LINEUP 2024
is a Marramaran custodian living on southern Dharawal country. He will be reading from his children’s book titled ‘The Wizard and the Birdsong’ which intertwines cultural teachings with Eureopean Folklore.
bring you the pocket-sized version of the famous Spooky Men’s Chorale, with their pindrop beautiful vocal blend, and absurd humour. Come on their quest for the bone-rattling boofchord, and find out how everyone can sing like a bloke. You could miss them, but probably you shouldn’t.
loves to entertain and engage with audiences. He has performed Scottish folk music all over the world since 1975, in Scotland's Battlefield Band, a duo with Rob van Sante and now solo, forging in that time a reputation for his singing, keyboard work and for his traditional style songwriting.
Bendigo born singer songwriter and harpist Alana Conway has a voice that demands attention. Her soulful and powerful vocals combined with the angelic tones of the harp have captivated audiences Australia wide. Now residing in Sydney, Alana's highly anticipated original album is due for release end of 2024.
Twin sisters Alanna and Alicia are excited to return to Kangaroo Valley, launching their fifth album, ‘Heart Song Listen.’ Their songwriting, equal parts heart and humor, sparkles with an original intimate voice. Catch them sharing songs and stories from their beautiful new album and their stunning back catalogue. Performing with their highly talented band.
Take 2 fine mellifluous folk singers, add 2 top notch bluegrass players and press play! Antipodeans bring the joy of the folk song into full focus with best loved and wild sourced ballads and tunes to wrap around the songs. The First sighting of the Antipodeans was at the 2023 Cobargo folk festival and they are excited to develop this great lineup.. Nigel Lever- (our Illustrious leader) Mandolin, Octave mandolin ,Guitar, Vocals Rosie McDonald- Vocals, Guitar, Bouzouki Quentin Fraser-Dobro, Double Bass, Guitar, Vocals Anthony Woolcott- Vocals, Bodhran.
are an award-winning old time country duo based in Floyd County, Virginia. Featuring stirring harmonies and tastefully stylized playing on fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and guitars, their music evokes a golden era when old-time, bluegrass and country music shared a stage every Saturday night.
"Described as “a beacon of alt-folk-pop brilliance” (Skope Mag) and likened to a more country Seeker-Lover-Keeper, Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds are touted as “the sound of what folk music did next” (Dancing About Architecture). Their “charming melodies and lyrics brimming with heart” (Scenstr) combine with rich instrumentation to create a dynamic, memorable sound.
Bec Taylor, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, has recorded over a dozen studio records and performed at major festivals like Groovin’ The Moo and Woodford Folk Festival. Her latest project with the Lyrebirds showcases heartfelt songwriting with alt-folk-country influences, highlighted in their acclaimed album, 'Limbs & All'. Written while pregnant and nursing her firstborn, the album is infused with a sincere, motherly touch."
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.
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.
Fusing the traditional charm of English folk dance with a modern twist, "Blighty's Revenge" might just be the offspring of the Old Empire Band and the Commonwealth Public Service. Two skilled callers and a fabulous dance band invites you to experience a unique blend of newly composed dances and beloved favourites. Their English-accented Ceilidh vibe infuses contemporary energy into time-honoured traditions. Dance to the latest tunes from the UK dance scene while embracing the mandatory dose of madness and mayhem that defines Blighty's Revenge.
Bonnie Kay and the Sweet Patooties
Bonnie Kay and the Sweet Patooties are a 5-piece band of ladies playing sassy, bawdy blues and jazz from the 1920’s and 30’s and beyond plus some original music too. They will bring the fun with 4-part harmonies, horn lines, dynamite soloists and a red-hot rhythm section: It swings, it drives, it jives, it will knock your socks off!
There’s nothing much more to Bush Angels than heartfelt ditties. From the forest floor to the festival stage, the acoustic duo are bringing over a decades worth of songs about love, longing, and being in touch with nature.
2024 marks the 70th year of the Bush Music Club promoting Australian folk music, songs, dancing, poetry and yarns. As Australia's oldest continuously operating folk club, we love sharing collected tunes and songs with everyone. Come along and learn some new (old!) tunes/ songs and get some tips on how to play them.
