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2026 PERFORMERS
Andrea Kirwin
Australian/Fijian singer-Songwriter, Andrea Kirwin is a multi-instrumentalist performing on Guitar, Cigar Box Guitar, Banjo, Harmonica, Stomp and Vocals. Her original songs are beautifully crafted and based on true stories and events from her cross cultural upbringing between Australia and Fiji. Having been brought up singing in English and Fijian, Andrea's soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics and beautiful guitar chords and rhythms make for a stunning live show.
The Bard Band
The Bard Band plays traditional English folk music which goes right back to the time of Shakespeare. Come to hear to hear them perform old ballads, theatre songs, bopping dance tunes and more.
Blackboard
The Nordic Tipi Tent on the oval is our dedicated venue for youth and adult blackboard performers. See some up-and-coming young talent or add your name to the blackboard. See Jules or Will at the Happy Nest to book a spot.
Black Joak Morris
In the dark days of 2004, the Australian Morris dancing scene was capering t’ward a doleful grave. When Lo! Black Joak Morris was born. A wailing infant crying for a small beer, come to revive the old dances and imbue them with vigour and youthfulness.
Bobby Alu
If you ask Byron Bay’s Bobby Alu what his music sounds like, he’ll tell you how he hopes it makes you feel: like you have your favourite drink in hand, sipping as the sun sets on a balmy evening that’s laden with the promise of adventure.
Bret Mosley
A singular, soulful Americana artist…Bret Mosley delivers poetic songwriting that explores the crux of the human adventure—with a sound described by PopMatters as, “…no more country than R&B, no more folk than rock.”
The Bush Music Club
The Bush Music Club (BMC) has been around for over 70 years and is a teaching club that focuses on collected Australian material. We aim to encourage people to get involved in playing instruments and singing Australian folk songs. This is done at an enjoyable pace .
The Butter Trackers
The Butter Trackers are a collective of musicians from across the Illawarra and Southern Highlands, on Dharawal and Gundungurra Country. They bring lively, welcoming Irish traditional music sessions filled with dance tunes, songs, and plenty of craic. Whether listening or joining in, all are welcome around the session table.
Canberra Contra Club
Canberra Contra Club recreates the exhilarating and inspiring contra dance scene from northern America. With diverse music from the Appalachians through to Quebec, a social dance style that everyone loves, and all dances taught, Canberra Contra Club will be a highlight to your festival.
Cascade Band
Indie rock music with 4 energetic boys and many originals, we love the live music scene, growing up living nearby to each other we have recently started smashing out songs and trying to share our music through gigs
Children's Poetry Competition
Kids’ open mike poetry competition. Recite, perform or read any poem (your own or from a book), or just come along to watch and encourage. There are 3 age divisions and prize money to be won. Just turn up on the day and have a go!
The Cicada Club
The Cicada Club is a four piece jug band playing covers and originals in the style of ragtime, swing and hokum blues. Prepare to be transported back in time to the sounds of the prohibition era with toe tapping tunes and light hearted fun that the Cicada Club shows deliver.
The Dempsey Brothers
The Dempseys have become festival favourites by delivering high energy contemporary bluegrass. Come join the ride as Jim's vocals combine with close harmonies and The Brothers' instrumental virtuosity to showcase songs and tunes by legendary acts such as Country Gentlemen Hot Rize and Seldom Scene.
Duck n Cover
Hailing from the NSW Blue Mountains, 'The Duck' has an eclectic approach to every performance.
Armed with his trusty 3-string Cigarbox, Frankenstein Guitar, AND Ukulele, every gig is an adventure in story and song.
Dust & Honey
We are Kenny and Amanda Bartley - "Dust & Honey" - a husband and wife aussie funky folk duo whose music is rooted in connection, storytelling and rich vocal harmony. Having performed together for over 8 years- including fronting "The Midnight Feast" band - we bring a natural chemistry to the stage that translates into a relaxed, engaging, and often joy filled live experience.
