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Welcome to Sisters Folk Festival 2021 There’s an old saying that when times are hard you find out who your friends are. The Sisters Folk Festival organization has certainly found that to be true over the past 19 months. When COVID19 hit in March of 2020, we – like so many other nonprofits and private businesses dependent on the gathering of people – wondered how we would survive, especially as the weeks of restrictions turned into months. We found out quickly just how much support we have when we took our largest annual fundraiser and community arts celebration, My Own Two Hands (MOTH), virtual in May of 2020. The online format has become everyday at this point, but being one of the first groups to go in that direction, we were amazed and humbled when the bids and donations poured in from Sisters and beyond, surpassing our most optimistic expectations. It turned out to be one of our
best fundraisers ever, a feat that was repeated in our 2021 virtual MOTH event. Then we got pretty good at deliver ing programming virtually with Sisters Songworks and the Song Academy for Youth. A few months later, we held Close to Home, a seating pod concert on our lawn in August of 2020 featuring live performances from Oregonbased artists. Tickets sold out within minutes of going on sale. Once the concept was proven, we expanded on it and planned two days of physically distanced concerts over what should have been our normal festival weekend in September. Then the devastating Labor Day fires of 2020 tore through the McKenzie River Valley, creating a swath of destruction and taking our Close to Home 2 plans up in smoke, literally. It became obvious that we would have to move the traditional festival dates since
that would have been the second cancellation in three years due to wildfire smoke. We settled on early October and began our planning in hopes that COVID would soon be in the rearview mirror. Months passed and the pandemic raged on, but we forged ahead with ambitious plans for a summer of distanced outdoor concerts in case the festival couldn’t happen again. The Sisters Summer of Festival was born. With the help of dozens of volunteers and the support of sponsors, grantors and donors, we presented 16 artists over 4 weekends this past summer as we developed the brand-new stage and venue at Sisters Art Works, an improvement you can check out at the festival this weekend. The timing of those concerts fell during COVID’s brief ebb, allowing us to ease capacity restrictions and it was glorious to feel like things were returning to normal, if only for a brief time.
As soon as the last concert ended on August 14, we turned our focus to the 24th Annual Sisters Folk Festival and making it happen in the safest possible way. Putting on a large event during a pandemic is still unchartered territory, but if we’re going to be living with this disease for the foreseeable future we’ll also
need to have the things that make life worth living – like gathering to celebrate the art and creativity of 30 amazing artists on 7 stages in a beautiful town situated at the base of Central Oregon’s stunning Three Sisters mountains. Thank you, friends, for being here to celebrate with us.
2021 SFF COVID response Attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination (either original card, legible photo on phone or digital app) upon check-in to the event and will be issued a nontransferable wristband that must be worn to enter all venues. Proof of vaccination will be required for all ticket holders, volunteers, vendors, performers and staff. The only exception to the policy is for children under the age of 12, who are not yet eligible for vaccination. Children aged 4-11 will be required to wear a mask at all times while inside event venues. All local or statewide masking mandates in place at the time of the event will be followed. All seven of this year’s festival venues are outdoors; three are tented. Tent walls will be open where possible to allow for maximum air flow and ventilation. Please be considerate of your fellow festival attendees and maintain physical distance whenever possible. When you can’t, please wear a mask.
2021 Sisters Folk Arts Circle Members
Mike Anglea Susan Arends Jennifer Bellinger Maggie Benningtondavis Jonathan Blackhall Susan Boehlert Dann & Susan Boeschen Kerry & Barbara Bott Jayson & Megan Bowerman Scott Bowler Jennifer Britz Mike Bruce & Julie Redner Bob & Terry Buchholz Brian & Julie Cash David Cautley Julie & Rocky Childress Martha Church Malcolm Cleary Michael & Terri Conlin Jim & Marilyn Cornelius Rob Corrigan Jeff & Rhonda Curtis Kathy & Frank Deggendorfer Laurel Doody Sage & Lynne Dorsey Gary & Mollie Eder Denise Frisbee Robert Frisbee Betty Gearen Michael Gearen Kay & David Grady Mimi Graves Patrick Griffiths Gary Guttormsen & Jan Morris Janet Harris Brad & Michele Hart Michael Hatch Lorna Hickerson Jerry & Connie Hines Chet & Georgia Hodgson PJ Hunter Laura Jewell Suzanne Johannsen Marean Jordan Mark Kaufman & Jeanne Harmon Kathleen Kennedy
Lynne & Curt Kennedy Paul & Deb Klotz Cristy Lanfri Laura Leis Donna & Paul Lipscomb Dan Martin Jack & Jan McGowan Cooper Morrow Melanie Nelson Chuck & Debbie Newport Mary Orton & John Rahm Larry Price & Martha Lussenhop Martha Reilly Robert Rice Tom & Phoenix Ries Michael & Ann Rosenfield Gary Ross & Judy Andrews Sheryl & Steve Rudolph Dick Sandvik & Diane Campbell Michael Sawyer Marlene Schneider & Scott Michalek Stephanie Schoenleber Richard Scott & Rose Marks Marion Shimoda Linda Simmons Bruce & Michelle Smith Jeff & Ginny Smith Mark Stensager Matt Stone Cory Strop Leanne Summers Indigo Teiwes Greg & Cathy Tibbles Denny & Sue Tower Joan & Jim Upshaw Shirley Valentine Mike Wallenfels Rebecca Warner Florie Wild Jay & Vanessa Wilkins Bill & Zoe Willitts Mary Anne & Robert Woodell
A Family-Friendly Oasis in Downtown Sisters! Food, Spirits, & Fun!
DINE-IN OR TAKE-OUT • 541-549-7427 Order online at www.SistersSaloon.net 190 E. Cascade Ave.
