Willi Carlisle is an old-school folk troubadour with a booming voice, biting wit, and hardcore socialist heart. His deep well of folk tunes and talking blues draws direct lineage from Woody Guthrie into a 6’4”, queer embodiment of self-described “big tent” Americana. This year’s fifth LP, Winged Victory, revels in tales from the margins as the songwriter rallies for workers’ rights and an inclusive vision of the world. Olive Klug opens behind this year’s Lost Dog, balancing a fraught joy and deep introspection behind their Joni Mitchell-styled voice that swings both tender and powerful. – Doug Freeman