Easy Nordic Dances
sCanDans is Canberra’s social Nordic-dance group since 1996. The workshop will feature easy dances selected from Swedish, Danish, Norwegian and Finnish repertoires for an introductory Nordic dance experience. No partner is necessary. The music will be played by the entertaining Pining for the Fjords and Scruffy Viking Friends.
Face Painters
FREE face painting by South Coast Face Painters for everyone attending the Folk Festival. 'Bringing colour and joy to people through face painting is such a privilege, and I often catch myself thinking how lucky I am to have a job that's this joyful.'
Sat and Sun 10am to 3:30pm, near the Joey.
Food of Love choir
Food of Love Choir started in 1998 because there was a need for a community choir that welcomed people who wanted to sing, regardless of their experience. We create harmony, singing uplifting songs from all sorts of traditions and love to perform at community events and we invite you to sing along with us.
Glenn Skuthorpe
A master of melodies, and one of Australia's most prolific and powerful lyricists. With 6 highly regarded albums and music featured in movies and documentaries such as The Emu Runner and John Pilger’s Utopia, Glenn’s sound spans a vast gamut making him an artist that you simply must experience live!
Gray and the Good Medicine
Gray and The Good Medicine are rooted in mountain Appalachian music style .With a traditional line up of Old-Time instruments,banjo,harmonica,fiddle and double bass.They hold the rhythms and enchanting foundation of the high and lonesome sound but with a progressive fresh touch.Playing original songs and a dash of some classic oldtime mountain favourites.
Gregory North
Fresh from a 125th anniversary re-enactment of Banjo Paterson’s Boer War lecture tour, this three-time Australian bush poetry champion and man of many hats and voices brings characters to life whenever he performs.
Harry Evans
Harry Evans is a 17-year-old singer, guitarist and pianist whose engaging live performances blend classic rock, acoustic favourites, contemporary pop and singer-songwriter music. With experience performing for audiences of more than 2,500 people, Harry delivers versatile sets that connect with audiences and create an atmosphere suited to any event.
Horns of Pan
Blending Chinese hammered dulcimer (yangqin), acoustic guitar, melancholy vocals and overtone singing, Horns of Pan uses live looping to create surreal versions of nostalgic 90s ecto, alt pop and art metal classics as well as original psychedelic soundscapes.
Horse Drawn Cadillac
Mixing an ever evolving batch of homegrown originals with a few rare hidden gems from deep within the vault of musical treasures, HDC makes you feel like you are on a musical trip to New Orleans via Chicago. Their latest concept album, WAWARD EMOTIONS, takes you through the emotions we all feel on our journeys.
The Hot Club of Wollongong
The Hot Club of Wollongong is an ensemble featuring acoustic guitars, double bass, clarinet, violin, and piano accordion. Together, we explore the rich tradition of Django-inspired swing jazz through fun, collaborative music-making.
InspeKtor Gadje
Gadje, a Romany word similar to gringo or gubba, meaning “outsider” denotes where our inspiration
comes from and our connection to that world. We play to create energy and beauty and search for those fleeting moments of magic that can apppear and then just as quickly disappear without trace.
Iris Zarrella
Iris an aspiring singer, songwriter, musician a voice beyond her 15 years. South Coast local captivating audiences since age 7 Iris has heartfelt vocals an enchanting presence for delicate emotive ballads and pop anthems showing a natural ability to connect with any audience.
Jacob Boote
Jacob Boote (Tasmania) a dedicated Neo-Traditional Blues and World Music Artist with a dynamic and engaging performance style crafted from over 20 years of performing, Jacob plays and sings original and traditional Blues, Folk and Old Time Country on Bottleneck slide and open-tuned Resonator guitars.
Jam Session
Everyone's welcome to come and jam in the Koori tent.
Jayden Kitchener-Waters
Jayden Kitchener-Waters is a First Nations singer, songwriter and storyteller. He blends English and First Nations Languages throughout his music to reflect his love for Country, kin and culture.
