years, before moving back to her homeland of New Zealand. Welcome back to Sisters!

Sponsored by: Breedlove Guitars

Freddy & Francine Fri. Sept. 7: The Open Door 9:15-10:30

Sat. Sept. 8: Sisters Art Works 12:00-1:00Sisters Coffee 2:00-2:45 WORKSHOP

Sun. Sept. 9: FivePine 1:30-2:30

Freddy & Francine is an Americana-soul duo comprised of Bianca Caruso & Lee Ferris. With voices reminiscent of Aretha Franklin and Van Morrison, their songs blend soul, R&B, folk, and Americana with a modern yet timeless appeal to all ages.

Sponsored by: Cascade Arts & Entertainment

Gangstagrass

Fri. Sept. 7: Sisters Saloon 11:30-12:30

Sat. Sept. 8: Angeline’s 2:00-2:45 WORKSHOP

Sat. Sept. 8: Melvin’s 11:00-12:30

Sun. Sept. 9: Depot Café 3:00-4:00

Bluegrass/hip-hop may sound like an odd combination, but the masterminds behind Gangstagrass blend the two worlds with majesty. Expect the influence and stature of these pioneers of a new American sound to continue growing.

Sponsored by: Audix Corporation

Haley Heynderickx

Fri. Sept. 7: Depot Café 6:30-7:30

SONGWRITER IN THE ROUND

Sat. Sept. 8: Village Green 12:00-1:00

Sun. Sept. 9: Depot Café 1:30-2:30

Haley Heynderickx finds poetic inspiration in subjects often unexplored by other artists. Her songs are authentic, unguarded, and undeniably beautiful in a way that is hard to come by, and her generosity of spirit remains the constant throughout her performances.

Sponsored by: Caldera

Hot Club of Cowtown

Fri. Sept. 7: Melvin’s 9:30-10:45

Sat. Sept. 8: Melvin’s 1:00-1:45 WORKSHOP

Sat. Sept. 8: The Belfry 9:30-10:30

Sun. Sept. 9: Sisters Art Works 3:00-4:00

Hot Club of Cowtown’s star has continued to rise along with its reputation for jaw-dropping virtuosity and unforgettable live shows. “Hot Club” derives from the hot jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli’s Hot Club of France, and “Cowtown” from the Western influence of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys and the band’s love of fiddle tunes, hoedowns, and songs of the American West.

Sponsored by: Taylor NW

James Hill & Anne Janelle

Fri. Sept. 7: The Open Door 7:45-8:45

Sat. Sept. 8: Angeline’s 1:00-1:45 WORKSHOP

Sat. Sept. 8: Depot Café 7:30-8:30

Sun. Sept. 9: The Belfry 1:30-2:30

James Hill is known as one of the best living ukulele players, and together with Anne Janelle on cello they wow and charm every audience. Their differences are their greatest assets: with the uke high and cello low, they create a sound that brings a certain light to the stage.

Sponsored by: A Music Lover from Texas

Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton

Fri. Sept. 7: Angeline’s 7:45-8:45

Sat. Sept. 8: Sisters Coffee 12:00-12:45 WORKSHOP

Sat. Sept. 8: The Belfry 1:30-2:30

Sat. Sept. 8: The Open Door 6:00-7:00

Paxton’s style draws from yesteryear jazz and blues, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to play piano, violin, banjo, guitar, and other instruments in complete harmony and add lyrics to the mix for a perfect balance. Intensely musical, anything “Blind Boy” Paxton does is rhythmic and soul-soothing!

Sponsored by: Zolo Media

Joe Pug

Fri. Sept. 7: The Belfry 6:30-7:30

Sat. Sept. 8: Depot Café 6:00-7:00

Sun. Sept. 9: FivePine 12:00-1:00

With influences from John Steinbeck and Walt Whitman to Steve Earle and John Prine, Pug is a literate and thoughtful commentator on life, often expressing his observations and ruminations on what it is to be human through compelling short-story songs.

