2008 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Artists to Watch

Patty Griffin, I believe, is incapable of writing a bad song. She has mastered the art of chills-inducing melodies and lyrics, and her voice is out of this world. If there's one artist you make a point of sitting in one place through their entire set, make it Patty Griffin. If you don't come away from that experience a fan, then I don't know what's real anymore.
Performing: Friday, Aug. 15
Purchase/Download: "Heavenly Day"
For fans of: Joni Mitchell, Odetta, Townes Van Zandt

Greg Brown's low bass groan voice just grooves around his rural imagery-laden lyrics. Only he can take a line about a woodchuck and turn it into a statement about the economy. He's one of the most engaging live performers in contemporary folk music, and his set is surely not to be missed.
Performing: Saturday, Aug. 16
Purchase/Download: "Your Town Now"
For fans of: Neil Young, Townes Van Zandt, Woody Guthrie

Melissa Ferrick is one of those artists who's been on the scene for several years, but has never quite become as popular as her memorable songs and infectious stage presence should warrant. Still, her fans are loyal and many, and her sets are not to be missed. A consummate performer, if Ferrick's show doesn't get you engaged, laughing, and singing along, you may want to check your pulse.
Performing: Sunday, Aug. 17
Purchase/Download: "North Carolina"
For fans of: Dar Williams, Ani DiFranco, Dan Bern

In just a few short years, KT Tunstall has gone from busking folk songs on the street to international mainstream stardom. An ardent environmentalist and fearlessly innovative singer-songwriter, Tunstall can seamlessly bounce from folk to rock, blues to funk, all within a single set.
Performing: Sunday, Aug. 17
Purchase/Download: "Ashes"
For fans of: Patti Smith, Ani DiFranco, Bob Dylan

Australian folk-pop trio the Waifs are a great summertime festival band. Their live energy is undeniably high, and their command of all variant styles of folk and roots music is impressive. From impressive harmonica solos to quasi-Vaudevillian tunes and straight-up driving folk-rock songs, this is one of the best Aussie exports to the American folk music scene.
Performing: Saturday, Aug. 16
Purchase/Download: "How Many Miles"
For fans of: The Weepies, Kris Delmhorst, Dar Williams

Tim O'Brien is one of contemporary bluegrass music's greatest assets. As a producer, multi-instrumnetalist, and well-respected songwriter, he's leant his talents all over the bluegrass scene. He's also released a steady stream of his own music, including this year's Chameleon, from which he's bound to draw for his Folks Fest set.
Performing: Sunday, Aug. 16
Purchase/Download: "Get Out There and Dance"
For fans of: Lester Flatt, Townes Van Zandt, Ralph Stanley