You have arrived! Welcome to the Summit of the Song, where laughter rings through the air and melodies float along the river into memory. Following the whirlwind musical adventures of July’s RockyGrass, we are here this weekend to savor the last lazy days of summer.
In a complex world, Folks Festival is a rarified space to lay your troubles down and live in the almighty moment. Check out your favorite acts but listen to some new ones too. We are always scouting and presenting the great talents of tomorrow.
Our hearts are full to the brim that you have chosen to be here with us. So, without further ado… go enjoy! Plant your chairs in the river and open your heart to the music. We are together again underneath the familiar constellations on Planet Bluegrass. Thank goodness.
LOVE, YOUR FRIENDS ON PLANET BLUEGRASS
RULES & GUIDELINES
First thing’s first, feel free to sit on any open tarp (especially up front) until its owners return. Make a few friends and do some dancing, that’s what we’re all here for!
SOME FRIENDLY REMINDERS
WHILE WE HAVE YOU HERE...
Tarps may be no larger than 10’ x 10’. We will be checking!
Climbing the hillsides and cli s is STRICTLY prohibited.
Drones are not permitted on the Festival grounds or in any of our campgrounds or parking areas.
There is no lifeguard watching your kids in the river. Be sure to monitor your children carefully!
Sunshades and high-back chairs are only allowed in designated areas. All high-back chairs must be behind the sound booth. If we can roll a basketball under your chair, we will ask you to move it behind the sound booth.
Umbrellas, shade tents, and other view-obstructing items are allowed only along the river and back perimeter of the festival grounds.
PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS—do not stand in the festival seating areas, and do not smoke in the audience! Instead, wander over to the smoking tent near the river, and deposit your butts in the proper receptacles. Sustainable Festivation, ya know?
Lost and Found is located at the Main Festival Box O ce.
TARP LINE POLICY
Festivarians may begin assembling for the next day’s line numbers no earlier than 11pm, along the pedestrian walkway outside of the Main Box O ce. At around midnight, the number line will be led through the customs gate, where we will distribute random numbers and mark wristbands to show receipt of a number. These numbers will be shu ed randomly. Each person may receive no more than one number.
The next morning, Festivarians should re-assemble in line number order beginning one hour before gates. Festivarians will be admitted into the festival in this randomly-assigned order, followed by all Festivarians without line numbers.
CLEAN CAMPSITE
CHALLENGE
With more than 2,000 campers in Lyons this weekend, (nearly doubling the size of our town!), it’s critical that we respect these beautiful Festival grounds that we get to call home for a few days.
In collaboration with Leave No Trace, we will be rewarding campsites that excel in creative, clean and sustainable camping. To nominate your campsite or one of your neighbors, pick up an entry form at the Leave No Trace booth in Harmony Greene and tell us your secrets to keeping your campsite clean. We will announce a random winner each day from the stage and reward them with goodies from our partners including Zeal, Be Hippy, and Culture Pop. Get your forms in early!
One grand prize winner will be selected Sunday afternoon. This grand prize winner will receive a pair of FREE 3-day passes and camping for next year’s Festival!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 CAMPSITE CHALLENGE WINNER: JESSICA EHRHARDT FROM SUPER MARIO BRO BIRTHDAY BASH CAMP!
SHOWCASE SONGWRITER
We open the 34th Annual Rocky Mountain Folks Festival with our internationallyrevered songwriting competition. The Songwriter Showcase is open to performing songwriters who are not currently signed to a major recording or publishing deal. Past winners include Kira Small, Robby Hecht, Caroline Spence, and Alexa Wildish. Earlier this summer, artists from around the States submitted original songs to be considered by our panel of music industry experts. After carefully listening to more than 400 entries, our judges selected ten finalists. Each will perform two songs for us on the Main Stage Friday morning.
SHOWCASE FINALISTS
KARYN ANN Milwaukie, OR
KATIE BOECK Nashville, TN
ANNA CUTLER Boulder, CO
CHANCE EMERSON
Providence RI / Hong Kong
DAPHNE GALE
New York City, NY
MARTIN GILMORE Englewood, CO
MIKE LAMITOLA Erie, CO
GABRIELLE
LOUISE Paonia, CO
RACYNE PARKER Westminster, CO
CAT TERRONES San Pedro, CA
Davey Diamonds at Animal Lane Studios (Lyons, Colorado) has generously offered to award the Songwriter Showcase winner with a half day (3-5 hour) recording session again this year! We are so thankful for their support.
SCORING CRITERIA:
• 50% Quality of Composition Depth, insight, cleverness
• 25% Quality of Vocal Rendering Vocal quality, pitch, tone
• 25% Quality of Delivery Instrumental technique, charisma
1st Place:
Main Stage set at 2025 Festival, Taylor Guitar, Recording session at Animal Lane Studio, and $400
2nd Place: $500
3rd Place: $400
4th Place: $350
5th Place: $250
6th-10th Place: $150 each
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED FROM THE MAIN STAGE FOLLOWING THE CONTEST FINALS
Each of the 10 finalists will perform in a “Showcase Finalists In-TheRound” set in the Wildflower Pavilion. Join in on these intimate performances and discover your new favorite songwriter. Purchase their music in the Country Store to show your support!
