Spokane Fall Folk Festival
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New Performers for 2025

Donate to Support the Festival
Welcome to our New Performers

Accidental Harmonies
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The Accidental Harmonies is Sandpoint's local contra dance band. The group started performing at dances, pubs, and markets in Sandpoint in 2023. All six members, with backgrounds in classical, jazz, and folk music, encourage you to get up and dance.

Contact:
 [email protected]

Ballet Folklorico de Spokane
PictureBallet Folklorico de Spokane
Ballet Folklórico of Spokane is a volunteer-led group composed of dancers aged 12 and older. We operate under the guidance and support of Nuestras Raices, which is affiliated with the Hispanic Business Association. Our group performs traditional dances from various regions of Mexico, showcasing typical costumes and attire representative of areas such as Jalisco, Veracruz, Yucatán, and Sinaloa. We are dedicated to the interpretation and preservation of Mexico's rich cultural and folkloric traditions.

The folkloric ballet incorporates elements from indigenous, European, and African dance, with each region featuring its own distinctive style and costumes.

The objective of our program is to create an environment where the Hispanic Latino community can explore and celebrate its culture and heritage, while promoting cultural inclusion and diversity in the broader society. We aim to positively impact the self-esteem and cultural identity of community members, which can lead to increased civic and community engagement.

There has been significant demand for a program like this in Spokane. We established our group a few years ago, and since then, our presence in the community and membership have continued to grow.

Ballet Folklórico de Spokane performs at festivals, private events, and various cultural gatherings, playing a crucial role in promoting and preserving Mexican culture and tradition. We welcome new members and offer beginner classes for individuals aged 12 and older every Tuesday at 5:30 PM at our community center located on East Sprague. We also conduct summer programs for children and have collaborated with an elementary school to offer a folkloric program as an after-school activity. We encourage you to follow our social media for more information and to stay updated on upcoming community events where we will be performing.

Contact: 
[email protected]
Website: https://www.nuestrasraiceswa.org/


Buck 99 Bluegrass
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Buck 99 Bluegrass - (L to R) Steve Allen, Larry Easterly, and Dan Howard
Buck 99 Bluegrass is a Northern Idaho bluegrass and country music band, formed in 2018, known for its performances at local farmers' markets, private parties, and music venues, including Spokane Public Radio and Kelly's Underground. The group features local musicians, including Larry Easterly on bass, Steve Allen on banjo and vocals, Dan Howard on guitar and vocals, and sometimes Brian Williams on vocals.

Contact Larry Easterly:
 ​[email protected]​

FAAIE Bayanihan Rondalla
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FAAIE Bayanihan Rondalla
​The FAAIE Bayanihan Rondalla represents the folk music tradition of the Philippines. Using traditional Filipino instruments, including the bandurria, octavina, and laud, the group plays both Filipino folk music and Western favorites.

Contact Brian Kamp: [email protected]
Website: faaie.org/bayanihan-rondalla/

Front Porch Rockers
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Front Porch Rockers
The Front Porch Rockers are a band based in Spokane, WA, known for their diverse repertoire that spans the history of recorded music. They perform a variety of genres, including folk, jazz, pop, rock, world music, and more.
 
The band features talented musicians: Steve Simmons brings his skills to both 6- and 12-string guitars and provides vocals. Steve Sackett plays fretless bass, while Phil Kleinman contributes with pedal steel, slide guitar, banjo, and harmonica. Rick Singer adds rhythm with brushes on the drums.
 
Together, the band boasts over two centuries of combined musical experience!

Contact Rick Singer: 
[email protected]​

Full House Band
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The Full House Band - Josiah Booz, Marta Williamson, Gideon Booz, Hanne Williamson, and Levi Jennings
The Full House Band is a high-energy folk group made up of talented teenagers. They have been playing together for several years and enjoy performing classic folk tunes, old-time fiddle music, gospel, and bluegrass-inspired melodies. Many of the members have attended the folk festival for years and are excited about the opportunity to perform this year!
 
The Full House Band features dynamic group performances of classic folk songs, lively bluegrass tunes, traditional gospel, and twin-fiddle arrangements. With a string ensemble that includes guitar, double bass, mandolin, fiddle, and cello, the band delivers rich harmonies and vibrant energy, celebrating the timeless traditions of American folk music. The band members are Josiah Booz on guitar, Gideon Booz on bass, Levi Jennings on fiddle and mandolin, Hanne Williamson on guitar, fiddle, and mandolin, and Marta Williamson on guitar, fiddle, and cello.


Contact: [email protected]

Gabe Soileau and Creole Country
Gabe Soileau and Creole Country is Spokane's very own Louisiana Zydeco band. Inspired by Gabe Soileau's Cajun and Creole heritage, the Creole Country band delivers a lively mix of Louisiana blues, swamp soul, Zydeco, and Cajun country music.
 
The band features:
  • Gabe Soileau – accordion and lead vocals
  • Pamela Kirk – saxophone and percussion
  • Juan Chacon – saxophone, piano, and percussion
  • Lefty Fields – guitar
  • Art Quine – bass
  • Dan Johnson – drums
 
Enjoy the toe-tapping sounds of Creole Country!

