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The final week of the 2025 Kerrville Folk Festival lineup

Band of Heathens will be one of the main draws on Friday night as the 2025 Folk Festival comes to a close.

Monday, June 2 – Threadgill Theater

Karyn Oliver (7 p.m.) Karyn Oliver is a folk singer-songwriter known for her warm vocals and thoughtful, often narrative-driven songs. Drawing from Americana, country and blues influences, Oliver creates music that connects personal stories with broader themes of resilience and human connection. Her performances balance emotional depth with an approachable, engaging stage presence.

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Daniel Neihoff (8 p.m.) Daniel Neihoff is a Kentucky-born singer-songwriter whose music draws from folk, Americana and country traditions. Known for his authentic approach and distinctive voice, Neihoff writes songs that often explore rural life, personal struggle and resilience. His performances showcase both his songwriting craft and his ability to connect with audiences through straightforward, emotionally honest storytelling.

Tuesday, June 3 – Threadgill Theater

Jenny Reynolds (7 p.m.) Jenny Reynolds is an Austin-based folk singer-songwriter known for her thoughtful lyrics and engaging performances. With influences ranging from traditional folk to blues and rock, she creates music that balances personal narratives with broader social observations. A respected figure in the Austin music community, Reynolds brings both craft and authenticity to her songwriting.

Tim Easton (8 p.m.) Tim Easton is a seasoned songwriter and guitarist whose music draws from folk, blues and rock traditions. Having built his career through extensive touring and a series of well-received albums, Easton is known for his distinctive voice, skilled guitar work and songs that often explore both personal experiences and American landscapes. His performances showcase both his musical versatility and his storytelling abilities.

Wednesday, June 4 – Threadgill Theater

RJ Cowdery (7 p.m.) RJ Cowdery is a folk singer-songwriter known for her distinctive fingerstyle guitar playing and songs that combine personal reflection with universal themes. Having come to professional music later in life, her songwriting often brings a mature perspective to themes of change, resilience and human connection. Her performances are marked by technical skill, emotional authenticity and a gentle humor.

Joe Filisko & Eric Noden (8 p.m.) This duo brings together two masters of traditional American blues. Joe Filisko is an acclaimed harmonica player who has helped preserve and extend traditional blues harmonica techniques, while Eric Noden is a skilled guitarist versed in prewar blues styles. Together, they create music that honors the history of acoustic blues while bringing fresh energy to these traditions.

Thursday, June 5 – Threadgill Theater

R.O. Shapiro (7 p.m.) R.O. Shapiro is a singer-songwriter whose music combines folk traditions with literary sensibilities. Known for poetic lyrics and a distinctive vocal style, Shapiro creates songs that often explore themes of nature, time and human experience. Drawing from various folk traditions while maintaining a contemporary relevance, his music creates a bridge between past and present.

Steve Fisher (8 p.m.) Steve Fisher is a respected guitarist and songwriter with deep roots in folk and bluegrass traditions. Known for his technical skill and traditional approach, Fisher creates music that honors the history of American folk while incorporating personal perspectives. His performances often showcase both his instrumental prowess and his knowledge of traditional musical forms.

Friday, June 6 – Kennedy Outdoor Theater

Scott Mulvahill (7 p.m.) Scott Mulvahill is an innovative bassist and songwriter who has created a unique approach to folk and Americana music. Known for his virtuosic upright bass playing and rich vocals, Mulvahill writes songs that showcase both his instrumental skill and thoughtful lyrics. Having performed with Ricky Skaggs’ Kentucky Thunder before launching his solo career, he brings technical excellence and musical depth to his performances.

Caleb Caudle (8 p.m.) Caleb Caudle is a North Carolina-based singer-songwriter whose music blends traditional country influences with contemporary Americana sensibilities. Known for his warm vocals and narrative songwriting, Caudle creates music that honors country traditions while addressing modern experiences. His albums have earned critical acclaim for their authentic approach to roots music.

