Our live broadcast coverage from the Folk Alliance Region West (FAR-West) 2015 music conference continues tonight with performances from the Official Showcase stage beginning at 8:30 PM (Central Time).  Tonight’s broadcast features music from Cris Williamson (Best of the West Award Winner), Spark and Whisper, Rick Ruskin, Jalan Crossland, Freddy & Francine, Dan Weber, and Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band.  Here is the schedule of the performances:

8:30 PM: Cris Williamson (Best of the West Award Winner)

Cris Williamson, the FAR-West BOTW Performer Honoree, has had a career in music that spans over five decades as a performer, activist and innovator. Born in South Dakota and then achieving her first musical successes in Wyoming and Colorado, the former school teacher reached national attention with the 1975 release, “The Changer and the Changed” on the independent label Olivia Records, the first woman-owned woman-focused record company which was her brainchild. This revolutionary album has long been cited as the beginning of a new genre of music that was primarily for and about women. Over the years Cris has continued to produce exceptional music, releasing over 30 albums and collaborating with luminaries such as Bonnie Raitt and Holly Near. Through all of this, Cris’ music and lyrics remain the vehicle for something larger and she is often featured in women’s studies curricula, teaching and inspiring new generations.

7:00 PM: Spark and Whisper

Spark & Whisper performances are intimate and dynamic, reflecting traditional roots and a modern perspective on life and love. They entwine their eclectic/electric pasts with acoustic treatments and reflect their perceptions of the evolving American cultural, political, and environmental landscapes, guiding the audience out of the mundane into moments of higher consciousness and connected spirits.

7:30 PM: Rick Ruskin

Rick Ruskin offers up an enticing musical buffet composed of unequal portions of original songs and cover songs served in his unique vocal style accompanied by lush guitar arrangements that sound as if there are five hands on the guitar, not just two. Listen with joy and watch wide-eyed as he entertains and satisfies any appetite.

8:00 PM: Jalan Crossland

Jalan Crossland is a treasure, a treat, and a truth-bending singing storyteller. He’s one part national fingerstyle guitar champion, one part rodeo clown, one part rough-hewn cowboy from rural Wyoming, and one part ultimate showman. The other parts, and there are many, range from hobo to bad boy to jammin’ banjo slinger, and that’s just the tip o’ the iceberg.

8:30 PM: Freddy & Francine

Freddy & Francine is an explosive Americana/soul duo that tours well outside their home base in Los Angeles. They have a connection on stage that radiates infectiously through audiences. Their performances feature tight two-part harmonies and engaging songs that reach deep into hearts. With just an acoustic guitar and their two voices, they deliver a dynamic and engaging show.

9:00 PM: Dan Weber

Dan Weber is an authentic troubadour who began writing and performing only 7 years ago at the age of 40. In the short time since then, his songs which are rooted in real world vagabond life experiences, have won numerous accolades and song contests (including the prestigious Walnut Valley Festival, Woody Guthrie Festival & Kerrville New Folk competitions) and fans!

9:30 PM: Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band

Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band blends classic folk music with rough-edged stories of tragedy and fate, with orchestral arrangements sounding like chamber music gone folk! This is a lush Americana folk fusion quintet presenting gorgeous blends of mountain folk and grassy, Celtic-inspired originals, all fronted by the distinctive voice of Susie Glaze and supplemented with sweet band harmonies.