2021 “Beulah” poster by Dennis McGregor
SFF Board of Directors
Terry Buchholz, Board Chair Sue Boettner, Past Board Chair Marlene Schneider, Secretary/Vice Chair Julie Childress, Treasurer Jay Wilkins, Board Member Scott Gascon, Board Member Mike Geisen, Board Member Susie Zeitner, Board Member Phoenix Ries, Board Member Rob Corrigan, Board Member Leanne Summers, Board Member Paul Evers, Board Member Steve Rudolph, Board Member Jim Cornelius, Board Chair Emeritus
SFF Staff
Crista Munro, Executive Director Brad Tisdel, Creative Director Kate Kittell, Events Manager Dave Ehle, Operations Manager Teresa Mills, Finance Manager
Venue Capacity Limits
You may see empty chairs even though the sign at the entrance says “Venue At Capacity.” This is because we are limiting crowd size at each location this year for COVID. Please be considerate of our volunteers, who are doing their best to keep the event safe. Be nice – you’re at the festival!
110 S. SPRUCE ST. | 541-719-1186 OPEN DAILY, 9 AM TO 6 PM
JAM
(Journey, Adventure, Music) takes traditional festival raffle to a whole new level in 2021! For the past several years, the Sisters Folk Festival has raffled off a custom Breedlove guitar during the event, selecting the winner on Sunday afternoon. This year we are once again raffling off a beautifully crafted instrument as part of the JAM ( Journeys, Adventure, Music) Silent Auction & Raffle Fundraiser, taking place throughout the weekend in an online and inperson format. Breedlove has generously donated a Masterclass Custom Concertina guitar valued at $5,000 retail (see specs below). Only 500 raffle entries will be sold at $20 each. They can be purchased in person at the JAM tent, located at the Sisters Art Works venue, or online at https://sff2021.ggo.bid/. The lucky winner will be drawn on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Sisters Art Works stage. If you visit the JAM tent or the online auction site over the festival weekend, you’ll see a number of other fun packages up for bid. One of the items in this year’s silent auction is a Preston Thompson vintage guitar, expertly restored by the Thompson luthier team and ready for its next chapter. Specs include: Size 2 Parlor – MRA; vintage brown mahogany finish with Adirondack spruce top and myrtle back and sides; ebony finger board, pins, and bridge;
abalone inlay; tortoise binding and tail wedge; vintage toner; and hard case. This will be a hot item sure to draw lots of bidding! There are plenty of other fun options too, including a jazz party house concert complete with live music from Jazz Folks, cocktails, Oregon wines and appetizers for up to 20 guests; a yoga package with classes and accessories; registration to the 2022 Americana Song Academy; festival and festival artist merchandise packages; signed vintage SFF posters and more. All bidding will be online and is easy to do on a smartphone or other mobile device. There will be volunteers available during JAM tent hours to help get you registered and bidding in no time. The bidding will close in time for the winners to stop by and pick up their goodies after the music ends and before hitting the road, up until 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 2. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support SFF’s education outreach and programming in the Sisters community. JAM tent hours are Friday from 5:30-11 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 12-4:30 p.m. You can check out the goodies and set up your bidding account by visiting https://SFF2021. ggo.bid.
500 raffle entries are available for this Breedlove Masterclass Custom Concertina with Western red cedar top, East Indian rosewood back and sides, Koa binding on the body and neck, abalone rosette, slotted headstock with Gotoh tuners and a custom fretboard inlay. Package includes a hard shell case and is valued at $5,000 retail.
Online viewing and bidding at https://SFF2021.ggo.bid.
2021 Sisters Folk Festival Artists Ruthie Foster –
The small rural town of Gause, Texas, had no chance of keeping the vocal powerhouse known as Ruthie Foster to itself. Described by Rolling Stone as “pure magic to watch and hear,” her vocal talent was elevated in worship services at her community church. It was during her time singing for the Navy band Pride that her love for performing became apparent. After leaving the service, Foster signed a development deal with Atlantic Records and moved to New York City to pursue a career as a professional musician. Foster was a huge part of the beginnings of the Sisters Folk Festival, and this is her third time returning. • Friday: Sisters Art Works 7:30-8:45 p.m. • Saturday: Village Green 6-7:15 p.m.
Eileen Ivers —
Fiddler Eileen Ivers has established herself as the pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle in the world today, and will change the way you look at fiddle music. The daughter of Irish immigrants, Eileen Ivers grew up in the culturally diverse neighborhood of the Bronx, New York. Rooted in Irish traditional music since the age of eight, Eileen proceeded to win nine All-Ireland fiddle championships, a tenth on tenor banjo and over 30 championship medals, making her one of the most awarded persons ever to compete in these prestigious competitions. • Friday: Sisters Art Works 9:15-10:30 p.m. • Saturday: Village Green 7:45-9 p.m.
Darrell Scott — The
wordsmithing and craftsmanship of songs that become timeless is far from a dying art, thanks to Darrell Scott’s work. Scott often leads songwriting workshops to help people tell their own truths with their stories, and is as busy as always writing, producing, performing, and just plain fully immersing himself at the hips in life. • Friday: Sisters Art Works 6-7 p.m. • Saturday: Village Green 3-4 p.m. • Saturday: Oliver Lemon’s 7:30-8:45 p.m.
Mary Gauthier is a Grammy-nominated American folk singersongwriter and author. She has won multiple awards, including at the International Folk Music Awards, the Independent Music Awards, and from the Americana Music Association. Mary’s songs often deal with marginalization, informed by her experience of addiction and recovery, and growing up gay, and demonstrate an “ability to transform her own trauma into a purposeful and communal narrative.” She recently authored her book, Saved by Song – part memoir, part philosophy or art, and part nuts and bolts of songwriting, it is a discussion of the art and healing power of songs and songwriting. • Friday: Village Green 7:45-9 p.m. • Saturday: Sisters Art Works 3-4 p.m. • Saturday: Sisters Depot 7:30-8:30 p.m.
