People have been talking about Eric Taylor and his songs since the early 1970s, when he was an integral part of a Houston songwriting scene that included Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, and Guy Clark. Taylor is one of the most influential songwriters to ever come out of Texas. Over the years, as his reputation and song catalogue have grown, he has had a profound effect on the evolution and development of such well-known Texas artists as Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, and others. "He's the real deal." said Steve Earle
For soundclips go to bluerubymusic.com

Gove Scrivenor's music has been described as high energy folk blues, with his inventive slide work and boisterous vocals tempered all the while with singular work on the autoharp and beautiful ballads of his own writing, as well as a magical rapport with his audiences of all ages.

"To see a performer like Gove single handedly entice and cajole and entertain an audience is unique. A visit to a Gove concert is like going to the theatre. His presence and audience rapport command attention. His picking is superb, and he sings these gut level Memphis Blues and Delta type things with a voice that's both beautiful and funky. There should be creativity in music, and emotion and soul, and Gove's got 'em all." Harvey Magee - HANK MAGAZINE

For soundclips go to solidgove.com

Admired as a sly humorist and an innovative guitarist, Chuck Pyle has performed for the Colorado Legislature, on Austin City Limits, and at Bill Gates' home. He's had his songs recorded by John Denver, Chris LeDoux, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band & Jerry Jeff Walker. He sees what's best about America, writing songs about love lost & love found, forgetful cowboys, heroic highway patrolmen, and brain stems gone "critical".
"Vivid landscapes flow from Pyle's pen with grown up themes of the New West . . .[his] big campfire-smoked voice and solid guitar work anchor the song... it's really quite impressive how full the orchestration sounds with only Pyle's voice and guitar." - Eugene Weekly, Eugene OR

For soundclips go to chuckpyle.com

Opener: fingerstyle guitarist Larry Pattis

Oregon-based guitarist Larry Pattis recently played a solo concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and now he brings his guitar & storytelling talents to Three Pines concerts. Pattis is a master of steel-string guitar whose heartfelt folk-oriented lyrical approach to the music, along with his classically-
inspired attention to tone, dynamics and subtle nuance, provide for a performance that is filled with music that demands the listener's attention.

He has performed before audiences all across the United States, having played at such prestigious nationally known venues as Club Passim, Godfrey Daniels, The Mozaic Room, Charlotte’s Web, the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, and many more. A wealth of musical and life experiences brings style and humor to his live shows.

For soundclips go to larrypattis.com

Lowry Olafson has released seven CDs and tours worldwide. His live appearances are an entertaining mix of humour and heart that leave audiences with a renewed sense of optimism. His skillful guitar playing provides a compelling backdrop for his rich and uniquely soothing voice, and his original songs, engaging anecdotes, and inspired violin instrumentals invite listeners of all ages into a world that celebrates the poetry of life. Lowry performs solo or with his trio at theatres, festivals, and clubs, and has appeared at venues as diverse as the Australian National Folk Festival and Nashville's legendary Bluebird Cafe. He has opened for, or shared the stage with, Odetta, Dar Williams, Eric Bogle, Valdy, Pierce Pettis, Chuck Brodsky, Bill Morrissey, and Annie Gallup. Lowry makes his home in Gibsons Landing on British Columbia’s beautiful Sunshine Coast.
For soundclips go to lowryolafson.com

Bev Barnett & Greg Newlon blend modern folk with soulful harmonies and fiery guitar work, for a contemporary acoustic sound that gets up and walks. In live performance, the couple speaks from their hearts to the heart of the audience through their collection of songs about life, love, and the pursuit of something real. The connection they have with each other seems contagious and soon the audience is sharing in tears and laughter seen through the eyes of a very real relationship.

Their new release, Any Doorway Will Do, is acoustic, contemporary, meaningful and uplifting. Music Connection Magazine calls it “a luminous collection of songs that shine with a soulful spirit.”

