Spirit of the Woods Music Association  


















the 31st Annual Folk Festival

The date for this year's festival is Saturday, June 21, 2008. As always, admission is free but donations are happily accepted. Here's this year's exciting lineup:

Reggae Cowboys—Four Caribbean expatriates from Toronto with worldwide fans bring a heart-rollicking, reggae-based sound. Layers of Caribbean genres, rock & roll and six-string spaghetti-western drama. www.reggaecowboys.com

Ember Swift—Canadian singer-songwriter whose blend of art and activism forms the base of her songwriting ethic. www.emberswift.com

Nobody's Darlin'—All-girl string band from Grand Rapids specializes in Old Timey, Bluegrass, and Gospel, plus some classic country tunes, just for fun. Lots of songs about Drinkin', Dyin' and Jesus! www.nobodysdarlin.com

Rusty Blaides—Hailing from Traverse City, this 'old school' country band has a swingin' juke-joint heart. Inspired by the two-step dance hall beer joints of America's heartland during the 30's and 40's. myspace site

Earthwork Women—Collective of truly amazing Michigan women that often join together to create their own blend of honey-warbles, lilting harmonies, and soulful sweetness. www.earthworkmusic.com

Breathe Owl Breathe—Earthy Michigan duo with roots in indie, classical, and tradition. Their musical landscape is at once playful and reverent. They were raised by rivers and their instruments tell their tales. www.earthworkmusic.com/breathe.htm

Ruby John—"I am Ottawa and European." A member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians, she's an Old Time, Celtic, French Canadian and Bluegrass fiddler who has played the Folk Festival's second stage for several years. myspace site


Spirit of the Woods Music Association
www.spiritofthewoods.org