CJ Chenier & the Red-Hot Louisiana Band — Clayton
Joseph (C.J) Chenier was born September 28, 1957 — the son of the great King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier. C.J.’s father was the first Creole musician to win a Grammy Award. On the road his father showed him how to front a world class touring band, teaching C.J. how to run the family business and how to develop his lifelong passion for music into a career. When Clifton died in 1987, his son said it only felt natural to carry on the legacy, and he stepped up to lead the Red-Hot Louisiana Band. • Friday: Oliver Lemon’s 11:15 p.m.-12:30 a.m. • Saturday: Oliver Lemon’s 3-3:45 p.m. (workshop) • Saturday: Village Green 9:30-11 p.m.
Willy Porter — Willy
Porter continues on a musical and personal odyssey spanning over two decades, 11 albums, and multiple continents. His journey has been defined by an inquisitive love for humanity and the language that describes what we all hold to be true. Porter’s songs weave a universal perspective about the questions, struggles, and triumphs of human existence. He is also an Ambassador for Guitars for Vets, a Milwaukee-based International organization that works to improve the lives of veterans by providing them with guitars and music lessons. • Friday: Village Green 6:15-7:15 p.m. • Saturday: Sisters Art Works 6-7 p.m. • Sunday: Oliver Lemon’s 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Ron Artis II & the Messengers
— To say that Ron Artis II plays music from his heart and soul would be a bit of understatement. With his family upbringing and incredible early success, you may even say it has been pre-ordained. He’s been Hawaii’s best kept secret for years and now he’s finally making big waves on the mainland and beyond. He’ll be playing with a new project, The Messengers, a soulful big band that’s musically engulfed in rhythm and powerful lyrics embodying the belief that “togetherness is the key to our future.” • Friday: Oliver Lemon’s 9:30-10:45 p.m. • Saturday: Sisters Saloon 3-4 p.m. • Saturday: Sisters Art Works 9:15-10:45 p.m.
Judith Hill is
an American singersongwriter from Los Angeles, California. She has provided backing vocals for such artists as Michael Jackson and Josh Groban. In 2009, Hill was chosen as Jackson’s duet partner for the song “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”, during his This Is It concerts. After Jackson’s death in 2009, she, along with the rest of the This Is It cast members, performed at Jackson’s memorial service and attracted global attention when she sang the lead on the song “Heal the World.” • Friday: Village Green 9:30-10:45 p.m. • Saturday: Open Door 3-4 p.m. (solo) • Saturday: Sisters Art Works 7:30-8:45 p.m.
LowDown Brass Band
is a uniquely strong representation of Chicago Music culture. This talented, all horn band leans heavily on dancehall and street beat rhythm, with the energy of conscious hip hop, jazz, reggae, and soul. After headlining at the 2019 Montreal Jazz Festival, LowDown maintains a constant performing and touring schedule across the globe. • Friday: Sisters Saloon 9-10:15 p.m. • Saturday: Oliver Lemon’s 11 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Thunderstorm Artis has become a favorite of Sisters audiences. Thunderstorm is a featured artist at the Wanderlust Festivals throughout North America and currently tours solo. He toured for many years with his brother Ron Artis II who is one of today’s hottest guitar players. Thunderstorm’s music crosses many genres: folk,rock, soul, and country. Thunderstorn gained national attention when he was one of three finalists on season 17 of The Voice, stunning judges and audiences with his vocal delivery, and recording with his coach Nick Jonas. No matter what Thunderstorm sings or writes, he does it from his heart and deep in his soul. • Friday-The Belfry 7:45-8:45 p.m. (solo) • Saturday: Village Green 12-1 p.m. • Saturday-Sisters Depot 2-2:45 p.m. (workshop) • Sunday:Sisters Saloon 3-4 p.m. AJ Lee & Blue Summit draws
from music influences of swing, folk, blues, jazz, country, soul, and rock. Their undeniable talent and insatiable passion for bluegrass harkens back to traditional classics while remaining uniquely modern. They have performed all around the U.S. as well as in the UK, Ireland, and France. In 2019, AJ Lee and Blue Summit came out with their debut album, Like I Used To, which consists entirely of AJ’s original songs. Equipped with new songs and their archive of nostalgic tunes, they continue playing to both familiar and new audiences, endearing themselves to the country and the world. • Friday: Oliver Lemon’s 6:30-7:30 p.m. • Saturday: The Belfry/Thompson Guitars 4-4:45 p.m. (workshop) • Saturday: Sisters Saloon 9-10 p.m. • Sunday: Sisters Art Works 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Hogslop String Band pushes the
boundaries of what old-time string band music can be — with energetic and wildly entertaining sets that have thrilled audiences across the country. Hogslop is rooted in traditional southern American old-time string band music. Each bandmember was exposed to this musical heritage through family and friends — the way traditional music has always been passed down. The band formed in 2009, and soon set about entering — and winning — every major string band contest in the South, as well as putting on epic, sweat-drenched square dances wherever space allowed. • Friday: Sisters Saloon 10:45 p.m.-12 a.m. • Saturday: Sisters Depot 3-3:45 p.m. (workshop) • Saturday: Sisters Depot 9-10:30 p.m. • Sunday: Oliver Lemon’s 3-4 p.m.
Haley Heynderickx
is an American singersongwriter from Portland, OR. In 2016, she released her debut EP, Fish Eyes. Her first full-length album, I Need to Start a Garden, was released in March 2018 on Mama Bird Recording Co. Heynderickx’s music features a fingerstyle acoustic guitar technique inspired by Leo Kottke and John Fahey paired with introspective lyrics punctuated with “well-timed levity.” • Friday: Sisters Depot 9:15-10:30 p.m. • Saturday: Open Door 7:30-8:30 p.m. • Sunday: Sisters Art Works 12-1 p.m.
