Adele Oliver

Singer-songwriter Adele Oliver has a knack for transcribing life into song. Raised in the Kimberley, her earthy alt-country sound draws inspiration from the land and artist such as Kasey Chambers & Missy Higgins. Capturing hearts with each new performance, Adele Oliver will take you on a journey through love loss & everything in between.

Apolline

AFMA Youth Artists of the Year 2024, Apolline is a lively trio of young folkies

that combine fiddle, cello and double bass. The group views folk music through fresh eyes with foot-stomping sets and original songs to bring a unique experience of genre-bending folk.

Balkan Boogie

Balkan Boogie performs creatively arranged traditional tunes and songs in Bulgarian, Greek, Macedonian, Romani, Turkish and Armenian, and teach and lead the traditional dances to go with each piece. 

A festival favourite from Woodford to St Albans, and Adelaide Bulgarian Festival. Get ready to dance your socks off to the lively, fun, and unique rhythms of Eastern Europe!

Barron Hanson - Wisdom Talks

Barron Hanson is a multifaceted creative, meditation teacher, and entrepreneur committed to mastering the art of living. As a Vedic Meditation Initiator and co-founder of CONVICTS NYC, he brings people together through transformative experiences, purposeful storytelling, and community-driven projects like Be Here Nowra. Join Barron as he interviews some of KVFF's most interesting performers.

Benji and the Saltwater Sound System

Benji and the SSS fuse pacific flavours with jazz, reggae, world folk and African roots to create hypnotic soundscapes underpinned by painfully catchy melodies. Add to this the beautifully poignant lyrics that Ben has become known for and you can't help but expect something special from this line-up.

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

performs the traditional folk dancing of the bucolic English Cotswolds. Morris dancing is fresh, varied and skilled, and danced to live music provided by our talented musicians. We are an energetic side from Sydney who couple athletic display with bright costumes and loud bells to delight and mystify audiences of all ages.

Bruce Watson

Joyful, thought provoking, totally engaging original songs from one of Australia's foremost songwriters and performers. Bruce’s music is about life, love and laughter. He is a consummate storyteller. “An Australian folk hero (The Boite) “The best songwriter I have seen in a long time.” (Eric Bogle)

Bush Music Club

The Bush Music Club, Australia's oldest continuously running folk club, was founded to collect, publish and popularise traditional songs, dances, music and folklore. In our sessions we will focus on playing some of the collected songs and tunes at a pace to suit most people. Music, song notation will be available.

The Butter Trackers

The Butter Trackers are a collective of local musicians who play traditional Irish sessions at venues across Gundungurra & Dharawal country (Illawarra & Southern Highlands). They welcome any musicians who would like to join in.

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.

Charley Castle & the Boys in the Well

Fast-paced and infectious, Charley Castle leads her Boys in the Well to a unique brand of Australian newgrass. Described as "refreshing", the award-winning quartet's tunes span the spectrum from heartbreaking to holler-inducing.

Children's Poetry Competition

Kid's open mike poetry competiton. Recite, perform or read any poem (your own or from a book), or just come along to watch and encourage. There's 3 age divisions and prize money to be won. Just turn up on the day and have a go!

Chris Cavill

Chris Cavill captivates audiences with high-energy performances and heartfelt songwriting, sharing the stage with his talented young sons. Blending resilience, loss, and self-discovery, his music resonates deeply. From his 2021 tribute album Lionheart to his latest LP, The Wonder Years (2025), Chris's powerful songs leave listeners inspired and longing for more.

Colin Defries Poetry

Colin is an award winning Poet and song writer who writes and performs his own material. All of Colin’s poems, stories and songs are inspired by real people or events. Colin has a great passion for Australia and enjoys travelling our great land. He enjoys songs and poems that take you on a journey and away from life's hustle and bustle, even if its only for a few minutes.

Colin Towns - English Country Dance

Colin Towns with family band Ian and Sarah Bull, will encourage mayhem and self-expression, interpreting dances from 1650 onwards - the first identifiably English dances.

The Condiments 

The Condiments are a 8 - 14 piece band of musicians playing a spicy fusion of Funk, Gypsy Jazz, Folk and a generous twist of Swing. Fronted by eclectic Singer Songwriter, Jacob Woods, who’s storytelling will take you on a journey of travel and self discovery, they galavant around the world busking and playing shows, picking up band members along the way. The Condiments deliver a smorgasbord of multicultural and multi-genre music, their music will have you up on your feet and dancing til your teeth fall out.

