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Anne Hills
Anne Hills is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, musician, and poet whose career has shaped the folk music landscape for decades. A founder of key Chicago folk institutions, she is celebrated for her award-winning recordings, advocacy for children and social causes, and her latest album, Every Town, featuring the songs of Michael Smith.
Bryan Bowers
Bryan Bowers is a legendary autoharp virtuoso whose influence on the instrument has been compared to Earl Scruggs’ impact on the banjo. A member of Frets Magazine’s First Gallery of the Greats, he is celebrated for his masterful musicianship, songwriting, and captivating stage presence that has delighted audiences for more than six decades.
Chris Vallillo
Chris Vallillo is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and roots musician whose songs bring the people and places of the rural Midwest to life. Blending original, traditional, and contemporary music with masterful six-string and slide guitar playing, he crafts vivid stories that celebrate the heart of “unmetropolitan” America.
Bill Robinson
Bill Robinson is a master multi-instrumentalist and third-generation hammered dulcimer player whose deep family roots in traditional music shine through every performance. In addition to his exceptional musicianship, he is a respected dulcimer teacher and instrument builder, dedicated to preserving and sharing the craft.
Claudia Schmidt
Claudia Schmidt is a beloved singer-songwriter and storyteller whose multi-octave voice, 12-string guitar, and mountain dulcimer create unforgettable performances. For more than 50 years, she has inspired audiences with a unique blend of music, humor, and heartfelt observations that celebrate humanity and the wonder of the world around us.
Eleanor Ellis, William Lee Ellis & Andy Cohen
Eleanor Ellis, Andy Cohen, and William Lee Ellis are acclaimed roots, blues, and folk musicians whose combined talents bring fresh energy to traditional American music. Blending masterful vocals and instrumentation, the trio celebrates the rich legacy of blues, gospel, ragtime, and country songs while honoring the artists who helped shape these enduring traditions.
Gina Forsyth
Gina Forsyth is an award-winning singer-songwriter, acclaimed Cajun fiddler, and guitarist whose soulful voice, heartfelt songwriting, and sharp wit have made her a standout on the Louisiana music scene. Known for powerful live performances, she carries forward the tradition of folk artists who use music to tell stories, inspire reflection, and connect communities.
Heather Forest
Heather Forest, PhD, is an award-winning storyteller, author, musician, and pioneer of the American storytelling renaissance. For more than four decades, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her unique blend of music, poetry, and multicultural folktales, earning numerous honors for her performances, recordings, and contributions to storytelling literature.
Janice Del Negro
Janice M. Del Negro, PhD, is an acclaimed storyteller, educator, author, and professor at Dominican University. A recipient of the National Storytelling Network’s Circle of Excellence Award, she is recognized for her leadership in storytelling education, award-winning publications, and decades of inspiring audiences and storytellers across the country.
Matt Watroba
Matt Watroba is a beloved folk performer, songwriter, educator, and radio host dedicated to building community through music. Known for his engaging concerts, humor, and audience participation, he has spent his career preserving and sharing American folk traditions while inspiring people to sing together, one town at a time.
Mean Mary
Mean Mary is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and performer known for her powerful vocals and lightning-fast picking. A musical prodigy who recorded her first album at age six, she now plays 11 instruments, has released 18 albums, tours internationally, and earned critical acclaim for her album Woman Creature.
Rev. Robert Jones, Sr.
Robert Jones is an award winning storyteller, musician, teacher and tradition keeper. He is a multi-instrumentalist who blends both traditional and personal stories to convey a simple but important message, namely that most people have more in common than they do to fight about. With masterful storytelling and incredible musicianship, he creates an experience that entertains, inspires, and teaches us that we are grounded in a culture that proclaims that we are stronger when we share the power of our diversity.
Sons of the Never Wrong
For more than 35 years, Sons of the Never Wrong have delighted audiences with their inventive songwriting, rich harmonies, and eclectic musicianship. The Chicago-based trio blends wit, heart, and unforgettable performances, earning a devoted following and a lasting place in the contemporary folk music landscape.
Verlon Thompson
Verlon Thompson is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist whose career spans more than three decades as a performer, recording artist, and collaborator. Known for his work alongside Guy Clark and songs recorded by some of country and Americana music’s biggest names, he combines masterful songwriting with exceptional guitar playing and a rich musical legacy.
Volo Bogtrotters
The Volo Bogtrotters are a beloved Illinois-based old-time string band that has been entertaining audiences since 1985. Known for their energetic musicianship, rich vocal harmonies, and dedication to preserving Midwestern folk traditions, they deliver authentic old-time music that is both spirited and deeply rooted in America’s musical heritage.
Kray Van Kirk
Kray Van Kirk is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, storyteller, and fingerstyle guitarist whose music blends contemporary life with mythic themes and timeless storytelling. Known for his rich baritone voice, evocative songwriting, and exceptional musicianship, he creates performances that are both intellectually engaging and deeply heartfelt.
Joy Clark
Joy Clark is a Louisiana-born singer-songwriter and Grammy-winning musician whose soulful vocals, exceptional guitar work, and thoughtful songwriting have earned national acclaim. Blending folk, blues, and the rhythms of Southeast Louisiana, her music explores themes of love, freedom, and authenticity while captivating audiences across the country.
Jonas Friddle & Anna Jacobson
Jonas Friddle is an award-winning singer-songwriter and Old-Time banjo player known for his vivid storytelling, humor, and masterful musicianship. Joined by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Anna Jacobson, the duo delivers engaging folk performances rooted in tradition, backed by years of collaboration and teaching at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Zoe Mulford
Zoe Mulford is an acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her vivid storytelling, poetic lyrics, and ability to build community through music. Drawing from both American and English folk traditions, she crafts songs filled with humor, compassion, and insight. Her best-known composition, “The President Sang Amazing Grace,” has been recorded by Joan Baez and other renowned artists.
February Sky
February Sky is the folk duo of Phil Cooper and Susan Urban, blending traditional music with contemporary songwriting. Featuring rich vocals, skilled multi-instrumental performances, and a mix of timeless tunes, story songs, and humor, they create engaging performances that celebrate the full spectrum of the human experience.
