A week before the eyes of the world focus on the Convention in Denver, the ears of festivarian nation (and beyond) focus on Lyons and the stories and songs of the 18th Annual Folks Festival, Aug 15-17. For three inspiring days, the music will be as rich and varied as the Colorado sky - featuring KT Tunstall, Amos Lee, Greg Brown, Nanci Griffith, Jakob Dylan, The Waifs, Todd Snider, Tim O'Brien, Dar Williams, and many many others along the banks of the St. Vrain River. Tickets and camping are on sale now - including single-day tickets.
The Song Artists
The 2008 "Summit of the Song" once again brings together a carefully selected group of our favorite performers - crossing generations, genres, global boundaries, and gold records.
When we started in the Folks Festival in 1991, our vision was to bring together songwriters from all over the world to collaborate and share their stories. This year's lineup again brings together many accents, including the edgy Scottish singer KT Tunstall, Australian roots trio The Waifs and passionate songwriter Missy Higgins, and Canadian space-folk quartet Great Lake Swimmers.
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We are thrilled to welcome back Greg Brown to step out of the St. Vrain river for his eleventh performance at the Folks Festival. Singer and storyteller Todd Snider joins us again for a set of honest and wildly entertaining songs. The heartbreakingly vivid voice of Patty Griffin will paint her intimate musical portraits for us in Lyons once again.
The musician with most performances on Planet Bluegrass stages, Tim O'Brien performs a special solo set. Amos Lee brings his soulful folk-rock back to Lyons - where two years ago he had the Friday night festival on its feet. Few bands generate the joyous reponse we've seen from Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers, who will play their third Planet Bluegrass stage this August.
2007 Folks Showcase winner Sarah Sample brings her warmth and energy to her first full-length set on the Planet Bluegrass stage.
| Gillian Welch in 2007 |
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We have many many more names to announce in the coming weeks and months, including instructors at our week-long Song School. Stay tuned to these pages and make sure you're signed up for our email newsletter for all the latest news.
The Festival
Lyons locals often look forward to the Folks Festival as their time to finally relax and enjoy summer. In contrast to the hot licks and hyper tempos of RockyGrass, the mellower moods of Folks Fest are the perfect antidote for the warm Colorado sun.
The festival opens with the prestigious Folks Songwriter Showcase, where a juried group of the most gifted new songwriters from around the world compete for a spot in the 2009 lineup. (Last year's contest received over 500 entries!). Songwriting workshops continue throughout the festival in the intimacy of the new Wildflower Pavilion.
| Peter Himmelman in 2007 |
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Festivarians at the Folks Festival welcome newcomers with a space on their tarp and conversation about summer and song. Children create their masterpieces in the sandy beach next to the stage while parents dream their own masterpieces to the sound of acoustic guitars and lyrical songs.
As the sun sets over the Rocky Mountain Foothills the campgrounds come alive with festivarians from around the country eager to sing their latest creations or share in the creation of new ones with new friends. Whether you are a musician or a music lover, camps from around Colorado and around the country welcome you in with a hearty hug. Connect with your past and future tarpmates on the Folks Fest board at Festivarian.com.
A Summer Day in Lyons
In August the St. Vrain is transformed from a hub of recreation to a cooling wet paradise. The shallow depths of the river are filled with damp armchairs and constantly evolving rock sculptures.
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The relaxed pace leaves time to explore the spectacular environment of Lyons, Colorado. The historic quarry town is located just 15 miles north of Boulder in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The small town (population 1600) is known for its antique stores, restaurants, artists, and musicians.
Numerous camping options nearby include: on-site at the festival grounds or under the cliffs at Meadow Park (a quick five-minute walk to the festival). Convenient parking is available at the Olson Property, just a 10-minute walk (or free shuttle bus ride) to the festival grounds.
| Judy Collins in 2007 |
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Non-musical activities in and around Lyons include mountain biking at Hall Ranch, touring through Rocky Mountain National Park (40 minutes up the hill from Lyons), and hiking in the nearby National Forest lands and County Open Space.
Tickets and camping for the 2008 Folks Festival are on sale now at shop.bluegrass.com or 800-624-2422. Consider spending a full week of inspiration and craft at our Song School.