Changüí Majadero is
an adventurous ensemble which is reintroducing Cuban Changüí to a new generation on El Changüí Majadero; taking it from Cuba to California and adding their own blend of syncopated flavors.” Founded by tres guitarist and vocalist Gabriel García, the band was the result of García’s pivotal pilgrimage to the Guantanamo region of Cuba, where he learned the changüí from the living masters of the style and was inspired to spread the spirit of Cuban folkloric music mixed with a dash of East Los Angeles grit. • Friday: Oliver Lemon’s 8-9 p.m. • Saturday: Oliver Lemon’s 1-1:45 p.m. (workshop) • Saturday: Sisters Saloon 10:30 p.m.-12 am • Sunday: Village Green 3:15-4:30 p.m.
Garrett Lebeau was born and raised on the Wind River Indian Reservation near Lander, Wyoming and is an enrolled member of the Shoshone tribe. His goal is “to connect with other like-minded human beings, to keep the tradition of soul music alive. Where you write, play, and sing from your own self — Just like the early blues musicians. Feeling has no genre.” Rise to the Grind is Garrett Lebeau’s debut album on Jimmy Lefave’s Music Road Records. • Friday: Sisters Saloon 7:30-8:30 p.m. • Saturday: Oliver Lemon’s 2-2:45 (workshop) • Saturday: Oliver lemon’s 9:15-10:30 p.m. • Sunday: Sisters Art Works 3-4 p.m.
Rainbow Girls
formed in the fall of 2010 when a group of friends began performing together at an underground open mic near UC Santa Barbara. The core four spent the following summer busking and couchsurfing their way around Europe, putting out selfrecorded demos as they went. When they returned to California in the fall, they began playing with drummer Savannah Hughes. The band gained notoriety in the Santa Barbara area by busking at farmers markets. In the fall of 2018, one of their Facebook cover videos meant to promote a local show went viral and garnered nearly 7 million views. They immediately went into the studio to record a cover album, Give the People What They Want, which was released February of 2019. • Friday: The Belfry 9:15-10:30 p.m. • Saturday: Village Green 1:30-2:30 p.m. • Sunday: Oliver Lemon’s 12-1 p.m.
Emily Scott Robinson
- Colorado songwriter Emily Scott Robinson beckons to those who are lost, lonely, or learning the hard way with American Siren, her first album for Oh Boy Records. With hints of bluegrass, country and folk, the eloquent collection shares her gift for storytelling through her pristine soprano and the perspective of her unconventional path into music. She taught herself to play guitar in the early 2000s by printing guitar tabs from the internet and singing to CDs by Indigo Girls and James Taylor. But she didn’t pursue songwriting until after seeing Nanci Griffith perform in Greensboro in 2007. • Friday: Sisters Depot 7:45-8:45 p.m. • Saturday: Sisters Art Works 12-1 p.m. • Saturday: The Belfry 2-2:45 p.m. (workshop) • Sunday: Village Green 1:45-2:45 p.m.
Dennis McGregor & The Spoilers
capture the purest spirit of the Sisters Folk Festival: friends making music together for the pure joy of it. Dennis is the festival’s poster artist, and an award-winning songwriter. He and his friends have recorded and played together for years, and are famed among Festival-goers for leading late night jams at Angeline’s Bakery. • Saturday: The Belfry 10:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
Yasmin Williams
is an acoustic fingerstyle guitarist with an unorthodox, modern style of playing. Her music has been commonly described as refreshing, relaxing, and unique, and has been called some of the most imaginative guitar music out today. She utilizes various techniques including alternate tunings, percussive hits, and lap tapping in her music to great effect. She grew up in northern Virginia where various genres of music from smooth jazz to hip-hop were played in her household. She was introduced to the guitar after playing Guitar Hero 2, a video game, that piqued her interest in 2009. • Friday: Open Door 6-7 p.m. • Saturday-The Belfry 1-1:45 p.m. (workshop) • Saturday: The Belfry 6-7 p.m. • Sunday: Sisters Depot 12-1 p.m.
Robby Hecht is a modern folk musician of all trades: singer, songwriter, congenial collaborator to some of the biggest up and coming names in the genre, celebrity to some, generally decent human. Robby first fell in love with the emotional potential of music as an awkward pre-teen in Knoxville, lying alone in bed listening to Hits 100 in the radio. His music blends nostalgia with unabashed honesty: 1970s golden era of folk meets personal confessions of the Facebook era. • Friday: Sisters Depot 6:15-7:15 p.m. • Saturday: Open Door 6-7 p.m. • Sunday: The Belfry 12-1 p.m. Beth Wood is
a modern-day troubadour, poet, and believer in the power of word & song. Beth has been writing, performing, recording, and teaching for 24 years — inspiring and delighting audiences with her musicianship, intelligent writing, powerful voice, and warm and commanding stage presence. Texas-raised, now living in Sisters, she has become a creative linchpin and SFF community leader. • Saturday: The Belfry 7:30-8:30 p.m. • Sunday: V illage Green 10-11:30 a.m. Sisters Community Celebration (ticket required) • Sunday: Sisters Depot 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Wild Ponies, based in
Big Sky City Lights
Nashville, have always looked to Southwest Virginia — where bandmates Doug and Telisha Williams were both born and raised — for inspiration. There, in mountain towns like Galax, old-time American music continues to thrive, supported by a community of fiddlers, flat-pickers, and fans. Wild Ponies pay tribute to that powerful music and rugged landscape with 2017’s Galax, a stripped-back album that nods to the band’s history while pushing forward. • Friday: Sisters Saloon 6-7 p.m. • Saturday: Oliver Lemon’s 12-12:45 p.m. (workshop) • Saturday: Oliver Lemon’s 6-7 p.m. • Sunday: Open Door 12-1 p.m.
is an indie folk duo whose dreamyharmony-infused Americana sound is at once vintage yet current. Their selfreleased debut album, Wake Me When We Get There, landed them a feature on Good Morning America and coveted spots at various festivals, including Sisters Folk Festival, and Under The Big Sky Festival on the bill with Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Orville Peck, Emmylou Harris and others. • Saturday: Sisters Depot 12-12:45 p.m. (workshop) • Saturday: The Belfry 9-10 p.m. • Sunday: Sisters Saloon 12-1 p.m. • Sunday: Open Door 3-4 p.m.
