Sara Watkins

While you might recognize fiddle player Sara Watkins, chances are better that you’ve heard of Nickel Creek, the band she helped found in 1989 that was part of the bluegrass revival of the ’90s. The group even took home a Grammy in 2003 before disbanding in 2007. Since then, Watkins has pursued a solo career. While her music is still rooted in bluegrass foundation, her supple vocals have pop appeal, something that’s apparent on her most recent effort, last year’s Sun Midnight Sun, an album that includes cameos courtesy of Fiona Apple and Jackson Browne. (Jeff Niesel)