Jesse McCormack
A wandering minstrel with many years of experience performing all over south-eastern Australia, north-western Europe, and beyond, Jesse McCormack escorts listeners into a folkloric musical experience, conjuring a sound reminiscent of artists such as Steeleye Span or Loreena McKennitt and infused with vibes of bohemian Achilleanism.
Jim & Ingrid Rehle-Williams
Jim and Ingrid bring a wealth of experience in teaching dances from and around Bavaria, in southern Germany, suitable for all levels of dancer.
They have presented workshops at the National and Cobargo Folk Festivals.
Kameruka Bush Orchestra
The KBO performs the traditional Australian collected tunes for the Australian Bush Dance. The perfect mix tried and tested. Check them out.
A bush dance for all levels of ability ably called and performed by an experienced collective of passionate Folk musicians.
Kangaroo Ceili Band
Kangaroo Valley's favourite ceili band will be pumping out their enthusiastic up-tempo Irish dance music for the Irish set dancing ceili and dance displays.
Kangaroo Valley Public School Choir
Kangaroo Valley Public School Choir will perform for the enjoyment of festival goers.
Karl Priebe
Karl Priebe is a powerful, heartfelt indie folk artist blending country tones and First Nations storytelling, delivering unforgettable live performances off the back of a critically acclaimed debut album and standout festival appearances.
Kiama Sea Shanty Club
Ahoy there Kiama Sea Shanty club formed in 2023 and have had plain sailing ever since! Climb aboard with our motly crew for rollicking renditions of songs of the seven seas! Avast yer hauling and sing with us or .....walk the plank!
Limestone Morris
In 2023, Limestone Morris sprang from the Canberran earth with a mission: to bring joy and wonder to the region through the medium of English morris dancing. Dynamic, energetic and showy, Limestone brings you rich displays of skilful dancing and an irrepressible joie de vivre.
Lloyd and The Leftovers
The Leftovers have been described as one of Freo's favourite folk acts' and have garnered an extremely dedicated and interactive audience. The Leftovers are a contemporary folk band who hold the song writing above all else and truly believe in the power of folk and traditional music and the community around it. They are also all huge folk heads themselves. Their performances are full of intimate moments of elation and excitement with full rooms singing together.
Lucy Gallant
International bohemian songstress Lucy Gallant is a singer-songwriter and one-woman band blending folk, soul and reggae. Fresh from sold-out shows across Australia and Europe, she delivers uplifting, interactive performances filled with heartfelt songs, powerful vocals and positive energy. Her tiny Chihuahua, Lola, even joins her on stage, sitting on her knee for a few songs and winning hearts wherever she goes.
Luke O'Shea
Luke O’Shea is an Australian country music icon, renowned for his storytelling and powerful live performances. With nine albums and 17 Golden Guitar Awards, including three in 2015 for Heritage Song, Male Artist, and APRA Song of the Year, O’Shea captivates audiences with his authentic, evocative songs.
Mal Webb and Kylie Morrigan
Vocal adventurer, multi-instrumentalist and looping beatboxing songwriter Mal sings his brain provoking songs with guitar, mbira, slide trumpet, trombone and loopers whilst Kylie provides violin and voice in perfect balance to Mal's nutsness. Imagine Einstein, Dr Seuss and Paganini making pancakes. With a no repeat guarantee!
Margaret & Bill Winnett
Margaret and Bill Winnett have spent many decades dancing together. They have travelled to Ireland multiple times to attend Summer Schools and travel all over Ireland dancing, bringing back so much to give to others. Their workshops are geared for all standard of dancers and guaranteed to be enjoyable.
Maypole with Molly
Maypole with Molly encourages kids and adults alike to weave colourful ribbons around the maypole. Founded by accordionist Erika Cleaver in 2009, the group brings playful maypole dancing to festivals across Australia, spreading joy and tradition through movement.