2023 Winner: Cindy Kalmenson
What is Harmony Greene, you ask? That’s a great question. Harmony Greene is the area snuggled between the river and the bar—it’s where all of our partners live for the weekend. We landed on that name because we feel a synchronicity with these partners and their values. Akin to the beautiful harmony of voices, we are stronger together!
Our Festival Host is centrally located under the Planet Bluegrass tent and is able to help answer any Festival related questions you may have. Harmony Greene is open from gates until 6pm daily.
WHAT'S NEW & EXCITING?
We are pleased to welcome two new partners into the fold, CulturePop and Be Hippy! Stop by and introduce yourself, they’d love to meet and tell you what they’re all about!
This year, Boulder Weekly hailed Upslope the best brewery in Boulder, Stem Ciders the best Cidery, Ozo the best co ee roaster, and Spirit Hound the best distillery! Talk about a quadruple crown for our beverage partners! (That’s not a thing so far as we know but it totally should be). Head over to give them all congratulations, and grab some samples while you’re at it. You can secure a cup of Ozo at the bar!
HARMONY GREENE TASTING SCHEDULE
Upslope, Stem Ciders, Spirit Hound
FRIDAY 12:30-1:00 • 3:15-3:45
SATURDAY 11:45-12:15 • 4:45-5:15
SUNDAY 11:30-12:00 • 4:30-5:00
Tucker Group Real Estate
Proudly supports the Planet Bluegrass Family! Thanks for always putting Lyons first and providing so many of us with fabulous “festival” memories, work and volunteer opportunities, and lifelong friendships!
Jonelle Tucker, Broker/Owner 303-902-6250
Kari Basey, Associate Broker 303-827-5608
Matt Ferren, Associate Broker 303-817-8416
Levi Nagy, Associate Broker 729-839-0123
OPEN 11AM-5PM
While you’re over there, check out the Instrument Petting Zoo (courtesy of HB Woodsongs). This is a place for kids and their parents to discover, strum, and play a variety of instruments. HB Woodsongs’ knowledgeable sta of instrument zookeepers provide the instruments, you provide the curiosity. Open 11-4.
WE ASK THAT PARENTS PLEASE ACCOMPANY THEIR KIDS AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN THE FAMILY AREA.
COME FIND THE FAMILY AREA ALONG THE RIVER BEHIND THE WILDFLOWER PAVILION! THERE WILL BE JEWELRY MAKING, BOAT BUILDING, FLOWER CROWN DESIGNING, FACE PAINTING AND ARTS & CRAFTS! JOIN
WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAYS
Intimate concerts in the Wildflower Pavilion are back this Fall and better than ever! We thought that we would give you a heaping dose of mid-week musical melodies to help you hop over hump day with a skip and a step... and maybe even a little shuffle?
This 6 show series throughout September and October is our final hurrah before we retreat into winter hibernation. Come when gates open to enjoy a picnic on the Wildflower lawn or spread out on the rocks by the river and grab a beverage from the bar. Settle in under string lights in the Pavilion and get transported by the artists that we’ve hand selected. We’re excited to explore new genres this year with a partnership with the Boulder Philharmonic!
Groove will tackle classics with a modern twist, while Americana Refined focuses in American folk. To bring it all home and round out the season, we'll get jazzy with Brass & Booze.
It’s taken us a while to ramp things up after the pandemic hiatus, but the time feels right and the space is calling for community. We are ready to welcome our Festivarian friends and artists with open arms (and ears) this fall... Please join us!
FallGrass brings cooler nights of on-site camping, and more space to spread out as you soak up the late summer sun. With music anchored in our Wildflower Pavilion, this intimate pickin' party promises food trucks, fireside jams, late night stargazing, yard games, quality time with friends and stellar music.
WILDFLOWER PAVILION SERIES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
STEVE POLTZ SHOOK TWINS
MADELINE HAWTHORNE IN THE ROUND
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2
DANIEL RODRIGUEZ WITH
DAVE BRUZZA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9
HUMBIRD WITH SOUND OF HONEY
PLANET BLUEGRASS X BOULDER PHILHARMONIC
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
GROOVE
A mixture of classics, blues, funk, jazz, bluegrass, and more by composers of diverse backgrounds for string chamber ensembles, bass, piano, and guitar. Modern selections include songs that have been performed by artists such as Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
AMERICANA: REDEFINED
An exploration of American Folk that pushes past the conventional boundaries of “Americana” and digs into the influences of gospel, jazz, blues, bluegrass, country, and global folk music of the many cultures that make up America.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
BRASS & BREWS/BOOZE
Pair our selection of brass ensemble pieces with a cold brew... or two... or three. This program trails jazz and Afro-Cuban influences, featuring many tunes familiar to music lovers, including Duke Ellington’s ‘Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me’ and Freddie Mercury’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’
HARMONY SCHOLARSHIP: $5,000
Last year, Planet Bluegrass collaborated with The Lyons Community Foundation and The Community Foundation of Boulder County to create an endowed scholarship fund that provides $5,000 each year for a graduating senior from Lyons, Colorado. The “Community in Harmony Scholarship” will be
o ered each year to a student that has shown their commitment to being involved in their community and can extemporaneously write about what community means to them and the magic, power, and challenges of gathering together. We are incredibly proud of the 2024 Harmony Scholarship recipient!
