2016 Tumbleweed Music Festival: List of Performers and Bios

1928 is a duo which plays danceable music from the 1920s and 30s and a little cowboy and swing. Mark Bordelon and Dennis Dhmese have played at Tumbleweed off and on over the years including with the Sparkling Tonics who headlined in 1998

Adventure Dirt Team is a local family band who have been having adventures, playing in the dirt and playing music together almost all their lives. They will be part of the Friday night New Horizons concert and also play on Saturday on the South Stage.

Carl Allen has 57 years of experience singing folk music as a member of The Wanderers and sometimes as a solo performer specializing in Woody Guthrie songs. This year he will be bringing us "sweet songs of yesteryears." 

Badger Mountain Dry Band For over 25 years this local progressive bluegrass band has been the leading bluegrass and Americana band in the Tri-Cities. Band members include Jim Honeyman, John April, Dennis Miller, Mike Zabel, and Shawn Harris.

Badland Nomad is Michael Hopp, a 23-year-old singer/songwriter who was the lead singer and songwriter for the now defunct band Dear Doris. He crafts poetic original songs with traditional roots and loves to perform traditional material as well. He will be closing the South Stage on Sunday, and also participating in the Friday night New Horizons concert.

Scott Balsai is a finger-style guitarist from Pocatello, Idaho, with over 50 original compositions recorded on 4 CDs. He calls what he does "Acoustic Reflections." Scott will teach a workshop on "Basic Finger-style Guitar and Composition." 

Banjo Grannies are local music-playing grandmas who love passing on their favorite kids' songs to their grandkids and other kids. They are Edna Mae Whitney, Marsha Hoffman, and Micki Perry. Edna is the only one who plays the banjo. 

Barefoot Randy is a young Tri-Cities songwriter who sometimes leads jams at Paper Street Brewery. He will be a part of the New Horizons concert.
 
Steve Beck, who also plays with the G-Cleftones and the IOU's, will perform his original songs and a few covers with deep tones on a big guitar. He will probably be joined by a few of his friends, the Beckaroos.

Blue Amber Belly Dancers perform American Tribal Style belly dance. Their workshop will present moves and concepts of ATS belly dance, which is improv dance with no choreography. This trademarked style, practiced by dancers world-wide, helps to promote connection and body acceptance.

Blue Mountain Spanish Sound is the duo Jesse Campos and Lance Smith. They perform high energy Latin acoustic music which is mostly original mixed with traditional material.

Blue Plate Special is not to be confused with the contra dance band Houseblend. Blue Plate Special is their bluegrass incarnation. Band members are David and Carla Arnold, Jon Saint Hilaire, Mike Snider and Sharon Porter.

Sandy Bly will be running a "Participatory Song Circle" workshop. This is a sing-along facilitated by Sandy, a veteran of many years of enthusiastic Portland area song circles. Bring a song to share and a voice to sing with.

Yarmalee Bricker is a student at Chiawana High School who writes original music and performs at Impact Youth concerts at Sharehouse. She has a song "One More Night" on YouTube and is recording music at Sound Forge Studios. She will be part of the New Horizons concert on Friday night.

Burgundy Pearl - Peggy Sullivan and Ron Dalton perform a mix of mongrel Americana music as an acoustic trio when accompanied by Robin McGillvery. Audiences enjoy their tightly interwoven voices, their superbly-blended harmonies, and clean, pleasing guitar arrangements. Their styles range from 20s-30s old-time blues to contemporary folk-pop with swing-jazz overtones. Peggy and Ron are also members of the G Cleftones and Ron is in Fine Company and Vinyl Transit. Burgundy Pearl will be doing a concert for 3 Rivers Folklife Society on September17.

Campbell Road is a family band performing Celtic music around the Pacific Northwest for more than 20 years. They are Dan and Barbara Tuttle and their daughter Jessamyn Tuttle and her husband Jon Nuert, all from Mt Vernon, WA.

Chinese Folk Dancers are led by Ling Ling Wu and her husband John Heaney. The Tri-Cities' local group will offer a mix of classical dances from China. 

