ABOUT THE BANDS

When Sara and Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek and I'm With Her) first began playing Watkins Family Hour shows at Los Angeles’s beloved Largo, the siblings and musicians had little idea just how far the collaborative variety show would go. They rose to musical prominence in the band Nickel Creek, which won a 2003 Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Along with her work in Watkins Family Hour, Sara is also part of I'm With Her, which won this year's Grammy for Best Folk Album.

Twenty years, two studio albums and hundreds of performances later, the two are taking stock of the ever-evolving community of musicians and music lovers the project helped build. 

As part of that reflection, Watkins Family Hour is releasing its third studio album Vol. II. The collection features a number of longtime friends of the show joining Sean and Sara across 11 tracks that encapsulate where Watkins Family Hour started, how the project grew and where it could be headed in the future. Guests on the album are Fiona Apple, Jon Brion, Jackson Browne, Madison Cunningham, Lucius, Gaby Moreno, Benmont Tench and Willie Watson. 

Susan first played the Fest in 1999, and our 50th year celebration makes this her 7th appearance in La Crosse. Born on a farm outside of Manchester, Iowa and now living in Chicago, she is a master of her singer-songwriting craft and does not like to stay in
one well-worn lane.  With 15 recordings under her belt, she is a true entertainer; singing a thoughtful, heartfelt ballad and following it with a hilarious song about something in her life.

Originally from the green rolling hills of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Maya de Vitry is a Nashville-based fiddler-turned-songwriter with a voice that glides effortlessly between tenderness and strength. Her earliest years in the music industry are represented by the 4 full-length albums and 2 EPs with roots-Americana trio The Stray Birds, with whom she toured year-round for 7 years throughout USA, Canada, and Europe. After this formative chapter, she launched her solo career with her 2019 album Adaptations, earning praise from Rolling Stone Country, NPR Music, and No Depression. Since then, she has released three more full-length albums—How to Break a Fall (2020), Violet Light (2022), and The Only Moment (2024); an EP, Infinite (2023); and multiple singles, all of which are testaments to her personal reinvention and creative growth.

Vance first played the Fest in 2000 and this will be his 4th appearance here.  He has also played several shows for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of La Crosse.  Vance was born and raised in the Philadelphia area, and started out as a jazz singer before switching to folk music.  He's a great guitarist and wonderful vocalist, with influences that include Roberta Flack, Carmen McRae, George Benson,
Stevie Wonder, and Kenny Rankin.  Some of his songs tell profound stories and touch on important topics while others take stories from the headlines and popular culture and approach them in a whimsical way.  He probably could have been a good comic if he's gone down a different path.  Vance has 16 recordings to his credit.

Bonfire Music Group recording artists the Roe Family Singers are a Hard-Core Old-Time  band from Minneapolis, MN. Led by wife & husband Kim and Quillan Roe, the band marries old-time sounds from barn-dances, fiddle pulls, and county fairs with a punk rock delivery.

Featuring banjo, Autoharp, guitar, and Appalachian clogging, the band and family of fans have been regularly filling Minneapolis’ 331 Club every Monday night since 2005. They've shared the stage with Doc Watson, Ralph Stanley, Mike Seeger, Del McCoury, Jesse McReynolds, the Grascals, Jim Kweskin & Geoff Muldaur, Junior Brown, Asleep at the Wheel, and John McEuen & John Carter Cash. In 2011 the band was awarded the prestigious McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians; they won the title of “World's Best Jug Band” twice, in 2010 & 2012 at the annual Battle of the Jug Bands; in 2012, won the Minnesota Duet Contest at the MN State Fair; in 2016 won the title of Entertainers of the Year from BMAI; in 2017, Kim won the clogging competition at the Old-Time Music & Ozark Heritage Festival, held in West Plains, MO; in 2018, won both Entertainers of the Year and Album of the Year from BMAI;in 2019, won Best Band, Best Band Overall, and Entertainers of the Year from BMAI; and in 2020 their song, “Don’t Worry About the Rich Man,” was #10 overall on the Bluegrass Grassicana charts.

The Roe Family Singers mix original music and contemporary takes on old-time and traditional tunes into one roiling & rollicking river of fresh yet familiar American music. Every performance raises a ruckus.

We're happy to have John back for the 50th. 
He's played our Friday Night Concert 3 times in the past: 1992, 2000, and 2008.  He has 45 recordings to his credit and is regarded as a master of the hammered dulcimer.  Born in Wausau, he traveled to
Appalachia in his early 20s and learned from some of the greats of traditional folk music, including Roscoe Holcomb and Tommy Hunter.  His repertoire also includes songs from contemporary writers and well as a large body of his own work, much of which focuses on political and social issues.  One of his most successful songs, Christmas in the Trenches, tells the story of the 1914 truce on the front lines during
World War I.