Sponsored by: The Nugget Newspaper

Joe Purdy

Fri. Sept. 7: FivePine 6:00-7:00

Sat. Sept. 8: Angeline’s 3:00-4:00

Sun. Sept. 9: Village Green 12:15-1:15

Joe Purdy writes honest and sincere songs that capture the essence of folk-Americana. Based in Arkansas, Joe writes from an authentic appreciation of the troubadour, an observer and telling stories that cut to the truth. Joe is a multi-talented artist, with the film credit in 2018 for American Folk – The Movie with Amber Rubarth.

Sponsored by: Tate & Tate Catering

Jon Stickley Trio

Fri. Sept. 7: Depot Café 9:30-10:30

Sat. Sept. 8: The Open Door 1:00-1:45 WORKSHOP

Sat. Sept. 8: Sisters Saloon 10:00-11:00

Sun. Sept. 9: The Belfry 3:00-4:00

The originality and sheer energy of this genre-bending ensemble serves as a welcome wake-up call. With roots in Gypsy jazz, bluegrass, and hip-hop, Jon Stickley Trio combines rapid-fire flat-picking guitar with sultry, wild, melodic violin over deeply rooted drums.

Sponsored by: The Belfry

Justin Farren

Fri. Sept 7: Angeline’s 6:15-7:15 Songwriter in the Round

Sun. Sept. 9: The Open Door 12:00-1:00

Sun. Sept. 9: Sisters Coffee 2:00-2:45 WORKSHOP

Justin Farren is nothing short of a master craftsman—painting lyrical pictures that are rooted in the reality of day-to-day life. His delivery is humorous, thoughtful, and engaging, all while his guitar playing is intricate and seemingly boundless.

Sponsored by: The Nugget Newspaper

Justin Townes Earle

Sat. Sept. 8: FivePine 3:00-4:00

Sat. Sept. 8: Sisters Art Works 7:30-8:45

Between releasing four full-length critically acclaimed albums, constant touring, multiple stints in rehab, a new-found sobriety, being born Steve Earle’s son, amicable and not-so-amicable breakups with record labels, and facing the trials and tribulations of everyday life, it’s safe to say JTE has quite the story to tell.

Sponsored by: Audix Corporation

Kahulanui

Fri. Sept. 7: FivePine 9:00-10:00

Sat. Sept. 8: Melvin’s 12:00-12:45 WORKSHOP

Sat. Sept. 8: Village Green 3:00-4:00

Sun. Sept. 9: Melvin’s 3:00-4:00

Throughout Hawaii in the 1920s and ’30s, one could find orchestras playing Hawaiian swing and the house would be jumping. Kahulanui borrows from these influences and performs classic Hawaiian songs in a syncopated style that will have you up and dancing.

Sponsored by: RE/MAX, LLC

Kaia Kater

Fri. Sept. 7: Depot Café 6:30-7:30

SONGWRITER IN THE ROUND

Sat. Sept. 8: FivePine 12:00-1:00

Sun. Sept. 9: Sisters Coffee 12:00-12:45 WORKSHOP

Sun. Sept. 9: The Open Door 1:30-2:30

Born of African-Caribbean descent in Quebec, Kaia Kater grew up between two worlds: one, her family’s deep ties to Canadian folk music; and two, her time spent studying West Virginia Appalachian music. Her music has been reviewed as “somehow ancient and brand-new at the same time.”

Sponsored by: Captive Media Solutions

The Lil Smokies

Fri. Sept. 7: Sisters Art Works 7:30-9:00

Sat. Sept. 8: Melvin’s 6:00-7:00

Sat. Sept. 8: Sisters Saloon 11:30-12:30

The Lil Smokies have sonically blossomed into a leading player in the progressive acoustic sphere, creating a new and wholly unique, melody-driven sound of their own.

Sponsored by: Bowerman Guitars

Lindi Ortega

Fri. Sept. 7: Melvin’s 6:30-7:30

Sat. Sept. 8: Angeline’s 6:00-7:00 SONGWRITER IN THE ROUND Ortega’s guitar-playing chops and innate country music instincts put her in an elite group of artists; she has earned an unusually inclusive type of success with both indie cred and mainstream country recognition. Ortega is a sought-after and unique personality in Nashville’s music community and beyond.