Dan Clark is an experienced dance caller from Walla Walla. He'll be calling our Sunday night contra dance at the Community Center and teaching the Contra Dance 101 workshop "Basic Moves of Contra Dance."

Coyote Willow is an artful duo made up of Tim Coffey and Kat Hilst. They perform an eclectic combination of rock, blues, folk and contemplative instrumentals based most around Coffey's soulful baritone voice and acoustic guitar and Hilst's powerful cello work.
 
Hank Cramer is the well-loved Celtic Cowboy whose deep voice sweetly croons a song of the coyote's and commands attention with a sea chantey or Jody call. Hank has played all over the world and his 'Constellation Crew' was adopted by the U.S.S. Constellation ship. Hank is as comfortable on the deck of a ship calling shanties as he is on the chuck wagon around a camp fire singing cowboy songs. Hank's workshop is "Songs of Stan Rogers." 
 
Curtis & Loretta are a husband and wife duo based in Minneapolis. They've appeared at several 3RFS concerts and coffeehouses over the years. Loretta is an award-winning singer/songwriter. They will lead a workshop on "Songs of Unsung Heroes" on Saturday.

Marie Danielle is an indie folksinger from Harrisburg, PA, now based in Los Angeles. Greatly influenced by storytellers, her songs have been likened to a wide variety of artists, from First Aid Kit to Mazzy Star to Beth Orton. This will be her first time at Tumbleweed.

Brian Dunbar is a Seattle musician who specializes in guitar and mandolin. He also writes songs and performs with the dance band Vinyl Transit who will not be playing this year though they have been a staple on the dance stage for many years.

Alan Ehrlich & the IOUs is a contemporary acoustic Americana trio featuring Alan Ehrlich's songwriting. The IOU's include Steff Kayser and Steve Beck. Alan's songs are both serious and satirical, about a wide range of contemporary issues. He will be a song contest finalist.

John and Robin Elwood will be performing as a father and son duo for the second time at Tumbleweed. Robin has been here for many years as a member of the Bellingham band Lindsay Street. John, who is a luthier from Eastern Washington, is known for making hand-crafted mountain dulcimers and other instruments including "canjos" from Cougar Gold cheese cans and for his song "Sing to the Baby." John will lead a workshop on "Stretching the Dulcimer".

ESR Eight Second Ride is a local country dance band who do classics and new material in both country and western genres. Band members are Ronald Grey, Jerry Cammann and David Wilson. This is their first time at Tumbleweed. In addition to their set on Saturday, they will be playing Sunday on the dance stage for boot scooters who want to dance to country and western music.

Jane Fallon is originally from Oregon and now living in New Hampshire. She is an award-winning songwriter whose credentials include first place in the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Songwriting Competition. She has been writing and performing most of her life. She is a song contest alternate.

Fine Company is a trio, made up of Jim Portillo and former Wanderer Bill Murlin and Ron Dalton from Burgundy Pearl. They sing classic American folk songs with fine harmonies and solid instrumentation that you will want to sing along with. Bill Murlin will present a workshop celebrating "75 years of Woody Guthrie's Columbia River songs."

Free Range Revival offers brotherly love and sassy salvation, playing appropriate songs on inappropriate instruments. Susan Elliot, JT Martin, Scott Dean, Steve Paul and Richard Askew make up this band, many of whom have played at Tumbleweed before in other bands with odd and different names.

G-Cleftones will be playing for the Sunday afternoon social dancing session. The group is an eclectic mix of people with a mix of folk, blues, country and rock. Steve Peterson, Steve Beck, Steff Kayser, Jim Moore, Ron Dalton, and Peggy Sullivan perform as The G-Cleftones, and all over Tumbleweed.

Holly Gwinn Graham is a long-time singer/songwriter/activist who has done lots of work over the last 30 years in and around the Tri-Cities. She's happy to be back to meet up with friends. Holly brings laughter and light through thoughtful songs. She will play on the Far West stage and also do a set for kids with instant plays and impromptu and original songs for kids of all ages.

