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Performers
Andy Gordon
Andy Gordon has been jumping around on stages up and down the east coast of Australia for 15 years playing originally a drummer with Sydney band, Luminous, and also as a solo artist.
Finally, life having rather got in the way, he released his debut independent solo album. Written in the solar-powered house he and his partner built in Kangaroo Valley and recorded in nearby Nowra, the album has ten richly recorded songs of happiness and confusion, love and loss, a personal polaroid of life's rich pageant.
Andy's songs havesmart lyrics and breezy melodies, he taps into the minutiae of everyday life and elevates it far beyond the mundane.
www.myspace.com/andygordonmusic
Badja River Quartet
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001258165386
Black Joak Morris Dancing
Breathing new life into an English tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. This style of cheerful handkerchief-waving and stick-clashing was imported into Australia with the convicts, but lay low due to cringe, like much of our convict past. Now revived with youthful splendour and technicolour flowers, Black Joak hope you enjoy their dancing as much as they do.
Blue Goose Band
In the late 1980's Whistling Goose, one of Sydney's favourite jug/folk/goodtime bands came to an end after more than a decade of entertaining Sydney audiences. Blue Goose represents the renewal of the musical relationship between three of the members of Whistling Goose. It combines Sonia Bennett's powerful vocals and guitar with the multi-instrumental musicianship of Max Gregory and Bruce Stavert and Ralph Mitchell on bass.
Blue Goose brings together a broad range of musical experience and skill and a love of music in many guises. Their many original compositions, interspersed with refreshing interpretations of songs of many genres old and new, combine with a whimsical approach to playing that makes them fun and great to listen to.
www.reverbnation.com/bluegoose
Bowralhouse
John Hall, Brian Rapsey and Jason Winter are 'BOWRALHOUSE'. John on lead guitar and vocals, Brian on harmonica and back-up vocals and Jason on upright bass.
Their foot stompin' country blues and ragtime harks back to the early days of acoustic folk blues.
John has been playing blues since the 1950's when the black American players were alive and accessible. Brian, the dynamic blues harp player is heavily influenced by Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williams and Charles Musselwhite. Jason comes from a background of rockabilly, adapting well to country blues, his energetic slap bass pushes the band along and is the driving force of "Bowralhouse".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ar3rL0saUU
Bright Star Singers
Bright Star Singers is a community choir that sings a wide variety of songs in 3-4 part harmony. We range from old classical songs through Australian traditional and modern songs to popular "Do Wop" standards of the 50s and 60s. We love to perform at festivals such as Kangaroo Valley and St Albans and at folk clubs like The Loaded Dog and other folk venues. We particularly enjoy inviting the audience to join in along with us to experience the joy of singing in a group.
http://humph.org/stalbans/2008/bright/slides/Bright_Star_Singers%20%20720.html
Chaika
Chaika is an all girl folk quartet based in Sydney. They began with their roots in klezmer and now have their branches swaying in the breeze of bulgarian song, balkan melodies, eastern rhythms, jazz improvisations and even celtic colourations. They weave lush four part vocal harmonies together with violin, accordion, clarinet and double bass in their performances of both original and traditional music. A crowd favourite at both Illawarra and Cobargo Folk Festivals as well as the blackboard venues at the National, this group is not to be missed.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chaika/254093001282433?ref=ts
Bennie James
Bennie James pushes his dark rimmed glasses back into a comfortable position as he addresses the audience like a nervous and excitable host. He starts softly, sweetly even, but then builds himself up and unleashes the strength and growl in his voice. You could swear he has grown a foot taller.
There are elements of the sixties (The Kinks/Paul McCartney) accompanied with musical elements of modern acts such as Death Cab For Cutie.
