In every community, there are devoted people behind the scenes helping to make the folk music scene vibrant, thriving by keeping the wheels rolling. Whether it's a longtime volunteer at a folk club or house concert series, a festival or venue director, a local folk radio host, or a writer who reviews CDs or concerts - one common thread is that these people love the music. They are passionate about serving artists and fans and making sure the folk scene in their community is strong and active.

We chose the name Folk Spokes from listener submissions for Folk Alley's new feature because spokes support wheels while connecting an unbroken circle of the best of musical traditions. Folk Spokes is an opportunity for you to nominate the unsung individuals (or spokes) in your community and to give them a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

Brad Tisdel

"Brad Tisdel of Sisters, Oregon has committed the last 15 years of his life to Folk music. As the new director of the Sisters Fok Festival located in Sisters, OR Brad is helping to create local events spotlighting great talent. He is also the Director of the Americana Song Academy, a 3-4 day song school where people are able to collaborate with other passionate folks about songwriting and learn from many of the best. He is also founder of the Americana Project, the educational outreach project of the Festival that brings Americana music and culture to the schools. It is now operating throughout the Sisters School District as well as a number of other schools throughout the state. He also happens to be a great songwriter. Check him out and his new release on his website. My personal favorite is his song "Preachin' Days" written on a visit to the South. This song is super soulful and makes me smile." ~ Wendy Lucker

Nominated By: Wendy Lucker

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