Steve Greenwood is a singer/songwriter from Portland who began writing and playing music at age 50 after a visit to Nova Scotia, where he was inspired by the integral role music plays in the life of the islanders. Later he learned that his Nova-Scotia-born grandfather wrote songs that he sold door-to door during the Great Depression. He is a song contest finalist again this year.

Matt Hammer is a singer/songwriter who recently relocated to Kennewick from Alaska, where he was very involved in the music circuit for almost 40 years. He has opened for such illustrious acts as Emmy Lou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Hoyt Axton, Jerry Jeff Walker, Steve Goodman, and Air Supply. He will be performing with his wife Lona Hammer. 

Handsome & Gretyl are an upbeat indie-folk duo who combine ukulele and acoustic guitar with vocals and percussion. They met and married in Vancouver, BC, moved to Nashville, and are now living in Seattle. Their most recent recording project was released one song per month in 2015 and compiled in their album "Twelve".

Hank & Claire (Hank Payne and Claire Favio) are a tight-harmony duo with pizzazz. You'll enjoy their own special blend of fun and music. They have been at Tumbleweed for many years and are back this year after a hiatus. Hank Payne is a song contest finalist.

Hank & Eddie play contemporary acoustic rock. They come from Colorado where they play in a rock band. They both host an acoustic open mic and love to play and share music. Hank is Hank Cramer lV, son of the infamous Hank Cramer, and his band mate is Eddie Perlman.

Michael Henchman originally hails from wild central Alaska. His songwriting often draws inspiration from roads less traveled, both symbolic and real, that have beckoned from childhood. 

Michael "Hawkeye" Herman is an internationally known blues performer and educator. With over 40 years of performing experience, Michael "Hawkeye" Herman exemplifies the range of possibilities in acoustic blues, and personifies versatile musicianship, originality, and compelling artistry as a blues storyteller. His "Basic Blues Guitar" workshop is bound to be a hit, and he will also teach a "Beginning Ukulele" workshop for aspiring uke players. "Hawkeye" was a headliner at the first Tumbleweed in 1997, and at several others, and he will be a headliner at our Saturday night concert.

Jim Hoehn is a career journalist who has turned his writing toward music. He now describes himself as an Americana singer-songwriter, but one of his favorite genres is trop-rock and he has hosted many trop-rock shows around the county. He is also an author of a book with an intriguing title: "The Father's Guide to Birth, Babies and Loud Children." This is his first time at Tumbleweed.

Hounds@Bay: James Nason, Larry Baumgartner and Dave Pengra (in chronological order) have about 130 years of musical experience all told, and a high respect for one of this nation's finest gifts (and exports for that matter), the blues. Individually Larry, Jim and Dave each come at it from a different well-honed angle. Together they puzzle into a wonderful listening experience that'll just make ya' want to holler or howl! 

Houseblend- Carla Arnold and Friends make up the contra dance band Houseblend. They will be playing for the "Contra Dance 101" workshop and also for the Sunday evening contra dance. They come from La Grande, Oregon. (They will also perform bluegrass as Blue Plate Special)

Humor & Heart are versatile musicians Mark Iler and Jess McKeegan, who have teamed together to play acoustic pop and folk songs. Mark and Jess often share the stage with Hank Cramer and are part of The Constellation's Crew. They will be joined by local cellist Michelle Cameron.

David Ingerson, from Portland, sings traditional Irish songs in the old style: solo and unaccompanied. He has been deeply invested in collecting, researching and performing them authentically for over 35 years. 
      
Kaeley is a singer/songwriter who was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and now is based in Portland. Her folk music is inspired by her strong connection to the natural world. This is her first time at Tumbleweed.

Steff Kayser performs all over Tumbleweed, with Steve Beck, G-Cleftones, The IOU's, and he will also do his own set in addition to being a song contest finalist.

