Bluegrass mandolin phenomenon Sierra Hull will be across North America in 2009 with her touring band Highway 111 at festivals, clubs and performing arts centers. The band will consist of Jacob Eller on bass, formerly with the bluegrass band No Speed Limit; Clay Hess on guitar, formerly with the band Mountain Heart and past picker for Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder; Sierra's longtime friend and band mate Cory Walker on banjo; and new to the band fiddler Christian Ward, of Chris Stuart and Back Country, and instructor at Sorrento and HeHoHa music camps.

The band will be touring in support of "Secrets," Sierra Hull's national debut album on Rounder Records. Released earlier this year, "Secrets" was co-produced by Hull and Ron Block (Union Station) and features Block, Dan Tyminski, Barry Bales, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Clay Hess, Rob Ickes, Tony Rice, Jim VanCleve, Rob Ickes, Chris Jones, Jason Moore and 17-year-old banjo whiz Cory Walker.

Says fellow mandolinist Sam Bush, "It's amazing to listen to her precision and agility at her young age. If that isn't enough, check out her guitar playing on the tune 'Hullarious' and the excellence of the self-written composition". "Sierra's vocals are effortless and straight to the point, while keeping the focus on melody. Her mandolin playing is smooth, in time, and downright slippery. This CD is HULLACIOUS!"

www.sierrahull.com
www.myspace.com/sierrahull

From the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada, the Spinney Brothers are comprised of Allan Spinney , Rick Spinney, Gary Dalrymple and Terry Mumford. Brothers Allan and Rick debuted their band in 1992, showcasing a tight brother duet vocal style that was immediately recognized for its energetic and distinctive sound.

The cornerstone of the Spinney Brothers' musical identity is the sound of traditional, southern-flavoured bluegrass music. The first generation bluegrass legends have been an important musical influence, yet their music is equally shaped by their personal lives and local heritage. By incorporating original material which draws from various sources, the Spinney Brothers effortlessly intertwine the past with the present. The Spinney Brothers believe in freshness and excitement of traditional bluegrass music. Brother duet singing, backed by supportive and complimentary instrumentation, is the foundation of their tasteful and recognizable sound.

www.spinneybrothers.com
www.myspace.com/thespinneybrothers

Viper Central is a six-piece acoustic string-band who take that "high lonesome sound" to new places. All six band members contribute original songs, but won't hesitate to deliver up their take on an ages-old mournful waltz or bring the house down with a barn-burning bluegrass standard. The band first came together through a love for such artists as Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe, Hazel Dickens and the New Lost City Ramblers along with the more contemporary styles of acoustic innovators David Grisman, Béla Fleck and David Lindley. Everyone brings a colourful resume and a unique sense of creativity to this collaboration. While the members of the band play significant roles in many other roots music projects (The Mountain Bluebirds, The Fugitives, The Blue Island Trio, Whiskey Jar, Headwater, Redgrass, Badgentina and Bogghoppers), the chemistry of the six members gives Viper Central a one-of-a-kind sound that will stick with you long after the show is over.

In the summer of 2008, Viper Central released their debut album, The Devil Sure is Hard to Please. Blending instrumental prowess with innovative arrangements and creative vocal harmonies, the album showcases the diverse songwriting talents of every member in the band and is quickly earning them a place among the bands to watch in Canada's thriving roots music scene. The band was also featured on the Whiskey Hollow Bound compilation album, which showcases six Vancouver bluegrass and old time bands and has been receiving rave reviews across the country since its release in 2007.

www.vipercentral.ca
www.myspace.com/vipercentral

When it comes to blending the best of the old and new styles of Bluegrass, Woodbend offers a refreshing and energetic delivery of the music. This Edmonton based band brings a wealth of experience and talent to the stage. The members of the band, all of whom have been performing for many years, bring a refined and refreshing repertoire to their audience. Whether it is a smoking traditional fiddle tune, straight-up bluegrass, a ballad or just plain fun, Woodbend brings the vitality of bluegrass music to every toe-tapping performance.

Woodbend consists of Les Eberhardt on guitar, Ron Mercer on banjo and dobro, Jessi Jo Charles on mandolin, Jean Coates on bass and Terry Lawson on Fiddle. Together they provide five distinct lead vocal styles as well as beautiful three, four and sometimes five part harmonies. The infusion of energy and enthusiasm that is felt during their concerts has audiences craving more as the last note fades.

www.woodbendbluegrass.com
www.myspace.com/woodbend

The Heartstrings consist of some of Saskatoon's most beloved bands, including members of The Cracker Cats, The Deep Dark Woods, and Old Joe and The Truth Hurts. Since its release on Sept. 6, 2007, the Heartstrings first full-length album has gained much deserved popularity. This collection of upbeat countryish tunes and dramatic eerie ballads is a colourful display of Melissa Nygren's original creations. The album was recorded independently, mostly by the man of many talents, Joseph Lorer, who toted his recording gear between the band members' houses around Saskatoon.

Their heart-warming, nostalgic, and organic gems will take you forward and back in time. The Heartstrings debut album is a must have in any roots lover's collection and they are currently working on a second album which they plan to release in summer 2009.

www.myspace.com/heartstringscanada

Three dynamic, young Saskatchewan musicians - Teresa Bergen, Clint Danyluk and Jesse Zuckhan - did a great job as Tweeners for the 2008 Festival so we just had to bring them back for more. This young trio will thrill the Northern Lights Festival audience with their fresh old timey sounds.

Gumby (alias Mark Gimby) is the suave voice behind it all. There is only one Gumby. Pokeys - there can be many, there can be few. They can play fiddle, spoons, bass, banjo, piano, tuba (TUBA??), mandolin, some can harmonize like the dickens. You just never know what Pokeys are going to be backing up Gumby. But you can be sure that the music is vintage, fun and imminently entertaining. Sit back, enjoy and sing along - you too can be a Pokey! Darn Tootin!

This band is formed of area locals who live at nearby lakes and have thus named themselves The Lake Rats. Ray Isbister (Jackson Lake), Emile Lamontangue (Shell Lake), Gilles Francouer (Morin Lake) and Milton Parras (Debden) will bring their many combined years of playing experience to the stage. You never know, a few other local lake rats may just join in.

Bonnie Logan is a Saskatchewan storyteller, singer/songwriter & old time banjo player. Her love of traditional music and stories has grown from kitchen party jams and tell-arounds into a full time career. Bonnie started frailing in 1976 on a Saga banjo that she put together from a kit. The next year she joined up with a loose group of like-minded souls, and The Friends of Old Time Music was born. By 1979 Bonnie was performing in schools and community halls with Communicart, a Saskatchewan Arts Exchange Program. She began storytelling in 1985 while touring with the Saskatchewan Heritage Traveling Show and she's been telling tales ever since in schools, libraries, festivals and special events.

Bonnie works professionally as a full time storyteller and workshop educator. She tells folktales, cantefables, literary and original stories. Bonnie particularly enjoys telling humorous stories (she likes to laugh), adventuresome tales (she likes to travel) and gross stories (she has a strong stomach). She lives in Saskatoon with her husband, sons, dog, cats and fish.

Born, raised and still residing in Park Valley, SK, Irvin is well know for his easy, relaxed way of delivering great old gospel, bluegrass and cowboy songs. One of the original members of the Baler Strings, Irvin receives requests for some of his work with the group to this day. Irvin will be leading the Sunday Morning Bluegrass Gospel portion of the festival. One listen to this unforgettable golden voice and you will be an instant fan.