AMERICANA FESTIVAL

JOHN GORKA

John Gorka is an honored icon of folk tradition. Energetic acoustic music that is not a trend, not a fad, but an expression of everyday life, is his trademark. John's rich baritone voice and unique songcraft weave a magical spell that can only be described as "Gorka".

ELLIS PAUL

Ellis Paul is one of the leading voices in American songwriting. He was a principle leader in the wave of singer/songwriters that emerged from the Boston folk scene, creating a movement that revitalized the national acoustic circuit with an urban, literate, folk pop style that helped renew interest in the genre in the 1990s. Ellis has bridged the gulf between the modern folk sound and the populist traditions of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger more successfully than perhaps any of his songwriting peers.

THE MAKEM & SPAIN BROTHERS

Not in the past 30 years has a group taken the international stage with such a vocal power and stage presence, capturing the essence of their Irish folk music genre, while standing out as something truly unique. A host of various instruments and five male vocals, using precise three-part harmonies blend perfectly for what many have described as a wall of sound. The Makem Brothers continue the lineage of one of Irish music's dynasties, begun by their grandmother Sarah Makem and her vast store of traditional Irish songs. Their father, Tommy Makem, now considered an icon, helped bring Irish music out of the corner and into the international spotlight, where it has remained ever since.

ROY DAVIS & THE DREGS

Roy Davis and the Dregs' perform alt-country flavored music with a soul twist, memorable lyrics, vintage guitar sounds and well placed harmonies to make any indie rock elitist's mouth water. Though just in his twenties, Roy Davis has shared the stage with internationally acclaimed acts like Josh Ritter and Say ZuZu, and his debut album has received nods of approval from the music community and sales from across the globe.