Ed Kramer is from Pennsylvania and plays several instruments but specializes in the banjo.. His workshop is "Banjo in all Folk Styles," where he shows that the 5-string banjo is more "agile" than many think - it can do a lot more than bluegrass music. Ed also performs with Hank Cramer

Robyn Landis is an award-winning songwriter with over 50 songwriter honors. She has toured nationally and is also an author. She's been playing at Tumbleweed since 2005. She lives in Tucson and is excited about her new CD "Waterproof", which may recall her "singin' in the rain experience" with Larry Murante at Tumbleweed 2009. She will do a workshop, "Wordsmith Wizardry." 

Lindsay Street is the eclectic Bellingham band who headlined 2 years ago at Tumbleweed. They are back again to share their mix of "far flung, much dented, Celtic traditional music." Band members are Jean Rogers, Robin Elwood Patty Chambers, and Elizabeth Elton.

Kathye Long is not a newcomer to Tumbleweed. She performed here many years ago with her husband Rob Folsom and attended during the years Rob was doing sound for us. She is a songwriter with over 40 years of experience as a solo act and in bands and duos, has taught guitar and banjo and has recorded 5 CDs. She is an alternate in this year's song contest and will perform her song in the Sunday evening concert.

Larry Lotz comes from Portland and is new to Tumbleweed. He is a singer/songwriter who plays guitar and harmonica. He loves playing for folks of all ages and sometimes performs as a clown and children's entertainer.. He will be doing a workshop on "Performing Using an I-pad."

Mo Mack has returned to Tumbleweed with his performances of old country blues, rock &roll, classic and contemporary folk, and his own uplifting original compositions. He will do a "Gospel Singing" workshop on Sunday.

Dan Maher has been hosting the Inland Folk radio show on Northwest Public Radio and Spokane Public Radio for almost 30 years. He is a song collector, songwriter, and great sing-along leader. He has supported Tumbleweed by being emcee for the Saturday concerts, doing benefit concerts, and hyping the festival on his radio show for many years. Dan will be a headliner at Saturday's concert and will lead a workshop "Dylan: Part 2."

Vern Marr is a luthier from Pendleton, OR. He will do two workshops: "Setting Up the Banjo" and "How to Frail the Banjo." Bring your banjo if you have one.

Brian Maskew, from Winthrop, has been joining his friend Hank Cramer on stage and at workshops at Tumbleweed for many years but he is now established as a solo performer. Originally from Yorkshire, England, Brian is a natural singer of pub songs, and Celtic and nautical music as well as the music of the Kingston Trio. Brian will lead a workshop on "Songs from England."

Metaphorical Lions is an up and coming Tri-Cities rock band who released a new EP album in March. Band members are Andrew Watson, Sean Truex, Michael Spanner and Chris Plummer. They recently played the Bob Marshall Festival in Montana, and will play at the New Horizon concert at Tumbleweed for the First time on Friday night.

Kay Miracle Burke is a singer/songwriter who currently lives in North Syracuse, New York, though she grew up in the Tri-Cities and attended Columbia Basin College. She toured the world with the USO and ended up joining a band from Syracuse, but she is excited about coming to Tumbleweed to visit family and play in her hometown. She is song contest alternate and will play her "coming together" song in the Sunday evening concert.

"Lonesome" Lyle Morse, from Spokane, is a singer/songwriter who plays and sings traditional and original acoustic blues, accompanied by guitar and harmonica.

Murphy and Middaugh and Rideout are a traditional music trio from Seattle. Orville Murphy plays harmonica, Jerry Middaugh plays guitar and banjo, and they both sing. Joanne Rideout adds vocals and harmonies. They specialize in old songs from the Appalachian region, as well as contemporary songs in the folk music style. Orville will lead a workshop on "What Can You Do with a Harmonica?" 

Mike Murray is a singer of traditional and new acoustic ballads. He has played in various bands and soloed around the Northwest. He is a previous 2 time winner of the Tumbleweed music contest and is now a judge. Mike was a member of The Smelter Rats who headlined our 1997 concert and has been at Tumbleweed for 20 years.

Mystic Mirage, a local belly dance troupe with 20 years together, will be performing Middle Eastern dance under the leadership of Renee Steffenson and will also perform a number with the Sultana Dancers.

