Thanks to shirtless guy, purple boy, and all the rest of you who joined us for the 17th Annual Summit of the Song. For three inspiring days - where the music was as varied as the Colorado sky - we relaxed, danced, and sang together. From the closing drum jam of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, to Judy Collins' joyous homecoming, to the creative maelstrom of Peter Himmelman. Share your comments in the Festivarian Survey - one lucky response will win a pair of tickets to next year's Festival. Mark your calendars for 2008 - August 15-17, 2008, stay connected with the Festivarian family in the Festivarian Forum, and plan to join us this fall/spring for the Wildflower Concert Series. Oh, and the BlueDoKu solution is now posted.

The Song Artists

The 2007 "Summit of the Song" once again brings together a carefully selected group of our favorite performers - crossing generations, genres, and gold records. For the first time ever on a Planet Bluegrass stage, we are thrilled to welcome three performers we have long admired. Chris Isaak brings his cool reverb-drenched sounds of Roy Orbison with the showmanship of Elvis. Meanwhile, one-time Colorado resident Judy Collins and one of the defining voices of the original Woodstock Richie Havens continue to capture the heart and spirit of generations of music lovers.

We are thrilled to welcome back several of our favorite performers from festivals past. One of the great songwriters of her generation, Gillian Welch joins us for several sets with David Rawlings - including a special appearance by the Dave Rawlings Machine. After performing the 2004 Folks Festival, Ray LaMontagne's gritty voice has become a well-deserved fixture on radio and stage around the world.

Peter Himmelman, returns to the Lyons stage to once again tap into the collective Festivarian consciousness. The Ditty Bops bring their modern vaudeville theatrics. Californian Brett Dennen provides the perfect summer vibe for a Colorado afternoon. The unimaginably talented Darrell Scott returns to Folks Fest this year to shower us with his virtuosity of vocals, songwriting, and nearly any instrument he comes in contact with.

After a week of inspiring us at the Song School, Mary Gauthier, Catie Curtis, Ellis, and Vance Gilbert light up the stage with their attention to songwriting craft and the spontaneity of live performance. With the rare gift to break us into laughter and into tears Cheryl Wheeler joins us on Sunday, along with young Canadian sensation Serena Ryder.

We turn up the volume just a touch with the bluesy Americana of Grace Potter & the Nocturnals and the whimsically charismatic, Traveling Wilburies-in-space of Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams. Folks Showcase winner Mitch Barrett shares his songs and stories of Kentucky, while Arthur Lee Land loops us into an Afrograss-flavored dance. Meanwhile, the beautifully sparse Guggenheim Grotto and always playful Zoe Lewis show their colorful European roots.

We have still more names to announce in the coming weeks. 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 2007 lineup. (This year's contest received over 500 entries!). Songwriting workshops continue throughout the festival in the intimacy of the new Wildflower Pavilion.

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.

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.

Enjoying the 2007 Folks Fest

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.

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.

Mark your calendars now for the 18th Annual Folks Fest - August 15-17, 2008. If you joined us for this year's Festival, take a minute to give us your feedback - one lucky response will win a pair of tickets to next year's festival. And plan to join us this fall/spring for our new Wildflower Concert Series.