As many of my own local favorites have been already listed, I can only add that Grace Griffith and Connemara are more than worthy of the above lists as well. Grace is easily my most favorite female singer, not merely in the folk genre. Her voice is (in my not so humble opinion) the best female folk voice ever. Bar none. (In the ear of this behearer, anyway). Both with the fullness of the sound that is the band "Connemara", or on her own, Grace is worth the listen, and the $$ for the CD's. http://www.loworbit.com/grace/

And while they have definately branched out from their roots, "Caprizzio, Women of Whimsey" are some of the best vocal blends in this area. Their strong yet mellow voices, and subtle emotive harmonies are not to be outdone. Many try, most fail. They are some of the only people I know (of either gender) who's voices, while at one moment delicate and beautiful and the next rich and sultry, can carry without miking in some fairly acoustically unfriendly environments. I highly recomend their CD, which anyone anywhere can get through their website. http://teachout.net/WoW/

And no, this is not a paid advertisment! ;D

Thanks, Vince, for starting this thread!! :D