Ordinary Elephant,
Max Gomez is an
winner of the International Folk Music Awards 2017 Artist of the Year, captivates audiences with their emotionally powerful and vulnerable songs, letting the listener know that they are not alone in this world. The collaboration of husband-and-wife duo Pete and Crystal Damore, their connection, and their influences (such as Gillian Welch, Guy Clark, Anais Mitchell) all meet on stage. “Two become one, in song...hand-in-glove harmonies surprise the listener with focused intensity and musical mastery,” says Mary Gauthier. The Associated Press is calling their latest album, Honest, “one of the best Americana albums of the year.” • Friday: Open Door 7:30-8:30 p.m. • Saturday: Sisters Saloon 12-1 p.m. • Saturday: The Belfry 3-3:45 p.m. (workshop) • Sunday: The Belfry 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Charlie Parr is an
American country blues musician. Born in Austin, Minnesota, he spent part of his childhood in Hollandale before starting his music career in Duluth. Several of Parr’s songs were featured in the Australian drama film Red Hill (2010), including a full rendition of “Just Like Today” in the closing credits of the film. His music was also featured in the background of a commercial for Gerber Gear entitled “Hello Trouble.” It features the song “Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down.” • Saturday: Sisters Art Works 1:30-2:30 p.m. • Saturday: Sisters Saloon 7:30-8:30 p.m. • Sunday: Sisters Depot 3-4 p.m.
American singersongwriter and musician based in Taos, New Mexico. He has been compared to Jackson Browne and John Prine because of his seasoned blend of Americana and folk with insightful lyrics. Gomez caught the eye of folk-rocker Shawn Mullins after sending Mullins some of his music through MySpace The two soon collaborated, co-writing a handful of songs that would appear on Mullins’ next two albums, and touring throughout the U.S. together as young Gomez built up a fan base opening for the musical veteran. It wasn’t long before Gomez sealed a record deal with Nashvillebased label New West Records and recorded his first album with producer Jeff Trott. • Friday: Open Door 9-10:15 p.m. • Saturday: The Belfry 12-12:45 p.m. (workshop) • Saturday: Sisters Depot 6-7 p.m. • Sunday: Village Green 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Jenner Fox is folk singer-songwriterstoryteller-second generation-riverguide. He followed the family river trade and recorded his first record (self-titled) in 2015 to sell to rafting clients. Four records later, Jenner calls Sisters, OR home, travels from show to show on a cargo bike whenever possible, guides whitewater rivers all over the world, teaches music camps, and searches for songs. • Saturday: Open Door 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Alisa Amador
is a connector. Her upcoming EP, Narratives, is a six-song snapshot in time. It’s a deep look at a person stumbling through life in two languages — English and Spanish — and in many states of mind about it all. Alisa’s crystal-clear vocals are so effortless throughout Narratives that it’s almost easy to forget how technically talented she is, until she moves from almost-spoken-word territory to a powerful chorus without hesitation or illustrates a repetitive refrain that’s so affecting it feels like you might want to live inside it for a little while. • Friday: The Belfry 6:15-7:15 p.m. • Saturday: Sisters Depot 1-1:45 p.m. (workshop) • Saturday: Sisters Saloon 6-7 p.m. • Sunday: Open Door 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Pretty Gritty might be another duo emerging from a sea of female/male acts as of late, but there is nothing typical about these two. Sarah and Blaine have cultivated a sound that is both timeless and classic, yet they still succeed in bringing something fresh to the table, pushing rootsy-Americana sounds into an edgy, alternative space. • Saturday: Open Door 12-1 p.m. • Sunday: Sisters Saloon 1:30-2:30 p.m. The Haymakers
got the band back together — reunited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their very first Sisters Folk Festival appearance, and to support the release of their new record, Second Cutting. Longtime SFF fan favorites, they deliver a boot stomping show in which the love of their music, their audience and each other is palpable. Look for the Haymakers to trade instruments and roles as often as they shift styles from folk to blues, bluegrass to swing, and back again. New material will be featured front and center, sharing the stage with crowd favorites from the past 20 years. • Saturday: Sisters Saloon 1:30-2:30 p.m. • Saturday: T he Belfry 10:30 p.m.-12 a.m. (with Dennis McGregor & The Spoilers) • Sunday: The Belfry 3-4 p.m.
FESTIVAL INFORMATION Going green(er): In an effort to reduce the amount of waste generated at the festival, we encourage patrons to use the free water filling stations located around town or at the larger venues. If you didn’t bring a reusable bottle, there will be SFF-branded bottles for sale for $12 in the festival merchandise area (while supplies last). Many shops in town also carry water bottles. We will require the use of reusable steel pint or wine cups for all beer or wine purchased at one of our Big 3 beer gardens (Sisters Art Works, Village Green, Oliver Lemon’s). Patrons can purchase one of our SFF-branded 16-ounce steel pint cups for $10 or branded stainless steel wine cup for $15 to use for beer and wine purchases all weekend long. Since our wine pours are measured, you may use either a pint or wine cup for your wine purchase. We encourage folks who already own one of these popular cups to bring their own, as long as they are steel pint cups (to eliminate confusion at the beer gardens). If you need to buy one this year, you can do so when purchasing your drink tokens at any of the Big 3 beer gardens. Drink Tokens: We tested the token system at our summer concerts and it worked beautifully! Wait in line once to get your tokens (and pint or wine cup, if needed), then the bar lines flow much faster as there’s no exchange of money, credit cards or ID checking. Pick up your tokens at any of the three festival bars. And if you have tokens left over from the summer concerts, they’re good this weekend too! Merchandise: Pick up a Beulah the Badger T-shirt, festival hoodie, sticker, water bottle, hat, or other cool
swag at the SFF merchandise tent all weekend long. Artist merch — including CDs, LPs and wearables — is also for sale but don’t wait to shop; when your favorite artist has played their last set their merch will be hitting the road too. The merchandise booths are both located at the Village Green.
