Willi Carlisle

Willi Carlisle isn’t just a folk musician—he’s a voice for everyday people, telling stories through his music. Raised on the Midwest plains, he blends punk and folk influences and now draws inspiration from the rich Ozarks music scene. His set ranged from trucker ballads and queer waltzes to blues about panic attacks in a Walmart aisle. He plays guitar, fiddle, banjo, and more, all accompanied by his deep, booming baritone. Opening the night was the bluegrass and old-time duo Golden Shoals.