2009 Illawarra Folk Festival
Artists A to Z - where and when
Alan Musgrove & His Watsaname Band
The Watsaname Band was formed in 2004 by collector and performer Alan Musgrove to present Australian Folk Music in all its many facets, from early transplanted British broadsides and convict ballads through to bush songs and early country influenced material. The band has a sound that just can’t be beat! Other members include larrikin fiddler Bob McInnes and concertina maestro Stuart Leslie.
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Anemone/Mignon
Anemone is Mignon Lee–Warden,
Ann Lehmann and Nicole Murphy. They have played at various folk clubs, International women’s
day concerts, rallys and parties. Three local performers who enjoy crossing styles with
their original folk world music style. Mignon released her first CD this year.
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Ann Vriend
Canadian singer–song writer Ann
Vriend exudes originality and flare comparable to the likes of Kate Bush, Regina Spektor,
and Sarah Slean. Ann’s double–entendre lyrics have likened her to Leonard Cohen
and Paul Simon. Her exquisite honest and heartbreaking voice is as much like Dolly Parton’s
as it is like Eva Cassidy’s, making both her albums and acclaimed international
performances a stunning experience.
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Anthony De Bolfo
Tony De Bolfo is a
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Arch Bishop
Arch returns to the stage as the
storyteller and poet he is loved for. His quirky Australian humour will bring a sparkle to
your face.
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Australian Phillipine Association Dancers
The APA dance group are members of
the Australian Philippine Associaion Illawarra. The performers have grown up together with
the APA performing various traditional Filipino dances that have many influences –
from Muslim to Spanish Colonial. Their eclectic dances tell stories of their history with
Tribal, Muslim, and Rural dances; and the celebration of life, love and country, All their
dances reflect our rich and colourful cultural heritage.
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Aviva Sheb’a
Aviva graduated from dance school in
1968 and has Ballet Jazz Flamenco National Character Afro–Cuban Improvisation
experience. She has worked in over twenty countries settings as diverse as Chorus Captain
with the Compagnia Italiana dOperetta, Vietnam war art galleries, Jazz clubs, TV film
cabaret, street, intimate and large theatre conferences and Rap Poetry evenings. Aviva is
the innovator of Vocal Dance a performance and teaching technique incorporating dance and
voice.
o FRI 11am The Shed
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Az–I–aM
Reclusive singer Chris Wilson returns
to the stage for a rare performance. She will be backed by Johnny Spillane, Bob McInnes
and Ray Marshall, some of the Illawarra’s finest musicians. It’s bound to be an
especial event and should not be missed. Expect folk to jazz and any where in between.
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Balyana
Balyana blends bluegrass Aussie bush
and country rock to deliver a fresh new style of acoustic music. Our music is informal,
lively, light and acoustic. Our music appeals to all ages. Balyana uses vocal harmonies
and a broad range of acoustic instruments including 6 and 12 string guitars, mandolin,
accordion, harmonica, banjo, fiddle, bass and Dobro.
o FRI 12mid Restaurant
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The Beez
The Beez (Rob Rayner, Deta Cordelia Rayner, Peter D’Elia and Juliane Schroeder) are a Berliner cabaretic rehabilitation centre for classic hits, east and west, where every pop patient is treated to a new lease of life and a sorely needed sense of humour. “All are exquisite singers, musicians and comedians whose specialty is incredibly sophisticated, hilarious, acoustic parodies of pop standards—as if Frank Zappa had done the musical arrangements and the guys from Spinal Tap had done the staging.” David Essig
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Bertie McMahon
Bertie McMahon is well known to kids
festival fans as one half of Gobsmacked. This time he’s out on his own with some of
the same whacky songs dances and fractured folk tales. There may be a few ghosties in the
show too so hang on to your hats!
o FRI 11.45am The Shed
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Bettina Schelker
Bettina Schelker has exploded onto
the English speaking music scene withe her new album ‘The Honeymoon is Over’,
produced by Chumbawamba Leeds
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Big Erle
Big Erle’s (Simon Leamon’s)
unique vocal technique draws influence from blues singers of the 30;s and 40’s. His
strong vocal overlays his fingerpicking slide/lapslide/acoustic guitar style, the driving
rhythm of Drewe Peard (bass) and beats of Pav the Russian. Big Erle has fostered his
interest in blues/folk themes developing a fusion between contemporary songwriting
technique and old world blues and folk traditions creating a unique and tempered style.