The 22year old musician has experienced tastes of success, both solo & with his band (Bennie James & The Hesitant Few). He has opened for acts such as The Whitlams, Paul Greene & The Dawn Collective and his tunes have received spins on a number of radio stations including Triple J & ABC.
www.triplejunearthed.com/benniejames
Bernie Carson
Described as a prolific songwriter and an extraordinary performer Bernie bursts onto the stage with her own brand of music, with lyrics that are honest and from the heart, her music is known to surprise, mesmerise and totally amaze you with her soaring vocals, Bernie delivers a splashing of folk, amidst a whole lot of pop, a sprinkle of country, and some hidden reggae. You will find yourself totally delighted with this fabulous quirky young lady.
www.myspace.com/berniecarsonmusic
Big Erle
Big Erle is an Australian Foot Stompin' Blues band. Big Erle's original compositions draw influence from blues players and his own personal experiences in the 90's East Coast Music scene.
Playing acoustic blues guitar, Big Erle features a raw finger picking style and quirky lap steel slide with growling vocals, screaming Harmonica and a driving rhythm section.
Percussive blues at its best, Big Erle will get your feet tapping and your body moving and promise to deliver a night out that will hark back to the sweaty juke joints and speakeasies of the pre war Delta, surrounded only by cane fields, wheat and sheep!
Chloë and Jason Roweth
Chloë and Jason Roweth have been performing and recording for over 18 years together. They share a passion for Australian folklore and bush music, getting great satisfaction out of bringing almost forgotten songs back to life again.Always a captivating concert experience, Chloë & Jason combine a striking mix of older country and traditional styles, with fresh arrangements and a relaxed delivery, distinctly Australian in character. Their broad repertoire includes strong original songs strongly grounded in the Australian tradition, old-style ballads, well known bush songs, and lively dance tunes, accompanied by some fascinating background on where the items come from, and the performers who played them.
www.myspace.com/chloejasonroweth
Clever Sunday
Clever Sunday are six girls from the ANU Jazz School who started singing together in 2006 because they found jazz instrumentalists intimidating. They started to write and arrange a cappella music together and soon became known as The Sisterhood (later changing their name to Clever Sunday). Their influences are Idea of North, Coco's Lunch, Mumford and Sons, Regina Spektor, Billie Holiday and the list goes on. Clever Sunday perform a mixture of original and arranged tunes using mostly voices, however they do like to dabble in the world of percussive instruments. They performed regularly around Canberra in 2006/07 at open mic nights, Christmas parties, folk and jazz festivals and charity concerts. After a two year break Clever Sunday is back with a vengeance, ready to enchant the world with their sweet voices and enticing harmonies
www.facebook.com/pages/Clever-Sunday/193628970661640
The Con Artists
Created in 2010 'The Con Artists' is the intriguing case of a respectable all ages community band gone feral. Based at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music 'The Con Artists' deliver a hyperactive mix of rock n roll, gypsy, klezmer, folk and world music. The Con Artists have appeared at Jamberoo Folk in the Foothills, The Illawarra Folk Festival, Perisher Snowy Mountains of Music and The Illawarra Folk Club.
Don Richmond
Don is generally acknowledged as the greatest dance caller of all time. Every call is perfect, yet somehow he continues to get better. Astounding!
Earthbound
Earthbound is professional working duo who are starting to focus on their original music. Both have Jenni and Bruce have spent much time locked in rooms at the conservatoruim Newcastle and are regular performers in the local newcastle pub scene. Original accoustic music is their passion however and having been regulars at St Albans Folk festival for 8 years they have decided to spread their wings and join the kangaroo valley clan. Bruce is a talented guitarist, vocalist and songwriter whilst Jenn's veristility as a vocalist, percussionist, harmonica player and guitarist is an act in itself. Expect a reflecive, emotional, honest and professional performance from Earthbound.
Flamenco Fusion
Flamenco Fused with Blues and Latino. New, original live music with colourful and expressive Dancers. A breath of fresh air into an ancient art form. This is the long forgotten Spanish art-music with an explosive twist: jumping rhythms, soulful dance, elegance, song (ranging from wailing to catchy tunes). They engage the audience with evocative and fresh performances.
www.permaculturevisions.com/FFDD.html
FolkLines
FolkLines, with a repertoire featuring collected Australian tunes, is a bush dance band that is recognised for encouraging other musicians to join in. The lineup includes: Dave Johnson (fiddle/ concertina), Ray Mulligan (accordion), Peter Percival (guitar) and Ralph Pride (bush bass).