Meditation - Drawing Connection with Paula
'Drawing Connection' - 1hr meditation session in the Happy Nest.
Milk Crate Circus Play Space & Planet Lava Circus Show
An interactive taste of circus. Explore what you’re capable of at your own pace with a mix of familiar equipment like hula hoops plus more unusual or challenging equipment like static trapeze and diabolo
Planet Lava is a 50 minute circus show where every kid is an alien genius and the floor is made of lava. Help space explorer Corie as he uses handstands, diabolos and stick puppets to explore an alien planet and report back to mission control.
Miss Mel
"Miss Mel" (Melissa Saunders) has been developing Early Childhood Creative programs at Hive Creative Studios in Charlestown for 12 years. She is a master at teaching families how to lead their child in joyful musical learning.
Through singing, instrument play, dance, puppets and sensory play, Miss Mel will harness the power of imagination to teach music foundations. Bring your child (and your inner child) & make musical memories.
Monique Clare
Wielding a cello and powerhouse vocals, Monique Clare is a multi award-winning songwriter whose disarming authenticity has elicited cathartic tears and laughter from audiences around the world. With an intrepid spirit that's seen her teach in war-torn Afghanistan, play cello with Eminem to a crowd of 80,000 people, and tour her acclaimed album 'Sight' to festivals across Europe, her live show is raw, mesmerising and refreshing.
Move-Smile-Dance
Are you envious of Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice? Would you like to Tame the Waltz, or prance the polka? If you have been Bush Dancing then you are half-way there. Colin has over 50 years of teaching, performing, and joining-in folk and social dancing – anything he likes since 1650 to modern day.
Mudjingaal Yangamba
Mudjingaal Yangamba means Spirit Singing in Dhurga, one of the original languages spoken on the South Coast, NSW. Through the creation and celebration of song, this strong Koori women's collective bring together Elders, Aunties and sisters in revitalising their traditional languages, sharing their stories with community for healing, growth and joy.
Niq Reefman
Eclectic-songwriter & inventor, Niq Reefman is a sonic wizard who has developed a unique trio with “Morpheus” (an accordion) & “Victor” (a trumpet). He is the unrivalled pioneer of simultaneously performing these instruments and can effortlessly improvise brass lines over klezmer grooves! Interwoven with theatre, his musical tales squirm with ear candy, while his SILKWOOD WAGON act is a sound playground! As a devoted explorer of the edges in life, he celebrates the phrase “Deliciously Mad.”
Outdoor Gospel Service
An hour of southern USA gospel singing. People will be invited to sing along. It's free and all are welcome to attend. Good Shepherd Anglican Church opposite primary school, Sun 10am.
Peter Campbell
Peter Campbell cuts through the noise, speaking to the heart of our times without flinching. Poetic and powerful, this music has a timeless to it – a blend of infectious alt-folk and contemporary relevance in a call to action, connection and healing. In 2025 his fifth album, Burden of Hope, hit #20 on the Folk Alliance International’s Folk Radio charts across America. Expect raucous.. with striking 6, feisty 12, tender banjo and arresting a cappella.
Peter Mace Bush Poet
Peter has entertained audiences at most of the major folk festivals with his selection of original and traditional bush poetry. In the process he has won the Australian Championship, was a three time winner of the Golden Damper competition at Tamworth , Reciter of the year at the National Folk Festival and the inaugural winner of the Blue the Shearer award.
PIRRITU
PIRRITU creates gentle, honest folk music that explores sadness, love, and hope. With two albums released, the Ngiyampaa songman honours his ongoing journey of reconnecting with land, language, family, and culture.
Pixie Minerva
Pixie Minerva is a Filipino-Australian singer-songwriter, indie jazz pop solo artist from the Central Coast. She writes from different perspectives shaped by her homeschooling. She has released original music with airplay on Coast FM, Lake Mac FM & Triple J.
Poet's Brawl
Geebungs vs Cuff & Collar. See Allan Stone to join a team.