2024 ANDY CLARK FOUNDATION ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP
In honor of Andy Clark, the beloved community member and founder of Moxie Bread Co, The Andy Clark Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of our favorite baker, miller, music lover &
bringer of community. In the spirit of sparking joy, love, music and community, The Andy Clark Foundation selected and funded a scholarship for a young musician to attend The 2024 RockyGrass Academy.
2024 PLANET BLUEGRASS/ CAN'D AID SONG SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
Over the past decade, Can’d Aid has donated more than 3,335 instruments to public school music programs in need and has provided dozens of music workshops for kids. This year Can’d Aid used its
resources to identify the perfect young candidate in need of a scholarship to attend Song School. We are honored to provide this already talented student a stepping stone along their musical journey.
LONGMONT LATINX VOICES SCHOLARSHIP
The Longmont Latinx Voices (LLV) group was created in 2019 to help raise funds for local students to help elevate them to a better place through the power of knowledge. Each year (8)
awards of $1,000 are given out to increase educational and extracurricular opportunities for Latinx youth in the St Vrain Valley. Planet Bluegrass funded one of the $1000 in 2023 and 2024.
bouldermedicalcenter.com/planet
Samuel Jacobowitz, MD Family Medicine
Elizabeth Alaimo, DO Family Medicine
Fabiana Fernandez, MD Internal Medicine
Neha Vaitha, MD Pediatrics
Chesney Kennedy, MD Pediatrics
FESTIVATION
LIBATION STATION
BEERS
CRAFT LAGER
4.8% ABV CITRA PALE ALE 5.8% ABV MANGO LIME SOUR
4.5% ABV WEST COAST STYLE IPA 6.5% ABV
WINE
RIESLING
A light and playful wine with hints of apricot and peach.
CHARDONNAY
This unoaked Chardonnay is lean and crisp. Some green apple and winter pear notes and a smooth finish.
CIDERS
HARD SELTZERS
SPIKED SNOWMELT POMEGRANATE & ACAI
Gluten free • 100 calories • 5% ABV
SPIKED SNOWMELT SKRATCH SERIES: PEACH LEMONADE
Gluten free • 100 calories • 5% ABV
ROSE
Light with a touch sweet and hints of peach and apricot.
HARD MANGO LEMONADE
Juicy puckering lemons meet a splash of tropical mango flavor for a perfectly balanced refresher.
Gluten free • 6.9% ABV
COCKTAILS
COYOTE GOLD MARGARITAS
BLOODY MARYS
MARV'LOUS
A friendly, fruity red blend with apricot and dark cherry notes and a smooth finish.
HARD PEACH TEA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
A Colorado cab bursting with dark fruits and soft tannins on the finish.
Rich and sweet black tea with a kiss of ripe peach flavor makes for a sultry sipper worthy of lazy days and long nights. Gluten free • 6.9% ABV
VODKA, GIN, OR WHISKY
GINGER LIME SHRUB WITH
LIMITED RUN! CAFE COLORADO
CITRUS TONIC LEMON ADE
Co ee liqueur on ice with vodka & oat milk
PLANETARY IMPACT
MUSIC, COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENT
As a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC)–a legal entity recognized by the state of Colorado as a framework for responsible business–we have formally committed to operate our business in a manner that allows us to make decisions not just based purely on profit, but also considers the societal and environmental impacts of our Festivals. Take a look at our 2023 Impact
FESTIVAL FOOTPRINT
Telluride, Rockygrass & Folks Festival
Report that highlights our commitment in the areas of Music, Community and Environment. Thank you, beloved Festivarians, for joining us on this journey.
LOVE, THE FOLKS ON PLANET BLUEGRASS
2023 ROCKYGRASS & FOLKS FESTIVAL
47% Diversion Rate
Check out our full 2023 Impact report!
Win a pair of 3-day passes with camping to the 2025 Folks Fest when you calculate your Festivarian Footprint!
A GREENER FESTIVAL CERTIFICATION
If you’re going to talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk! This year, Planet Bluegrass is seeking out A Greener Festival certification conducted by UK based sustainable events leader, A Greener Future (AGF). Since 2007, AGF has evaluated the environmental and societal impacts of hundreds of festivals worldwide.
The assessment will evaluate our approach to key elements of sustainability including energy, food & beverage, transport, waste, water, social responsibility, and policy and strategies for reducing CO2 emissions as well as our community involvement.
We are excited to join the AGF network to see how our current practices hold up and how we can continue to grow stronger.
COMPOST CONUNDRUM CONTINUES
In 2023 the primary composter serving the Denver-Boulder area was forced to temporarily suspend the acceptance of all compostable serving products, citing issues with contamination. Based on YOUR excellent track record of creating a clean waste stream WM Solutions in Colorado
Springs agreed to accept all of the compost from our sta ed waste stations last year, and we will be doing the same thing again this year. So please continue to lick those reusable plates clean and toss any other serving items into the compost.
ABOUT THE POSTER ARTIST
Holls Walck is the artist behind Pine Bones, who created this year’s incredible Festival artwork. Inspired by the environment & ecology around them, Holls delves into connections rooted within the natural world. The Moabbased illustrator's work is fueled by wilderness and isolation. Originally a northeast transplant, Walck relocated to the West to focus on artistic exploration.
Focusing on elements such as hydrology, selenography, desert textures, native flora & fauna, Walck’s illustrations are a personal reflection of their experiences and relationships with the sacredness of the natural spaces they encounter & dwell.
MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE
FRIDAY AUGUST 9th
10:00am Gates Open
10:30 - 12:30
Songwriter Showcase
12:45 - 1:45
Michaela Anne
2:00 - 3:15
Willi Carlisle
3:45 - 5:00 Sir Woman
5:30 - 6:45 Handmade Moments
7:15 - 8:30
John Vincent III
9:00 - 10:30
The Wood Brothers
SATURDAY AUGUST 10th
10:00am Gates Open
10:45 - 11:45 Cindy Kalmenson
12:15 - 1:15 Peter Mulvey
1:45 - 3:00 Making Movies
3:30 - 4:45 Margo Cilker
5:15 - 6:30 The Mother Hips
7:00 - 8:30 Pokey LaFarge
9:00 - 10:30 Bonny Light Horseman
SUNDAY AUGUST 11th
10:00am Gates Open 10:30 - 11:30 Harlem Gospel Travelers Noon - 1:00 The Faux Paws
1:30 - 2:45 Alisa Amador
3:15 - 4:30 Darlingside
5:00 - 6:15 The Watson Twins
6:45 - 8:00 Jamestown Revival 8:30 - 10:00 Brittany Howard
WILDFLOWER PAVILION
FRIDAY AUGUST 9th
12:15 -1:00
Bill Nash & Meg Braun
1:15 - 1:45
Katie Wise & Bhakti Explosion with JJ Jones
2:00 - 2:30
Heather Mae
2:45 - 3:45
Showcase Finalists:
Anna Cutler
Daphne Gale
Mike Lamitola
4:00 - 4:30
Vance Gilbert
5:00 - 5:45
Bandits on the Run
6:00 - 6:30
Mary Gauthier
SATURDAY AUGUST 10th
11:45 - 12:30
Sarah Clanton & Mark Gibson
12:45 - 1:15
Strangebyrds
1:30 - 2:00
Sarah Sample & Edie Carey
2:15 - 3:30
Showcase Finalists:
Chance Emerson
Katie Boeck
Racyne Parker
Karyn Ann
4:00 - 4:30
Steve Seskin
4:45 - 5:15
Rebecca Folsom
5:30 - 6:00
Arthur Lee Land
SUNDAY AUGUST 11th
11:30 - Noon Fairy Folk Family Show
12:15 - 12:45
Eben Grace Trio
1:00 - 1:30
Shanna in a Dress
1:45 - 2:45
Showcase Finalists: Martin Gilmore
Gabrielle Louise Cat Terrones
3:00 - 3:30
Chicago Mike Beck
3:45 - 4:15
Justin Roth
4:30 - 5:00
Paul Reisler
5:15 - 5:45
Ellis
MICHAELA ANNE
FRIDAY
12:45 - 1:45
WILLI CARLISLE
FRIDAY
2:00 - 3:15
We’re off to the Friday races! On the heels of the finals of our Songwriter Showcase, we have another songwriter we’ve been looking forward to… um… showcasing… Huh, do we have a thing? We love her so much that we invited her to spend the whole week at Planet Bluegrass with us as an instructor at Song School where she has been a constant beacon of patience, inspiration, and guidance. Michaela Anne, who has been compared to Linda Rondstadt
Everyone is talking about Willi Carlisle, and you’ll soon find that it’s for good reason. A harmonica fixed to his mouth and a guitar in hand, the troubadour (born in Kansas, based in Arkansas) is looking for somewhere that can handle the rage of a young man on the run. A Bluegrass Situation Artist of the Month, Carlisle has been dubbed a lyrical poet and is applauded for his honest and openhearted songwriting. Willi doesn’t shy away from difficult topics in
and Emmylou Harris, first began garnering national recognition with the release of her first album, 2014’s Ease My Mind. She followed it up in 2016 with the similarly praised and beautifully written Bright Light and the Fame. In 2019 she dropped her first album with independent record label Yep Roc.Desert Dove catapulted her towards commercial success, resulting in an invitation to Bonnaroo and praise from the likes of USA Today, and The Associated Press
his songs, he dives into queer life and drug abuse in rural America. He began making a stir with the release of “Cheap Cocaine” in 2016. His third studio album, Critterland released in January of this year, was produced by Darrell Scott, who has graced our stage and instructed in our Song School many times. There is no doubt in our minds that Willi is on an upward trajectory towards stardom. Catch him on this Planet before he catapults towards another!
SIR WOMAN
FRIDAY
3:45 - 5:00
We have two things we’d like to say. 1. Sir Woman’s got it goin’ on, and 2. we’re never gonna give them up! The groovy ensemble took the Austin music scene by storm with the release of their self-titled freshman album back in 2019. Fronted by Kelsey Wilson, whose voice you may recognize from the bands Wild Child and Glorietta, they released “Never Gonna Give Me Up” and “Who You Gonna Love” in July. That’s why we said that thing before about not
wanting to give them up, by the way. In reference to the song? Anyways, their sound is funky and soulful, full of smooth basslines and ambient choral backdrops. NPR Music praises them for “...moving effortlessly into a brave new R&B-infused, gospel-flecked world where [Wilson’s] golden pipes ease you back into a fluffy pillow of serenity and bliss.” We’re takin’ whatever road Sir Woman leads us towards… are you in? We know better, trust us on this one.