Food of Love Choir
Food of Love are a community a cappella choir who draw on a variety of traditions - gospel, aftican, celtic, and australian. We are inclusive and fun loving and love to sing at community events .
Since April 1998 , they have been gathering on Monday nights , under the direction of Joy Sharpe. They have always welcomed new members to join, regardless of experience to learn a wide variety of songs from many different cultures, and enjoy the thrill of singing in harmony.
Forever Archie
Forever Archie is a band from the South Coast consisting of 3 girls, Alyssa, Taylah and Grace. They use various instruments such as acoustic and electric guitar, glockenspiel, bongos and harmonica. They are passionate about music and performing. They write their own music and also play covers.They are excited to be performing at their first folk festival. Refreshing and delightful.
http://www.reverbnation.com/foreverarchie
http://www.triplejunearthed.com/ForeverArchie
Liz Frencham and Fred Smith
This unique collaboration blending Liz Frencham's voice with the internationally acclaimed songwriting of Fred Smith began in a session tent at the National Folk Festival in 2002. The next year they recorded the albumInto My Roomand have gone on to become a major force in Australian folk music. In 2005 Liz released here first solo albumJericho. In that year the documentary filmBougainville Skywas released about Fred's work in the Pacific and he moved to the United States. Fred has recently returned from 18 months in Southern Afghanistan and is glad to be alive and playing with Liz again.
http://www.myspace.com/frenchamsmith
Gilbert Whyte
Gilbert Whyte is a Scottish songwriter who has drawn a performance style out of both traditional and contemporary folk. Fingerpicking his way around Australia with a guitar in one hand and a banjo in the other, Gilbert is a relentless travelling musician. His rambling storytelling songs are earning him a reputation for musicianship and heartfelt performance wherever he goes.
The Glorious MUDsingers
Based in the Milton-Ulladulla District of South Coast NSW, they come together for a cappella singing in the African American gospel and African spiritual traditions, singing songs of protest and for civil rights - in 4 part harmony. A secular choir of more than 80 voices, their mission is to connect with each other and with the wider community through song, with a philosophy that singing in harmony is a powerful metaphor for the world.
Each performance is unpredictable, uplifting and full of opportunities for joining in. They are one of only 7 choirs invited to be part of the National Folk Festival's Street Choirs program and they've been favourites at Hobart's Festival of Voices.
Let's hope that the roof of St Joseph's church is screwed on tight.
Jim and Ingrid
Jim lived, danced and sang in Bavaria for 8 years. Here he introduced and taught to the locals the joys of bush dancing and learned the traditional dances of the region.
Ingrid is a native Bavarian and has been dancing almost all of her life.
Ingrid and Jim have presented Bavarian dance workshops at the National Folk Festival, Cobargo Folk Festival , the Illawarra Folk Festival and the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival.
Together they will teach you the style and fun of easy to learn Bavarian couples dances.
John Broomhall
"Listening to the songs of John Broomhall is like taking a long breath of fresh air", Sue Jarvis once observed in a feature article in Sydney's Sun Herald. Legendary folk musician Johnny Spillane combines with Broomhall to showcase the best of his recorded output during the past 26 years, including a selection of his most recent songs, in melodic and poetic evocations of landscape and identity.
www.myspace.com/johnbroomhalljohnnyspillanedaviddesanti
Kenny Bartley
Kenny Bartley is a Aussie singer/songwriter with an often comedic twist. He has been performing for well over 10 years and played in many states in Australia. His songs are of a storytelling nature and he is often joined by his daughters Maya (11) and Ella (9) on stage. Kenny will make you laugh, cry and cringe with his honest and outlook on life. Kenny's songs can be silly, funny, sad, thought provocing and sometimes inspirational
"And it won't hurt forever
And things will become clear
And you might change but change is good
Even if that's what you fear
And it's OK to be on your own
You're not crazy if you talk to yourself
Time starts when you start it
And happiness is not measured by wealth"
from Kenny's song - Always Hope
http://www.myspace.com/kennybartley
http://www.myspace.com/kennybartley/music
http://www.triplejunearthed.com/KennyBartley
Lily and King
Lily (Lisa Baird) started playing trombone as she saw it as an easy way to meet dysfunctional men. She also plays toy piano, percussion and sings.
