Anna Tivel

Anna Tivel is a songwriter whose singular poetic vision shines light on the human condition. Her verses are lyrical mastery, beautifully crafted observations, colourful and evocative, yet raw and honest, unveiling beauty and spirit. She sings of the common truths that underlie all of us, the things that define us as human beings.

The depth of her lyrics and imagery — the palpable empathy — place her among the bright lights of contemporary songwriters. Her latest album, the critically acclaimed Animal Poem (2025), is a quiet masterpiece that draws on folk, jazz, and pop influences. It is a meditation that, according to Tivel, asks, “How do we talk about destiny from the balcony of a nation in decline? … In the face of endless avarice and cruelty, how do we talk about the realness of love?”

Based in Portland, Oregon, Tivel sings in an understated conversational voice, like a familiar friend sitting next to you, half dreaming, lazily sharing, unfiltered and open. She has the gift of melding her poetry with memorable melodies that worm their way into your ears and into your heart.

Roots music journal No Depression wrote, “She’s one of the finest storytellers modern folk music has to offer, with lyrics so literary that it’s tempting to think of her as a poet with an exceptional gift for playing guitar and singing.” This is Anna Tivel’s VFMF debut. Come and be inspired. – LP

SATURDAY 10:30 – 11:40pm Cascadia Dreaming East Stage
SUNDAY 10:45 – 11:50pm East Stage