For soundclips go to bevandgreg.com

AUDREY AULD MEZERA is a musician in the ‘Americ-kinda’ style - traditional American country and folk influences with strong Australian roots. "Music with the dirt left on" is how she describes her sound. Mezera is a spontaneous, engaging comedian & writer of humorous, provocative & poignant songs, with a trad country vocal style - a little bit Loretta Lynn and a touch of Randy Newman with that distinctive Aussie humor. Whether performing solo or accompanied by a stellar lead player Mezera connects with her audience.
“Audrey is the real deal. I call her the Australian songbird. She has that wide-open sound & it’s easy to relate to her music because she sings from the soul.” ~Jimmy La Fave

Joined by guitarist Andrew Hardin

For soundclips go to audreyauldmezera.com

As a singer-songwriter Craig Carothers has played nightclubs and concerts from Los Angeles to Stockholm for the last 20 years. Craig has shared the stage with more than 100 acts including: Karla Bonnoff, Bruce Cockburn, Ry Cooder, Catie Curtis, John Hiatt, Leo Kottke, Patty Larkin, Little Feat, Richard Thompson, Jethro Tull, and Warren Zevon. Craig Received the Portland Music Association's Crystal Award for both "Best Folk Act" and "Best Single." Then in the fall of 1995 Craig signed a publishing contract with Nashville-based Crossfire Entertainment/Almo Irving Music about the same time MCA Country recording artist Trisha Yearwood recorded his song "Little Hercules". That same year Craig was a winner at the Napa Valley Music Festival's Emerging Songwriter Showcase, and the Austin Songwriters Contest. Since then Kathy Mattea and Lorrie Morgan have also recorded Craig's songs.
For soundclips go to craigcarothers.com

Known for his expressive and energetic guitar style, Tosten has been described as an “Acoustic One-Man Band.” His four self-produced solo recordings combine his unique and expressive guitar style with his strong and soulful voice. He writes songs layered with warmth, intelligence, oblique humor and acute observation of human nature. His dynamic vocals and rhythmic, percussive guitar style fill his performances with intense energy, stories and music — weaving a web of writing, singing and playing that captivates and inspires his audiences.

The title track, American Dream, from his 4th original recording, won 2nd place in the 2006 Woody Guthrie International Songwriting Competition. Carl’s instrumental work is featured on Guitar Masters Vol. 1 from Bohemian Productions.

For soundclips go to carltosten.com

Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart blend folk, country, blues and old-timey jug band music. Their music mixes whimsy and wisdom, from the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, to the Philadelphia Folk Fest, Kerville, Merle Fest and many more.

Theirs is a musical marriage and they both come from musical families. Stacey's older brother is country rocker Steve Earle. She spent a year and a half on tour with her brother, and then returned to Nashville to start a career of her own. Mark Stuart grew up in Nashville, playing in his father’s honky tonk band while in high school. He also spent time in Steve Earle’s band in the late 90s.

Their songs are the diaries of their life - good times and bad, a commentary on the love they share.
For soundclips go to staceyearle.com

Tracy Grammer first saw Dave Carter perform at a songwriter showcase in 1996, just after moving to Portland, Oregon. “Here were stories that could stand alone as poetry, sung with compassion, intelligence, and a hint of Texas twang. Dave’s entire presentation felt like home to me. I knew instantly had received my calling in life.” Within weeks they were working up material with a band, began touring, and recorded their now-famous first album, When I Go. After Carter’s untimely death, Grammer made Flower of Avalon, her much anticipated solo debut, which was the #1 most-played album on folk radio in 2005. At this intimate performance, Grammer will play originals and interpretations of the songs of Dave Carter and other stellar writers.
Oh yes... Tracy Grammer is a familiar face performing at the Sisters Folk Festival.
Mike Biggers opens
For soundclips go to tracygrammer.com

For years Mike Biggers has entertained audiences in the Southern California area with his folk rock band Gayle & Company. Since moving to Sisters, Oregon, Mike has had the opportunity to focus on his songwriting and solo performances. His songs reflect everyday life through his personal experiences and observations, often displaying his use of wordplay and dry sense of humor.