James Nason began his career at the tender age of eleven when he commandeered his sister's cast-off plastic ukulele. The rest is history. James performs uniquely blended arrangements of tunes from a stellar procession of idols; from Elvis and Ricky Nelson, the Everly Brothers, and Pat Boone, to The Kingston Trio, and Hoyt Axton and many more. He will be accompanied by David Penga who, along with James is also a member of Hounds@Bay. James is teaching a "Make a One String Bass" workshop on Sunday.

Phil Page is a singer/songwriter from Lopez Island who performs his original music up and down the coast. He plays guitar and ukulele. He will be facilitating a workshop on "The Story Behind the Song" and encourages other songwriters to share the stories that inspired their songs.

Sig Paulson calls his particular brand of Americana music "Hippiebilly" and considers himself a keeper of the Northwest folk tradition. He is an award-winning songwriter with 7 albums of mostly original music.

Micki Perry has performed at every Tumbleweed Festival since 1997, first with her husband John, and later with Carl Allen and Banjo Grannies. She loves to share an eclectic collection of stories, songs and dancealongs with kids of all ages. She is part of the "Chicken Songs" kids segment and the "Songs of Eastern Washington" panel concert. She will also coordinate the panel concert "Remembering Those Who Are Gone" and the Sunday evening "Coming Together" concert and do a workshop "Pack Up Your Promo" on press kits and promo materials.

Piper Stock Hill is new to Tumbleweed and excited taking part in the nautical music segment on Saturday. They are the Northwest's only musical group dedicated to the music of Newfoundland. Founded in 2010 by Ron Dickson, who was born in Newfoundland, the band also includes Jan Strolle, Alex Sturbaum, Tami Curtis and Steve Barrows.
     
Tom Rawson is a song collector and sometimes songwriter from Orcus Island who loves to get folks singing He will be joined by Ellen van der Hoven. Tom's major influences are Pete Seeger, Utah Philips and Bill Staines. He will be part of the "Chicken Songs" segment, "The 60's Singalong" and the "Songs of Eastern Washington" panel, and will also teach "Clawhammer Ukelele". He is also a song contest finalist. Busy guy! 

Released from Quiet is a groove centric rock duo from Redman, WA. Chris Kendziorski plays guitar and does vocals accompanied by Mary Yeageer on the cajon box. They have self-produced 2 EP releases. This is their first year at Tumbleweed.

Chris Roe is back at Tumbleweed with her squeeze box and Celtic harp and collection of traditional and nautical songs and her inspired original works. She is a former member of Broadside and a staple in the nautical and traditional music and dance scene in the Northwest. She is a song contest finalist this year.

Rose and the Thorns is not exactly a new act at Tumbleweed as Bill Rose and Bill Murlin played together often as "The Unpaid Bills." This time around, Bill Rose will take the lead, covering contemporary folk songs, accompanied by his two best friends, Bill Murlin and Jim Portillo. They will do a workshop on "Songs of Home, Farms and Family."

Sea Star is no longer a new Celtic act at Tumbleweed. They come from Bothell, WA, but they have toured with their unique blend of Celtic folk and haunting traditional songs around the world: Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Poland and even Turkey. They are Fae Wiedenhoeft, Michal Falcone, Adam Chambers and Kelly Blanchard. 

Serendipity Strings is a local group of multi-talented women who enjoy playing string music together. Most of them play fiddles but they also include penny whistle, percussion, omnichord, guitar and banjo players. Their repertoire ranges from Celtic, old-time, patriotic and gospel music to childhood favorites. They love to play at events like farmers markets, senior center celebrations, reunions, birthday and anniversary parties and other special occasions.

Tai Shan is a Seattle singer/songwriter who brings an awareness to the world and its surroundings through poetry set to music. She is a member of the Bushwick Book Club who will be sharing songs based on favorite children's books on Saturday. 