The threads of this quirky duo emerged from the rich art scene in Fayetteville Arkansas where Anna Moss and Joel Ludford began weaving together sounds of jazzy saxophone, funky electric bass, groovy guitar and fresh vocals to create Handmade Moments. As a result, this hip-hop folk-roots group has knitted together something totally unique–but don’t expect your grandma’s doilies or socks. The duo is loose and goofy in style, especially in their most
We can think of way more than III examples of why we’re so excited to have John Vincent III here with us today. Alas, we have a limited character count, so we really do need to stick to just III. 1. Songs from the Valley. That in itself is actually one whole reason. Before you question us–have you listened to it?! It’s a debut album to champion all debut albums. 2. He has a voice like balm and honey sweet lyrics that’ll lead you on a calming sonic journey.
recent single “Microfiber Towel,” but don’t confuse that demeanor for a lack of seriousness. End The Wars, their 5th studio album highlights some serious subject matter. If you find yourself wondering, are they beatboxing right now? You are correct! They are beatboxing, saxophoning, mandolining, clarineting, and sousaphoning! Not sure that’s ever been a verb, but it is now. Let yourself get swept up in Handmade Moments debut on Planet Bluegrass.
3. He’s a thoughtful songwriter who pours his heart and soul into his musical craft. He’ll capture your heart with ease. We’ve had “Never, No Not Once” on repeat since it was released last month. John has built a die-hard fan base for himself, which continues to grow with his expanding portfolio. He is about to embark on The Roadtrip Tour which will have him traveling across the world.We’re so grateful he’s making a stop in Lyons before he departs!
THE
WOOD BROTHERS
FRIDAY
9:00 - 10:30
Obviously we love all kinds of different woods, we’re Planet Bluegrass, duh! Balsam, fir, aspen, mahogany…brothers Oliver and Chris? If we absolutely had to choose favorites, it would probably be those two. Joined on stage by multiinstrumentalist Jano Rix, The Wood Brothers grew up right down the road in Boulder! This trio has been a staple on the americana/folk scene since 2005. Their newest album, Heart is the Hero, comes right from
the depths of their hearts to pierce ours. It has their distinct sound and contemplative songwriting. Now, if we’re really lucky this evening, (the luckiest, you might say), Chris will be gripped by the musical spirit and offer up one of his quintessential dance numbers. There’s just something about those funky moves that we can’t get enough of. You keep enjoying the show, we’ll be praying to Saint Festivaria on behalf of all of us. You can thank us later!
IN LOVING MEMORY
Griffin “Griff” Ferguson
Do you remember
All the times that we shared
High in the rockies
With snow in our hair
Memories of you
They brighten up my day
When you’re not with me
Things don't go my way
Memories of you
They’re coming on strong
Memories of you
They help me hold on
Do you remember
Out on the fishing bank
When you told me you loved me
And your heart was mine to take
Memories of you
They cause the sun to shine
And though you’re not with me
You're always on my mind
Sometimes I have to hold back tears
Memories of you
I cherish all through the years
Do you remember
Or am I just hanging on
To the ghost of the memory
Of a love that was lost
Do you remember
All the times that we shared
High in the rockies
With snow in our hair
CINDY KALMENSON
SATURDAY
10:45 - 11:45
PETER MULVEY
SATURDAY
12:15 - 1:15
Hello sunny Saturday! Each year we start off the Festival on Friday with the final round of our Songwriter Showcase Competition, where the top 10 songwriting finalists compete for money, prizes and their own set on the Mainstage the following year. Now in its 16th year, the Showcase is one of our favorite parts of the weekend. Cindy Kalmenson first entered the contest twenty-one years ago and placed tenth. Last year, she returned to Folks Fest as
Peter Mulvey has made nineteen records,illustratedabook,performed a TedTalk, and played thousands of live shows. And yet, for a man with the background and breadth of experience that he has, he couldn’t be kinder or more down-to-earth. Peter spent the last week teaching in our Song School guiding aspiring artists in their musical journey. He’s a joy to be around. He offered his expertise on surviving the road as an aspiring musician, single string guitar theory,
a finalist, sang and played her heart out, and secured first place (which includes a snazzy new Taylor Guitar, thank you very much)! It felt like a long overdue homecoming. Cindy is influenced by the likes of Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Neil Young, and Jackson Browne. She feels most at home on stage, which is perfect because that’s where she’ll be kicking things off for us this morning. We are delighted to have Cindy back to perform for you all!
and the de- and re- construction of songs. Peter brings the whole package.Raised in Milwaukee, he has busked across the world from Ireland all the way to Massachusetts. He’s built his life’s work on connectivity, collaboration and community, with music as a platform to make a positive change in the world. Sound familiar? These ethics resonate with us and we hope they resonate with you too–we could all use a little more Mulvey, don’t you agree?
MAKING MOVIES
SATURDAY 1:45 - 3:00
While we love movies as much as the next person, and it does seem like fun, we’re not in the business of Making Movies. We do Festival production and leave the movie making to brothers Enrique Chi (vocals/guitar) and Diego Chi (bass/ experimental vocals), percussionist Juan-Carlos Chaurand, and drummer Duncan Burnett. Formed in Kansas City, Missouri in 2009, Making Movies says they make American music with an asterisk, as their sound
“...encompasses the entirety of the Americas… [crunching] classic rock into Latin American rhythms— African-derived percussion and styles like rumba, merengue, mambo and cumbia.” They just released their first concert film and live album En La Salsa (En Vivo). NPR hails them as “...one of the most unique groups around today,” adding that they are “...sensual, smoky, and seductive.”We’re not sure about you, Festivarians, but that sounds like something we can’t miss!
