We d n e s d ay, J a n u a r y 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 • W I N T E R F O L K F E S T I VA L Ventucky String Band Pretty Gritty Deborah Henriksson COURTESY PHOTOS SUNDAY, JAN. 18 Pretty Gritty starts off Sunday at 10:30 a.m. This duo is the serendipitous joining of the talents of Blaine Heinonen and Sarah Wolff, both born and raised in Montgomery County, Md. They share an interest in writing and performing songs that mix country, rock, blues and soul. It’s said that she brings the “pretty” while he brings the “gritty,” combining for an engaging performance with seducing har- monies and addicting acoustics. Ventucky String Band will be on stage at noon. This Ventura, Calif., group is reminiscent of a time when Texas swing still dominated the AM radio airwaves, and bluegrass music was as novel as the arrival of television. Where some have tried to diminish Ventura as “Ventucky,” this band sees their name not as a veiled jab at bluegrass music or the city that brought them together, but instead as a tribute to the music and culture of the farmers, roustabouts and cattlemen that helped grow the city during the early days of big-oil and agriculture in Ventura. Deborah Henriksson performs at 1:30 p.m. All the way from Sweden, this Celtic/pop/folk singer and songwriter brings her ethereal voice to the Winter Folk Festival. Her latest album, “Traces,” consists of songs ranging in genre from singer-songwriter to folk to world to Celtic with a little scent of country and pop. Rounding out this year’s Winter Folk Festival, Kathy Boyd and Phoenix Rising Kathy Boyd and Phoenix Rising take the stage at 3 p.m. This Portland- based group is made up of singing story- tellers and versatile instrumentalists. It’s an audience favorite from start to finish. BEST WESTERN Pier Point Inn & Restaurant 170 North Highway 101 Florence, Oregon 541 997-7131 www.old-town-inn.com Steps from Old Town and the Siuslaw River. Near Ocean Beaches, Oregon Dunes, Golf Courses, Free Wi-Fi, Continental Breakfast, Micro/Fridge Proud Sponsor of the 2015 Winter Folk Festival 1202 Bay Street, 541-997-3933 www.riverhouseflorence.com On the beautiful Siuslaw River in Old Town, Near Oregon Dunes, Beaches, Golf Courses. Some private spa rooms. Free Wi-Fi, Continental Breakfast, Micro/Frigs. A smoke-free Inn. Sorry, no pets. Proud Sponsor of the 2015 Winter Folk Festival Offering guests exceptional accommodations along the Oregon Coast. Overlook- ing the Siuslaw River, this hotel/restaurant provides guests with superior customer service as well as stunning views. Most guest rooms have river views and all seats in the restaurant look out at the river, historic Siulsaw Bridge and Old Town Flo- rence. We serve a full hot, complimentary breakfast daily included with a night stay. Enjoy a dip in our indoor, heated swimming pool or hot tub or rejuvenate in the sauna. We offer remodeled meeting and banquet space accommodating up to 100 people as well as private dining options. Proud Sponsor of the 2015 Winter Folk Festival 85625 Hwy 101, Florence, OR TELE: 541-997-7191 Toll Free Reservations: 800-435-6736 Dinner Reservations: 541-590-5000 5