Craig Atkins

Craig Atkins is an Adelaide based songwriter and performer blending his earthy acoustic Roots, Blues & Folk with storytelling lyrics covering his experience and observations of life, love and loss in this world we all share.

Daniel Aaron

Like a magpie at dawn, Daniel Aaron’s chorus may wake you’re soul from slumber - he’s an indie-blues and roots song man from the bush, centered in earnest lyricism and the rhythm of the yidaki.

Day of Embers

Born of love, myth and traditional folklore, Day of Embers is a duo of Celtic and global seafaring rhythms interlaced with age-old family tales of love, survival and justice. Combining the multi-instrumental talents of singer-songwriters, Welshman Daryl James, and Dawn, a bewitching vocalist of Canadian, Irish and Indian descent, DoE weaves spectacular harmonies with banjo, mandolin, slide guitar, wooden flute, piano and accordion.

Ebs

Ebs is an alternative folk artist based in Sydney. She has always loved making music, drawing from folk and jazz influences to make her own unique sound. Woven with lyrics based on her own experiences, Ebs creates cosy and layered sonic landscapes for audiences to bathe in.

Enda Kenny

Twice nominated as a finalist in the AFMA Folk Awards 2024, Artist of the Year Newstead 2023, Enda celebrates 30 Years of UK Touring in 2025 with many festivals, clubs and concerts featuring songs from his 10th independent recording "After The Interval". Described by Folk on Tap as "A Cracking Live Act", he is among our most popular festival acts both here and overseas and is guaranteed to get you singing along. 

Enough Said Poetry Slam

Enough Said Poetry Slam is the South Coast's only poetry slam; a stage for spoken word where poets new and experienced can get up on stage and share their words with a captive audience. Enough Said runs monthly slams and regular workshops to bring together lovers of poetry with interstate and international acts, and their core team of Illawarra-based poets have performed at events from Sydney to Shellharbour.

The Freewheeler

Forged of a long history of music and friendship, The Freewheeler combines three of Australia's finest traditional Irish musicians, together producing an elusive chemistry - this is the sound of music set loose, the tunes lifting and rolling with a drive and depth that speaks of a rare connection.

GOLDHEIST

GOLDHEIST is an Australian artist whose songwriting is a rich blend of storytelling and classical influences, deeply rooted in the landscape. Her sound, likened to luminaries such as Kate Bush, Dido and AURORA, combines lyrical narratives with an evocative musical style, drawing listeners into vivid accounts of the human experience.

Grace Barr

Grace Barr is a songwriter and musician originally from Northwest UK. Her music blends influence from Appalachian traditional music and pop, crafting songs that explore her travels, loves, and friendships. Grace has performed at notable events and venues such as The Bearded Tit, Carriageworks, Imperial Hotel, Alleghany Jubilee (NC), Sydney World Pride, Powerhouse Museum, Tropical Fruits Festival and Machine Hall.

Graeme McColgan - The Scotsman

Graeme made the move from Scotland to Sydney in 2021, diving into Australia's folk scene. His evocative vocals blend 200-year-old tales with modern folk, captivating audiences. His performances reflect a deep connection to his homeland, bridging past and present, and embodying the spirit of folk music across Australia's diverse landscapes.

InspeKtor Gadje

An energetic five-piece dance band, inspired mainly by the Roma music from Eastern Europe.

JC and the Tree

Folk fusion duo JC & the Tree writes melodies from the mountains to sea and life between. Incorporating violin, vocal harmonies, piano and self handmade acoustic guitars. This duo takes their audiences on a journey through genres including folk, singer-songwriter and rock with touches of gypsy and funk.

​

Jim & Ingrid - Bavarian Dance

Jim & Ingrid Rehle-Williams have been teaching Bavarian dancing for over 20 years. The dances are easy to learn and fun to do and they cater for all levels of dancer from beginners to the more advanced. Dances include waltzes, polkas, mazurkas and other styles. Each dance is clearly described and walked through. We will be accompanied by live music led by Ray Mulligan.

​

The Joyful Strains

The Joyful Strains is a Nowra based Community Choir and vocal Group that started this year and have, in a very short time developed a unique approach to vocals and arrangements, as well as creating a safe space for self expression and inclusion.