Sponsored by: C & C Nursery

Marshall Ruffin

Fri. Sept 7: Depot Café 6:30-7:30 Songwriter in the Round

Sat. Sept. 8: Angeline’s 7:30-8:30

Sun. Sept. 9: Depot Café 12:00-1:00

Marshall Ruffin, from Atlanta, GA brings Southern tradition as a guitarist, songwriter, and deeply gospel-filled singer. Self-taught in his early years, Marshall’s musical prowess landed him at Berklee School of Music, where he earned his degree in jazz guitar performance and solidified his presence as a tremendous, soulful singer and player.

Sponsored by: Cascade Arts & Entertainment

Martha Scanlan

Fri. Sept. 7: Angeline’s 6:15-7:15

SONGWRITER IN THE ROUND

Sat. Sept. 8: The Belfry 12:00-1:00

Sat, Sept 8: The Belfry 6:00-7:30 DAVE CARTER SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

The gift of a great storyteller is bringing the listener into the story, and vice versa. It’s not just the words of the songs that provide a lasting, transformative alchemy but the space between the words, the current of things, the sound of a place itself.

Sponsored by: Paulina Springs Books

Phoebe Hunt & the Gatherers

Fri. Sept. 7: Depot Café 11:00-12:00

Sat. Sept. 8: Sisters Art Works 3:00-4:00

Sun. Sept. 9: Village Green 3:15-4:30

An accomplished songwriter and instrumentalist with foundations in jazz and swing, Phoebe Hunt performs music that swells, crashes, and breathes organically under her soulful, plaintive voice. The Gatherers, comprised of NY-based friends and young virtuoso players, complement Phoebe’s spirit and style seamlessly.

Sponsored by: Black Butte Ranch

Robbie Fulks

Fri. Sept. 7: Village Green 7:45-9:00

Sat. Sept. 8: The Open Door 12:00-12:45 WORKSHOP

Sat. Sept. 8: FivePine 6:00-7:00

Sun. Sept. 9: Melvin’s 12:00-1:00

Robbie plays by nobody’s rules, except the ones he hears in his head. He is a masterly, multifaceted songwriter who can belt out hip-shaking honky tonk, honeydew pop, and chilling little ballads with unrivaled skill and spirit.

Sponsored by: Lange Estate Winery

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley

Fri. Sept. 7: Sisters Art Works 6:00-7:00

Sat. Sept. 8: PKT Guitars 3:00-4:00

Sat. Sept. 8: FivePine 7:30-8:30

Based on a mutual love of bluegrass, country, blues, Western swing, and other string-band music of all kinds, this Grammy-nominated collaborative of Dobro player Rob Ickes and acoustic/electric guitarist Trey Hensley delights and astounds audiences of traditional American music around the globe.

Sponsored by: Preston Thompson Guitars

Ron Artis II & The Truth

Sat. Sept. 8: Village Green 7:45-9:00

Sun. Sept. 9: Sisters Art Works 1:30-2:30

Based out of Hawaii, the poised and talented Ron Artis II has collaborated with artists such as Jack Johnson, Mick Fleetwood, and Jake Shimabukuro. He and his band The Truth deliver deep Delta blues and gospel, mixed with Northern soul and R&B, alongside well-crafted and personal lyrics.

Sponsored by: Deschutes Brewery

Sam Reider & the Human Hands

Sat. Sept. 8: Melvin’s 9:15-10:30

Led by composer, accordionist, and pianist Sam Reider, Sam Reider & the Human Hands are a collective of young, virtuoso musicians based in New York City who have developed a cultish following and a reputation for mind-bending sets of high-energy improvised music.

Sponsored by: Zolo Media

Scott Cook

Fri. Sept. 7: The Open Door 6:15-7:15

SONGWRITER IN THE ROUND

Sat. Sept. 8: Angeline’s 12:00-12:45 WORKSHOP

Sat. Sept 8: The Belfry 6:00-7:30 DAVE CARTER SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

Sun. Sept. 9: The Belfry 12:00-1:00

A roots balladeer with a rare personal warmth, Canada’s Scott Cook has managed to distill the stories collected over a decade of near-incessant touring across Canada, the USA, Europe, Asia, and Australia into straight-talking, keenly observant verse.

