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But book authors aren't the only writers in the spotlight this weekend.

Dozens of songwriters will be part of the two-day event on the University of Arizona Mall on Saturday, March 15, and Sunday, March 16.

"It's a perfect fit because of the natural tie in with writing," said longtime Tucson music promoter Jeb Schoonover, who is part of the festival's entertainment committee.

Schoonover and the committee curated a lineup featuring nearly two dozen local songwriters for the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage, one of six formal stages set up throughout the festival grounds.

All told, around 90 acts, from singers and dancers to a magician and circus act, will be performing.��

Music has been part of the festival for years, with bands and solo artists performing on six stages set up throughout the festival grounds. New this year is the West End and East End busker spots, areas for acoustic musicians who play for passersby.

"The idea is to have music throughout the entire footprint of the festival," Schoonover said in a written statement. "We are constantly looking to improve our areas of entertainment such as expanding seating at the Canyon Stage. The Main Stage also has an improved sound system and extra University of Arizona technicians."

Performances begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday; the last acts take the stage at 4 p.m. each day.

Among the notables is Tucson-born and raised indie folk musician , who was a finalist in the 2024 Tucson Folk Festival Songwriting Competition and the 2024 Dusk Music Festival Battle of the Bands.

Lizzie, who released her EP "Turn It Into Art" last November, opened for Alice Cooper after winning the statewide 2024 Proof is in the Pudding contest. She also has opened for The Wildwoods and Kaz Moon. Catch her at 1:30 p.m. Sunday on the Tucson Folk Festival Stage.

Other artists include:

• Tucson experimental folk project  — led by songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Kevin Larkin — is rooted in Celtic, bluegrass and world music. Larkin manipulates field recordings, sound design and performance art into their live shows and recordings. Larkin, who spent the last decade creating theatrical productions with Denver-based avante-folk band Chimney Choir, has collaborated with filmmakers, puppeteers, dancers, environmentalists, songwriters and poets. Catch him at 3 p.m. Saturday on the Vantage West Main Stage.��
• Inner Space Orchestra is described as the love child of award-winning local singer/songwriters Annie Hawkins and Stuart Oliver. They weave indie-folk, cosmic-Americana and medicine songs with lush harmonies, thought-provoking lyrics and meditative instrumentation, according to press materials. They are on the Folk Festival Stage at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
• The University of Arizona J is the UA's premier small jazz ensemble comprised of jazz majors alongside fellow UA students who have a love of jazz. They're on the Vantage West Main Stage at noon Saturday.
• Songwriter PJ Bidwell blends country grit with his Americana soul, delivering honest storytelling through his music. The longtime Tucsonan who grew up in Yuma has performed across the state and Mexico with his band . He also hosts , a series with over 50 shows highlighting songwriters from around the state. Catch them at 2 p.m. Saturday on the Tucson Folk Festival Stage.
• The duo of Ginette and Daniel bring the acoustic prairie soul from their native Winnipeg, Canada, to the Sonoran Desert, with a little Caribbean rhythm to spice things up. Their live shows are described as energetic and poetic. They are on the Vantage West Main Stage at 1 p.m. Sunday.
• What began as Tucson songwriter Jon Frailey's solo project, has grown into an ensemble of veteran players with three albums to their credit. They've been featured on radio around the country and have taken their live show from coast to coast. Catch them at 4 p.m. Sunday on the Vantage West Main Stage.
• The buddings and siblings that comprise the quintet  grew up listening to Tucson great Linda Ronstadt alongside Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, The Doors and Selena, all of whom inform their unique amalgamation of Latin, indie, pop and classic rock. Catch them at 11 a.m. Sunday on the Vantage West Main Stage.
• From its name, Act 3, it's easy to surmise this is a trio, but their music might sound bigger than you'd imagine. The vocal trio — accompanied by acoustic guitar, electric bass, fiddle and percussion — plays an eclectic mix of original folk songs, and blues and jazzy covers that accentuate their close harmonies. You've seen them at Porchfest and Parkfest events and can see them live on the Tucson Folk Festival stage at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.��
• This band of 18-and-unders comprising the will give us a glimpse of rock's future while delving into its past. They're on the Vantage West Main Stage at 10 a.m. Sunday.��

For a complete schedule of the book festival entertainment, visit .��