Lost & Found: Found items should be taken to the information booth at the Village Green. If you lose something, visit the booth or call the SFF office at 541549-4979 after the festival. First Aid: For emergencies, call 911. Paramedics are located across the street from the Village Green, just minutes from all venues. First aid personnel are on call for small needs during the festival; go to the information tent at the Village Green. Pet Policy & Service Animals: Properly trained service animals under the care and supervision of their owners are permitted in the venues, but this does not include emotional support animals, therapy animals, companion animals, or pets. Owners should be able to describe the service that the animal performs and the training it has received; no one will inquire about the nature of an owner’s disability or medical condition. The animal must remain by the handler’s side at all times, harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the animal’s work or the individual’s disability, in which case the animal should be controlled through voice, signal, or other effective methods. Anyone bringing an animal is responsible and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal, and the owner
or someone accompanying the service animal is responsible for bagging and disposing of solid waste.
Gentle Reminders:
• No seat-saving. • A ticket does not guarantee a seat at any venue. Many venues will be at or near capacity throughout the weekend. To give extra spacing during COVID, capacity will be limited to approximately 75% at each venue. It may look like there is room, but if the sign says “Venue is at capacity” it really is and we thank you for your understanding. If there is a show you really want to see, plan to get to the venue early. • Line numbers will be handed out at Village Green and Sisters Art Works (our largest venues) when the line exceeds approximately 100 people. Those with line numbers may briefly leave the line and return without losing their place prior to doors opening. • Flash photography is prohibited. • All venues are nonsmoking. • Only service animals permitted in venues. • Outside alcohol is prohibited at all venues. • No outside chairs permitted. • If your child doesn’t have a wristband, they are not allowed to occupy their own seat when a venue is at capacity. • Most performances offer a “listening venue” atmosphere. For high-energy music, a venue may become less “listening” and more “dancing.” Please be respectful of those who prefer to sit and enjoy the music; we appreciate your understanding. • Be Kind – You’re at the Sisters Folk Festival!
FRIDAY NIGHT VILLAGE GREEN WILLY PORTER 6:15-7:15
MARY GAUTHIER 7:45-9:00
JUDITH HILL 9:30-10:45
OLIVER LEMON’S
SISTERS DEPOT
SISTERS ART WORKS DARRELL SCOTT 6:00-7:00
AJ LEE AND BLUE SUMMIT 6:30-7:30
CHANGÜI MAJADERO 8:00-9:00
RON ARTIS II & THE MESSENGERS 9:30-10:45
OPEN DOOR YASMIN WILLIAMS 6:00-7:00
ROBBY HECHT 6:15-7:15
RUTHIE FOSTER 7:30-8:45
EMILY SCOTT ROBINSON 7:45-8:45
EILEEN IVERS 9:15-10:30
HALEY HEYNDERICKX 9:15-10:30
ORDINARY ELEPHANT 7:30-8:30
MAX GOMEZ 9:00-10:15
THE BELFRY ALISA AMADOR 6:15-7:15
THUNDERSTORM ARTIS 7:45-8:45
RAINBOW GIRLS 9:15-10:30
SISTERS SALOON WILD PONIES 6:00-7:00
GARRETT LEBEAU 7:30-8:30
LOWDOWN BRASS BAND 9:00-10:15
HOGSLOP STRING BAND 10:45-12:00
CJ CHENIER & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND 11:15-12:30
SATURDAY VILLAGE GREEN
OLIVER LEMON’S
THUNDERSTORM ARTIS 12:00-1:00
WILD PONIES 12:00-12:45
SISTERS ART WORKS
EMIILY SCOTT ROBINSON 12:00-1:00
CHANGÜI MAJADERO 1:00-1:45 RAINBOW GIRLS 1:30-2:30
DARRELL SCOTT 3:00-4:00
RUTHIE FOSTER 6:00-7:15
EILEEN IVERS 7:45-9:00
CJ CHENIER & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND 9:30-11:00
CJ CHENIER AND THE RED HOT LA BAND 3:00-3:45
THE BELFRY
SISTERS SALOON
BIG SKY CITY LIGHTS 12:00-12:45
PRETTY GRITTY 12:00-1:00
MAX GOMEZ 12:00-12:45
ORDINARY ELEPHANT 12:00-1:00
YASMIN WILLIAMS 1:00-1:45 JENNER FOX 1:30-2:30
THUNDERSTORM ARTIS 2:00-2:45
HOGSLOP STRING BAND 3:00-3:45
MARY GAUTHIER 3:00-4:00
JUDITH HILL SOLO 3:00-4:00
EMILY SCOTT ROBINSON 2:00-2:45
ORDINARY ELEPHANT 3:00-3:45
THE HAYMAKERS 1:30-2:30
RON ARTIS II & THE MESSENGERS 3:00-4:00
AJ LEE & BLUE SUMMIT 4:00-4:45
DINNER BREAK
(hosted by Thompson Guitars, in front of The Belfry)
MAX GOMEZ 6:00-7:00
ROBBY HECHT 6:00-7:00
YASMIN WILLIAMS 6:00-7:00
ALISA AMADOR 6:00-7:00
MARY GAUTHIER 7:30-8:30
HALEY HEYNDERICKX 7:30-8:30
BETH WOOD 7:30-8:30
CHARLIE PARR 7:30-8:30
HOGSLOP STRING BAND 9:00-10:30
RAINBOW GIRLS 9:00-10:30
BIG SKY CITY LIGHTS 9:00-10:00
AJ LEE & BLUE SUMMIT 9:00-10:00
DENNIS MCGREGOR & THE SPOILERS feat. THE HAYMAKERS 10:30-12:00
CHANGÜI MAJADERO 10:30-12:00
THE BELFRY
SISTERS SALOON
WILD PONIES 6:00-7:00
WILLY PORTER 6:00-7:00
DARRELL SCOTT 7:30-8:45
JUDITH HILL 7:30-8:45
GARRETT LEBEAU 9:15-10:30
OPEN DOOR
ALISA AMADOR 1:00-1:45 CHARLIE PARR 1:30-2:30
GARRETT LEBEAU 2:00-2:45
SISTERS DEPOT
RON ARTIS II & THE MESSENGERS 9:15-10:45
LOWDOWN BRASS BAND 11:00-12:30
SUNDAY SISTERS ART WORKS
VILLAGE GREEN COMMUNITY CELEBRATION HOSTED BY BETH WOOD 10:00-11:30
MAX GOMEZ 12:15-1:15
EMILY SCOTT ROBINSON 1:45-2:45
CHANGÜI MAJADERO 3:15-4:30
PERFORMANCE
SISTERS DEPOT
WORKSHOP*
*Workshops are informal performances with Q&A between songs. Everything from songwriting to working as a band may be covered.
