Kevin Welch, Tift Merritt and Irene Kelley return to Telluride GROOVIEW

“Willie says that the songs are in the air, floating around,” muses Walt Wilkins. “The fun part is the inspiration, the first two lines. Then comes the madness of getting down in the mud and doing the work.”

Wilkins is one of the many sensational songwriters set to grace the stage of the Sheridan Opera House for the Americana Music Weekend, featuring three delicious double-bills Thursday-Saturday nights.

Shannon Whitworth will kick things off with Kevin Welch and Walt Wilkins teaming up on Thursday; Slaid Cleaves and Tift Merritt hit the historic stage on Friday, and Irene Kelley and Eric Bibb close out the festivities on Saturday night.

Organizer Steve Stagner says of this new format for the Americana Series that “we were bringing in three or four shows which were spread out over the summer in the past. Having it all in one weekend is a little better, as it's a great opportunity for people who want to come from Texas or the Front Range to enjoy it.”

The Americana genre encompasses a wide range of styles, including folk, country, rock and blues. Still, it all starts with the song, and the musicians who will perform this weekend are masters at their craft.

Thursday evening, it's the sultry Shannon Whitworth whose album No Expectations garnered rave reviews, and showcases her mesmerizing vocals and gorgeous layers of instrumentation.

“I came out several years ago with the Biscuit Burners and we played in the [Bluegrass Festival] band competition,” says Whitworth. “We're very excited to be coming back; it's magical.”

Whitworth adds that she's been in the studio. “It's a solo-ish project,” she explains. “I started working on it before the full band solidified. We're actually gonna do a band CD this August, too. It's a great group of guys and I'm lucky to have them with me. One of the members played with the Biscuit Burners, that's Jon Stickly, who was also with the Colorado Playboys.”

“Colorado is one of our favorite places to come out and tour; it's just amazing,” she says. “Crested Butte, Salida, the Denver Brewfest and ending at Rockygrass. At the last minute they heard we're gonna be in the state, so they gave us a slot on the Wildflower Pavilion.”

Whitworth's astounding vocals are complemented by her wonderful work on banjo and ukulele. “I started on mandolin, but the guitar won out. It just really resonated with me. My brother played banjo, so I'd sneak it and mess around until finally I got my own. The ukulele is another great voice and color that I like to use.”

Whitworth is a sparkling gem, and her band – The Refugees – cook. Wonderful!

Thursday will heat up when two of Austin's best writers team up for a scorching song swap.

After Whitworth Thursday, Kevin Welch and Walt Wilkins plan to trade songs and possibly cross-pollinate; the extraordinary Welch is known for his work with Kieran Kane and Fats Kaplan in the award-winning band Kane/Welch/Kaplan. Wilkin's style draws comparisons to such legendary performers as Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, and he says of Welch, with whom he’s worked over the years, that “he's my favorite guy to sit around and listen to, just a great songwriter and guitar player.”

Wilkins adds that he has a fresh new release, Vigil. “It's my first record in 15 years. The proceeds are going to research for children with cancer, and the response has been huge in the few weeks it's been out.”

Wilkins also heads up the band Mystiqueros, and often collaborates with his wife, Tina Mitchell Wilkins. “She's a great writer and singer,” he beams, and adds that he's been in Telluride before. “I was here with Pat Green's band in 2001. We were at the Fly me to the Moon Saloon, and it was one of the wildest, most fun nights on the whole tour. I'm gonna go have a beer there, and bring my wife this time.” Keep your eyes open for Welch and Wilkins this weekend, and look for the fingers to fly Thursday night when these two virtuosos hook up.

Slaid Cleaves, playing one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend, is a true troubadour with one foot in Maine and the other firmly planted in Texas. “The new CD came out in April, and as soon as it came out, we were touring all over the place,” he relays.

The project, Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away, was produced on the Co-op label, Music Road Records, which is the brainchild of another Austin powerhouse, Jimmy LaFave. “It’s so small and simple that we can custom-design the release details of each record. It's really more hands-on which works well for me. We don't waste a lot of money chasing support, and have more control this way.”

Cleaves adds that he's bringing his band along. “I'll have the trio and we're doing a couple of Colorado dates, including Steve's Guitars in Carbondale and Swallowhill in Denver. Ivan Brown is on bass with Charles Arthur on guitar and mando. They're old friends and we've been playing together for many years.”

Cleaves is the man, Tift Merritt agrees. “I think he's wonderful! It should be one fun night.” (Telluride Bluegrass Festival fans may recall Merritt’s soulful performance last year.)

Merritt has followed her exquisite Another Country with a new live release. “Buckingham Solo is a recording of a show I did. I guess that's where my head is; playing by myself is a source of strength.”

Merritt adds that she'll be out on the road with the Drive-By Truckers next month. “I can't wait, I'm really excited.” Fans can expect a taste of new tunes at this weekend’s performance. “I'm writing a lot, and really coming from a nice space these days. I'll be doing some of the stuff from Another Country as well as tunes from Buckingham Solo, and I'm road testing some new material, so beware!”

She adds that she's looking forward to returning to town. “You guys are really a great audience. Next time I’m going to schedule a couple of days to hang out!” 
On Saturday night, the incredible Irene Kelley returns with her warm bluegrass-tinged sound. The Nashville writer is phenomenal, and major hitters have taken notice, with her songs recorded by such heavies as Alan Jackson, Loretta Lynn and Trisha Yearwood. Welcome Kelley back to town on her third trek!

One of the most revered acoustic blues players anywhere, the incomparable Eric Bibb will close the weekend on Saturday night. Bibb’s Get on Board finds the bluesman at the top of his game, with help from some stellar guests, including Bonnie Raitt and Ruthie Foster. Bibb’s soulful, blues-meets-gospel sound has brought him widespread acclaim, including being nominated for the 2009 Maple Blues Award International Artist of the Year. Steamy blues firmly planted in the folk tradition! Don't miss the amazing Eric Bibb on Saturday night.

The Americana Weekend is a smokin’ deal, with a hundred bucks getting you three nights of music. Get the skinny at sheridanoperahouse.com

Down the street at Fly Me to the Moon Saloon, things will be hopping when Jerry Joseph returns on Thursday night. Friday should get downright steamy with the red hot blues of the Laurie Morvan Band and Saturday, dig on a dose of the blissful bumpin’ grooves of J. Wail at the Moon.

Coming up next weekend its Cajun Festival, featuring Papa Mali, and the New Orleans’ vibe will continue with the TCTV Fundraiser featuring Papa Grows Funk August 1.