[ As we prepare to announce the preliminary 2011 Folks Festival lineup, we wanted to begin introducing you (on the Forum and Facebook) to a few of this year’s artists… ]
Paste Magazine named Josh Ritter one of the 100 Best Living Songwriters. Over the coarse of 6 brilliant studio albums (each of which earned appearances on year-end best-of lists), the native of Moscow, Idaho has crafted a rich catalog of songs that are both literary and warm. Beyond being one of America’s great songwriters, Josh is one of our favorite live performers. Together with his 4-piece band, he is energetic, joyous, and positively infectious. It’s literally impossible to watch Josh perform and not smile, laugh, dance, and feel totally alive.
Josh made his Folks debut in 2008, performing solo, early Friday evening, during the peak of the fierce rainstorm - it was cold and windy, and Josh’s smile and energy never faltered for a second. Last year he wowed us with his band on the main stage at Telluride Bluegrass (as well as a fantastic NightGrass show with special guest Ed Helms).
I adore the way a smile creeps on his face out of the blue. Like he is having a great time. He said something that touched me and I can relate.“I love words without words I have nothing to grab onto”. Love his style and the sound of his voice, relaxed and easy. :medal