Mike has recorded four CDs with Gayle & Company and his songs have received airplay on the nationally syndicated country station KFRG and public broadcast stations KPFK (Los Angeles) and KPOV (Bend, OR). He has had the fortune of opening shows for Diane Zeigler, Eve Selis, Mark O'Conner, and the Witcher Brothers, and has performed at venues such as the Wickenburg, AZ. Bluegrass Festival, Riverside, CA. Orange Blossom Festival and the Gram Parsons Tribute "Gramfest".

In 1965, Kenny was a co-founder of The Stone Poneys, along with Linda Ronstadt and Bobby Kimmel. The group made several albums, toured, and became well-known in the new American folk-rock movement. Kenny met Karla Bonoff, Wendy Waldman, and Andrew Gold to become the group Bryndle, not to be reunited until two decades later. Kenny went to work in Linda Ronstadt's band, along with Andrew Gold, and toured extensively for many years. Kenny supplied Ronstadt with material and introduced her to the music of Karla Bonoff, and co-wrote with Linda on occasion. In the Summer of 2002, Kenny released his first solo album. Kenny is a remarkable, articulate person - passionate and knowledgeable about authentic roots and country music, world and classical music, a superb guitarist, mandolin player, bass player, lyricist, composer, singer and arranger. He has been part of American music's history. Lila Nelson will be joining Kenny.
For soundclips go to kennyedwards.com

At seventeen Lila began performing from an already rich repertoire of songs and later went back to school for a theater and dance degree only to find her way back to touring her songs around the country.
A deliciously ironic storyteller, Lila delivers catharsis in diamonds, spades and especially hearts. Lila's performance savvy and irrepressible humor are reflected in the intimacy she creates with any size audience. With three independently produced CDs under her belt, her forthcoming CD features the production and session work of Kenny Edwards (Linda Ronstadt, Don Henley) and Freddy Koella (Bob Dylan, Doctor John).

While her own music has been receiving airplay around the world, KHUM radio invited Lila to host its acoustic program "Meet Me in the Morning." When she's not on the road, she is a regular live deejay there. For soundclips go to lilanelson.org

With the release of her fifth studio album, May, Laura Kemp has gained a reputation as one of the finest performers and songwriters on the west coast. She has been a fixture on the Eugene, OR folk scene since 1990, her dynamic performing style, refined confidence and uncompromising frankness on stage, and her unique brand of acoustic poetry earning her comparisons to Bob Dylan and Nanci Griffith, as well as consistently winning her “Best Female Musician” honors in the Eugene Weekly readers’ poll.
A guitarist since the age of 8, she began performing while living in Germany in 1987, honing her skills in Irish pubs and busking in the streets. Her musical style is not one to be pegged down, though it is largely rooted in folk and influenced by her time spent living in Nashville and North Carolina.

For soundclips go to laurakemp.com

With 6 albums under her belt, an active touring career throughout the U.S. and a string of accolades from the likes of The Washington Post, The Village Voice and The New Yorker, Susan Werner has become one of the defining artists of the folk music genre. Her songs effortlessly slide between folk, jazz and pop, and are delivered with a sassy wit and classic mid-western charm. Her new album "The Gospel Truth" explores the role of the Church in contemporary American life. Quite possibly the first "agnostic gospel" album, her new songs speak in a wide variety of voices, from faithful and traditional to the critical and even the unconvinced.
"A project sure to confirm Werner's reputation as "one of the most innovative songwriters working today..." (Chicago Tribune)

Soundclips & video at: susanwerner.com

With twenty albums to his credit, he has produced an extraordinary body of work. FI Magazine called James Lee Stanley's solo guitar and voice CD, Freelance Human Being, "a masterpiece and one of the all time great recordings."

Recently, James combined talents with John Batdorf to produce an album called All Wood And Stones, an amazing collection of Rolling Stones tunes played on acoustic guitars and brimming with joyous vocal harmonies. Imagine what the Rolling Stones songs would have sounded like if Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were California boys with acoustic guitars. A wonderful CD; see www.allwoodandstones.com for samples.