Jason has been writing, recording and performing folk music around the country for some decades.

In his early years he traveled the country by freight train, hitchhiking and questionable old vehicles, cutting his teeth as young buskers on the streets of New Orleans, Nashville, Austin, Chicago and San Francisco.
He has toured extensively with different bands throughout the lower 48 States and Alaska, appearing in barn dances and taverns, theaters and music festivals, the circus and vaudeville circuits and on radio and in film, forging and delivering their own unique blend of American folk and western music. He is a self-built, independent artists who has gained the attention of many passionate fans all over the world.

Wests’ poignant songwriting breathes new life into vintage sounds of country, folk and blues. From fierce guitar and harmonica instrumentals to humorous and heartfelt song and story, Jason never strays far away from his traditional untraditional anarchic punk-folk roots.

They have shared the stage with various other artists including Matt Heckler, The Resonant Rogues and Larry And His Flask. In recent years Jason has worked as direct support for Sierra Ferrel, Lostdog Street Band & The Bridge City Sinners.

Hailing from the scenic river city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Amadáns is a high-energy Irish music group known for blending traditional Celtic sounds with modern folk-rock flair. Amadáns have become a fixture at Irish festivals, pubs, and community events throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and beyond. With Finnian Cullen on bodhrán and vocals, Barry Byrne on guitar and vocals, Sherri Byrne on upright bass and vocals, Luca Ciletti on fiddle, and Kyle Humfeld on accordion, mandolin, and tenor banjo, these musicians capture the authentic spirit of traditional Irish pub music, but with an energy that could engage audiences beyond just the folk/trad scene.

Coming from a long line of musically inept Norwegian Farmers and born without natural talent, Drew Peterson tackled his musical endeavors the way he had been taught while growing up on a farm in rural MN - hard work and a lot of practice. With dry wit, poetic lyrics, and a sound shaped by legends like John Prine and Van Morrison, Drew Peterson brings a distinctive voice to the Americana scene. His music is thoughtful, gritty, and unexpectedly warm—delivering upbeat tunes with a storyteller’s touch and a soft-spoken gravitas that resonates long after the final chord.

Hannah Hebl, whose nom de music is Hemma, Swedish for “home," spent much of her childhood with her family’s band, The Hebl Family Singers, and learned the ins and outs of recording studios, performing, songwriting and guitar and piano. For the young Hannah, her big ears in a vast array of stylings from Prince to John Prine.  

  Hemma continues to push the margins of pop-folk on Abalone Sky, released in April 2025. It’s a ripening and crystalizing of her sound—a sonic signature that serves as an artist’s mission statement. Hemma’s music comes from her deep experience as musician, student of dance and art and life.  

   Her latest single "Boarding School Blues" takes influence from Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone" where she paints the picture of leaving home at a young age for an east coast boarding school. The single, recorded with Shane Leonard (Mipso, Humbird) sizzles with fiery anticipation of what's to come next from the well of this multidimensional folk artist. 

The music of Creekbed Carter Hogan (he/they) is a quiet act of defiance made at the end of your rope. It is the warm feeling of solidarity coursing through your body as you link arms with strangers. It is a hard-won laugh, brittle but brave, in the face of what hurt you the most. It is finding hope where there is none, asking questions when you’re told to stay quiet, demanding a future you believe in, and facing a world hellbent on destruction with community, enthusiasm, and joy.

The Hot Sauce group, with Hans Mayer on lead vocals, guitar, mandolin, and Native American flute, Wayne Beezley on mandolin, mandocello and vocals, Dedrick Benz on bass and vocals and Jessie McDonald on violin and vocals. Hot Sauce will play many of Mayer’s original songs along with some swinging fast-paced classic tunes. Hans has played with several popular groups in the region including Blind Baby Olin, Smith and Mayer, Jawbone, String Ties, Bill Miller, The Mayer Brothers Band and Hot Sauce. Hans’ tunes cover styles from rock, folk, Americana, blues and a little bit of swing. They will do crowd favorites including “Going Home,” “I’m So Glad,” “Stand Up Tall,” “Walk About,” and “Good Time for Free.”

Wayne Beezley is a current member of String Ties, The Bus Boys, and Hot Sauce. Wayne is known for his lighting quick mandolin and mandocello playing and he and Hans will do some lively double mandolin playing. Dedrick Benz is also a current member of the Bus Boys and String Ties. Jessie McDonald is a popular violin player who has played with Mr. Blink, Crooked Willow, Big Liquor and as a frequent guest artist in other area bands.

Soren Staff is a singer songwriter from Eau Claire, WI. For the last 14 years he has fronted Them Coulee Boys, releasing 5 albums and touring the country in a van with his friends.  He also performs with the band Arlen, and is currently working on his first solo album.  When not singing songs, he loves to read long books, spend time outdoors, and snuggle his dog.