Carsie Blanton (9 p.m.) Carsie Blanton is a singer-songwriter known for her blend of folk, jazz and pop influences, coupled with witty, often provocative lyrics. With a playful stage presence and serious musical chops, Blanton creates songs that address political and social issues alongside personal themes, all delivered with charm and musical sophistication. Her performances balance humor with depth, engaging audiences intellectually and emotionally.

Band of Heathens (10 p.m.) The Band of Heathens is an Austin-based rock group known for their eclectic sound that incorporates elements of classic rock, country, soul and blues. With multiple songwriters and vocalists, they create music marked by thoughtful lyrics, instrumental versatility and strong harmonies. Their collaborative approach to songwriting and arranging gives their albums a diverse yet cohesive quality that has earned them a devoted following in the Americana scene.

Saturday, June 7 – Kennedy Outdoor Theater

Lila Blue (7 p.m.) Lila Blue is a young singer-songwriter whose mature musical vision belies her age. Drawing from folk traditions while incorporating contemporary elements, she creates songs marked by poetic lyrics, distinctive vocals and emotional depth. Her music often explores complex emotional territory with nuance and insight, establishing her as a compelling new voice in folk music.

Chris Smither (8 p.m.) Chris Smither is a veteran blues-folk artist whose career spans several decades. Known for his masterful fingerpicking guitar style, deep vocals and philosophical lyrics, Smither has created a body of work that balances blues traditions with thoughtful songwriting. His performances showcase both his technical skill and the wisdom accumulated through a lifetime in music.

John Craigie (9 p.m.) John Craigie is a storytelling folk singer whose performances blend music with humorous, insightful narratives. Often compared to Mitch Hedberg and Arlo Guthrie, Craigie creates an intimate, engaging atmosphere in his shows, combining traditional folk influences with contemporary observations. His approach to performance emphasizes connection with audiences through both song and story.

Urban Pioneers (10 p.m.) Urban Pioneers is a string band that brings fresh energy to traditional American music forms including old-time, bluegrass and early country. Known for their high-energy performances and instrumental skill, the band creates music that honors historical traditions while incorporating contemporary themes and energy. Their performances showcase both technical proficiency and an infectious enthusiasm that connects with diverse audiences.

Sunday, June 8 – Kennedy Outdoor Theater

Rainbow Girls (7 p.m.) Rainbow Girls is a California-based folk trio composed of Vanessa May, Erin Chapin and Caitlin Gowdey. Known for their stunning three-part harmonies and socially conscious lyrics, they blend folk traditions with elements of soul and rock. Originally starting as a larger collective, the trio format has allowed them to highlight their vocal chemistry while addressing themes of environmental concern, social justice and personal growth in their songwriting.

Bob Schneider (8 p.m.) Bob Schneider is an Austin music scene fixture known for his genre-defying approach and prolific output. Moving between rock, folk, country and experimental sounds, his music is marked by clever wordplay, unexpected sonic choices and emotional directness. A legendary performer in Texas, Schneider has maintained his independence throughout his career while building a devoted fan base through his engaging live shows and consistent artistic evolution.

Rock Bottom String Band (9 p.m.) Rock Bottom String Band is a group that combines traditional string band instrumentation with contemporary energy and sensibilities. Drawing from bluegrass, old-time and folk traditions, they create music that honors historical forms while bringing fresh perspectives and energy. Their performances showcase instrumental prowess, tight harmonies and an infectious enthusiasm that connects with diverse audiences.

Author

Growing up in Southern California, Louis Amestoy remained connected to Texas as the birthplace of his father and grandfather. Texas was always a presence in the family’s life. Amestoy’s great-grandparents settled in San Antonio, Texas, drawn by the city’s connections to Mexico and the region’s German communities. In 2019, Louis Amestoy saw an opportunity to make a home in Texas. After 30 years of working for corporate media chains, Louis Amestoy saw a chance to establish an independent voice in the Texas Hill Country. He launched The Lead to be that vehicle. With investment from Meta, Amestoy began independently publishing on Aug. 9, 2021. The Amestoys have called Kerrville home since 2019.

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