Lucinda Williams
Lucinda Williams was due to play Cambridge a couple of year's back before illness forced her out of the equation. The silver lining in the cloud back then is that a lot of us got to discover Mary Gauthier.
The other silver lining has been the oft repeated question, 'When's Lucinda going to make up the lost date?' The answer to that would appear to be this year.
There are some that believe the term 'Americana' was developed for Lucinda Williams, she has certainly been responsible for defining one version of it's meaning with strong, story based country blues, infused with enough rock to give it real punch.
What is beyond dispute is the impact William's has had on a generation of female singer/songwriters, turning them away from the cod sentimentality and diaries that plagued a number of singers, into a social and politically aware generation not afraid to include issues in their songs.
Lucinda Williams has always had a social side to her music, an awareness of the fight some people have to go through everyday just to put bread on the family table. Her songs sometimes speak like a conscience to America.
Her music is full of passion and energy. She captivates through her performances. Most importantly she is believable, song and music coming from the heart. It comes as no surprise to discover that it's picked her up a Grammy or three along the way.
Lucinda will be one of the biggest draws at the festival and expect a top draw performance.