James' website: www.jamesleestanley.com

Originally from Rhode Island, David is a prolific writer who has released 18 albums over four decades. His album, Leonora, released in 2006 was recorded live in Holland and includes songs from throughout his career. Even if you haven’t heard David you have heard his songs. His credits include recordings by Emmylou Harris (“Jerusalem Tomorrow,” “Deeper Well”), Del McCoury (“Queen Anne’s Lace”), Slaid Cleaves (“Millionaire”) and Linda Ronstadt (“Women Across the River”). A quote from Michael McCall of the Nashville Scene does a good job of describing his music: “His acoustic rockers stomp raucously, his story-songs draw on history and high drama, and his ballads cut deep while showing that tenderness need not always be sweet.”
Sergio Webb will be joining Olney for this show.

NEW album ONE TOUGH TOWN
Website: www.davidolney.com

“Legendary Texas Songwriter Vince Bell: His songs have been performed and recorded by such diverse talents as Little Feat, Lyle Lovett and Nanci Griffith, and he has had a ballet set to his work. He has released three critically acclaimed CDs, and is the author of an autobiography, One Man's Music, chronicling his amazing comeback after a devastating car accident in 1982. Referring to Bell's fellow Texas songwriters (Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett and herself) Nanci Griffith said, "From all of us who were beating the paths around Texas in the 70s, I always felt Vince was the best of us." "Vince is a poet," said the late Townes Van Zandt. He is one of those rare artists who transcend category: its a little rock 'n' roll, a little folk, a little country, some blues and jazz, some singer-songwriter. What kind of music? Vince Bell music.” (Tom Guralnick, Outpost Performance Space)
Vince Bell website: vincebell.com

Cliff Eberhardt knew by age seven that he was going to be a singer and songwriter. As a child Cliff taught himself to play guitar, piano, base and drums. In his teens Eberhardt was fortunate enough to live close to the Main Point (one of the best folk clubs on the East Coast), he cut his teeth listening to the likes of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Bonnie Raitt, and Mississippi John Hurt - receiving an early and impressive tutorial in acoustic music. At the same time, he was also listening to great pop songwriters like Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and Rodgers and Hart, which explain his penchant for great melodies and clever lyrical twists. A driving force of the Greenwich Village New Folk movement and well known among his peers, Cliff’s songs have been covered by the likes of Ritchie Havens, Buffie St. Marie, Erasure, Lucy Kaplansky and the folk band "Cry, Cry, Cry".
Website: cliffeberhardt.com

Michael Gulezian (gu-LAY-ze-in) is one of the most highly acclaimed solo acoustic instrumental artists of our time - he's a phenomenal technical guitarist with the rare ability to transcend his own virtuosity, creating music that touches and moves people at the deepest level. Michael also happens to be a soulful vocalist, and an engaging live performer with a quick, offbeat sense of humor. If you enjoy the artistry of musicians such as Leo Kottke and Michael Hedges - guitarists who amaze us with what ten fingers and one guitar can do - then you will love Michael Gulezian. Great Quote......."If I could play guitar the way Michael Gulezian does, I would just sit in front of a mirror and watch myself do it." Garrison Keillor, on A Prairie Home Companion.
For Soundclips: michaelgulezian.com
View Video at: youtube.com

Field of Crows is the latest song collection from a man who is living one of the most fascinating and beautiful artistic evolutions in American music.

During his 20-year career, Texas singer-songwriter Darden Smith has recorded in folk, country and pop settings. He has co-written songs with a British rocker, released 10 critically acclaimed albums, created works for dance theater, done symphonic collaborations and taught music to children. Darden Smith has made himself at home in studios in Manhattan, Nashville and London, as well as Austin. As this new CD shows, his style is always shifting, yet remains true to his roots.

For soundclips go to dardensmith.com

Carey Ott writes cinematic music. It's almost like hes shooting little movies on a super 8 camera each time he writes a song. In this respect, you could say there is something of Randy Newman in Otts craft. But, perhaps most importantly, when you listen to Carey Ott deliver a song, you can feel the singer sitting right next to you, telling you the latest about some dark little adventure or a blue hole that opened up in a gray sky. No movie director gets that close. Carey's lead off track on Lucid Dream, "Am I Just One" has been given the nod by the creative forces of "Grey's Anatomy" to make yet another appearance on the hit ABC Television series. This will be the songs third performance since January 22, 2006. On top of that, "I Wouldn't Do That To You" has been chosen to be included on the Myspace Records soundtrack of another ABC TV series, Kyle XY.

