Tift Merritt 
North Carolina

The New Yorker once called Tift Merritt “the bearer of a proud tradition of distaff country soul that reaches back to artists like Dusty Springfield and Bobbie Gentry. ”And ever since the release of her 2002 solo debut release, Bramble Rose, this triple-threat Grammy-nominated artist – a gifted singer, superb songwriter, skillful guitarist – has built a singular career with a critically acclaimed body of work full of “sonic short stories and poignant performances”. She’s been favourably compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Emmylou Harris, who also once said Merritt  “stood out like a diamond in a coal patch.”

Though categorized as a Folk and Country/Americana artist, her Grammy nom was for Best Country Album, Merritt’s career has been marked by an open-hearted approach to all kinds of music. She’s challenged herself artistically – her skill and copious talent supporting wherever her heart leads. Her seventh studio release, 2017’s Stitch in Time is produced by Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam. It showcases all aspects of this fascinating artist’s bountiful range, including the deep and soulful side in songs like Heartache is an Uphill Climb.

She returns to the VFMF by popular demand for very good reason. Don’t miss Tift Merritt!