Shanghaied on the Willamette, Portland's favorite nautical duo has been singing songs of the sea and maritime music for 20+ years. Jonathan Lay plays guitar, harmonica, and bodhran; Gordy Euler plays banjo, guitar and mandola. They perform traditional and original music. These salty fellas will lead a "Chantey Singing" workshop.

Silver Lining is the husband and wife duo Paul Sandoval and Kathe Davis who also perform with Vinyl Transit. They are now joined by their friends Jan Glanister, from Watch the Sky, Mary Sparks and Jim Moore. Their mostly original songs are all about love and life. They call their style "neo-retro folk."

Mike Skalstad is a local songwriter who plays his original folk/rock songs locally and throughout the Northwest. Sometimes he is joined by his musical partner Joe Winters, but he will be performing solo this year

Skweez the Weezle played in their first Tumbleweed Music Festival in 1999 and has been with us every year since. They play Celtic music in traditional and their own styles. They live in the Tri-Cities, but their music has taken them throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. David Lanigan plays Scottish border and Highland pipes, small pipes, octave mandolin, a dulcitar, and whistles, Troy Hanford plays guitar, and sings lead vocals. 

Lee Penn Sky comes to us from Boise, Idaho. He is a singer/songwriter, guitarist, harmonica player, and the front man for the Boise band Oliphant. He has performed solo and with his band at festivals throughout the Northwest, but this is his first year at Tumbleweed 

Karl Smiley is a singing, songwriting, ceramist (can you say that fast?). He was a small part of the folk revival in the 60s, and still loves to share the great joy he feels when singing. Years ago, he won the Willamette Valley Music Festival singer/songwriter contest and started to host a house concert series. He loves to do venues where he can share his music and ceramic art together. Karl will not be a vendor this year, but he will be sharing his performance art and original songs.

Carl Solomon, from Portland, is a "weaver of new Americana folk tales" about real people's lives. He is very active in Soldier Songs and Voices, a volunteer organization that gives free music and songwriting lessons, and free guitars, to veterans. He will do a workshop on "Soldier Songs and Voices".
Thaddeus Spae has been called the 'Cole Porter of vaudeville folk'. His songs veer widely between the sentimental and outrageous, encompassing vintage jazz, blues, folk, pop, and genres less easily defined, served up on a motley assortment of instruments. He plays guitar, harmonica, kazoo, guitarron, banjolin, and trombone.

J. W. Sparrow has been performing at Tumbleweed off and on for many years, sometimes showing up to play whether he applied or not. This year he is officially on the schedule at the Far-West Stage and will bring a mix of original songs and stories that you may or may not believe.

Spanaway Bay, the rollicking folk duo, set sail from the rocky shores south of Puget Sound. Kent and Carol Mesford are the favorite chantey singers aboard the 1913 schooner "Adventuress" and additionally perform as members of Broadside & the Handsome Cabin Boys and The Great Sänger and Didele.
 
Tracy Spring, a singer songwriter from Bellingham, was a performer at the first Tumbleweed, and has performed almost every year since. She was last here in 2013 with TR Richie who died in 2014 after a brief, fierce battle with cancer. She will be singing her original songs, some inspired by TR, and some of TR's best-loved songs. She will also participate in the panel "Remembering Those Who Are Gone" and the Sunday evening concert. Check out the DVD/CD documentary about TR's life and his tribute concert at the sales tent/info booth.

Stanislove is a bluesman and songwriter from Seattle who lifts traditional and original blues into the 20th century by paying respect to the American artists who influenced him while making acoustic blues relevant to modern audiences. He is the current president of Victory Music and is instrumental in running and promoting some of the Victory Music open mics in Seattle He will be teaching a workshop on "Bottleneck Slide Guitar."

Swallowtail is the name of an Irish jig. It is also the name of a local Irish band that plays jigs, reels and airs from Ireland and sings a few songs as well. Band members are Edna Mae Whitney, Kim Reifle, Hyrum Hansen, and Lynell Rowan.

Sultana Dancers and Drummers are local Middle Eastern style fusion dancers and drummers. They have been teaching and performing for over 20 years. Enjoy the show and join them for their "Fusion Bellydance" workshop.

