We’re not quite ready to officially share the preliminary 2013 Folks Fest lineup. It’s just taking a little longer than usual to come together this year.
But we’ve confirmed a couple artists that are so inspiring to us, we simply can’t keep them secret any longer… One of these you probably know, the other you might not. Hope you don’t mind… 
…
…
…
[ gotta make you work a little for it… ]
…
…
For years, we’ve nurtured a Lyons-Australian connection. This year we welcome back one of the superstars…
Guitarist John Butler performed a wonderfully laid back Folks set in 2004 (and his wife Mama Kin entranced us in 2011). This August he’ll help the St. Vrain cliffs come alive to the deeply meaningful and virtuosic grooves of his John Butler Trio. Oh yeah. :thumbsup
If you’re not familiar with JBT’s music, you’re in for a treat. Start with the acclaimed double-CD Live at Red Rocks from his sold-out Red Rocks shows, or one of these videos:
…
And one other new Folks Festival artist…
…
[ A quick warning that a few of these links contain a rare swear word that while essential for their poetic impact, may not be suitable for your workplace… ]
…
…
“This is my voice. There are many like it, but this one is mine…” (watch video)
…
…
“Biology explains the how, but love explains the why” (listen)
…
…
If you’re unfamiliar with Canadian spoken word genius Shane Koyczan, prepare to have your life changed. Shane’s passionate poetry backed by the sophisticated, emotional folk-pop of The Short Story Long is unlike anything we’ve ever heard - provocative, life-affirming, and transcendent. Spend some quality time with Shane’s music and amidst the tears and goosebumps you’ll look at your world differently. We’re serious; this man is a force of truth and heart and honesty.
Here’s a full stream of his brilliant 2012 album Remembrance Year.
And a few more videos:
- Remember How We Forgot - “Let the belief that hope belongs to us all be the pledge you take to make the unachievable as inconceivable as the false fact that we were never here…? We were here!”
- Even the Mountains - “How does anyone stop themselves from throwing in the towel? You throw. The towel. Away!”
- More Often Than Sometimes (solo performance) - “My chest is a cannon I use to take aim and fire my heart upon this world…”