Big Erle tells the stories of
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Big Snore Hammers
Big Snore Hammers is 12 year old
Samuel De Santi’s dream band come to life. The band was originally assembled for the
18th Illawarra Folk Festival at Jamberoo in 2002 at Jamberoo when Sam was 5 years old.
Since then the band has performed at every Illawarra Folk Festivals since, 2 Woodford Folk
Festivals, National Folk Festival and Port Fairy Folk Festival! The band of musicians has
members of Wongawilli, Obrobini and friends playing an array of acoustic instruments
including violin, mandolin, guitar, accordion, piano, whistle and saxophone with drums and
African drums for high energy jigs, reels and polkas. Sam leads the band playing bodhran
fiddle and anything else he can bang.
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Bill Quinn
Bill Quinn has been working a
microphone for 16 years as a trivia quiz presenter, a corporate wedding festival and other
event MC and as a facilitator trainer and presenter in the world of the muggles. Bill
sings with Ecopella and any festival choir that will have him. Bill’s a professional
speaker and amateur singer and will offer a punters perspective, keen observation and
reflection rather than a scientific and technical approach.
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Black Joak Morris
Not the twenty effeminate blacksmiths
of Blackadder’s imagining. They are the upholders of the Australian Morris. Unlike
the team of convict dancers from rural
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Blackboard Concert
A chance to impress the audiences.
Arrive early to ensure a spot.
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o FRI 8.30pm Nag’s Lounge
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Blue Goose Band
In the late 1980s Whistling Goose,
one of
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Features Karen Lynne Australia’s
foremost female contemporary
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Borderline Kaylee
A group of young multi–talented
adults playing a mixture of tunes on a mixture of instruments that came together in late
2004. They are also a Ceilidh band experienced in playing for family dances performing a
mixture of Irish Scottish Welsh and Bush dances guaranteed to get your toes tapping and
your heart racing. Don’t worry if you don’t know the dances we call as we go! We
also do dance demonstrations including Irish Step and our own choreographed dances, plus
we sing a variety of songs in both English and Gaelic.
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o SAT 8.50pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Folkie Concert
Bowralhouse
First called The Bowral Blues Boys,
the new name was suggested by Brian Rapsey the Canadian blues harmonica player. It’s
a corruption of Barrelhouse, the old blues style abnd. John Hall from The Songcatchers has
spent a lifetime playing early country blues. Jason Winter also from The Songcatchers
drives the band with his upright bass Beryl! Brian Rapsey brings his extroverted blues
style to the band.
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Brett Robin Wood
Described as Charlie Chaplin meets
Leonard Cohen and The Michael Leunig of Singer Songwriters Brett Robin Wood is an artist
renowned for his spontaneity, humour and honesty in live performance. His original and
insightful songs strike a light in those hidden places revealing the ways of our heart,
the intricate maze of our thinking and expressing what it means to be human. His new album
Curious Dream was co–produced with Liz Frencham and Steve Vella at Dog and Bear
Studios and is available along with his first album Likely Stories
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Brian Bell
Bush and city poet making audiences
laugh and cry at the same time. Keep close attention or you will miss the triple and
quadruple entendres!
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Bush Music Club Hutt 44 Mob
Carrying on the reason the (real
original) Bushwhackers founded the Bush Music Club 51 years ago ... to let people know
that they can form their own bands ... and play their own Australian music and songs. The
group is made up of players from the Club’s regular Music Workshop at Hut 44 at
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Cameron Mather
Cameron 15 sings and plays Celtic
music. When performing songs he plays guitar, banjo and mandolin. Most Sundays Cameron
joins leading Irish band Claddagh at the Mercantile Hotel. He also occasionally joins
Green Jam at the Hero of Waterloo Blackwater at The Harp and Camden Valley Inn as well as
Hot Toddy and Finnegans Wake. Cameron loves joining Irish sessions around
o SAT 6.05pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Folkie Concert
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Canberra Contra Club presents folk
dance and music from the Appalachian Hills of New England, USA. The Club has a
collaborative approach to musicians and callers and is committed to sharing and
propagating the love of this energetic, smooth and flowing dance form.
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Charlie McMahon
Charlie McMahon is generally regarded
as one of the world’s top exponents of the Didjeridu. He’s performed
internationally with artists including Ted Egan and Midnight Oil.
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Chloe and Jason Roweth
Chloe and Jason Roweth 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, Chloe
and Jason present a striking mix of strong original songs, 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.