OPEN DOOR
Most performances offer a “listening venue” atmosphere. For high energy music, a venue may become less “listening” and more “dancing.” Please be respectful of those who prefer to sit and enjoy the music. We appreciate your understanding.
RAINBOW GIRLS 12:00-1:00
HALEY HEYNDERICKX 12:00-1:00
YASMIN WILLIAMS 12:00-1:00
WILD PONIES 12:00-1:00
ROBBY HECHT 12:00-1:00
BIG SKY CITY LIGHTS 12:00-1:00
WILLY PORTER 1:30-2:30
AJ LEE & BLUE SUMMIT 1:30-2:30
BETH WOOD 1:30-2:30
ALISA AMADOR 1:30-2:30
ORDINARY ELEPHANT 1:30-2:30
PRETTY GRITTY 1:30-2:30
CHARLIE PARR 3:00-4:00
BIG SKY CITY LIGHTS 3:00-4:00
THE HAYMAKERS 3:00-4:00
THUNDERSTORM ARTIS 3:00-4:00
HOGSLOP STRING BAND 3:00-4:00
GARRETT LEBEAU 3:00-4:00
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
The 2021 Volunteer Team is made up of incredible folks from all across the country. More than 300 people have pitched in this year to make the event possible, demonstrating the combined power of teamwork, volunteerism, and a love of music. Volunteers check wristbands, pour beer, run bike valets, assist with seating, host green rooms, check in patrons, set it all up, and take it all down. They also help with all the
pre- and post-festival work that goes on behind the scenes. What an impressive crew! We are so lucky and grateful for our volunteers’ combined efforts. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who has committed their time and great energy to making Sisters Folk Festival such a wonderful event, especially during such challenging times! Want to join the team next year? Email Kate@sistersfolkfestival.org for more information.
Bike Valet Cruise the festival on your bike and let our volunteers keep an eye on it for you while you enjoy the music. We have two locations for festival patrons, hosted by Blazin Saddles. The bike valet is free to festival patrons. Donations are gladly accepted, and 100 percent supports Sisters Folk Festival’s music and arts
programming in the Sisters schools and community. Bike valets are located at Oliver Lemon’s and Sisters Art Works. Valet hours will be posted at each location. Please do not leave your bike before volunteers arrive. There is no overnight security, so be sure to pick up your bike at the end of the evening.
SFF Bluegrass Jam Zone
Thanks to our Festival volunteers!
OPEN BLUEGRASS JAMS at Nechville Banjos West, 441 E. Main Ave. Friday 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday Noon to 4 p.m. Bring your instrument and favorite Bluegrass standards to play with others. HANDS-ON BLUEGRASS WORKSHOPS Is The Banjo In My Future? Saturday, Noon to 1 p.m. Tom Nechville, whose innovations have helped to shape the future of the 5-string banjo, shares his take on learning this most addictive instrument.
Bluegrass Singing Saturday, 1 to 2 p.m. Linda Leavitt teaches bluegrass singing style and harmony, how to care for your voice, and ways to make a bluegrass song your own. Essentials of Bluegrass Jamming Saturday, 2 to 3 p.m. Learn how to use the Nashville Numbering System, standard bluegrass repertoire, and jam etiquette to play and sing in a bluegrass jam. More information available on Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/ nechvillewest.
Bowerman Guitars Custom acoustics to inspire your playing and ignite your passion
541-460-2424 www.bowermanguitars.com @bowermanguitars
THOMPSON GUITARS — PICK’N PORCH Stop by Thompson Guitars, 352 E. Main Ave, and share the love of guitar playing on their porch and see how they bring their guitars to life. Workshop with AJ Lee & Blue Summit Saturday, October 2, 4 to 4:45 p.m. In front of The Belfry (302 E. Main Ave.) during the dinner break. Hosted by Thompson Guitars.
