Dom Flemons: Dom Flemons is known as “The American Songster®” since his repertoire covers over one hundred years of American roots music. Flemons is a folk musician, black country artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music scholar, historian, actor, slam poet, record collector, curator, podcaster, cultural commentator, influencer, and the creator, host, and producer of the American Songster Radio Show on WSM in Nashville, TN. He is the Co-Founder and original member of the groundbreaking Carolina Chocolate Drops, the first ever black string band to win a GRAMMY Award. Over the past 25 years, he has received major awards, gained world-wide media recognition and has become one of the most influential and highly decorated voices in American roots music. “Dom Flemons is one of the most accomplished American Folk Artists… few have pumped as much lifeblood into tradition as he has.” – MOJO Magazine
Cristina Vane: More than a mere practitioner of her craft, Cristina Vane has a breadth and depth of serious musical skill compiled from countless miles across all kinds of geography. Born at the foothills of the alps in Italy and raised between Italy, England and France, Cristina’s half American – half Guatemalan heritage is as unique as her sound. She is a product of a merging of numerous worlds- her classic rock, 90s indie, and heavier roots with her passion for prewar blues, old time fiddle banjo music, country and bluegrass. Rolling Stone described her early single Badlands as “evocative of a young Bonnie Raitt and early PJ Harvey […] entrancing stuff”. On her third studio album ‘Hear My Call,’ the pairing of a lifetime pursuit and growing treasure trove of songs makes for a record that demands to be heard.
Pieta Brown: Hailed as a “self-styled poetess, folk goddess, and country waif” by the BBC, Pieta Brown first came to international prominence with the release of her self-titled debut in 2002. Since then she has released multiple highly critically acclaimed albums, EPs and singles, with much attention being paid not only to her distinct sound and style, but also the power of her singing and songwriting, including fan favorite, Paradise Outlaw, which Bon Iver mastermind Justin Vernon has called his “favorite recording made at our studio.” Continually revealing new layers as a songwriter, singer, musician, producer, visual artist and performer, Brown is being recognized as a true multi-hyphenate and one of modern Americana’s true gems.
Po’ Ramblin’ Boys: In 10 years as a band, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have covered a lot of miles. Their love of bluegrass — playing it, sharing it, growing it — has been the fuel for their remarkable journey through every corner of America and into the hearts of fans drawn to their hard-charging, true-blue sound. “We live what we play and sing about,” says bandleader C.J. Lewandowski. Indeed, the band has weathered their fair share of the highs and lows that bluegrass songs are known for (except for the murders, of course). Nominated for a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album (2019’s Toil, Tears & Trouble), the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have seen every nook and cranny of the country, met people from all walks of life, and kept a keen eye toward the truth, which rings out loud and clear in the songs they write.
Esther Rose: Esther Rose released Want on May 2, 2025 via New West Records. The 11-track set was produced by Ross Farbe (of Video Age) and recorded live-to-tape at the Bomb Shelter in Nashville, TN. Following the wide-open serenity of her 2023 album Safe to Run, Rose now leans toward confrontational arrangements full of distortion and full-band spontaneity, never sacrificing a classicist’s gift for melody that makes each song instantly memorable. “For me, these songs felt like revelations,” she explains, comparing the record to a memoir, alive with kinetic storytelling and personal insight. Ranging from stark solo performances to grungy blowouts, the album maintains a steady focus while never staying too long in one place. Vivid and bracing, she has made the most adventurous, hardest-hitting record of her career.
The Wildwoods: From the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, The Wildwoods have grown into a folk/Americana trio rooted in rich harmonies and heartfelt storytelling, with songs that feel both intimate and expansive—tales of home, hope, and the open road. Their newest release, Dear Meadowlark (2025), is a love letter to the land that raised them. Inspired by seasons of touring, homesickness, and rediscovery, the album weaves chamber-folk arrangements with poetic lyricism, highlighting their signature harmonies and acoustic instrumentation.
Christopher Paul Stelling: Atlanta, Georgia-based songwriter Christopher Paul Stelling has released 7 albums and played thousands of concerts across the US, UK and EU over the last decade. Stelling has mostly toured solo but has also supported Son Little, Mavis Staples, The Devil Makes Three, Ben Harper, and many others. Stelling released a trio of albums for indie favorite Anti- Records and has performed multiple times at Newport Folk Festival and on CBS Saturday Morning. Stelling is known for his intricate finger-style guitar work, road tested vocal delivery, and introspective lyrics.
Jake Shulman-Ment and Ilya Shneyveys
Dan Kusaya & the Chimurenga Inspiration: Dan Kusaya & The Chimurenga Inspiration electrify audiences with a unique blend of Zimbabwean tradition and contemporary grooves. Based in Champaign, Illinois, this seven-piece band unites the sounds of mbira and marimba with modern afro-beat, reggae, jazz, and dance, delivering messages of resilience, joy, and cultural pride at every show. Their music is deeply rooted in the rhythms and melodies of chimurenga—a genre known for its spirit of unity and its celebration of Zimbabwean heritage.
Mean Lids: Appalachian grooves and Irish melodies mix with a modern, Midwestern sensibility in the music of this young acoustic trio, featuring original, joyful dance tunes and wistful waltzes.
Dan Hubbard
Brandon Good: Brandon Good is a Chicago artist with a penchant for Country music. Nodding to a wide range of notable genre influences, he brings in rock n’ roll, soul, singer-songwriter, and blues into his songwriting, all while remaining true to the dance hall and honky-tonk heritage he loves. Brandon’s first full-length record, “Restless”, was released on May 15 2026 and his sophomore release is in the final stages of recording.
