For more than a quarter of a century, the Sisters Folk Festival has stood as one of the finest live-music experiences in Central Oregon.

Staged at seven venues across town, it consistently features high-quality artists from the world of folk, blues, bluegrass and beyond, and pairs them with a walkable, small-town vibe that gives Sisters Folk Festival an entirely different — and more enjoyable — pace than many music festivals.

Now, the team behind that event is branching out with a second festival in Sisters called Big Ponderoo. Headlined by The War & Treaty, The Travelin’ McCourys and The Lone Bellow, the two-day gathering will happen June 24-25 in Sisters.

Big Ponderoo is a new event, but it’s an idea the Sisters Folk folks have been kicking around for a while, said Communications Manager Erin Pihl.

Celebrating the arts

“We’ve dreamt about producing a second, early summer festival for many years as a way to expand our current audience and offer something fresh and different to our longtime, loyal Sisters Folk Festival patrons,” she said. “In 2022, we retired the My Own Two Hands visual arts fundraiser after 20 years and wanted to offer the community a new event to celebrate the thriving arts community in Sisters.”

The goal was to create something that feels different from Sisters Folk, but complementary in terms of style, Pihl said. So instead of seven venues under tents and in restaurant courtyards scattered across town, Big Ponderoo will be centered around two outdoor stages at Sisters Art Works and Three Creeks Brewing, where attendees can set up low-back chairs or spread out blankets under the Central Oregon sunshine (or night sky).

7 Big Ponderoo acts in 14 words or less

The War & Treaty

Husband-and-wife duo’s Southern soul and gospel sounds like it was sent straight from heaven.

The Travelin’ McCourys

Sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury play string-band music with a few fun surprises.

The Lone Bellow

Brooklyn-based band blends catchy Americana, moody indie rock and lovely vocal harmonies.

The Lil’ Smokies

Bluegrass meets ‘70s country-rock from this well-traveled Montana band, familiar to Central Oregonians.

Corb Lund

The veteran Canadian artist is one of the best country singer-songwriters outside the mainstream.

Dustbowl Revival

This California big band’s irresistible music comes from the place where folk meets funk.

Margo Cilker

A talented songwriter and compelling voice from the wide-open spaces of Eastern Washington.

The festival will also host free workshops and pickin’ parties at The Barn (171 E. Main Ave., Sisters), as well as a free community event on the evening of Friday, June 23, with food and drinks, art displays and music by Never Come Down and Twisted Pine.

More twang, less folk

Musically, Big Ponderoo’s artists aren’t wildly different from those that play Sisters Folk, but there is more emphasis on country and Americana than folksy singer-songwriter fare, Pihl said.

“The Big Ponderoo lineup is noticeably more danceable,” she said. “Many of the acts are full bands and are known for their energetic sets. Attendees should come ready to party!”

Despite big ambitions in its inaugural year, Pihl said, Big Ponderoo is an independent festival run by a nonprofit organization that invests in Central Oregon and aims to provide local music lovers with an experience they won’t find elsewhere.

“We hope we can expose folks to world-class artists they may not have heard before, have a great time doing it, and support the health and growth of the local community, too,” Pihl said.

What: Big Ponderoo

When: Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25

Cost: $175 weekend pass ($70 for youth), $100 Saturday ($45 youth), $90 Sunday ($40 youth)

Where: Sisters Art Works, 204 W. Adams Ave., and Three Creeks Brewing, 265 E. Barclay Drive, Sisters

Contact: bigponderoo.com.