King (Tony King) is a double-bass player who prefers to play guitar, foot drums and sing at the same time because it's easier than carrying a double bass through city laneways.
Their set sits somewhere between a captivating 40's nightclub routine and the raw, rambunctious spirit of New Orleans street buskers.
With trombone, toy piano, prayer bells, guitar, half a drum kit and an abundance of foot stomping, a Lily and King gig is a truly wild and joyful experience.
www.triplejunearthed.com/LilyKing
Melissa Main Trio
With blunt romance, unique wisdom and the occasional rude word, award-winning songwriter Melissa Main makes original music that warms your heart and speaks to your funny bone.
Her songs are both unique and familiar: she sings dripping honey-sweetness one moment and growling dark chocolate-bitterness the next. Her style is ever changing, Indi Folk, Blues, Country, Jazz, Cabaret or Country are all equally descriptive of her style without being restrictive. A talented emerging artist with a natural performing edge: see her.
She appears at the festival in trio with Stuart Atkin and Gideon Cozens.
www.myspace.com/melissamainmusic
Miss Molly's Maypole
Big kids and small are invited to join the music and dance to create a dazzling display of ribbons wrapped or woven around a maypole. Live piano accordion music with traditional Austrian influences will entice kids to join in on percussion or learn basic dance steps including skipping and waltzing.
Moira Lawry
Moira's harp has performed and recorded a variety of music styles from Celtic, Classical, Baroque. Jazz, Latin, Blues and other contemporary music as a soloist, in a duo with classical guitar, and a jazz trio - featuring harp, flute and bass and in the O'Carolan Quartet the harp features with cello, fiddle,uilleann pipes and whistles. Her performance will encompass tunes from this journey.
Nissa
Naomi Jones and Elissa Koppen are Nissa - an instrumental duo who love to perform folk music from around the world and their own original compositions. With Elissa on flutes and whistles and Naomi on fiddle and cajon, these 16 year olds will take you on an engaging and joyful musical journey.
The Original Snakeskins
Blending soulful country rhythms with bluegrass and folk , Melbourne's Original Snakeskins feature dazzling musicianship and beautiful vocal harmonies. Singer Anne Unger's husky timbre fires up and delivers the message with credible clout.
The Original Snakeskins will take you on a rollicking musical journey with traditional acoustic instruments delivering woody songs with toe tapping , hip shaking and string bending .
www.myspace.com/theoriginalsnakeskins
Paul & Leslie Carr
Pat Drummond and Karen Lynne
Pat Drummond and Karen Lynne are a singer/song writing duo from the Blue Mountains. Pat is a strong instrumentalist and writer of great capability - a 'singing story teller‚ who's stories are about everyday people and places'.From playing in the folk scene in the sixties, he moved to playing solo in the emerging Sydney pub scene of the seventies and built up a tremendous personal following.Karen is also a writer with a strikingly beautiful voice, each adding harmonies to each others‚ songs. Karen sings her own material and amazing interpretations of some of Pat's lesser known material.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Drummond
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWoCiv4_24c&feature=related
The Pigs
The Pigs take a hit song, turn it upside down, shake the change out of its pockets and set it down in its proper form... foot-stomping bluegrass. Attacking anything, from Puccini to Daft Punk, their banjo-driven version of Beyonce's Single Ladies is most well known on Australian radio and television. The band's quirky originals, including Macho Moisturiser, the ballad of a crocodile wrestler with a strict skin care regime and Hey Christina, a song Stretch Pig dedicates to his newly married ex-girlfriend "I wouldn't mind it, for example, if the telephone started to ring every time they were making love."