Poets' Breakfast
Come along and listen to some bush poetry at the Poets' Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning from 8 am to 10.30 am in the Wombat venue.
Allan Stone pictured.
Reciter of the Year
Competition for the best performance of a poem (original, contemporary, freeform or traditional). See Allan Stone to enter. The winner will receive custody of a beautiful handcrafted red cedar trophy for one year, a certificate and two weekend passes to come back and judge next year’s winner.
Rheinberger & Wilson
Rheinberger & Wilson are a musical comedy duo blending razor-sharp satire about modern life and love with brooding accordion, gutsy guitar and sweet harmonies. Creators of ‘Gladys’, they promise to entertain and tackle all your first-world problems head-on.
Robyn Sykes
Robyn Sykes presents her original, folk-style, often quirky poetry at festivals around Australia. Her shows combine sizzling poems with excellence in performance skills. Humour, energy and heart are standard fare for the Australian Champion Bush Poet.
Ron Callaghan
A Proud Wulbunga/Dhungutti award winning artist. Based in Moruya, NSW (Yuin Country). Recently Awarded - ACM People's Choice Winner Best Male Vocalist & Best Song Nominee - ‘Proud Black Man’ at the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The Royal High Jinx
Celebrating 10+ years and launching a new album at KVFF, The Royal High Jinx blend Gypsy jazz, folk and cabaret into energetic, crowd-pleasing shows. Nicknamed “Balkan ABBA” and recognised by AFMA, they bring infectious songs, vibrant performances and true festival spirit.
The Sako Dimension
The Sako Dimension is a collaborative music project guided by rhythm and atmosphere rather than genre. Blending Spanish classical guitar with global grooves and cinematic textures, drawing on reggae, oriental, funk and hip-hop influences, delivering vibrant live show energy.
Sam Ellis
Sam Ellis is a Walbunja singer-songwriter from the Far South Coast of NSW, performing a mix of acoustic covers and original music. Inspired by the coast, community and culture, she brings a laid-back, engaging energy to every performance.
Saplings
Youth musicians (about 8 – 18 years), come and have some fun learning Australian tunes and songs, or learn some percussion. A daily session just for you, so bring your own instrument – music supplied or play by ear. Expert tutors from the Bush Music Club will be there to help you, no matter what level you play at.
Sapphire Tribal Bellydance Showcase
Swirling skirts, shawls, fans, baskets and more – Sapphire Tribal presents a colourful and dynamic bellydance showcase. Music is from around the world, with extravagant costumes reflecting this global mix. The set will include a blend of choreographed and improvised pieces, including fans, shawls, tambourines and sassy skirts.
Sarah Humphreys
Beloved Australian folk singer, Sarah Humphreys returns to the stage after raising her beautiful babies into sweet little kids. She lives on Darug and Gundungurra Country in the Blue Mountains of NSW with her family and her animals. When she's not doing that, she hits the road, plays a few shows and records her songs in her home studio among the gum trees. Her music and voice is like no other, she leaves her audience with full hearts and teary eyes. 'From the first time I heard Sarah Humphreys' beautiful voice I became her biggest fan. She writes songs from the heart that are real and captivating, just like the person she is.' - Kasey Chambers
Savoy Dance Swing Dancing
Join us for fun, beginner-friendly classes in Lindy Hop and Charleston and discover why swing dancing has captivated people around the world for generations! Savoy Dance is travelling from Canberra to Kangaroo Valley to share the joy of swing dancing across two energetic classes. Expect plenty of fun, a touch of technique, and lots of encouragement. No partner or experience needed—just comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and your enthusiasm!
Set In Their Ways
A fun-loving bunch of Irish Set dancers from Canberra. We love to perform and invite you to come and see us and join in the fun yourself at our combined display/participatory workshop. Come and immerse yourself in the joy of dancing to the awesome rhythms of great Irish music.