Australia’s best known Australiana/Celtic band, have enthralled audiences nationwide with sold-out shows, featuring iconic bush classics, original tunes, and masterful Celtic instrumentals. Led by Dobe Newton and Roger Corbett their 53-year journey epitomizes their enduring musical legacy. Their 2023 appearance on 'The Voice' garnered 10,000 new social media followers.
The Butter Trackers are musicians who play traditional Irish sessions at various venues across Dharawal & Gundungurra country (Illawarra & Southern Highlands).
perform the great songs of Simon and Garfunkel. The Band have performed this concert at City Diggers and Illawarra Folk Festival. The Band have performed Irish Folk at Yass, Bundanoon, Kiama, Bulli, City Diggers, Centro CBD. Join these talented musicians performing the great songs of Paul Simon.
Carmen and Miranda are rare flamingos blown in by a roaring brouhaha.
Their cries are bilingual in Aussie and Flamenco. Their feet tap, skirts flap and they ruffle guitars. The folk of their homeland love rhythms you can't shake. Beware when you listen - you may sing in their wake.
They found themselves by an endless stream, where a she-oak revealed a captivating gleam. Produced by the sun, an illusion of light, a vortex of spirals, a wonderful sight. They were carried away to hither and yon, by the mysterious Casuarina Light Phenomenon.
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!
specialises in traditional music collected in Australia. Join one of their sessions in the bar. They will also be providing toe-tapping music for the Farewell Bush Dance on Sunday
Colin Towns with family band Ian and Sarah Bull, will encourage mayhem and self-expression to re-purpose well-known bush dances to bring fun, laughter, solace and community to the recent social and political traumas, such as the Voice, Covid, bush fires, soccer, Olympics and other sports. Join in this social bush dance for folk of all ages and experience.
An AFMA-nominated songwriter and inimitable poet, Daniel J Townsend has developed a reputation as one of Australia’s most engaging and inspiring folk performers. Townsend will be accompanied by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, Dave McNamara.
Indigenous band with Aboriginal lyrics, songs from Country and didgeridoo set to rock beats. Songs about wombats and world peace!
is a choir that "causes harmony to the environment", singing about the beauty of our world and the struggle to protect it from exploitation and degradation. We perform both serious and satirical songs carrying strong environmental messages. Our music aims to encourage positive change in people's thoughts and actions.
Flametree is made up of four multi-instumentalist folk musicians who play both traditional tunes as well as their own original compositions. Flametree’s signature is playing many of the tunes with a weaving harmony. Come and join Flametree for a participatory and enjoyable workshop on how they compose their harmonies.
“is simply the best folk/country musician working in this country…beyond writing some of the finest songs about Australians at war, he has created a repertoire that is wry, literate, witty, powerfully emotional and insightful.” (Bruce Elder, SMH). Fred and band will be playing songs from his rich back catalogue and his new show ’Domesticity’.
A touring veteran making his 15th trip to Australia, George sings songs that matter, from some of the greatest songwriters and from his own pen. Chock full of history, love and spirit, he helps keep these songs and stories alive. George is touring Australia in support of his new CD with Si Kahn, "Labor Day."
re a modern acoustic sensation that is making waves on the Australian folk scene. Dressed in vibrant suits, their high-energy performances are infectious, making them festival favourites everywhere they perform. Drawing inspiration from artists like Punch Brothers, Nickel Creek, and Mumford & Sons, the Inadequates are constantly pushing boundaries, splicing the intimacy of traditional acoustic music with the exhilarating energy of a modern rock ensemble.
Jim was born in Scotland, grew up in Melbourne and lived in England and Germany and has been back in Canberra for the last 20 years. He has integrated his Scottish heritage and his fluency in German into his songwriting and performance. He has played in folk clubs and festivals in England, Germany and Australia.
A singer-songwriter with a high energy acoustic vibe, JOCEAN is an emerging artist from Shellharbour. An Earth-Life-Nature-Lover- Protector-Creator, JOCEAN performs original acoustic music and songs where messages of faith and hope are infused with ideas of social justice and respect of life and planet. His debut EP “For the Fellowship of Life,” was released in December 2019.
Kangaroo Valley's favourite ceili band will be pumping out their enthusiastic up-tempo Irish dance music for the Irish set dancing ceili, plus dance displays and workshops.
