Tuesday, March 18 will bring the return of Welsh singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph. A favorite of both the festival and the 2012 winter concerts, Joseph will bring his new collection of songs back to Sisters. To conclude the Series on Saturday, March 29, the festival will present a multi-media performance by the Celtic super-group Solas.
Considered a “courageous” live entertainer, Martyn follows in the tradition of social protest and commentary with intimate portrayals of the human condition. His songs reflect a 30-year career, with 31 albums and thousands of live performances.
Martyn was awarded Best Male Artist at the 2004 BBC Welsh Music Awards, and in 2012 his song There’s Always Maybe won the best folk song category in the World Independent Music Awards. In addition to his five top-50 UK hits, the importance of his work has been recognized worldwide, and by programs such as BBC 2’s prime-time series on Singer/Songwriters. Social justice has an essential presence throughout his music, which has been honored by various humanitarian awards and plaudits. In his words, “really what I do is to try and write songs that might step up and make some sense of a moment in time. A good song makes you feel like you’re not alone in the world.”
Martyn recently released Tires Rushing By In The Rain – An album of songs by Bruce Springsteen.” He says, “For longer than I can remember I’ve thrown in the occasional Bruce song at shows. Despite 30 years of writing to try and make sense of the path I was on, there was a reference point within Bruce’s material that I was able to engage and connect with and make my own.”
Martyn Joseph will present his vast repertoire in an intimate concert not to be missed.
To conclude the Winter Concert Series on Saturday, March 29, the festival will present a multi-media performance by the Celtic super-group Solas. “Irish America’s most influential band,” according to NPR, will perform as they celebrate the release of Shamrock City, their 11th album and most ambitious project and live show to date. It is a family story of immigration, mining and murder, and the remarkable history of Michael Conway and Butte, Montana.
Sisters Folk Festival is also underway with production of the annual fundraiser, My Own Two Hands, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 11-12 throughout Sisters. The 2014 theme is “From Where I Stand,” and artists from Central Oregon and beyond have created work to be presented at Saturday night’s auction. Friday, April 11 is the Community Parade, Art Stroll and Celebration of the Arts, held at The Belfry, 302 E. Main Ave., where students of the Americana Project and community musicians will share the stage in a concert to support music and arts education in Sisters.
Tickets for the Winter Concert Series are $20 advance/$25 at the door, except Solas, which is $30 advance/$35 at the door.
For more information on the 2014 Sisters Folk Festival Winter Concert Series or to purchase tickets go to www.sistersfolkfestival.org or call the festival office at 541-549-4979. Tickets will also be for sale at Paulina Springs Books in Sisters and Redmond.
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