Martin Sexton & Willi Carlisle in Charleston

Martin Sexton is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Syracuse, New York, in 1966. His music draws on folk, soul and rock, and he is known for the albums Black Sheep, The American and Wonder Bar, as well as songs including “Glory Bound” and “Diner.” In the early 1990s, he performed as a street musician in Harvard Square before moving into clubs and theatres. He later played Carnegie Hall and The Fillmore, while the 2000 concert album Live Wide Open documented his stage repertoire. His solo concerts center on acoustic guitar and a wide vocal range, including vocal percussion and improvised passages. He has performed at Bonnaroo and the Newport Folk Festival, and his festival history also includes the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Willi Carlisle is an American folk singer-songwriter based in Arkansas whose narrative songs draw on country, old-time music and traditional ballads. His best-known work includes the albums Peculiar, Missouri and Critterland, as well as songs such as “Tulsa’s Last Magician.” At Pickathon, Carlisle performed solo with guitar, banjo and accordion, combining original songs, traditional material and spoken storytelling. He later made his Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville and appeared at Newport Folk Festival.