Sat, July 2, Alela Diane

Alela Diane stands out in a field crowded with folk songwriters. Her pristine sophomore disc, Alela Diane & Wild Divine, is one of 2011’s most gorgeous Americana records. It’s no mistake that the Portland, Ore., resident continues to elicit interest from the psych-folk crowd. In five years time, Diane has performed with the likes of Akron/Family, Iron and Wine, and Tom Brosseau. But her most traceable influences—Carole King, Carly Simon and Dusty Springfield—hint at an artist who revels in digging through the crates of musical history. Extraordinarily, Diane’s records sound as fresh today as they would have in 1971. 314 West Main Street in Grass Valley, www.aleladiane.com.