​

Kameruka Bush Orchestra

The KBO (Kameruka Bush Orchestra) performs the traditional Australian collected tunes for the

Australian Bush Dance. During the early days of occupation and settlement these tunes and dances were performed regularly at Halls and Homesteads around the country. A tradition that continues today as a major form of community entertainment.

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.

Kay Proudlove

Emotional and witty, Kay is a Wollongong raised writer, performer and all round creative with a remarkably agile, engaging, honest, soul-bearing voice and a wry, dry-ice sense of humour. With a live performance style that is much like being invited into her lounge room, her songs are truly stories set to melody, by turns relatable, humorous and heartbreaking. Creating an intimacy between audience and performer through vulnerability, Kay's live show is likely to leave you wondering whether all of her songs are about you.

Kid Hank and his Ockerstra

Henry Manuell’s “Kid Hank and his Ockerstra” breathes life into New Orleans music! Their mix of traditional, creole, Dixieland, and swing jazz, with a hint of ragtime, creates a joyful soundscape. With toe-tapping beats and lively melodies, they transport listeners to the early 20th-century French Quarter, blending earthy Sydney notes with classic jazz rhythms that’ll have you dancing!

Lee Sullivan and The Sleepers

Hailing from Eora/Sydney, Lee Sullivan turns stories from his life into songs about childhood, travel, first love, break-ups and everything in between, and it all comes to life on-stage with his band The Sleepers. In 2024, he released his debut album ‘Separation Anxiety’, followed by an east coast Australian tour. He has shared stages with some of the country's finest artists including Julia Jacklin, Carla Geneve and Georgia Mulligan, illuminating late nights, lounge rooms and festival stages alike.

Luke O'Shea

Known for his storytelling and powerful live shows - Luke O’Shea has a unique, yet classic Australian sound. Greatly inspired by the humorous and the heartbreaking O'Shea proudly carries on the ancient tradition of singing-up country! A recipient of 17 Golden Guitars and recently inducted into the Galaxy of Stars for services to the Australian Music Industry, Luke O’Shea is a must-see festival favourite!

Margaret & Bill Winnett

After decades of Irish dancing together Margaret & Bill Winnett have an enormous repertoire of traditional Irish dances which they love to share at both workshops and Ceilithe (Irish social dances) including set dancing, ceili dancing and two hand Irish dances collected during their almost thirty visits to Ireland.

Mayfair Lane

Mayfair Lane is couple Rhys & Esther Duursma.

Since their debut album ‘Go Again’ launched they toured overseas across the UK and USA, lived in a van and added a new little band member. Audiences delight in their authentic songs and stories; with sweet harmonies, conversing guitars and intimate delivery.

Maypole with Molly

enjoy sharing music and dance with kids. Their interactive and energetic dance sessions encompass music from Mozart along with Austrian influences from accordionist Erika Cleaver (Molly). Adults are invited to join the kids to create intricate ribbon patterns around the maypole or play percussion. No experience needed!

Melissa Saunders & Little Cents

From blues to folk, country to soul, it's all about the lyrics. We believe in the power of song to move hearts. Serious guitar licks, whimsical uke, gospel keys and ticking time drums, mix it up and the little we know makes a lot of sense.

Men With Day Jobs

Lively KVFF favourites - strong originals, fine playing, harmonies, irrepressible humour. Veteran collaborators – albums, gigs, awards, backing legends, songs covered worldwide. Galloping gleefully across topics and genres, with passion for people and planet. They’ll stick in your head, lift your heart, move your feet. “They’ve got the lot!” (Humph Hall).

Michelle Cashman

Imagine Jason Isbell's introspection fused with folk storytelling and Americana grit. Michelle Cashman’s songs balance reverence and confession, calling listeners to find beauty in the broken. Marked by wreckage and survival yet woven with hope, her music is both refuge and reckoning. Her album Grace earned ABC Country’s Album of the Week.

Milumba Trio

Milumba means Shine in the Dhurga Language, one of the original languages spoken along the South Coast. 

Members of the Trio have performed up and down the coast for many years. Jannice Luland, lead vocalist, is a well-known singer-songwriter performing dynamic originals - country rock with smooth vocals and upbeat music.

Montgomery Church

Cielle Montgomery & James Church are multi-Golden Guitar and Australian Folk Award finalists, MONTGOMERY CHURCH. A blend of acoustic folk, Americana and bluegrass influences, grown and distilled in the Snowy Mountain ranges of NSW. With their organic union of dobro, guitar and harmony vocals, this magnetising duo and their brilliant band will captivate your soul with their thoughtful storytelling, longing harmonies and carefully intertwined instrumentation.

