My son just turned me on to Ryan Bingham, would be a great fit at Folks.
I agree with the suggestions on Lucinda Williams and Kane Welch and Kaplin
Greg Brown
Todd Snider
Guy Clark
Bruce Robison
Australia’s Paul Kelly
Three Key Words: MORE UPTEMPO ACTS!
I only attended Saturday of last year, strictly because of Todd Snider
and the Waifs. That said, I checked out several artists that day proir
to those two acts, and the key word for me was b-o-r-i-n-g!
Look, I appreciate folk music as much as anyone, but in my experiences
(including seven Newport Folk Festivals), folk festivals work best when
there is variety and numerous changes in tempo.
So…my suggestions for 2009:
Lucinda Williams - Friday night or Sunday night closer; ‘nuff said.
Acoustic Los Lobos - Saturday night closer, where you’ll sway to
mexican polkas, get moved by quality songwriting and
enjoy honest, high calibre musicianship.
Taj Mahal - The prime example of what I mean by an “uptempo act.”
Remember his 2005 set? It was arguably the best of the festival.
Patty Larkin - I’m surprised I have not seen her at the Planet Bluegrass
Ranch. Witty-but-warm songwriting and a no-nonsense presence.
Bruce Cockburn - Deep songwriting, class musicianship and great depth.
Whether solo acoustic or with band, Bruce Does Not Suck!
Gordon Lightfoot - The “legend” for 2009’s festival. His song catalogue
speaks for itself, and you won’t have many chances left to host
this great songwriter.
Robyn Hitchcock - The “Englishman” for this year’s festival, he could play solo
acoustic or with stripped-down band. However, what I would LOVE to see is:
Robyn Hitchcock w/Gillian Welch and David Rawlings - Listen to Robyn’s album
Spooked, made with Gillian and Dave, then imagine it come to life at
the Planet Bluegrass Ranch.
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings - Self explanatory, even if they’re way overdue
for new material.
Robert Earl Keen - Either a now-rare solo acoustic set or with his shit-kickin’ band,
REK will work out the kinks of any Festivarian.
Again, the key words: MORE UPTEMPO ACTS!
I have suggested Kenny White several times. Thanks for bringing up his name again. Though i have only seen him twice, i think he would be a great addition any lineup for Folks.
LuAnna
Good call on Gillian Welch.
I’ll be happy to back you up, Hayes Carll lights up the stage, everybody loves him,
very talented.
I will third Hayes Carll. I’ve heard him in small, folk-based venues and he puts on a great show.
I’m glad people are finally picking up on my post!!! He’s a great artist, and Trouble in Mind is an awesome album (vinyl version comes with digital download, too). Hayes Carll won Americana Song of the Year with “She left me for Jesus” this past year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjOflq4Ef4c
(give it a second for the song to start)
He’s great live. His album was also mentioned on CBS Sunday Morning as one of the best summer albums. He’d be a great addition, and add a little bit of spunk. www.hayescarll.com
Since I’m throwing in an additional two cents: I’d like to see Christopher Denny at Folks. He’s a true Arkie, with an interesting and distinguishable voice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2LDtqIZ9iQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCinSKrfUE8
My only dilemma now is choosing between Folks Festival in CO or staying home in AR and going to Mulberry Mountain Harvest Music Festival. Unfortunately, they’re the same week. Last year they had the likes of Avett Bros. Hot Buttered Rum, and Big Smith. I guess I’ll have to see how the lineups turnout. I will say, Brett Dennen is a favorite…one point, Folks.
How about a Cry, Cry, Cry reunion? You know, too, there’s a few people I haven’t seen in a long time. Like Shawn Colvin. Or Patty Griffin. Or Suzanne Vega.
I have several names to offer. Would love to finally see Richard Shindell at Folks - have waited so long 
:(:rolleyes
Here are my suggestions:
- Richard Shindell
- Lucy Kaplansky
- Ellis Paul
- Antje Duvekot
- Dar Williams - yes, again, please!
- Eliza Gilkyson
- Chuck Brodsky
- Darryl Purpose (from Colorado)
- Dan Sheridan (from Colorado)
- Catie Curtis
- Gordon Lightfoot
- Louden Wainwright III
- Deb Talan/ Steve Tannen - The Weepies
- Cheryl Wheeler
- Kris Delmhorst
- Jeffrey Foulcalt
- Peter Mulvey
- Peter Mayer
- Lori McKenna
- Mark Humphreys (Los Angeles)
I would love to have Gillian Welch and Josh Ritter back …
:flower
Thanks John for requesting more uptempo acts, especially for the later acts. I hereby propose Donna The Buffalo to close on Fri. or Sat. nite. For an early time spot, has anyone heard of Bon Iver? Whatta think? :thumbsup
Bon Iver - I’m trying, but I haven’t bought in yet. Same with Fleet Foxes. I’m really trying.
I love Bon Iver. I saw him a couple times last year and was really moved. On record, though, it took some time to sink in with me, too.
Here’s a live clip of Fleet Foxes (from Saturday Night Live) to help win you over on them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLVkzfq08TI
3 Girls and Their Buddy (Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, Shawn Colvin)
Patty Griffin
Emmylou Harris
Buddy Miller
Tracy Chapman
Chris Pureka
Brandi Carlile
Kathleen Edwards
Hem
Johnette Napolitano
Joan Baez
John Prine
Martha Wainwright
Mindy Smith
Ray LaMontagne
Jim White and The Night Watchman (Tom Morello’s alternative persona)
Griffin House PLEASE! He is amazing and he would be a perfect fit for folks fest!! Such an amazing performer!
I saw the SNL Fleet Foxes performance, too, and that’s what made me give them a second chance. NPR has a concert on their music section that I’m listening now. I like the featured songs…it’s the other songs that I’m on the fence about.
Here’s a Bon Iver concert that I’ve added to my playlist for another chance.
I really like the way this is arranged… I can feel the hot sun of Telluride, that ice cold beer in my hand and that 4 day shmoozy lazy TBF feelin’ creepin in… YUMMMMY. I hope they play in the heat of the day.