​Contact Gabe Soileau: 
[email protected]

Kultura de Filipino Dance Company
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Kultura de Filipino Dance Company
The Kultura de Filipino Dance Company is a passionate and independent Filipino cultural dance company dedicated to preserving and showcasing the beauty of our heritage through authentic performances. More than just a dance group, we prioritize artistic excellence, cultural education, and the personal growth of our dancers. Our performance features four continuous dances, each telling a unique story that immerses the audience in the rich cultural life of the Cordillera region in the Philippines.

The performance begins with "Takiling," a tribute to a brave warrior. This dance is followed by "Ragragsakan," which portrays the challenges of navigating the region's steep mountain paths. Next is "Salip," a graceful courtship dance, and finally, "Uyauy," a joyful dance of celebration.

Contact: [email protected] or
​                [email protected] or 
                [email protected] 
Website: kulturadefilipinodc.com/home

The Love Grubs
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The Love Grubs - (L to R) Brian Hassler and Elise Dahlberg
The Love Grubs, Elise Dahlberg and Brian Hassler, are a loving musical duo with a unique synergy and an eclectic collection of originally composed material. Using keyboard, guitar, and vocal harmonies, they play and sing contemporary folk, rock, and pop written from the heart. Their music can evoke a range of emotions, from romantic to sad, silly, and more. They may also include instrumental pieces.

Contact: 
[email protected]
Website: thelovegrubs.com/

Madrona Hollow
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Madrona Hollow - (L to R) Tom Vert, Justin Knopff, Amanda Moss, and George Juarez
The Madrona tree represents strength and resilience. It cannot thrive everywhere, but when it puts its roots in the place it belongs, it soars.
 

Madrona Hollow formed as a band in 2024, bonding over a shared passion for creating, exploring, and performing music. Their musical influences are diverse and weave their way into the songs they play. The members of Madrona Hollow, comprised of Amanda Moss on acoustic guitar, Justin Knopff on bass, George Juarez on electric guitar, and Tom Vert on drums, have backgrounds as varied as their musical influences. Still, their shared love of creating music has brought them together.
​

Contact: info@madronahollow.com
Website: www.madronahollow.com​

Marmaladies Jam
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Marmaladies Jam - Maggie Wicken and Veronika Jones
Marmaladies Jam is the collaborative project of Maggie Wicken and Veronika Jones. The duo began playing together in March 2024, initially bonding over cover songs during casual jam sessions. As their musical connection deepened, they started sharing their original work, sparking a fruitful collaboration rooted in mutual respect and creative chemistry.
 
Both artists bring their unique voices and songwriting styles to the stage, crafting deeply personal and emotional songs that reflect their individual journeys of healing and connection. Maggie and Veronika regularly come together to arrange, rehearse, and perform their heartfelt original music as Marmaladies Jam. They perform in harmony, supporting each other with sincerity and soul.
 
Prepare for an intimate set of all-original music from two artists who beautifully translate life experiences into song. Please welcome Marmaladies Jam!

Contact: [email protected]

Nordic Dancers
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Nordic Dancers
The Nordic Dancers were established in 2025 by members of the Daughters of Norway. This group celebrates its Norwegian heritage by sharing food, travel adventures, dance, historical knowledge, and family traditions.

In honoring their Norwegian roots, these dancers perform traditional folk dances, tell stories, and sing songs. At the end of their session, they will teach a simple, participatory dance.
      
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]     

Popeye Rose Social Club
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Popeye Rose Social Club - (L to R) Steve Bennett, Darlene Mossman, and Iim Pletsch
Popeye Rose Social Club is a three-piece band comprised of Steve Bennett on mandolin, Darlene Mossman on bass, and Jim Pletsch on slide guitar. All three members sing. They primarily play original songs, blending elements of folk, country, and blues.

Contact Darlene Mossmand: [email protected]

Tasty Material
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Tasty Material, composed of Leslie Rousos on banjo and mandolin, and Brent Edwards on flute and whistles, celebrates a shared appreciation for the strange and esoteric musical alchemy. They perform dance tunes from all over the world, including diverse tunes from within and outside the Celtic diaspora, such as Scottish, Québécois, Breton, and others, for listening, dancing, and pondering.

Contact: 
[email protected]​

John Wayne Williams
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John Wayne Williams
John Wayne Williams moved to Chattaroy, WA, from Fort Worth, TX, five years ago and began writing, singing, and performing after the birth of his first daughter in 2021. Living in the woods, surrounded by a rural community of young families and being part of Spokane's vibrant local art scene inspired him to share his work. Although he has played music in larger metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Dallas, he has never felt as much at home as he does in Spokane. He believes that many genuine individuals dedicate themselves to love through art and music in this community, and he is grateful to be one of them.
 
John enjoys seeing life through his daughter's eyes and describes his style as "children's music for adults." His music features simple lessons woven into sweet songs. He chose to adopt his given name, John Wayne, to challenge traditional perceptions of masculinity. He believes that men, and humans in general, have much more strength and beauty to offer the world than stereotypes suggest. He writes music to help others recognize the light within themselves and the world around them.

John's 4-piece band consists of John Wayne Williams on guitar, Art Baker on pedal steel guitar, Anthony Zarate on drums, and Rachel Brodhead on vocals.

Contact: [email protected]
Website: records.lilaccitylocal.com/albums/john-wayne-williams-moonlight-songs​
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Spokane Folklore Society is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to fostering international cultures in Spokane.
Spokane Folklore Society, PO Box 9768, Spokane, WA 99209-9768 | (509) 828-3683 | [email protected]
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