Artists to Watch at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival 2009

The Guthrie family has been contributing to the American songbook for three generations, from the exceptional catalog of Woody Guthrie to Arlo Guthrie's ability to bridge traditional and contemporary folk, to the lovely harmonies of Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion.

Performing: Fri., Sat. and Sun.
For fans of: The Weepies, Arlo Guthrie
Purchase/Download: "Kindness"

Janis Ian has, for four decades, been one of the finest songwriters in contemporary folk and acoustic pop music. From her emergence onto the national stage as a teenager to her recent autobiography and collections of new songs, Ian's work has always retained a certain integrity. She's also an incredible live performer with impressive guitar skills.

Performing: Fri. and Sat. For fans of: Ani DiFranco, Shawn Colvin
Purchase/Download: "Jesse"

Amy Speace's recent release, The Killer In Me has been attracting plenty of attention from critics this year, and it's only a matter of time before fans follow suit. Her daring, earnest lyrics and vaguely twangy tunes fall solidly under the Americana umbrella, ensuring she'll please fans of country, folk, and indie roots music.

Performing: Sat. and Sun.
For fans of: Dar Williams, Patty Griffin
Purchase/Download: "Can't Find a Reason to Cry"

Pamela Means has long been one of the most admired under-the-radar singer-songwriters on the scene. Her fiercely poetic songs pull together elements of jazz, soul, indie rock, and contemporary folk music. Falcon Ridge has always been great at broadening the spectrum of what constitutes folk music, and Means is a great example of that. Hardly a traditionalist folkie, her music is still stirring and accessible.

Performing: Fri. and Sat.
For fans of: Michael Franti, Ani DiFranco
Purchase/Download: "Maybe You Should"

Abi Tapia is yet another walking example of why Austin, Tex., is so revered for its music scene. Drawing from a clear cadre of country influences, Tapia's soulful alto wraps effortlessly around her personal lyrics. She'll be swapping songs with Lucy Wainwright Roche and Blue Moos—a workshop well worth sitting for.

Performing: Sat. and Sun.
For fans of: Kris Delmhorst, Mary Gauthier Purchase/Download: "Flying"