Ochin Pakhi: Ochin Pakhi performs the folk and traditional music of Bengal — the cultural region spanning the nation of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal — music born of rivers and fields, wandering mystics, and centuries of social struggle. Since 2017, the band has shared this music with audiences throughout Chicago and beyond, with spirited arrangements that weave traditional South Asian instruments like dotara, tabla, and bansuri together with Western instruments like cello, flute, and accordion. In Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, Ochin Pakhi nurtures a musical community through open rehearsals, public events, and benefit concerts.
Stone & Snow: Twice-named “best of” in the NPR Tiny Desk Contest, Cincinnati-based songwriters Karen Bridges and Clint Thomson are the heart of a genre-bending Americana band with close harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, and a name that invokes mighty mountain landscapes: Stone & Snow. Karen and Clint are invested in seeing more women grow and thrive in the music industry. They actively champion women in music through hosting live performances, providing mentorship, and growing community engagement. Stone & Snow has self-produced and released five studio albums to-date: Delicate and Wild (2023), We Were Made For These Times (2021), Love is a Weapon (2019), Devil That I Know (2016), and These are the Hills (2014). Stone & Snow is: Karen Bridges (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Banjo, Ukulele, Organ, Percussion) and Clint Thomson (Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Vocals, Harmonica, Mandolin, Banjo, Lap Steel)
Libby Dale
Skylar Rogers
Bandoneon Massacre: Bandoneon Massacre is a tango orquesta based right here in Champaign-Urbana, IL. Founded in 2011 by tango dancer, dance instructor, and bandoneonist Joe Grohens as part of a group of enthusiasts who wanted to dive deep into the world of tango music and learn how to play it. Over 40 professional and amateur musicians have been a part of the group, including members of the Champaign-Urbana tango dance community, local musicians, and university students. The group has primarily focused on tango dance music from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, alongside selections from contemporary tango music composers and arrangers, bringing the joy and passion of tango music for dancing and for listening.
Koryphaois: Koryphaios is a CU-based band specializing in Greek folk music, led by Dimitri Glaros (violin, bouzouki, voice), and backed up by a strong foundation of guitar, electric bass, and percussion. Made up of members from a wide range of musical backgrounds, the group delivers the powerful melodies and rhythms of traditional Greek dance music, along with more delicate pieces, creating a sound that is both new and timeless.
Turas: Meaning trip or journey in Gaelic, Turas is our journey in bringing traditional Irish music to central Illinois.
Polecat Creek Boys: An Americana and Bluegrass duo from Urbana IL.
The Dusty Ramblers
Django Wrangle: The guy doing all the tunewrangling is Jordan Kaye, long time participant in the CU music scene. He plays guitar, banjo, fiddle, melodica and washboard, but not at the same time! He is a veteran of the 392nd Army Band, Medicare 7, 8, or 9 and the Prairie Dogs. His hobbies are growing onions and collecting toolboxes, and his favorite color is rust.
Sara Siders: Sara “Sass” Siders is a singer/songwriter based out of central Illinois. Sass’ sound mixes elements of blues, rock, country, hip-hop, R&B, and soul, creating a style that’s unmistakably her own. Add in that raspy, sultry voice and one-of-a-kind covers, and she’s guaranteed to leave you speechless and wanting more. Loop-driven, raw, and deeply human. Whether reimagining classics or performing her own stories, Sass brings grit, heart, and undeniable soul to every stage.
The Coneflowers: The Coneflowers are a group of fierce women who love to make music on our day off. Members include accomplished local bluegrass, folk, choral, and classical musicians
Crane Alley Cats: The Crane Alley Cats are a cool collective of songwriters marking their territory in Urbana. Band leader Chris Johnson purrs along on bass, Nick Stine meows on electric and steel guitars, Doug Schroer yowls on harmonica, and Big Dan scratches out the beat on percussion. Every band member leads their own songs. Expect an eclectic mix of popular music stylings ranging from Western Swing and country shuffles to Rumba and New Orleans style Blues. Since 2025, the Cats have played such stages as the Illinois State Fair and the Rose Bowl’s Americana Happy Hour. They’re clawing at the opportunity to entertain you at Folk & Roots!
J’Lyn Hope: J’Lyn Hope is an artist, musician, and visionary who creates music that awakens the dreamer within us all. Blending jazz, soul, funk, blues, rock, fusion, and improvisation, she bends genres to her will, transforming sound into art. Rooted in freedom, authenticity, and fearless self-expression, J’Lyn Hope refuses to be confined by convention. Part musician, part storyteller, and part world-builder, her unique sonic expression that invites audiences to dream bigger, feel deeper, and step boldly into the fullness of who they are.
Full Spectrum Bluegrass
Marble Teeth
The Woke Mountain Boys: The Woke Mountain Boys hail from the corn and soybean fields of Central Illinois, playing original folk and bluegrass influenced Americana. Their six-song debut album-ette, “Afraid of Leaving Home,” was selected as one of the Top Ten Albums of 2024 by Illinois Entertainer magazine.
Avalos-Solera Duo
Grupo Illini: The Grupo Illini are a student organization at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign that provides a space for musicians who love Latin music to play and perform together, while sharing a beautiful aspect of the Latinx community with others in or outside the community.