Crooked Willow formed in 2013 when Tim Waller and Elisi Smith-Waller approached their musical friends to share their love of music.  The line-up has changed through the years and is currently comprised of Elisi Smith-Waller on vocals and banjo, Jessie McDonald playing fiddle and adding harmonies, and Erik Hanson on bass and vocal harmonies.  The band plays a variety of music with roots in Americana but loves to find new twists on old favorite styles like pop, jazz, and old-time.  “As a Folk/Americana/Roots string band formed in friendship and connected through music, they take audiences on a journey through reimagined covers and original works.”  Lee Neves - Seven Magazine.

Sammie Jean is a country blues Americana artist known for her soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting. Blending elements of country, blues, and folk, her music reflects real moments and emotions—often inspired by personal stories of love, breakups, and the process of healing.

Johnsmith has won several songwriting awards including Kerrville New Folk and Great American Songwriting Contests. He teaches songwriting at festivals, camps, and Big Sur CA's Esalen Institute. He's been featured on NPR program 'New Dimensions', had a five year Nashville publishing deal, and is the founder of Inishfree Irish tours.

Quality Acoustic Americana. Combining skillful acoustic guitar, with lively harmonica and liquid vocals, Don Harvey is an award-winning singer/songwriter from La Crosse, Wisconsin. His “Acoustic Americana” style spans Folk, Rock, Bluegrass, and the Country Blues. 

A dynamic entertainer, Don engages an audience with his observations and wit while delivering insightful lyrics and spirited melodies.  Don has been described as having an “upbeat vibe”, “a soulful delivery”, and a “clean sound”.

Don loves to perform up and down the Mississippi River and has been a touring musician in the Midwest for many years.

He won the KVAMA/Larryfest Songwriting Contest in 2008. With help from some very talented musicians including fiddle sensation Randy Sabien, Don recently finished his 5th CD of original tunes.

With a pastoral upbringing in northern Wisconsin, Ross Thorn’s music emanates as a warm and soulful hymn, waking up optimistically beside a snow-covered window. His sharply crafted and often humorous lyrics—distinctly reminiscent of great folk artists like John Prine—reveal internal struggles of empathy, questions of human character and virtue, and a search for hope, often finding solace in some unanticipated truth.

Unicycle is a one-of-a-kind, eclectic songwriter from La Crosse. With his signature funky, jamming, jazzy style, Unicycle Michael tells stories of the Driftless, unicycling, and so much more! His songs are often upbeat with occasionally comical lyrics, catchy hooks, and heartfelt moments.  

Taylor James Donskey is a songwriter and performer based in Minneapolis MN.  His early life saw him growing up in La Crosse WI, where the rivers and the bluffs served as hidden inspirations for his songwriting days ahead. Many days were spent running through the forests and floating on the water. Moving onward, higher education took him to the great city of Minneapolis, where compatriots were met and the music flourished. 

His early career consisted of supporting roles. Primarily a bassist and backing vocalist, he found himself joined to many groups in the folk, country, and bluegrass worlds. He also found work as a music educator to folks of all ages, and can boast of 14 years in the profession. 

Starting in 2017 he struck out to create something under his own name. His inspiration? The people and experiences that steeped him in the world of music for so many years. Leaning into the strings on his acoustic guitar, he has spent the years writing music that fills the space with sounds of all sorts. 

Most recently, you can hear his latest record "TJD" which explores the intersection of songwriting and studio music production. The writings on love, loss, and kinship take you on a walk through the sonic foliage of the forest of profundity.

Lynn Biddick is an award winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She was born in La Crosse, studied at Berklee College in Boston, was active in the folk scene in New England, the songwriting community in Nashville, and currently records with Momentous Records here in La Crosse. She plays regularly at Leo and Leona’s, and is happy to be here at the GRFF.

Joni Mitchell songs were often floating about in Jamie Sterling's driftless childhood home, and while that may be all you would need to know for the purposes of this written invitation to her music, you might also want to know that:

She has songs and children of her own now. After spending many years living and loving in Portland, she and her husband Lucas have returned to that same childhood home to raise their family.

Her songs explore the journey of the human spirit through both the natural and the modern world.

They are thoughtful, easy to be around, and a joy to sit with for a while.

She is recording a debut record at Azyl Valley Studio.

A self-employed a self employed song-leader, community organizer and homemaker based in Decorah, IA. Liz Rog has been a part of the fest for many years!

The West for Gals & Jessie Downs will be joining us for a dance!

They take their name and inspiration from the 2006 Bruce Springsteen recording:  We Shall
Overcome: The Seeger Sessions, which was a loose and exuberant interpretation of folk songs from Pete Seeger's songbag.  Pete, by the way, played at our second festival, in 1977.  The Sessions band has
anywhere from 12-16 members, and includes horns, back-up singers, and kazoos!