Mudjingaal Yangamba

is an Aboriginal Women's Choir weaving and revitalising our traditional South Coast languages (Dhurga & Dharawal) into story and music.
We have just finished recording four songs for international albums that will be released in October, around the time of this festival. The combination of international and regional artists makes this choir an amazing experience. We continue to gain followers throughout the years with invitations to perform across the state.

North and Elsewhere

Hazel and Roanna Law (North and Elsewhere) were raised on folk music and family harmonies, which remain at the core of their performance and songwriting style. Backed with acoustic and bass guitar; they sing of nature, childhood, the fast-paced and sometimes harsh world we live in, and the connectedness of all things.

Obsidian Bellydance

Obsidian is a lively bellydance troupe from Canberra, celebrated for their stunning costumes and captivating performances. With a fun mix of cheeky, colourful moves and a touch of mystery, their eclectic style shines. From voluminous skirts to fans and veils, swords, umbrellas and even LEDs, they always entertain and have become a beloved favourite at local festivals and events over the past decade.

Paul Greene

Paul Greene's music style is a fascinating fusion of Folk, blues, and rock, propelled by an exquisite voice and infectious melodies. Celebrating 25 years since the release of his first album, Paul has some interesting stories to tell and perspectives to share.

Peter Campbell

In a world craving authenticity, Peter Campbell's music cuts through the noise. This Australian singer-songwriter delivers emotionally charged indie-folk that speaks to the heart of our times. His songs, with their poignant lyrics and rich melodies, invite listeners to feel deeply and connect with shared human experiences.

Peter Mace Bush Poet

Peter is a performance bush poet and writer who has entertained audiences at most of the country’s major festivals and poetry competitions, including The Gympie Muster, Tamworth, Woodford, Port Fairy and The National Folk Festival.

He may have you laughing one minute and shedding a tear the next, but either way will be sure to entertain.

Peter's second CD, 'Australian Made', was a finalist at Tamworth’s Bush Laureate Awards, and he has recently published his first book, 'A Poetry Journey'.

Phil Inn Bush Poet

Phil Inn is my poetic name, given as such when trying to get a go. I do stand-up recitals of my original works and those of Lawson, Paterson and others. Some funny, some sad, but all interesting if you listen with your ears.

The Piper's Son

We are a local band of five young gents. Finn Lochrin - lead vocalist/acoustic guitar, Oliver Ellery - backup singer/banjo/electric guitar/mandolin, Lucas Johnson - piano, Anthony Kiznorbo - drums, Callum Spillane - bass guitar. Our style is modern folk performing original music. Recorded with Syd Green, our debut album is soon to be released.

Poets' Breakfast

come along and listen to some bush poetry at the Poets' Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning from 8am to 10.30am in the Wombat venue.

Allan Stone pictured.

Poet's Brawl

Geebungs vs Cuff & Collar. See Allan Stone to join a team.

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 hand crafted red cedar trophy for one year, a certificate and two weekend passes to come back and judge next year’s winner.

Robyn Sykes

Robyn Sykes is a Living Legend of Australian Poetry, inducted into the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame at Guyra in 2023. Her performance credits include Australian Champion Bush Poet and folk festivals such as Woodford (Qld) and the Nationals (ACT). Her poems appear in journals and anthologies inter/nationally and online.

Ron Callaghan and Band

Where country rhythm and blues collide, you will find Ron Callaghan, this unique indigenous singer songwriter from the South Coast of NSW knows just how to hold an audience in the palm of his hand with his well-crafted original songs about family, culture and everyday events.

Rufous Whistler

Rufous Whistler delivers electrifying, harmony-rich folk & alt-country that’s as cheeky as it is heartfelt. They blend raw storytelling with fiery musicianship, captivating audiences with soaring fiddle, driving rhythms, and rich harmonies. Expect high-energy, humour, and songs that hit home. The band is touring globally in 2025 to support their debut album "National Panic"

Sam Ellis

Sam Ellis is a young Indigenous solo artist from Moruya with a relaxed acoustic sound. She plays laid-back versions of crowd favourites along with a few of her own songs. Her music is simple, honest, and connected to where she’s from, sharing stories through stripped-back guitar and vocals that feel real and easy to listen to.