http://www.youtube.com/user/thepigs33?blend=9&ob=5#p/u/0/WeKlDUKkxhE
http://www.youtube.com/user/thepigs33?blend=9&ob=5#p/u/0/lf4__-xWq8w
http://www.youtube.com/user/thepigs33?blend=9&ob=5#p/u/3/X5CggSuTO0Y
Puddin Eaters
A colourful mixture of story-telling, play acting, join-in music and dancing for kids of all ages. Meet ridiculously tall but extremely silly Rob the Storyteller, not-so-tall Stuart with his squeeze box and lovely Sally the Dance Caller (she's the one in the fabulous dress).
Raised Voices
Raised Voices is a mixed voice a cappella choir based in the central Shoalhaven area. They sing arrangements of contemporary and traditional songs. They will be performing in the very beautiful St Joseph's Church and should not be missed.
Replay
Replay was formed at the 2004 Cobargo Folk Festival. They are talented multi-instrumentalists and dedicated young musicians coming from the Southern Highlands of NSW and Canberra. Featuring virtuosic fiddle playing and beautiful harmonies their sound is vibrant and eclectic with a touch of Celtic and gypsy. Their first CD, called Fast Forwards, was released in 2011.
Riogh
Poular Irish/celtic band combining classic ballads and upbeat favourites with a fresh take and a contemporary sound, but keeping within the roots of a strong traditional feel. Riogh will mesmerise you with beautiful music, gradually awaken your senses, turn it up a notch and leave you with a 'Reel' in your step for the entire night.
http://www.reverbnation.com/riogh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0ux4eGEnFs
Rough Red
Rough Red is a well travelled originals band whose credits include the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Bardentreffen in Nuremberg Square, The National, Tamworth, Illawarra and Woodford, amongst a swag of international events plus gigs with the Dubliners, Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention, international airplay (still) and favourable reviews from many of the world's respected street mags including Billboard. The songs reflect the band's Australian heritage and many stories from their extensive travels, masterful musicianship and soaring four part harmonies. Rough Red is a 'show' that ensures everyone goes home wanting more
www.mp3.com.au/artist.asp?id=9972
Ruby for Lucy
Friends who visit them say, "The songs are just like
pictures". With two guitars and shiny voices, Ruby for Lucy
paint almost every day. The Gardener calls it 'whimsical
folk'. Their Mothers say, "It's lovely, dear".
Ryan Morrison
Take a glimpse into a beautiful world with Perth songwriter Ryan Morrison. With his melting-chocolate-like voice and smooth guitar, Ryan is young, romantic and passionate, with gentle, honest folk/pop songs.
Ryan comes from a choir background; writing, arranging and singing in a cappella groups including The Spooky Men's Chorale for many of his formative years. Ryan toured Australia twice with Kate Rowe in 2009 and 2010, and throughout UK and Australia with the Spooky Men. In 2011 Ryan returned to WA to record his own debut album - The Art of Love.
http://www.ryanmorrison.com.au
http://www.facebook.com/ryanmorrisonmusic
Sara Jevo and the Balkan String Kings
A five piece band which performs music primarily from the Balkan countries. Instrumentation includes Tahu (made by a band member), Violin, Mandolin, Guitar and djembe drum. The performance is energetic and the music is complex both rythmically and melodically.