Slapdash Choir
Elliot Peck has run Slapdash Choir in Sydney and the Illawarra, and now is bringing his version of spontaneous singing en masse in Folk Fest format. Come along and learn simple songs in harmony. Absolutely no singing experience required; everyone can (and SHOULD) sing!
Speranza Starburner
Speranza Starburner and his fantabulous fish friend presents some oddities by the sea... When two enigmatic balls of chaotic energy combine their masculine circus pirate skills with feminine siren musical charisma, you get "The Cephalopoddities"! Part circus show with juggling, part clowning show with pantomime, part party games with the crowd, part song and dance, this is a delight to watch! Participating will be an even more jovial experience!
Strumalong, Singalong, Playalong Session
It used to be a ukulele muster, but we are now getting lots of other instruments and lots of people just coming to sing. You will get a songbook with all the words and chords, and we will improvise a bit. You don't have to be an expert.
Super Kenny and Magnificent Manda
Super Kenny & Magnificent Manda are a fun, high-energy superhero duo performing original, silly songs for kids. Dressed in colourful costumes, they create an interactive show where kids join in with percussion, make funny sounds on the mic, and become part of the action. Playful and engaging, their performances are full of laughter, imagination, and unforgettable moments.
Tai Chi with Chris
Original Yang Style Tai Chi - get your qi flowing. One-hour workshop on Saturday morning in the hall for beginners to advanced
Tim Scanlan & Mana Okubo
One man band Tim Scanlan teams up with fiddler Mana Okubo, mixing ancient tunes and drones with modern beats and sounds. Songs for travelling, tunes for dancing, a festival goer most recently described the live gig as something like a psychedelic ceili.
Toshi Sakamoto
Toshi Sakamoto is a Japanese-born, Kuranda-based folk singer-songwriter performing soul-folk and healing folk. Singing primarily in Japanese with touches of English and accompanying himself on nylon-string guitar, he creates performances that resonate beyond language.
Trilogy
From Nowra and proud - Shoalhaven sisters Joy, Kathy and Robin perform songs in three part harmony from folk to country to 6os and 70s nostalgia, and the best part is, you are invited to sing along!
Tuck Shop Ladies
Armed with a pair of ukuleles and razor-sharp wit, the Tuck Shop Ladies turn life’s everyday absurdities into hilarious songs. Expect laughter. Expect harmonies. Expect to leave feeling like you want to run away with the band.
Water Runners, The
From Kiama NSW on Dharawal country, The Water Runners’ bluegrass-infused Australian folk combining strong musicianship and powerful storytelling has connected with audiences around Australia and seen the band nominated Folk Award finalists (2021, 2025) and National Busking Champions (2020). With songs from the serious to the seriously fun, come along for the ride!
Wisdom of One - Flow Experience
Will Mitry invites you to come on a journey through the power or breath and movement, to unlock states of freedom
and flow. This journey will unlock a neurochemical cocktail to help you feel deeply in the moment, connect to your true nature and express this through joyful flow, movement, and dance. Not to be missed.
Wongawilli Colonial Dance & Southern Cross Bush Band
With Southern Cross Bush Band’s energetic dance music and Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club’s experienced callers a fun time is guaranteed for this family friendly bush dance for dancers of all ages. Joining the band will be musicians from the Illawarra area who will help to swell the sound and the energy. Beginners welcome.
Yoga - Flow with Ali
Flow (or Dry) is a dynamic style of yoga, where you move in a continuous 'flow' from one posture to the next in class. Flow classes have an emphasis on graceful transitions through the sequence; it can feel like a dance!
Yoga - Dru with Fiona
Dru (or Flow) is a dynamic style of yoga, where you move in a continuous 'flow' from one posture to the next in class. Flow classes have an emphasis on graceful transitions through the sequence; it can feel like a dance!
Zoe Elliot
Zoe Elliot focuses on lyrics, story-telling, intricate harmonies & delicate melodies. Her songs touch on a wealth of experiences & stories. Zoe moved to the South Coast to raise her children. The shift in pace & place has reshaped the way she writes & performs.
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