Sisters Folk Festival — Canceled — | The Source Weekly - Bend

Sisters Folk Festival — Canceled —

Our Source Weekly music writer tells you what to see at this year's fest.


UPDATE: Sister's Folk Festival Canceled.
Air quality forces closure, more info here.


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ounded in 1995, the Sisters Folk Festival has become a staple in the Central Oregon music scene. In addition to the annual festival, which takes place the second weekend of September, the organization hosts events throughout the year, supporting local schools through cultural arts and community engagement.

Don't know where to start when planning your festival weekend? I've compiled my Picks for the annual folk festival, which has expanded to included more than just traditional folk and Americana music.


Sarah Jarosz

Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sarah Jarosz headlines the Sisters Folk Festival and for good reason. The 25-year-old exhibits extreme maturity in her vocal performance and takes on themes of unrequited and forbidden passion in her songwriting. Her country-flavored songs represent a youthful yet refined movement in modern folk music. Weaving together the past and the future, Jarosz speaks to a wide array of generations with her beautiful vocals and folk performances. // Friday, Sept. 8. 7:30pm. Sisters Art Works.


Billy Strings

You may have caught Billy Strings' performance at the Volcanic Theatre Pub earlier this summer and if you didn't, add him to the top of your Sisters Folk Festival lineup. The 24-year-old singer and guitarist comes from a long line of Americana musicians, giving him the foundation for a healthy career in bluegrass and folk music. With razor-sharp precision and lightning speed, Billy Strings can't be missed. // Friday, Sept. 8. 11pm. The Belfry. Saturday, Sept. 9. 3pm. Village Green Park. Saturday, Sept. 9. 9:15pm. Sisters Art Works.


Gangstagrass

As you can imagine from their name, Gangstagrass blends hip-hop and bluegrass, which is more successful than you might initially think. The Emmy-nominated outfit features MC hip-hop beats in sync with banjos, fiddles and dobros. The combination feels natural, authentic and seamless. These pioneers of the New American sound have earned a reputation for their excellent live performances, which makes them a can't-miss act at the Sisters Folk Festival. // Friday, Sept. 8. 11:30pm. Sisters Saloon. Saturday, Sept. 9. 2pm. Angeline's Bakery. Saturday, Sept. 9. 11pm. Melvin's Fir Street Market. Sunday, Sept. 10. 3pm. Depot Cafe.


Banda Magda

Perhaps one of the most diverse acts on the Sisters Folk Festival lineup, Banda Magda draws on the band's global background, which includes Greece, Argentina, Japan, Colombia and the U.S.A.) The band combines South American rhythms with improvised jazz, cinematic arrangements, audience participation and world "chansons" sung in six languages. A week after performing at the Sisters Folk Festival, the band releases its third album, "Tigre," on Sept. 15. Bring your dancing shoes! // Friday, Sept. 8. 8:30pm. Sisters Saloon. Saturday, Sept. 9. 9pm. Angeline's Bakery. Sunday, Sept. 10. 1:45pm. Village Green Park.


Sisters Folk Festival

Friday, Sept. 8 - Sunday, Sept. 10.

Various Locations Throughout Sisters

$150/adult, $50/youth (ages 6-18) festival passes.