MARGO CILKER
SATURDAY
3:30 - 4:45
THE MOTHER HIPS
SATURDAY
5:15 - 6:30
California born singer/songwriter Margo Cilker (pronounced “silk-er”) is the fifth generation of her family to grow up in Santa Clara Valley. Her debut album Pohorylle was nominated for UK Americana Album of the Year alongside the likes of Robert Plant and Brandi Carlile (no big deal or anything). In sophomore album Valley of Heart’s Delight, Margo dives into the landscape of her childhood. More specifically, the parts of it that no longer exist–the
There are not a lot of scenarios in which we yearn to talk about our mother’s hips. That’s pretty understandable, right? Definitely not too out of the ordinary. There are, however, an endless amount of scenarios in which we would like to talk about The Mother Hips, because those hips don’t lie. They are also very talented and put on stellar live shows!
The Northern California outfit is a new breed of soul and rock, influenced by the likes of the Beach Boys, The
verdant valley full of apricot trees that Silicon Valley grew over. Margo’s style is hard to pin down. Whether you consider it Americana laced altcountry or indie-folk, it’s undeniable that her vocals are strong and moving. They are reminiscent of Lucinda Williams, and equally capable of bringing tears to our eyes. Rolling Stone says she’s “poised to have a breakout year,” and we are inclined to agree. If you need us we’ll be up movin’ and groovin’ for this one!
Band, and Buffalo Springfield. Their newest single “8:05” is part of the compilation album The Mouse That Rocked: A Tribute to Stanley Mouse, which honors the psychedelic artist. These guys have shared stages with the likes of Johnny Cash, Wilco, and The Black Crowes. The New Yorker praised their ability to “sing it sweet and play it dirty.” Can your mother’s hips do that? Actually, forget we asked that, we don’t want to know the answer…
POKEY LAFARGE
SATURDAY
7:00 - 8:30
So Long Chicago, hello Lyons! Pokey is looking absolutely fire right now. Although that’s nothing new, is it? He’s dressed up spiffy as ever, and he’s got that newlywed glow, the kind you can spot from a mile away. Mazel tov to the happy couple! Your love makes our garden grow. Paired with that funky, retro sound that you can’t help but kick your feet to, and gosh are we all in for it this evening. Prepare for that kind of grooviness that gets stuck in your ears… that
new age Delta blues rhythm that is familiar and fresh simultaneously. Pokey’s newest album, Rhumba Country, blessed our ears in May and we already have most of the words memorized. We love “Sister Andre.” We love “One You, One Me.” When it comes right down to it, we love them all and we think you will too! So hop on up and wiggle a little for this one. Let the music flow through you.We’re going to ease our T-R-O-U-B-L-E tonight, Pokeyvarians.
BONNY LIGHT HORSEMAN
SATURDAY
9:00 - 10:30
HARLEM GOSPEL TRAVELERS
SUNDAY
10:30 - 11:30
You most likely know the members of Bonny Light Horseman from their other projects. Anais Mitchell is the composer behind Tony and Emmy award winning Broadway hit Hadestown, an innovative retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Eric D Johnson, longtime collaborator with The Shins, is the leader and sole permanent member of the band Fruit Bats. Josh Kaufman, a successful producer, is known for his work with Bob Weir, The National,
Here at Folks Festival, we celebrate the spirit of song as a force for change. This means something different for everyone, and The Harlem Gospel Travelers are here to help us understand. The trio is Ifedayo Gatling, Dennis Bailey, and George Marage, and their goal is to make people feel connected through music, no matter their background. “Music is music, as long as it makes you feel something,” says Gatling. “We want to represent people being free
Hiss Golden Messenger, and many more.Together, the trio’s impressive resumesbecomelarger-than-life.They have found something spectacular! Their eponymous debut album was released in January 2020 and nominated for two GRAMMYS. Then the whole world shut down… but now we’re back, and we get to enjoy Bonny Light Horseman under the big lights again! Their newest release, Keep Me on Your Mind/ See You Free goes down easy and smooth. All 20 tracks of it!
and sharing love and understanding.” Their music moves us, lifts us up from our burdens and takes us somewhere higher. This is what they’re all about! We are just a few weeks away from the release of their new album, Rhapsody, a follow up to 2021’s acclaimed Look Up! With stellar vocals and personal twists on classic gospel songs and a slew of their own original material, we couldn’t think of a more perfect way to usher in our final day of Festivation.
THE FAUX PAWS
SUNDAY
NOON - 1:00
A faux pas is a slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct; an embarrassing social blunder or indiscretion. Like snapping at someone for occupying your tarp while you’re grabbing lunch, for example. Tarps are to be shared, you silly Snobivarian! The Faux Paws are something entirely different. They struggle to sum up the parts of their sound, even into a hyphenated mash (like jazzmericana-folkgrass, for example). We’ll do our best to explain
what it all embodies. Prepare yourself for a high energy, dynamic live show with great on stage chemistry. Chemistry because the trio are old friends (and two of them are also related!). You can expect saxophone solos, raging fiddle tunes, and unrequited love songs, but no social blunders or impropriety. At least that’s what we discussed, right boys? It’s been a year since Backburner, and we’re already wanting more! Perhaps a new album on the way…?