Yasmin Williams: Explorations in sound By Ceili Cornelius Correspondent
Yasmin Williams has had a guitar in her hands since she was young. She originally fell in love with the instrument from playing the popular video game, “Guitar Hero 2.” “I beat the game and asked for my parents to get me an electric guitar,” said Williams. Williams started out her guitar journey by playing what she thought she wanted to — hard rock on electric guitar. She quickly realized that was not the style that she wanted to play in. “I loved writing my own melodies too much, and electric guitar almost felt like it wasn’t enough. There was more variety of what I could do on acoustic, you can really do whatever,” she said. Williams has a unique fingerpicking style that she came up with on her own. She prefers fingerpicking over the use of a pick because of the variety of patterns and sounds that she can create. Williams also plays lap style guitar which is exactly what it sounds like — the guitar is played horizontally on the lap. “I basically do a series of hammer-ons and tapping on the guitar, and it allows for more percussion and use of the whole guitar,” she said. Williams enjoys playing around with various acoustic guitars, writing her own tunes, and figuring out ways to create a unique sound. With her lap-tapping technique, she can play melody and harmony at the same time, making it easy to perform solo. “I don’t need a band, I just need my main guitar and I can do a lot with that,” she said. Williams doesn’t just play your traditional six string acoustic guitar. In recent years, she has branched out to playing various types of instruments. She has started playing a Kora guitar, which is a traditional West African instrument. A Kora typically has 21 strings, which are played by plucking with the fingers. It combines features of the lute and harp. “It’s basically a large gourd with strings and it is quite tall with 10 strings on one side, 11 on the other,” said Williams. She plays some 12-string guitars too, and has recently gotten back into playing banjo. She also plays the clarinet. Williams doesn’t bring all these instruments with her on tour, but she always brings what she can. Williams’ songs are exclusively instrumental, written entirely by herself on her various instruments. “It is a pretty long process,
“I like to say it fits writing one of my songs; I within the folk tradition usually write the melody, and is sort of alternative then the harmony,” she folk,” she said. said. The pandemic last year Often, she has 30 seconds of a sound that she forced Williams to cancel came up with months ago her entire planned tour. that she will come back However, there was a silver to in order to create a finlining: She was able to setished piece. tle down a bit and record “I usually record it on her latest album which has my phone or write it down been a life changing record as sheet music and come for her. back to it. It is like putting “I was able to get a thousand-piece puzzle my latest record, Urban together and the elements Driftwood, recorded and and sounds match up as out into the world and it time goes on,” she said. got really positive press Because her songs are and that is how I got my entirely instrumental, they manager and a bunch more don’t really follow a tradigigs,” she said. Williams tional song structure when was able to turn a rather they’re being written, but negative time into something positive for herself when they come out, she PHOTO PROVIDED and her musical career. says, “they actually do have “I am really proud of it, that typical verse, chorus, Yasmin Williams enjoys utilizing the entire guitar while playing lap and I am glad I was able to bridge aspect to them, style guitar and fingerpicking. put out something hopewith a less rigid song know why, I just have an soul, and Americana can be ful,” she said. structure.” The 2021 Sisters Folk Williams has other people inability to connect with the heard in Williams’ music, but words,” she said. she primarily categorizes her- Festival is Yasmin Williams’ name her songs. Influences of the blues, self under the very large “folk first time to the Central “I have friends and family choose the names. I don’t R&B, West African music, music” umbrella. Oregon area.
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So glad you could join us for Sisters Folk Festival!
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Mary Gauthier was ‘saved by a song’ By Ceili Cornelius Correspondent
Mary Gauthier was saved by music. Her life before music was not one that she wanted anymore. Then she found songwriting. Not just the song itself, but the actual act of writing a song is what healed her. Gauthier had a guitar first put in her hands at 12 years old and music offered an escape. During her mid-20s, she put her music on hold while working in the restaurant industry in Boston at her own establishment, called Dixie Kitchen. After being arrested for drunk driving, she decided to get sober and turn her life around and found her calling for writing songs — not only because she enjoyed it, but because she needed to. “My job as a songwriter is to find that thing a soul needs to say,” said Gauthier. She has won multiple accolades and awards for her songwriting. Her latest record, Rifles and Rosaries, is one of her most unique songwriting experiences. As stated on her website: “All 11 songs [were] co-written with and for wounded veterans. Eleven of the nearly 400 songs that highly accomplished songwriters have co-written as part of the five-year-old Songwriting with Soldiers Program.” “Songwriting is a way to connect and build a bridge with other people,” said Gauthier. Gauthier is a skilled workshop leader and teacher, who has been a featured artist at the Americana Song Academy and Sisters Folk Festival. She is noted for her ability to communicate about both the nuts-and-bolts and the spiritual and emotional aspects of songwriting. She decided to put her
thoughts surrounding songwriting into a book which came out in July 2021, Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting. The book took her six years to write after a publisher approached her to lay out her teaching in a book that could reach a wider audience. “The publisher told me I could reach more students than I ever could in a lifetime by writing a book,” said Gauthier. Gauthier realized she could not pass up the opportunity. The book is about songwriting and recovery and the use of the arts for both the artist and the fan in the recovery process. “I talk a lot about the redemptive power of song, and the goal is to talk about music and song on a different level. There is something magical about a song’s ability to connect us,” she said. Her book is part memoir, part philosophy of art, and part nuts-and-bolts of songwriting. Gauthier will be instructing at the Americana Song Academy this year ahead of Sisters Folk Festival at House on Metolius. Her workshop will be focused on “manifesting creative courage.” “I teach in my workshops, I teach courage, I encourage courage working with songwriters of all ages,” said Gauthier. She encourages young songwriters to put something on the line and say something that matters to them and teaches how to dig deep and be brave in putting forth their song to the world. “I typically start with a sit-down chat and listen to a
song and give feedback, take questions, etc.” she said. She sometimes comes up with a prompt and has the artist come back with something off that prompt to share with the class. Gauthier will be bringing that curriculum to this year’s song academy.
The book is also part memoir, telling her story about her own struggles with addiction and how songwriting helped save her and turn her life around. During the pandemic, Gauthier pivoted her performance style to an online
Mary Gauthier’s book, Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting, is available at Paulina Springs Books, 252 W. Hood Ave. in Sisters.
platform. “We really didn’t take much time off, we had a few weeks to figure out exactly how I would still perform, and then we just went right into the online world of performance,” said Gauthier. Gauthier performed via Zoom and Facebook every week and was able to broadcast her shows all over the world. “ We could really broadcast without borders, people had a huge need to connect with music during that time,” said Gauthier. Since last year, she has begun to start touring in person for her latest record. This will be Gauthier’s second time performing at Sisters Folk Festival. “I can’t wait to get back to that sweet town and that glorious festival,” said Gauthier. “It is good to get together in these still uncertain times and I am super excited to be a part of it.”