Contemporary Australian folk music rooted in the Scottish and Irish traditions, Kejafi brings reimagined traditional tunes and songs with beautifully composed original material that keeps the living tradition of folk music alive and thriving.
The Kiki and Pascal show is the funniest love story of all time. The journey of this unlikely couple is wrapped around a show full of beautifully diverse skills, singing, juggling, contortion, interactive comedy, acrobatics and a surprise magical ending.
The Kiki and Pascal show is a rom-com stand up variety that is best watched sitting down, with outrageous interactive situations and genuine originality. BUT, as talented as they are, that is all secondary to how damn funny and entertaining the show is. Don’t miss it because everyone will be talking about it, but they won’t know how to explain it.
Come and experience the fun of Scottish Country Dancing! Experienced dance teacher Kira will take you through traditional and modern dances from Scotland, suitable for both newer and more experienced dancers alike. The brilliant tunes of Bob McInnes and Jane Ellis of Stringfiddle will have you smiling around the dancefloor.
are a three-part harmony country singing group from Sydney and Melbourne, backed by Spike Flynn on traditional picking guitar. Their love of harmonies developed through a capella singing and an affinity for the unaffected Appalachian music styles. Their repertoire includes nineteenth-century country gospel and traditional songs adapted by The Carter Family and Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, as well as more contemporary material.
Last year, 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.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Lucy Wise creates a rich, distinctive sound, drawing on acoustic, traditional folk, roots and pop influences. She sings about growing up, love of all kinds, city life, country towns, beaches and bushlands, her intricate guitar work providing a vibrant backdrop. This festival Lucy launches her new EP, Yearning.
Presenting a repertoire from early American Blues to the folk scene of the 60’s, this husband and wife duo blend beautiful harmonies with the accompaniment of finger picking genius (Mac), and ukulele, or Appalachian dulcimer (Mare). Their musical interplay is a treat for the senses.
Vocal adventurer, multi-instrumentalist and looping beatboxing songwriter Mal sings his brain provoking songs with guitar, mbira, slide trumpet, trombone and loopers. Kylie (who's played with Orchestra Victoria, Stevie Wonder and Barry White!) provides violin and voice in perfect balance to Mal's nutsness. Imagine Einstein, Dr Seuss and Paganini making pancakes.
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!
have immersed themselves in the tradition of Irish dancing for many years. They regularly travel to Ireland to attend the various summer schools then drive all over Ireland attending Ceilithe (social Irish dances) to dance with the locals. Their workshops are inclusive and fun, which is what Irish dancing is all about. Even beginners can take part in a very short time.
are Aussie Bush Champ poets. Their stand-up verse, Qld bulldust and just a bit of singing has taken them to the Edinburgh Fringe, 2 NZ tours and a stint in the US. Clean comedy, fun for kids, great show.
Mem Davis, from Wollongong NSW, embodies a captivating style that seamlessly intertwines country and folk influences with heartfelt sincerity. Her music resonates deeply with audiences, earning her widespread acclaim and recognition. A graduate of the CMAA Academy and top four finalist in the 2TM Discovered music competition, Mem's heartfelt melodies continue to enchant listeners nationwide.
With a lot of clown silly business, comedy magic (plus some real magic!), a naughty puppet monkey and some sing-along fun, children aged 4-7 will enjoy a 45-minute show followed by a 45-minute clowning workshop.
are a brother/sister duo hailing from Melbourne. What started off as a small side project for the pair (away from their main act Perch Creek,),has steadily gained momentum to become a solid outfit that Eileen and Lear are proud of. Mixing rock, folk, pop, and laden with strong harmonies, they have created a unique sound that compliments their dynamic personalities.
Carly Wilding and Kylie Morrigan are a folk-fusion duo based in bayside Naarm (Melbourne). They combine Carly’s theatre and music background and Kylie’s classical and contemporary musical background and merge into a slightly mystical, slightly Celtic, slightly gothic and unique blending of voice and multi-instrumentation with all original songs.
is an Aboriginal Women's Choir weaving and revitalizing our traditional Southcoast languages (Dhurga & Dharawal into story and music.
We have just finished recording four songs on international albums that will be released in October around the time of this festival. The combination of international and regional artist make this choir an amazing experience. We continue to gain followers throughout the years with invitations to perform across the state.
Nick Rheinberger's 'Gladys the Musical' Show
Friday Night of the festival.
