2025 Kerrville Folk Festival Lineup with Artist Biographies

Thursday, May 22 – Kennedy Outdoor Theater

Lucy Clearwater (7 pm)
Lucy Clearwater is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter who splits her time between LA and Berlin. She was a winner of the 2024 New Folk Competition at Kerrville Folk Festival and released an EP titled “April” in 2024. Known for her emotive and vulnerable music, Lucy also sings in German and released a German-language EP called “Augenlieder.”

Jeffrey Foucault (8 pm)
Jeffrey Foucault is an American songwriter and record producer born January 26, 1976, in Whitewater, Wisconsin. His music blends influences from American country, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and folk traditions. With over two decades on the road, he’s become known for his “stark, literate songs” and released his latest album “THE UNIVERSAL FIRE” in September 2024. He’s married to fellow musician Kris Delmhorst.

Sean McConnell (9 pm)
Sean McConnell is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter known for his emotionally charged lyrics and soulful voice. Beyond his solo career, he’s written songs for artists like Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, and Brad Paisley. His music seamlessly blends folk, country, and rock elements with deeply personal storytelling that often examines themes of spirituality, relationships, and self-discovery.

The Wilder Blue (10 pm)
The Wilder Blue is a Texas-based Americana/country band that blends elements of country, bluegrass, folk, and rock. The group is known for their tight harmonies and sophisticated songwriting, creating a sound that honors traditional country music while incorporating contemporary elements.

Friday, May 23 – Kennedy Outdoor Theater

Lily Talmers (7 pm)
Lily Talmers is a folk singer-songwriter known for her intricate fingerpicking guitar style and literary-inspired lyrics. Her music draws from traditional folk, classical influences, and world music traditions, creating a sound that’s both familiar and distinctive. Her thoughtful songwriting often explores philosophical themes and personal narratives with poetic precision.

Adeem the Artist (8 pm)
Adeem the Artist is a Southern singer-songwriter who explores complex themes of identity, faith, and social issues through their music. With a thoughtful approach to traditional country and folk sounds, they’ve gained critical acclaim for albums that challenge conventional narratives while honoring roots music traditions. Their songwriting combines personal storytelling with broader social commentary.

Dale Watson (9 pm)
Dale Watson is a honky-tonk hero and country music maverick based in Austin, Texas. Known for his distinctive deep voice and traditional country sound, Watson has championed a subgenre he calls “Ameripolitan” – original music with prominent roots influence. He’s an outspoken critic of the contemporary country music industry and has released numerous albums celebrating authentic country traditions.

The Hooten Hallers (10 pm)
The Hooten Hallers are a high-energy trio that blends elements of blues, rock, and country into their distinctive sound. Known for their raw, gritty performances and instrumental configuration that includes baritone saxophone, the band delivers a powerful live experience that draws from traditional American roots music while creating something uniquely their own.

Saturday, May 24 – Kennedy Outdoor Theater

Creekbed Carter Hogan (7 pm)
Creekbed Carter Hogan is an emerging folk artist known for a uniquely authentic approach to American roots music. Drawing inspiration from traditional folk, old-time music, and country blues, their performances often feature vintage guitar techniques and traditional song forms reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.

Gabe Lee (8 pm)
Gabe Lee is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter who blends Americana, country, and rock influences. Known for his literate lyrics and dynamic vocal delivery, Lee creates music that honors traditional country storytelling while incorporating contemporary themes and sounds. His songwriting often addresses the complexities of modern life while maintaining strong roots in traditional music forms.

The Secret Sisters (9 pm)
The Secret Sisters are a vocal duo consisting of sisters Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Known for their pristine harmonies and vintage sound, they blend traditional country, folk, and Southern gospel influences. After facing career challenges, they were championed by producer Brandi Carlile, helping them achieve wider recognition for their traditional yet contemporary approach to Americana music.

YARN (10 pm)
YARN is a Brooklyn-born Americana/roots band that has become a staple in the jam band and festival scene. Led by singer-songwriter Blake Christiana, the group blends elements of country, bluegrass, folk, and rock into a dynamic, high-energy sound. Their prolific touring schedule has earned them a dedicated fanbase, and they’re known for memorable live performances that showcase both tight musicianship and emotional resonance.

Sunday, May 25 – Kennedy Outdoor Theater

Rachel Sumner (7 pm)
Rachel Sumner is a classically trained flutist turned folk songwriter who previously performed as part of the bluegrass band Twisted Pine. Since launching her solo career, she’s gained recognition for her intricate guitar work, crystalline vocals, and sophisticated songwriting that draws from both traditional folk and classical influences. Her music often features detailed narrative storytelling and complex arrangements.

Émilie Clepper (8 pm)
Émilie Clepper is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter who splits her time between Quebec and Texas, creating music that reflects both her Franco-American heritage and her diverse musical influences. With a warm, distinctive voice, she blends folk, Americana, and French chanson traditions. Her bilingual performances and bicultural perspective give her music a unique quality that resonates with audiences across borders.

Handmade Moments (9pm)
Handmade Moments is a duo composed of Anna Moss and Joel Ludford, who create genre-defying music that combines elements of folk, jazz, soul, and hip-hop. Known for their instrumental versatility (switching between saxophone, upright bass, banjo, and more) and engaging live performances, they’ve developed a sound that’s both earthy and sophisticated. After surviving a serious bus accident in 2016, their music has taken on themes of resilience and gratitude.

Peter Rowan (10 pm)
Peter Rowan is a Grammy-winning bluegrass musician with a career spanning over six decades. He began his professional career in 1964 as the vocalist and guitarist for Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys and has since collaborated with Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and many other notable artists. His musical style encompasses not just bluegrass but also elements of folk, country, rock, and even reggae influences.