A queer, nu-folk, singer-songwriter with a voice like complex coffee, Gráinne Hunt is a standout among Ireland’s most compelling vocalists and songwriters - blending raw emotion with a quiet, commanding power. Gráinne writes from deeply personal experiences, weaving stories of pain, longing and joy. Her latest live EP—recorded on the road last year in the US—gives a delightful insight to her performances, with stories and songs that leave the listener wishing it were longer. 

Her reputation as a powerhouse performer has landed her on stages alongside Glen Hansard and U2, with opening slots for Gladys Knight and Eagle Eye Cherry. After showcasing at Folk Alliance International in 2024, she secured an 0-1 Visa to cement her presence stateside.

Aside from her solo work, Gráinne collaborates with guitarist Brendan Walsh in the duo Gráinne and Brendan, exploring folk, classical, and traditional music. Additionally, Gráinne is part of the folk duo Hibsen with Jim Murphy, who wrote an album of songs based on James Joyce's "Dubliners", released in 2023. 

Gráinne's stage presence is captivating, characterised by humor, talent, and a little Irish charm. Gráinne truly owns the stage, leaving a lasting impact on all who hear her.

KT & The Love Notes play beautiful music. Described as "transcendental folk", the Love Notes create a musical landscape that is uplifting, nurturing, fun, and meaningful. 

A seasoned performer, Katie Sontag (KT) engages the audience with group singing and her endearing stage presence.Her songs range from lighthearted and silly (poking fun at herself as a scatterbrained new mother) to deep and vulnerable (the everyday grief of being human.) She often triumphs with an important truth that we all need to be reminded of (including her). Her music has been described as “a big hug”.

As good Folk music does, Katie’s songs create community. Her loyal Love Notes are Jon Brex, a jazz bassist with 10 years on the New Orleans scene, and Maggie Dewar, a versatile violin player and harmony singer who exudes creativity and friendliness. Based in Eugene OR with their toddlers, this trio has graced stages all around Oregon, including the Oregon Country Fair, TedEx Bend, and all over their hometown of Eugene. 

The trio hopes to record their next album, You Are Not Alone, between playing shows and taking care of their 3.5 year old daughters. KT & the Love Notes are itching to tour and especially love playing house concerts, folk clubs, and festivals.

Ollella’s career as a musician started early: she sang before she could talk. She’s since created a multidisciplinary artistic life as an indie-folk cellist, vocalist, songwriter, and designer.

Ollella is the solo moniker for Ellie Barber, who trained as a classical cellist since the age of nine and now merges her technical string background with authoritative vocals. She’s a two-time finalist in the NPR Tiny Desk Contest (2024, 2022), has had music featured in films and TV, and is a frequent collaborator with others.

Ellie Barber has always felt a push-and-pull in her life between art and science. She splits her time between performing as a musician and working as an information designer in public health and climate science. Her work has been supported by organizations such as NASA, the Aspen Global Change Institute, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and published in Resources Magazine, Yale Climate Connections, and the Pulitzer Center.

Barber finds herself drawn to music because it unlocks a particularly organic flavor of humanity – one that fits the type of world she believes in. Her work is ever-morphing, like herself.

Named one of the "Top 10 Best Acoustic Music Artists of the Decade" by the International Acoustic Music Awards, Larry Pattis has been a featured performer at illustrious venues like the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Washington, DC’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Pattis names his early influences as his father singing during family car rides and listening to such diverse music as Bach, Allan Sherman, Benny Goodman, and more on the hi-fi at his grandparents’ apartment on the near-north side of Chicago. In his senior year of high school he chanced upon solo steel-string and classical acoustic guitar music.

Smitten with Folk and classical guitar, Pattis discovered the greater Chicago Folk music scene. He was influenced as much by touring singer-songwriters as by the guitar music itself. He began performing in local coffeehouses and the student union of Indiana University.

Pattis succeeds in merging styles of instrumental guitar music not normally found together in the same room. His musical vision is a blending of emotive beauty with technique, manifesting the many voices of an acoustic guitar; his goal is to delight his audience with the landscape of life experiences that are foundational to his music.

Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan make music that feels like a conversation with an old friend—warm, engaging, and full of surprises. Claudia’s expressive voice and finely-crafted songs draw you in, while Bruce’s tasteful guitar and mandolin work create the perfect counterpoint, weaving melody and rhythm into something intimate yet expansive. 

A two-time Kerrville New Folk Finalist, Claudia has earned praise from American Songwriter, Sing Out!, and NPR’s All Things Considered. Together, she and Bruce have built a loyal following, winning over audiences with their mix of artistry, humor, and genuine connection. 

Music runs deep in Claudia’s family. Her father, Val Rosing, was the vocalist on the Henry Hall BBC Dance Orchestra’s 1931 hit “Teddy Bears’ Picnic,” and her grandfather, Vladimir Rosing, was a celebrated opera singer who graced the stages of the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl.

Bruce, meanwhile, helped create our community—he is the co-founder and first president of FAR-West.

Playing to a crowd of hundreds or a handful in a living room, Claudia and Bruce bring generosity of spirit: songs that stay with you, a voice that draws you in, and a performance that feels like sharing an evening together.

Listen and watch: bit.ly/C-B-YOUTUBE 

In Atlanta's vibrant music scene, few artists embody versatility and authenticity quite like Becky Shaw. The Decatur-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has carved out a distinctive place through her vocal prowess, rare natural musical talent, and multi-faceted artistry.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Shaw is rooted in Americana music, folk and old country gospel. Her love of singing began at a very early age, influenced by her musical family and her love of singers like Karen Carpenter and Patsy Cline. To the Atlanta music community, Shaw has become a "fixer" of sorts—need any singing, flute, lap steel, keyboards, or something else? Call Becky. This reputation speaks both to her instrumental versatility and to her generous spirit as a musician.

Her solo record Shut Down, Jump In is a collection of happy and sad, lush and sparse self-penned songs that coalesce around her soulful voice. She crafts intimate, emotionally resonant music touching on the full spectrum of human experience.  A mature artist, her music engages audiences with wisdom and restraint. She represents the best of independent music: craft, authenticity, and a generous spirit that elevates every project she touches.

The joy and slight madness of New England contra dance spun Lauren Sheehan into a life of music. She continued formal training at Reed College in Portland, OR, discovering the warmth of social music, playing by ear, improvisation, and the most influential and curious Harry Smith Anthology of American Folk Music. Lauren is interested in heritage music, old instruments, and our living traditions. Her material comes directly from elders she’s spent time with, recordings, books, workshops, and friendly informal sessions with friends and strangers. 

Lauren's first career was as an educator and school director before founding a small K-8 school in Oregon. She plays whatever music she likes; old blues, vintage, hippie and contemporary folk, tin pan alley, swing, fiddle tunes, instrumental compositions and original material. She plays guitars, banjo, mandolin and sings. She tours nationally and has shared the stage with many fine players, including Guy Davis, Dom Flemmons, Jim Kweskin, Mary Flower, Suzie Glaze and others. 

Lauren currently lives in the Pacific Northwest rainforest with her husband and German shepherd. She teaches guitar and folk music at Pacific University, practices restorative and natural landscaping, wildcrafts, sews and especially enjoys a good BBQ with music and good folks!