The Drunken Maidens are a welcome addition to Tumbleweed. This ensemble of 5 women from Seattle includes Helen Gilbert, who was born and bred in England, Liz Savage, a former member of Rodeo Lagoon, Lori Bellamy, who brings the sound of Appalachia to the group, Elaine Bradke, who arranges 5 part harmonies, and Cat Fox, a luthier who plays dulcimer and percussion. They are an unconventional acoustic band, specializing in tight harmonies and a colorful blend of old and new British and Americana music.

The Great Sänger and Didele: Hailing from the mighty metropolis of Tillesquat, Sänger and Didele present an irreverent take on sea songs and folk music. The "Tillesquat Two-oh" are repeat offenders at the Tumbleweed Music Festival, having inflicted their brand of music and humor on an unsuspecting public for almost but not quite 20 years. "We love those guys!" They will do a workshop on "Elements of Parody Songs."

The New Folksters are the latest incarnation of folks who have performed in the past as Hal and the Gang and Hal and Beverly. They come from Eugene, Oregon. Hal Weiner, a former member of The New Christy Minstrels, and his wife Beverly Schriver are now joined by Keith Barr, Their repertoire includes familiar 60's folk music classics as well a contemporary folk and rollicking rag-time ditties. They will be joined by Tom Rawson for a "60's Folksong Singalong," and Hal will teach a workshop on "Clawhammer Banjo".

The Stormcloaks are a punk pop rock band from West Richland who are just beginning to play around the Tri-Cities and aspire to play around the Northwest. Band members are all students at Hanford High: Kellen Eagles, Ava Carlson, Austin Downing , Alayna Cusing, and Zak Knox. They will be part of the New Horizons Concert.

The Weavils are a new mostly bluegrass band at Tumbleweed . They come to us from Seattle but one of the band members, banjoist Greg Lawless, who ironically is a lawyer, is originally from Richland. Other band members are Mark Steudel, Pete Thorn, Mike Karbowski, Mark Myers and Dave Grout. The Weavils are a circle of great friends, brought together by a love of hot picking, cool tunes and getting audiences on their feet.

The Whateverly Brothers have been at Tumbleweed for many years, but this is their newest incarnation. Chris Glanister and Dan Roberts are now joined by Ron Kneisler, who is no stranger to TMF. In a new configuration with the same old eclectic repertoire, tight harmonies and varied instrumental textures, expect "whatever" from the Whateverly Brothers.

Those Willows are an acoustic duo from Portland who have been making music together since 2007. Melissa Tarter and Jack Wells make original music which incorporates a spectrum of genres including jazz, folk, rock and soul. Sometimes they perform with a band but they may go back to their original duo format for Tumbleweed.

Three Rivers Dulcimer Society is a local group of acoustic music-lovers founded in 2003. They welcome all ages, abilities, and acoustic instruments! Their "Jam in D" workshop is open to all musicians on any instrument and has become a Tumbleweed tradition.

Pete Tomack is a Seattle songwriter with a mostly folk/blues feel. He actually plays music ranging from blues, folk, jazz, Latin, country, to ballads on guitar, mandolin and harmonica. Pete will do a workshop, "Songwriting by Style" in which he will explore the many genres of blues music and elements of each style. He is a song contest finalist this year.

Trillium-239 is a new name for the trio formerly known as Humphrey, Hartman and Cameron. Intricate harmonies and tight vocal arrangements are hallmarks of singer/ songwriters Janet Humphrey and Hartman. Michelle Cameron's smooth cello adds a touch of classical, sometimes whimsical sounds. From poignant ballads to funny and irreverent observations of life, the trio's winning combination of musical talents serves up a feel-good show. They will be headliners at the Sunday night concert. 

Troupe du Soleil is a local Middle Eastern Dance group led by Karena Montee..They love to share the joy of music and dance from Turkey and the Middle East with contemporary moves added Karena offers year-around classes and will teach a mini-workshop on "Middle Eastern Dance" on Sunday morning.

