Ocie Elliott will perform Sunday, July 27.

In the fresh dampness of Salt Spring Island, fate orchestrated an opportune overture. Jon Middleton, a troubadour of some renown (see previous Festival artist, Jon and Roy), strummed his guitar in a local café. Across the room, Sierra Lundy, she of splendid voice, served lattes to the assembled patrons. Words were said, chords resonated and Ocie Elliott was born. Their name, an intriguing concoction, pairs "Ocie," a name more common in the 1920s, with "Elliott," a nod to the melancholy PNW songwriter, Elliott Smith. Together, they quickly discovered a natural chemistry blending gentle, ethereal melodies with heartfelt lyrics.

The songs are quiet, intimate, maybe even a little cinematic. Middleton’s hushed vocals and Lundy’s breathy harmonies float over a soft acoustic guitar. Eschewing albums for more frequent EP and single releases, they have quickly become one of those bands you immediately want to tell your friends about. Featured in TV shows such as Grey’s Anatomy and touring internationally has resulted in bookings at top music festivals (Bonnaroo and Newport Folk, as examples). They may not be flashy. They may not be reinventing folk music. That’s not the point. Ocie Elliott makes music for people who still believe simple, beautiful songs matter.

–Jay Nelson