Best Folk Performer(s)

Them Coulee Boys topped the polls by bringing passion and excellent lyricism to every performance, keeping audiences engrossed in every strum and line. Brian Bethke, the runner-up in this question, has been a regular on WAXX 104.5’s morning show, and is known for his heartfelt songwriting as much as his smooth vocals. Billy Krause’s love for the Valley and his deeply personal songwriting make him stand out as a local legend (he even used to be a bartender at another local legend, The Joynt). — Katy Hackworthy