ALISA AMADOR
SUNDAY
1:30 - 2:45
DARLING SIDE
SUNDAY
3:15 - 4:30
Alisa Amador made history in 2022 with her song “Milonga accidental,” the first-ever Spanish language song to win the prestigious Tiny Desk Contest. NPR’s Bob Boilen praises her for her “powerful voice whose tender performance commands attention and fosters connection.” Now, she is here to formally introduce herself via her first full-length album, Multitudes. Featuring collaborations with Madison Cunningham and Gaby Moreno, the album is full of celebration.
Celebration for how far she’s come in her career, and for where everything originated (her background spans across Puerto Rico, New Mexico, New England, and Argentina). She began playing classical guitar at age ten, and made the switch to electric a decade later. She uses the instrument’s versatility to bring in a variety of different influences, twisting them together and making something distinctly her own. We are overjoyed to have her joining us!
THE WATSON TWINS
SUNDAY
5:00 - 6:15
Darling, you’re gonna love this. Hailing from Boston, MA, Darlingside is Don Mitchell, Auyon Mukharji, Harris Paseltiner, and David Senft. The quartet met in college.This indie/ folk band comes with dreamy, trance inducing harmonies and a warm, sweeping sound. NPR calls them “exquisitely arranged, literary minded, baroque folk-pop.” They released their 4th LP, Everything is Alive, in 2023. They are currently touring for the first time without David, although
Twin harmonies! Have we told you how much we love twin harmonies?! Watson sisters Chandra and Leigh started out singing harmonies with Jenny Lewis, and released Rabbit Fur Coat alongside her in 2006. Their unique sororal sound cast a spell on us back then, and it still hasn’t lifted to this day. Say, could either of you do anything about our Honky Tonk Heart? Chandra?...Leigh? I guess it’s not so bad, all things considered. These two built their musical
he is still a member of the band. Their lineup today includes Isa Burke of Lula Wiles. We haven’t met them yet, but we already know they’re so lovely. How do we know, you ask? The band’s mascot is the Unicorn of Friendship, for St. Festivaria’s sake! Check their website for pics, it’s quite cute. They’re keepers and we are so pleased to welcome them to our Main Stage. Hold your heads up high, Festivarians, and let Darlingside wash over you!
foundation on gospel classics and country standards. Their newest album, Holler, was released in June of 2023. Uncut Magazine calls it “a lusty embrace of their destiny, the best thing they've ever done, and one of the best things anybody will do this year.” Not much we can add to that! Their roots are strong, and their message for us is clear: there’s more to life than being a rolling stone. Let The Watson Twins show you the way.
JAMESTOWN REVIVAL
SUNDAY
6:45 - 8:00
BRITTANY HOWARD
SUNDAY
8:30 - 10:00
Heaven knows we’ve been tryin’ just to get back home. Each and every year we set our eyes eagerly towards August and all that Folks Festival brings. It’s our very own little Festivarian family reunion. We’ve been burnin’ through the midnight hour… And finally, we’ve arrived with the help of Jamestown Revival! Zach Chance and Jonathan Clay, childhood friends from Magnolia, Texas, playfully describe their sound as “Southern & Garfunkel.” Indie
Alas, we’ve arrived at the last set of the weekend. We’ve had such a wonderful time with you all! We hate to see you go, but we’re going to end things on a high note here, because Brittany Howard is something else. She sings with intense emotion and conviction. She writes incredible songs. She rails on the guitar. She’s won multiple GRAMMYs, AND she’s an actress!? It seems there’s nothing she can’t do.Her list of recent projects is chock-full, including a theatrical
rock with a Southern slant, one could say. It’s exquisite, but don’t just take our word for it. 2022’s Young Man was their first release without electric guitars. It instead leaned heavily on skillful songwriting and expert harmonies, and turns out we didn’t find a single thing lacking. They recently released duet single covers, The Allman Brothers’ “Midnight Rider,” and Delaney Bramlett’s “Never Ending Song Of Love.” Get a good spot up close for this one!
debut in the newest Netflix animated movie, where she voices Thelma the Unicorn amongst a star studded cast. On top of that, her most recent album, What Now, left us spellbound, and has been (appropriately) showered with praise by the likes of Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. She’s hot off an international leg of her tour, and we are utterly delighted to have her in our little corner of the Rocky Mountains. Welcome to Lyons, Brittany!
LEO
JULY 23 - AUGUST 22
The sun is beaming out there, but we all know it’s your time to shine, little Leo. Don’t shirk your responsibilities, go out and show everyone what you’re made of! Like a fiery fiddle solo, your passion ignites the hearts of all who listen. Stay looking good and you’ll stay feeling good, you little Festivarian star.
VIRGO
AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22
Virgos, we know you like to be in control. While it’s a lovely idea, there is, unfortunately, no way to control most aspects of this weekend’s festivities. But it’s ok! Not being in control is a beautiful thing. Throw caution to the wind, make a tie dye shirt and let the colors mix and mingle together!