Mandy Troxell is from Orcas Island. She calls her music "Island Mama Americana" or "County Western Pathetica" . This is her first time at TMF, but she is a song contest finalist with her tribute to Pete Seeger. She writes about everyday subjects; about love lost and found, and doing laundry.

Uncle Joe's Banjo Band is back but some new and old folks have been added! Paul Knight, on banjo and dobro and Jan Hyled on flute and percussion, are constants, joined by Debbie Hembree on violin and Chris Mesford on bodhran and possibly Kurt Mesford on guitar. They bring some old-time tunes and good time music. 

Mare Wakefield & Nomad come to us from Nashville Tennessee where they are immersed in the singer/songwriter scene. Mare is the principal songwriter in this duo, but they have been recognized in many prestigious competitions including the International Songwriting Competition, the Great American Song Contest, Kerrville's New Folk Songwriting Competition and as emerging artists at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. This is not their first Tumbleweed as they were here 2 years ago, and Mare was here in our early years. Mare will lead a "Songwriting 101" workshop and her husband Nomad will do a workshop on "Turkish Music"

Waterbound is the unique combo of autoharp and mandolin. Steve Akerman and Mimi Geibel say what they long to do is take a truly pretty melody, twist it around, and show you a whole new way of looking at it. They love fiddle tunes, folk tunes, Swedish, Metis, Celtic, and blues. Sit back and enjoy the ride! They will do a workshop on "When Celtic is not Irish."

Patrice Webb comes to us from Kootenai, Idaho, near Sandpoint. Her music is a vibrant mix of song stories told in a language of folk, country, swing and the blues. She will teach a workshop on "Western Swing for Guitar."

Dan Weber is a multi-award-winning songwriter who has been described as "The classic mid-life overnight sensation." A gifted storyteller, but still relatively new to songwriting, Weber was a 2012 finalist in the legendary Kerrville 'New Folk' competition as well as the prestigious Dave Carter Songwriting Contest in 2010. He will be a song contest finalist again this year and will lead a workshop on "Songwriting and Storytelling." 

Jacob Weber is a young 20 year old songwriter from Rochester, WA, who is aspiring for a career in the country music field. This is his first time at Tumbleweed, though he applied when he was about 12 with the same aspirations. 

Wes Weddell won the 2006 Tumbleweed Song Contest. He grew up in Pullman but lives on the west side of the state. Wes is known for his strong guitar work and quiet wit. This is Wes'13th year at Tumbleweed and he has recorded another new album with the Wes Weddell Band.. He will be part of the Bushwick Book Club's presentation on favorite children's books and will again emcee the Jane Titland Memorial Songwriting Contest.

Alice Winship, who is originally from Worden, WA, is a songwriter with a strong interest in maritime music and Northwest history. She does not consider herself a performer, but she has written some amazing songs and is a leader in the Northwest maritime music scene and founder of the Maritime Network. She will lead a workshop on "Songs of Eastern Washington." be a part of the "Chicken Songs" segment on the River Stage.

Amanda Winterhalter is new to Tumbleweed, but she is a song contest finalist this year. She lives in Arlington, WA and has been singing gospel, country, folk and jazz and working her love of storytelling into her original songs most of her life. She will be performing solo and with the Bushwick Book Club.

Brendan Wires is a touch style bass artist from Monroe, WA.. He uses both hands on top of the fretboard to play melody, chords and bassline accompaniment at the same time. His arrangements uncover the common ground of folk, jazz, and rock music.

Ye Merrie Greenwood English Country Dancers and Musicians are local performers who produce and perform at many Renaissance fairs around the Northwest, including our local Ye Merrie Greenwood Faire which will be September 24-25 in Howard Amon Park. They sing, they dance, they play authentic Renaissance music, and bring you back to the time of glorious Queen Bess.

Jon Young is a singer /songwriter from Vancouver, WA, who is new to Tumbleweed, but not to the Tri-Cities as he has numerous friends and relatives here. He is a trial lawyer who has music as his avocation.