Maria Muldaur's 50-year career is probably best described as an odyssey through American roots music. Although she is known worldwide for her sultry 1974 mega-hit "Midnight at the Oasis," which topped the charts, received several Grammy nominations and landed her on the cover of Rolling Stone, Maria was also in on the ground floor of the folk revival of the early ‘60s.

Beginning her recording career in 1963, she performed with jug bands and folk groups, sharing the stage and singing with such luminaries as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt and The Grateful Dead.

And now, she's coming to Washington. Muldaur is one of more than 20 musical acts to be featured at the DB Cooper Music Festival Saturday, Aug. 2 in Chehalis.

In the 40 years since "Midnight at the Oasis," Maria has toured extensively. In addition, she has recorded more than 40 solo albums covering the spectrum of American Roots music, including gospel, R&B, jazz and big band - not to mention several award-winning children's albums. She is probably now most identified with her favorite style, blues, where she reigns as one of the most talented, original and energetic performers and interpreters the genre has produced. 

We caught up with Maria at her home in the Bay Area, where she has lived for decades. 

"I'm thrilled about being invited to the DB Cooper Music Festival," she said. "The lineup sounds phenomenal. It's so good to see festivals that preserve and honor the heritage of American Roots music of all genres. This is going to be a great time, and I can't wait to get on stage!"   

Indeed, being on stage and performing is where Maria is most at home. Although she has been around since the '60s, she is showing no signs of slowing down. In the last decade alone, she has racked up a list of stunning albums that would make an entire career for any artist, which cements her place as a force in the blues.

Her critically acclaimed 2001 release, Richland Woman Blues, was nominated for both a Grammy and Best Traditional Blues Album by the Blues Foundation, as was the follow-up, Sweet Lovin' Ol' Soul. The year 2008 brought Yes We Can! and featured guest artists Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, Odetta and Phoebe Snow. In 2009, Maria teamed up with fellow folk alums for Maria Muldaur & Her Garden of Joy, which garnered a sixth Grammy nomination and was also nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album by the Blues Foundation.  In 2011, she released the number one contemporary electric blues album Steady Love, resulting in another nomination for Best Traditional Female Blues Artist from the Blues Foundation. In 2012, for her 40th album, Maria produced the critically acclaimed First Came Memphis Minnie, a collaborative tribute to the pioneering blues woman who inspired and influenced so many female blues artists, many of whom joined Maria in paying homage: Bonnie Raitt, Phoebe Snow, Ruthie Foster, Koko Taylor and Rory Block.

In 2013, Maria toured internationally with three special collaborations, performing with the 50th Anniversary Jim Kweskin Jug Band Reunion concerts, teaming up with sacred artists The Campbell Brothers and touring as special guest artist with ex-Rolling Stone Bill Wyman and his Rhythm Kings.

"It's great to be returning to the Northwest," Maria said. "I have so many dear friends there, and you are blessed with so many outstanding musicians. The blues scene is alive and well in the Northwest.  I'm happy to be a part of the festival - and say ‘Hi' to DB for me."

We will, Maria. We will.

DB COOPER MUSIC FESTIVAL, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Aug. 2, Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, 2555 N. National Ave., Chehalis, $25-$40, for more information and purchase discounted advance tickets, visit www.dbcoopermusicfestival.com