Sponsored by: Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Stash! Band

Fri. Sept. 7: Depot Café 8:00-9:00

Sat. Sept. 8: Sisters Saloon 8:30-9:30

Sun. Sept. 9: Fir Street Park 3:00-4:00

The truly unique experience of The Stash! Band has been described as “Frank Zappa meets bluegrass meets Tex-Mex.” With acoustic guitar, double bass, and fiddle, this group of engaging and witty performers is a must-see for any fan of expertly crafted and eclectic music that defies definition.

Sponsored by: Three Creeks Brewing Company

Susan Werner

Fri. Sept. 7: The Belfry 8:00-9:00

Sat. Sept. 8: The Open Door 3:00-4:00

Sat. Sept. 8: Sisters Art Works 6:00-7:00

A returning Sisters Folk Festival favorite, Susan Werner has been described as “one of the most innovative songwriters working today.” Spanning genres of folk, rock, and gospel, Werner’s sharp and compassionate songs are delivered with a power and charisma that often leaves audiences on their feet.

Sponsored by: Clearwater Gallery

The Talbott Brothers

Fri. Sept. 7: Melvin’s 8:00-9:00

Sat. Sept. 8: The Open Door 9:00-10:30

Sun. Sept. 9: Fir Street Park 12:00-1:00

Sun. Sept. 9: Sisters Coffee 3:00-4:00 WORKSHOP

The Talbott Brothers are an alternative folk/rock band based in Portland, Oregon. Nick and Tyler form an alternative sound that perfectly balances sibling-blood harmonies with their instrumental ensemble of guitars, mandolin, harmonicas, and percussion.

Sponsored by: Blazin Saddles Cycle N Style

Talisk

Fri. Sept. 7: The Belfry 9:30-10:30

Sat. Sept. 8: Sisters Coffee 1:00-1:45 WORKSHOP

Sat. Sept. 8: Melvin’s 3:00-4:00

Sun. Sept. 9: FivePine 3:00-4:00

Known for their highly original and dynamic take on traditional Scottish and Irish tunes, Talisk’s energetic sound has captivated audiences worldwide and earned the trio multiple awards, including most recently the coveted 2017 MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards’ Folk Band of the Year.

Sponsored by: Oregon Public Broadcasting

Tremoloco Fri. Sept. 7: Sisters Saloon 8:30-9:30

Sat. Sept. 8: Melvin’s 2:00-2:45 WORKSHOP

Sat. Sept. 8: Melvin’s 7:30-8:45

Sun. Sept. 9: Village Green 1:45-2:45

Tremoloco is an eclectic roots band who have been described as Sonoran gothic folk, Gulf Coast roots, and Mexican Americana. Blending Mexican music with roots/country music is no easy task, but these skillful players pull it off beautifully.

Sponsored by: Best Western Ponderosa Lodge

Trevor Green

Fri. Sept. 7: Angeline’s 9:15-10:15

Sat. Sept. 8: Depot Café 3:00-4:00

Sat. Sept. 8: Fir Street Park 6:00-7:00

Multi-instrumentalist Trevor Green masterfully weaves his love of the natural world with his passion for music to create unique high-energy performances, threading together singable and uplifting melodies combined with the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo.

Sponsored by: Sisters Coffee Company

The Weather Machine

Sat. Sept. 8: Angeline’s 9:00-10:00

Best known for their over-the-top theatrical live performances, the Weather Machine merges dreamy and clever storytelling with exploratory musical expression. The band is fronted by Sisters Americana Project alum Slater Smith.

Sponsored by: 1859 Oregon’s Magazine

Western Centuries

Fri. Sept. 7: Sisters Saloon 10:00-11:00

Sat. Sept. 8: Fir Street Park 4:30-5:30

Sat. Sept. 8: The Belfry 11:00-12:30

Round up a country band and an early R&B group with three lead vocalists, weave in a hefty amount of vocal harmony and witty turns of phrase, let ’em rock out like The Band and you have Western Centuries.

Sponsored by: Big Country RV