For Immediate Release

February 15, 2009

24th Annual Tucson Folk Festival: May 2 - 3, 2009

Headlining Artists Announced

The Tucson Kitchen Musicians' Association (TKMA) is pleased to announce the headlining artists for the 2009 Tucson Folk Festival, one of the largest free festivals in the United States. With continuous music on four stages, the weekend begins on Saturday, May 2 at 12:00 p.m., with music through 10:00 p.m.; on Sunday, May 3, the festival runs from 11:00 a.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m.

On Saturday night, two headliners are featured on the Plaza Stage:

At 8:00 p.m., Grammy winners and multi-instrumentalists Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer perform their superb harmonies accompanied by a variety of acoustic strings and percussion. Billboard Magazine described their music “as close to flawless folk/bluegrass as it gets.” This dynamic duo will also perform for the Children's Show on Sunday at the Courtyard Stage.

On Saturday evening at 9:00 p.m., Todd Snider and his acoustic guitar delivers his unique blend of wry wordsmithing and poignant songs. Todd has been called "his generation's Will Rogers, an amiable, plainspoken, wise-cracking story teller and champion of the common man – just add a guitar and a pickup truck."

On Sunday evening, with a career spanning more than 40 years, 25 albums and numerous world tours, singer-songwriter Eric Andersen performs at 8:00 p.m. on the Plaza Stage with his mix of traditional folk and blues. He will be collaborating with famed local musician Harvey Brooks. Eric Andersen's songs have been recorded by artists all over the world, including Judy Collins, Fairport Convention, Peter Paul and Mary, Rick Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, The Grateful Dead and Francoise Hardy. 

TKMA is partnering again with community radio, KXCI 91.3 FM to broadcast all weekend performances from the Plaza Stage with a one-hour tape delay.  

Past years' headliners have included: Odetta, Richie Havens, Rory Block, Tish Hinojosa, Jimmy LaFave, Guy Clark, Al Stewart, Tim O'Brien, Chris Smither, Karla Bonoff, David Wilcox, Laura Love, Hans Olson, Rosie Flores, John Cowan Band, Austin Lounge Lizards, Aztec Two Step, Bill Miller, Terri Hendrix, Joyce Andersen, Ruthie Foster and Harvey Reid.

Each year, more than 10,000 music fans make their way downtown to the Tucson Folk Festival to enjoy a wide variety of acoustic music. Over 100 local, regional and national acts will perform on Saturday and Sunday, May 2 - 3, offering continuous live music featuring folk, blues, Celtic, bluegrass, folk-rock, world, country, gospel, and Cajun rhythms on four stages.

The four stages are all within walking distance from the corner of Church Street and Alameda Street, allowing for many musical choices. The Plaza Stage is at El Presidio Park; the Courtyard Stage is on the lawn of the Old Pima County Courthouse. The Museum Stage is at the Tucson Museum of Art; the Old Town Artisans stage is located in the courtyard of the Old Town Artisans complex at 201 North Court Avenue, adjacent to the Tucson Museum of Art. 

TKMA President Susan Liechti remarks: "We are very excited to bring these artists to Tucson. We think it's a great mix: Eric Andersen is one of the American masters of folk music; Todd Snider reflects a more recent movement in Americana with a unique, humorous twist. And we are thrilled to bring Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, they have a great mix of traditional and contemporary bluegrass-folk, plus swing and old-time country...and they yodel! This will be another fantastic Tucson Folk Festival, free and for the whole family."

The schedule for all Tucson Folk Festival events and performing artist information will be updated at the official website as it is confirmed:

visit www.TKMA.org or call 520-792-6481 for updates.