Sarah Humphreys
A storyteller, a traveller and a hopeless romantic. This combined with Sarah's love for old school pop music, vinyl, acoustic guitars, things being in tune, The Beatles, Ray Lamontagne, Coopers Sparkling Ale, Ukuleles, writing, recording, spontaneity, looking out the window & daydreaming has made her only real career choice quite clear. She was born to be a singer. "Earthy, Grounded & Honest."?Drum Media?"Folk-pop doesn't get much better than this… A perfect mix of self-confessed vulnerability and confidence…" ?Dom Alessio, Triple J
www.myspace.com/sarahhumphreys
www.triplejunearthed.com/SarahHumphreys
Southerly Change
Southerly Change is one of the fastest evolving bands on the South Coast of NSW. Originally a group of four mates, the band currently consist of anything between a simple guitar, vocals and hand percussion set-up, to a seven-piece group with sax, keys, bass, and harmonica. This versatility extends to the music's aesthetics also, with the drummer's training in Ghana, the keys and sax players' training in jazz, the heavy blues influence of the harmonica, and the simple and subtle guitar and lyrical melodies of the band's singer-songwriter Ben Fowler, creating a richly textured and dynamic musical experience. Many of the musicians involved have also payed at established music festivals such as Womad, Woodford, The Dreaming and Corinbank. In any one performance, Southerly Change will have you up for a boogie, singing along with the catchy yet beautifully poignant lyrics, or relaxing to the earthy, islander vibes. They have recently released their first CD 'Bow and Arrow', so whether you grab a copy or catch them at a gig, be prepared to be blown away by Southerly Change!
www.myspace.com/southerlychange
Swinging Cats
The Swinging Cats consisting of Lindsay and Alison Lucas will pop up at various spots around the festival. Recorder duets playing easy listening folk music.
Tattie Jam
"Richly textured with crunchy harmony and unusual flavours, this is not M&S jam, it's home-made in Scotland by the unique pairing of cello, frets, and and the voices of Seylan Baxter and Ruaridh Pringle. A sense of humour underpins much of Pringle's writing - blackly in his new ballad The Doctor's Dochter, and whimsically in Different - but the pair can bring new colour to old gems such as The Birken Tree. Toe-tapping jigs are reeled out on banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass fiddle, and though cheekily Scottish, it doesn't care what the neighbours think."
http://www.myspace.com/tattiejam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqQLGkg7ISM
Thirsty night singers
A seven-member a cappella vocal group based in the Shoalhaven (Berry, Cambewarra, Culburra, Kangaroo Valley), singing a varied repertoire that includes traditional songs, contemporary folk songs, political songs, jazz songs and pop.
Tim Bowen
http://www.myspace.com/timbowenmusic
http://www.triplejunearthed.com/TimBowen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P_KDdRX6Ns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jDdY5lNuoM&feature=related
Trilogy
Trilogy are sisters Joy , Kathy and Robin Sharpe who have been singing in harmony since childhood. As Trilogy they specialise in a cappella with occasional guitar in a mixture of styles, from original songs, to Celtic, bluegrass and gospel.
Virmalised Estonian Folk Dancers with Salmiakki Pelimannit
Madis and Tiina Alvre present the dance and sounds of Estonia in workshop and performance. The workshop will teach various styles of Estonian Folk dance and social dance. The performance will showcase some of these dance complete with the beautiful Estonian folk costume.
The dances will be accompanied by Helen and Greg Strutt of Salmiakki Pelimannit band who specialise in the music of this region and Scandinavia. Salmiakki Pelimannit will also conduct a music workshop on this music.
Wheeze & Suck Band
The Wheeze & Suck lineup presents four-part harmonies doubling as individual lead vocalists, virtuoso fiddle & guitars, mandolins, sqeezebox & percussion. The material includes terrific tunes, great award-winning sing-along original & traditional songs & the occasional early Pink Floyd-style wig out! Festival favourites from Woodford to Port Fairy to Auckland, the Wheezers put on an action-packed, colourful show that often leads to mass audience participation!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUxG0zhAZCM&feature=related
Zoe Elliot
'In the moment music' is perhaps the best way to describe Zoe Elliot's rare performance style. The Sydney singer songwriter, renowned for her fresh, charismatic and emotional performances, intentionally breaks the usual barriers between the audience and artist to leave you with a smile. Zoe recently released her new album 'Precipitate' and has won numerous song-writing competitions for her music which ranges from fun and rhythmic to soulful, reflective and quirky. Zoe's voice has a unique melting tone with plenty of voice for her bluesy songs and she will captivate you with melodic, insightful, heart reaching story telling.
Zondrae King
A regular performer at many folk feastivals, Zondra is recognised as an outstanding writer and performer of Australian Bush Poetry.