Web-site at: careyott.com

Growing up in the small mill town of South Berwick, Maine, Picott was exposed to a surprising mix of musical influences. His father, a former marine owned a record collection that spanned from the marches of John Philip Sousa to Ray Charles and an older brother, an avid record collector, introduced Rod to the punk poetry of Patti Smith and The Clash, finishing the groundwork of influences that Rod would draw from later in his own music. The year of 1994 saw a move to Nashville TN where Rod established himself as one of the better new writers in town and hosted a weekly showcase called Rod Picott's Fireside Whiskey Hour as well as opening shows for Alison Krauss and Union Station and Gillian Welch. His cowrite "Broke Down" with Slaid Cleaves was the most played song on Americana radio in 2000.
Rod is currently recording a new collection of songs for his next album Spend Your Love Like Dimes.
For soundclips go to rodpicott.com

Caren Armstrong, Bay Area Artist, making the Three Pines Series the first stop on her national CD release tour.

Caren presents a passionate, multi-dimensional show full of bouyant music played straight from the heart. As always, Caren is dangerously honest, wickedly funny and disarmingly vulnerable, "one of those rare musicians who plays and sings music from its bones on out," in the words of The Waybacks' Steve Coyle. Her songs transcend the self-revelatory and speak universally to the human condition in all its humor and outrage, and her playing style references folk, country, blues, jazz, traditional and popular music, yet is distinctly her own.

For soundclips go to carenarmstrong.com

People have been talking about Eric Taylor and his songs since the early 1970s, when he was an integral part of a Houston songwriting scene that included Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, and Guy Clark. Taylor is one of the most influential songwriters to ever come out of Texas. Over the years, as his reputation and song catalogue have grown, he has had a profound effect on the evolution and development of such well-known Texas artists as Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, and others. "He's the real deal." said Steve Earle
For soundclips go to bluerubymusic.com

Singer Songwriter Tony Graham has had the ability to magically mesmerize every audience he comes before. It has been his gift since childhood. At a Tony Graham performance, while you are inadvertently wandering through past, present and future thoughts, you can’t help but wonder if the late Jim Croce hasn’t re-incarnated himself into the mind and soul of Graham. Or is it the reclusive Cat Stevens that keeps tickling your ears? Has James Taylor and Dan Folgelberg had their magical hands in on the honing of this guys talent? Yet what you are actually hearing and experiencing is something fantastically unique and fresh. Tony Graham is one of the best new songwriters of our day. Someone is going to grab a hold of this guy and run. Wouldn’t it be fun to be a small part of that history?

For soundclips go to singersongwritertonygraham.com

Growing up in San Antonio, Tish Hinojosa was influenced by traditional Mexican songs introduced by her parents as well as the pop and rock artists she listened to in the 1960's. Throughout her career, Tish has continued to combine different genres, while staying true to her Latin roots, to create a unique sound, aided by her beautiful vocals. Tish has recorded a staggering eleven albums, plus toured extensively in North and South America and Europe. She's recorded with Lucinda Williams, Joan Baez, Dwight Yoakum, Kris Kristofferson, Albert Lee and Nanci Griffith, among others. Her albums have graced the Top 10 charts in America and internationally. Her television appearances include VH-1, ABC, MTV, The Nashville Network, Austin City Limits, Fox, Good Morning America, and international stations.

For soundclips go to www.mundotish.com

Her songs display “the come-hither sultriness of her slinky, earthy vocals.” (Performing Songwriter) Natalia Zukerman has a sound that’s strong yet delicate, gentle yet insistent. You can call the music she makes folk if you want, but there’s jazz in it, too, and blues, and a soulful something or other that you can’t quite put into words. Whether onstage or on record, she presents herself just as she is—no gimmicks, no flashy pyrotechnics, only the solid musicianship of someone who knows and loves her craft.
For soundclips go to nataliazukerman.com