LIBRA
SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23
The universe has aligned to deliver a weekend filled with unexpected giggles and a mild amount of chaos. It’s the fun kind of chaos that’s reserved solely for patrons of Folks Festivals in beautifully mountainous regions, so there’s no reason to worry. Be fully prepared to find yourself in a clusterpluck of some kind. You will handle it with grace, as always.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 21
The moon is hovering in seductive scorpio, which can only mean one thing: you have relationships on the brain! This weekend it’s time to focus on collaboration. One instrument is beautiful on its own, but it’s even more spectacular paired with others. Like a steady bassline, your determination provides a strong foundation for success.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 21
Good news abounds! Mercury is finally out of Retrograde, which means it’s about to come up roses for you. You are being rewarded for your patience with a rare celestial occurrence: Chris Wood dancing up a geomagnetic space storm. It sounds dangerous, but the radioactive remnants will actually guide you towards deeper connections with those around you.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19
Themoonhasturnedtocheese,andit’scausingallkindsofissues.You’relackadaisical when your work ethic is typically enviable. You’ve always leaned towards risk-averse, butrecentlyyou’reitchingtopickupadangeroushobby.Takeitasalesson:bigchange is always looming, and you must stay on your toes and orient yourself to stay ahead.
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18
We’re here to talk about why you’ve been feeling drab lately, like you’ve lost your mojo. Turns out it’s all in your head, you silly loon! Step out of your own way and don’t hold yourself back–embrace your uniqueness and push some boundaries. Like Brittany Howard’s bold improvisation, your creativity knows no limits.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20
It would be nice if you and your people were moving at the same pace, but it’s just not happening. Is it even possible to all convene on the same tarp?! Let these conflicts in your schedules inspire you to try harder to connect. Your charm and diplomacy are the music that brings people together in perfect harmony.
ARIES
MARCH 21 - APRIL 19
Aries are a bunch of big ol’ softies: tough on the outside, full of marshmallow fluff on the inside. You can’t tell us any different! This weekend, we encourage you to lean into your softer side… talk to a stranger in the tarp line, maybe even bump elbows with a fellow Festivarian on the dance floor!
TAURUS
APRIL 20 - MAY 20
While in Lyons, your earthy nature will find pure joy in the surrounding mountains. However, your practical side may flip out as you slosh your way through the chaotic seaoftarps.ButdonotFretivarian!It’stimetostepoutofyourcomfortzone.Embrace the tempo of life's crescendos and diminuendos; the rhythm is yours to command.
GEMINI
MAY 21 - JUNE 21
Your sensitivity is your strength, Gemini, so focus on harmonizing the discordant notes of life with your own empathy and love.Take that energy and pay it forward! Lean into the beauty of a Festival weekend and embrace your mantra.It will bring you luck!“Let the music be my guide, as I navigate life's tide.”
CANCER
JUNE 22 - JULY 22
The stars have aligned to present you with a special opportunity to show off your adventurous spirit. You’ve been journeying through life with a song in your heart, and now the gravitational pull is drawing you to the dance floor. This weekend, seek out new musical experiences and embrace the joy of spontaneous collaboration.
New York Times Games are such a hit nowadays. In the Planet Bluegrass office, we battle to see who can get the Wordle quickest. We shake our heads over iffy categories in Connections, and sprint through the Mini Crossword like it’s a formal time trial.
We’ve been swept up in the craze, and therefore felt inspired to create our own Mini Crossword with a Planetary twist. We may have gotten carried away, so it’s less of a “Mini Crossword” per se as much as it is a ‘Regular Sized Crossword.”
ACROSS
1 Take a _____ of the beautiful stage art and Festival decorations, it’ll last longer!
3 We hope the water level is high enough so you can _____ down the St. Vrain.
5 EmPOWer yourself by stopping by to chat with the Protect Our _____ group and make sure your registration is up to snuff to VOTE in November.
6 Folks Festival is often referred to as The “Summit of the _____”
8 Don’t be trashy! Visit the Leave No _____ booth in Harmony Greene to participate in our micro-trash pick-up & Sustainable Campsite Challenge.
9 A snazzy mode of transportation seen being used by many Festivarians, especially those that live locally!
12 You may need to slip on a pair of plant-based sunglasses from because the Folks Fest lineup has never looked so bright.
13 Come to FallGrass in the Wild____ Pavilion this September!
15 Our beer sponsor, _____, who just announced they are opening a new location in Silverthorn!
16 We hope your feet can keep up with the !
Regardless, using the questions below, fill in the puzzle on the next page. If you’re having trouble with a question, go wander around Harmony Greene and chat with our partners, you might just find the answer you’ve been searching for!
DOWN
1 The Moab, UT based artist responsible for this year’s beautiful poster artwork.
2 We teamed up with our friends at _____ to create the cutest reusable cups you ever did see!
4 You’re excited about seeing your favorite _____ this weekend. You also have one on your wrist!
6 They’re called _____ Ciders, but have you tried their new Hard Mango Lemonade at the bar?
7 Each Folks Festival, around 2,000 _____ on our Festival grounds or in LaVern Johnson Park, nearly doubling the population of Lyons!
10 The Folks Festival officially begins with the “_____”, where Festivarians vie for the best spot on the lawn.
11 Last year Planet Bluegrass and YOU, our loyal Sustainable Festivarians, diverted 60% of the total _____ created at the Festival from the landfill by recycling and composting.
14 Looks like you could use some energy! A couple too many late nights in the campground? Grab some _____ coffee from the bar!
