The Waifs

Originally performing Bob Dylan covers in and around bars in their native Australia, the sister duo of Vicki and Donna Simpson were known as COLOURS. Formed in 1992 and touring constantly in their homeland, the pair hooked up with Josh Cunningham during a stop in August 1992. A year later, they changed their name to the WAiFS. From there, the group released a cassette of original material but decided to head for Melbourne, the mecca of Australian music. A loyal following and hectic touring pace resulted in three albums, the self-titled debut in May 1996 and 1998's "Shelter Me." Folk festivals across the United States and Canada also fell in love with their sweet harmonies and self-described "wholemeal" music. They have also shared the stage with such artists as Kasey Chambers and Michelle Shocked. In 2001, the band released their third album, Sink or Swim in Australia, but it didn't arrive in America until the following year. The Waifs' musical honesty was captured once again with the follow-up Up All Night in Spring 2003. Two years later the (mostly) live double-disc A Brief History... came out, followed in 2007 by Sun Dirt Water.