Artists to Watch at Kerrville

This duo from Canada is one of the best new groups on the scene. I caught them at Folk Alliance this year, and was really impressed with their incredible positive energy and their presence onstage. Their melodies are catchy and their musicianship is impressive...there's really nothing to not like.

Performing: Friday, May 23
For fans of: Simon & Garfunkel, the Carpenters, Joni Mitchell

Another group I really enjoyed at Folk Alliance was the Belleville Outfit. This big folk-rock band incorporates elements of psychadelic funk, jazz, rock, and contemporary folk music into their mix. If you're not dancing or at least tapping your foot, you're not listening.

Performing: Monday, May 26
Purchase/Download: "Wonder Why"
For fans of: Bob Dylan, String Cheese Incident, Ani DiFranco

Live, Zoe Lewis is just a walking bucket of energy. Her sets are just so much fun, it's hard to think of a better word to describe them. A splendid piano and guitar player, her tunes are a litle bit vaudeville, a little bit contemporary singer-songwriter.

Performing: Thursday, May 22
Purchase/Download: "Gringo!"
For fans of: Michelle Shocked, Dar Williams, Ani DiFranco

I've never seen them live, but the Austin Lounge Lizards is a lot of fun on disc. Their songs are chocked full of intelligent silliness with titles like "Xmas Time For VISA."

Performing: Saturday, May 31
Purchase/Download: "Stupid Song About Texas"
For fans of: They Might Be Giants, DaVinci's Notebook

A couple of years ago, I named Datri Bean one of the Best Folk Artists You've Never Heard Of. She's been on the Kerrville New Folk Finalist list before, and she's at it again this year. If you're going to be around for week one, don't miss Bean's performance in the New Folk contest.

Performing: Sunday, May 25 (New Folk Finalist)
Purchase/Download: "Slow Down Summertime"
For fans of: Michelle Shocked, Tish Hinojosa, Billie Holladay

Anais Mitchell is easily one of the best up-and-coming singer-songwriters on the scene these days. Her thoughtful, evocative songs are exquisite narratives that say everything without saying too much.

Performing: Sunday, June 8
Purchase/Download: "Song of the Magi"
For fans of: Joni Mitchell, Dar Williams, Shawn Colvin

Hardly new on the national folk circuit, the Gourds are still a lot of fun live. They'll be bringing their super-fun alt-country stylings to Kerrville this year and, if you're looking for a good time, they're not to be missed.

Performing: Sunday, June 1
Purchase/Download: "Gin and Juice"
For fans of: Son Volt, Bob Dylan, Austin Lounge Lizards

Another artist I caught at this year's Folk Alliance conference, Chris O'Brien's just a great songwriter. His lyrics tell beautiful stories, and his buttery smooth melodies will stick with you for days. He's made it to the New Folk Finalist list, and his very brief stint on the Kerrville Stage is not to be missed.

Performing: Saturday, May 24 (New Folk Finalist)
Purchase/Download: "Apartment #4"
For fans of: Shawn Colvin, Cat Stevens, John Gorka

In case you need yet another excuse to not skip the New Folk Finalist competition at Kerrville, there will also be Betty Soo. Betty's songs are sharp, well-lyricized tunes that sneak up and infect you. No doubt this is going to be a tough year for the New Folk judges.

Performing: Saturday, May 24 (New Folk Finalist)
For fans of: Suzanne Vega, Dar Williams, Kimya Dawson

Bob Schneider is like a musical Gemini. He has his quiet, introspective story-songs that stop you short in your tracks, and then he has his ridiculous songs about bar fights and monkeys, and whatnot. This year, the Austin native will be hitting Kerrville with his band Texas Bluegrass Massacre. I haven't personally experienced this band, but Schneider himself is worth not skipping.

Performing:Friday, May 30
Purchase/Download: "2002"
For fans of: Tom Waits, Townes Van Zandt, Frank Zappa