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, extravagant costumes reflecting this global mix. The set will include a blend of choreographed and improvised pieces including, fans, shawl, tambourine and sassy skirt.

Savoy Dance Swing Dancing

Savoy Dance Canberra is excited to bring swing dancing to the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival in 2025! Experience the joy of Lindy Hop and Charleston, the iconic dances of the Jazz Era. Join Cathie and Adam, two seasoned instructors with 20 years of experience, for fun and upbeat classes that prioritise your enjoyment - no partner needed!

Scott Cook and Liz Frensham

Scott Cook sings sturdy, straight-talking songs that see the good in you. Born in West Virginia and raised on the Canadian prairies, in 2007 he quit teaching kindergarten in Taiwan to become a full-time troubadour. On his eleventh Australian tour, he's bringing Liz Frencham and his eighth album 'Troubadourly Yours'.

Set In Their Ways

We are a lively fun-loving bunch of Irish Set dancers from Canberra who are keen to share the joy of Irish Set Dancing. So come along and enjoy learning with us at our combined display/workshop. Learn the figures and let the totally infectious rhythms of Irish music move you. You will love it too!

Speranza Starburner

Specialising in crystal ball contact juggling, LED/glow spinning and engaging clowning/audience participation. Speranza Starburner provides opportunities for the young and young at heart a safe space to learn and play through his shows and services.

Strumalong, Singalong, Playalong Session

All are welcome to join Rob, Jude, and Ray for a friendly and fun morning jam session. BYO instruments and voice; a new booklet of music is provided each day.

Tai Chi by Chris

Chris practises the original Yang style Tai chi that everything is copied from. Get your Qi flowing

Tall Rob and the Fairy

Tiny imps and young scallywags are invited on a tune-filled romp with the incorrigible Tall Rob and his stoic sidekick, the fairy. Sing, dance and play games, join in a joyous, juvenile jam session and frolic with fun-loving festival frivolity. Be part of the magic, music and possible mayhem!

Tom Woodward and the True Delusions

Tom Woodward is a folksinger, guitar picker and writer of strange but compelling songs. With folk rock'n'rollers, The True Delusions, he has been touring Australia through 2025, bringing both boogie, hilarity and wicked sounds to audiences from Tanja through to Castlemaine. Hailing from Canberra and having been sentenced to a wandering life by a sardonic and hilarious God, Woodward has been laughing, crying, and singing about it ever since.

Trilogy

Trilogy is made up of sisters Joy, Kathy and Robin Sharpe who hail from the Shoalhaven. They have been singing together all their lives and perform a wide range of music from celtic to country and from folk to 70s pop - all in signature three part harmony. Trilogy invites festival audiences to sing along and share the joy of music with them.

Tropical Strength and the Angels

Tropical Strength is an Art Rock band from the South Coast of NSW, led by brothers Alastair and Russell Webster. With a fluid lineup, they create experimental sound collages reflecting memories and the inner psyche. Their new record captures the unique dynamic developed during live performances since 'Zutti' was released.

Tug Dumbly

Tug Dumbly is a Nowra-born performance poet, singer and comic, who delivers high-energy poetry and song, mostly of a satirical and comic nature. Tug has performed extensively for 30 years, both in live venues and as a resident poet on ABC radio (Triple-J & ABC 702). His shows are accessible, funny and sure to entertain.

Vanessa Jade

Vanessa Jade, previously known for her work in Caliko, A-SIDES Club and Hot Spoke, is a South Coast singer-songwriter with an unforgettable voice. Now, stepping out on her own with a brand-new body of work recorded with Nash Chambers, she unveils her most personal and powerful music yet.

Wongawilli Colonial Dance & Southern Cross Bush Band

Experienced callers from Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club present a family-friendly bush dance suitable for beginners and dancers of all ages and levels. No partner needed. Foot-tapping music provided by Southern Cross and Friends. Come along and join in the fun!

Zoe Elliot

Zoe Elliot brings a vibrant ‘city folk’ vibe, excelling in storytelling and crafting heartfelt lyrics. She’s shared the stage with notable artists like Matt Corby and Dragon. With two EPs under her belt and accolades like the ASC overall prize and the 2GO Annual Acoustic Awards, Zoe is now a proud full-time mum on the South Coast, returning to the studio with songs inspired by the recent bushfires.