A new musical journey about Gladys Berejikian, ‘The Woman Who Saved Australia’, chronicles the early life of Ms. Perfect, from her flawless leadership through two disasters, until her biggest disaster, Dodgy Daryl from Wagga Wagga. With music and lyrics by local ABC presenter Nick Rheinberger, Tia Wilson returns as Gladys in several colourful blazers. It’s got big rock numbers, epic ballads, Armenian matchmaking, tap dancing and even more musical press conferences.
The Other Noonans blend satire, parody, social justice and more with harmony and musicianship. Oh, and they're both blind so don't expect any dancing! What you can expect however is humour, banter, contemporary and trad folk combined with snarky originals covering everything from Guide Dogs to grandkids to wokeism!.
Penelope Swales and the Stranded Assets
Penelope's searing songwriting and soaring vocals are artfully underpinned by Mal Webb (Bass, vocals, beatbox, brass, looper) and Kylie Morrigan (Violin, vocals). With incisive social commentary delivered over infectious grooves, their award-winning material documents our quest for hope in an uncertain world and will leave you both satisfied and thoughtful.
is a Bush Poet who has won the prestigious Golden Damper Award at Tamworth on three occasions, awarded the Reciter of the Year at the National Folk Festival and was 2012 Australian Bush Poetry champion. Peter’s selection of traditional, contemporary and original material will have you laughing with delight one minute and maybe shedding a tear the next.
is my poetical name given as such when trying to get a go. I recite Henry Lawson, Banjo, Jim Grahame, A few funny ones, childrens bits, and my own work. I have been chosen to portray as Henry Lawson for the Gulgong Fest and gig in Sydney. I wrote my first poem in 1969 and enjoy being in front of a crowd, reciting stories of the time.
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.
Geebungs vs Cuff & Collar. See Allan Stone to join a team.
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.
Riley Catherall is a Singer-Songwriter based in Melbourne whose patient lyricism has not gone unnoticed. Riley has built a credible status as a one of Australia's most promising songwriters through his poetic sincerity and alluring live shows.
Having played the yidaki for over 12 years, I have had the privilege of running workshops in schools and community settings. In this workshop, I will cover my knowledge of the origins and cultural significance of the instrument, demonstrate basic mouth positions for creating a drone, and introduce the fundamentals of circular breathing. We will have experienced players joining us in the circle, offering a unique opportunity to hear from a variety of players and their unique styles. After the session, I invite you to come back for the jam session from 8pm at the Koori Tent putting your new learnt skills to practice. I look forward to sharing this unique experience with you, walawaani.
presents an intimate and soulful live music experience. Her distinctive voice and thought-provoking folk and indie-leaning arrangements wrap the listener up and invite them on a journey into the beauty, complexity & fragility of the human experience. With a sound that is distinctly Australian, her music traverses a wide terrain from deep pocket soul, mixed with heart warming, thought provoking folk sensibilities, to the occasional banjo driven hoedown singalong and a sprinkle of grungy angst rock.
is a multi-awarded poet and Living Legend of Australian Poetry. Her poems often involve nature, social justice, family and/or farming. She was inducted into the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame at Guyra in 2023. The dynamic performer lives, works and learns in Ngunnawal/Wiradjuri country, southwest NSW.
is a South Coast institution and has been playing his unique blend of blues, rock and country up and down the south coast for 30 years. He sings originals and covers with a unique vibrato singing style and raw rhythm guitar.
Ross Knight, originally from Young, NSW, a freshwater man, has found himself wandering the far south coast creating connection with his new-found love for saltwater country. Ross has been writing heartfelt music and feels blessed to be given the opportunity to sing his songs to various crowds in the region. As well as performing locally at events such as Giiyong, Candelo village festival and Cobargo folk festival, Ross has played on the Mornington Peninsula at Our Survival Day (OSD) and most recently at Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. Recently recorded, his Original track ‘Number’ has been released on Spotify and "this is the first of many to come," Ross says, as he begins his journey to the folk festival scene.
have performed at major festivals across the world. Having released 3 exciting albums, they've been described as the "Balkan Abba" for their catchy songs and glamorous show. Join a world of celebration as you sing along to and dance to Melbourne's most colourful festival band.
Saphire Tribal Bellydance Showcase
Dazzling swords, swirling skirts, colourful shawls, fans, and more – Sapphire Tribal presents a dynamic and colourful bellydance display. The style has its foundations in Middle-Eastern dance traditions but is strongly influenced by the beautiful folk dances of India, Africa and Spain. Colourful and elaborate costuming reflects this global mix.
A programme for youth musicians (about 8 – 18) experienced to beginners, bring your instruments, and come and have some fun learning Australian tunes and songs, or learn some percussion. Expert tutors will be there to help you no matter what level you play at. Music available or play by ear.
Depth of heart and sweetness of soul are two things that flow freely through the music of the beloved Australian folk singer, Sarah Humphreys. From delicate folk music to personal reveries, vibrant collaborations and rousing alt-country songs, Sarah has the ability to infuse it all with her innate sensitivity and an artisanal touch in the craft of songwriting. 'Australian folk nymph, Sarah Humphreys is as natural and honest as they come. Soulful and unpolished.' - Rolling Stone Magazine, 4 stars. '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 Canberra are absolutely thrilled to be at the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival for the second time in 2024! Swing Dancing is high energy, musical, creative, accessible, exhilarating, and most importantly, joyful!
We are a group of adult Irish Set dancers who dance for fun and often perform dance demonstrations and workshops for local festivals and community events. Based in Canberra we have been dancing together since 2008 and have a mixed repertoire of traditional and contemporary set dances, including a couple we have written ourselves. Our displays and workshops are fun and engaging and of course feature the infectious rhythms of Irish music.
Originating from a small, noisy bar in Redfern and expanding around Sydney, Shanty Club believes quite simply that everyone can sing... they’ve just forgotten how. Come and join in with songs of the sea. Sing a harmony. Make some noise. Forget the words. It’s group karaoke done loud and right!
A fledgling folk trio from NW lutruwita/Tasmania, Sparrowgrass combines 3 divine voices with a focus on happy harmonies and a range of acoustic instruments. Versatile and fun, with roots firmly in Celtic and Australian folk traditions, Sophie, Tessa and Alex first and foremost make music to please themselves. You will probably be pleased too!
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.
Chris practices the original Yang Tai Chi that everything is copied from. It does what Tai Chi is meant to do - get your Qi flowing.
One man band Tim Scanlan teams up with Mana Okubo from Japans ‘John John Festival’. Mixing ancient tunes and drones with modern beats and sounds. Music flies between Quebecois, Scottish, Irish, Breton and original tunes and songs, all powered by heavy foot percussion and a floor full of effects pedals.
Maurie Mulheron and a Small Circle of Friends (SCofF) present a reimagining of Bob Dylan’s early and arguably most important albums, The Times They Are a-Changin’. It was the first and last Dylan LP that was primarily concerned with social issues of the day. Few other albums of the time reflect the close alliance between the folk music revival and the emerging political movements of the 'sixties.
Maurie specialises in the songs of the ‘sixties folk revival, audience sing-alongs. He's written theatre and festival shows on Sis Cunningham, The Weavers, Phil Ochs, Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan.
Hailing from the Shoalhaven area Trilogy is made up of sisters Joy, Kathy and Robin Sharpe who share a lifetime of harmonising and performing in a wide variety of musical styles. This year Trilogy presents a Seekers Singalong concert with the audience invited to join in on a selection of their favourites from this iconic Australian band.
3 x CMAA ‘Golden Guitar’, 2 x Australian Folk Music and Music Victoria Award winners, The Weeping Willows (Laura Coates and Andrew Wrigglesworth) are a couple of old souls, steeped in Bluegrass tradition and draped in Gothic Americana imagery. They regale their audiences with stories of sunshine and romance, God and The Devil, murder and decay. Real music.
The Wild Women of Anywhere Beach
There could be no better place to celebrate contemporary Australian folk than a concert or workshop with The Wild Women of Anywhere Beach. With a suitcase full of original songs, they play evocative tunes, old favourites and invite audiences to laugh along with their lyrics and join in the choruses.
traditional and modern Welsh songs and some popular English language material. We are a mixed-voice SATB choir.
Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club
Experienced callers from Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club presents a family friendly bush dance session suitable for beginners & dancers of all ages. No partner needed. Foot tapping music provided by Southern Cross & Friends. Come along & join in the fun.