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Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance Troupe
Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance Troupe
specializes in a variety of the folkloric dance traditions of the
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Claudia Aphrodite
Local 14 year old singer songwriter,
Claudia, writes original songs in her bedroom and loves to come out and play them for you.
Often likened to Joni Mitchell.
o FRI 4.30pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Concert
o SAT 7.45pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Folkie Concert
Combined Union Choirs
Illawarra Union Singers the Sydney
Trade Union Choir and the Newcastle Peoples Chorus all sing songs of struggle peace and
the environment. Each Choir sings at rallies, concerts, Folk Festivals and Labour Council
events.
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Coolfinn Mac
Pam and Norm Merrigan have been
playing traditional music for over 25 years in a variety of bands which have included
performances at festivals as diverse as the National Port Fairy and the Tamworth Country
Music Festival. Coolfinn Mac is their latest incarnation with a repertoire that mixes
Irish and Australian music original material and music from the Celtic nations. With
instrumentation including fiddle accordion whistle bouzouki guitar bass keyboard and
bodhran the result is an exciting fusion of past and present ‘traditional’ music
with a contemporary edge.
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David Beniuk
Back after three years of parental
leave,
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David De Santi
David, the Festival Director, has
been sharing tunes since his interest in folk music began in 1984. You can also see him in
Wongawilli, Zumpa, The Viaggiatori and with John Broomhall.
o FRI 12mid Grandstand Bar – Quirky Tunes
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David Meyers
David Meyers is a singer/songwriter,
bush poet and an historian. He plays guitar and sings traditional and original Australian
folk songs. He has performed extensively in the ACT and surrounding regions. In his ‘quieter’
moments, he plays bongos for a Bungendore group and is a founding member of
o FRI 8.30am Show Pavilion – Poets Breakfast
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Denizen
Tim Kendell, Johnny Spillane and
Miffy Ryan, as Denizen, transport you to the fun and energy of the classic Australian
weekend Irish Pub feeling! Classic folk songs mixed in with Celtic favourites and a few
contemporary ones as well. The more you drink the better they will sound.
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Dennis McKay
Dennis loves the old songs. He
recently took up the auto–harp and is loving it!
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Di Khupe Heybners
Di Khupe Heybners (The Roof Raisers)
are
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Drumming Session
Enjoy the ambience of the forest and
a communal drumming space and experience. Hosted by Elemental Groove.
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Duelling Fiddles
Duelling Fiddles is a newly formed
duo of local teenagers who have been performing for a number of years. Their members are
Paddy Kelly who has played in two previous folk festivals and Kieran Hoyle who is playing
for the first time in this festival.
o SAT 5.45pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Folkie Concert
Duncan Chalmers
A singer of great songs a voice not
to be missed. Ably supported by gently guitar.
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Ecopella
Ecopella is an environmental choir
that sings original compositions and arrangements about the fragile beauty of our world
and the struggle to protect it from exploitation and destruction. It gives activists and
audiences an opportunity to enjoy a high standard of a cappella music and alternates
between playful light–hearted satire and paying solemn attention to topical issues.
Ecopellas music has a firm foundation in the songs written by Australian and international
folk artists but is also influences by the classical and jazz traditions. Founded in
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The Ellis Collective
If Bloke Folk were a genre The Ellis
Collective would be it. Traditional acoustic folk sensibilities with contemporary stylings
– simple and unpretentious tales of an ordinary Aussie male masking a broken heart
with big talk a cold tinnie and a smoke. If you follow the trail of breakfast beers, black
coffee, cigarettes, broken teeth, busted dreams, confessionals apologies, simple tunes and
soft harmonies it will take you to the place where they make music. The Ellis Collective
is probably one of the finest groups to ever come out of
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Emma Hannah
Emma became very involved in the
flourishing Folk movement of the ‘60s after early classical training. Appearing on a
variety of TV shows she made regular appearances on Gary Shearston’s ‘Just Folk’
TV Show during the mid 60s. Then in the early 1970s along with Ricky and Tammy she became
a regular on John Williamson’s popular ‘Travelllin’ Out West’ TV
series, further enhancing her national profile. Later on she made many appearances on
‘Reg Lindsay’s Country Homestead’. Since that time Emma has continued to
travel widely, appearing at a variety of venues right across
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Fergusson
Fergusson Elliott is a solo artist
specialising in acoustic original music that is heavily influenced by the folk genre. A
one time member of the popular Australian folk outfit The Creel Fergusson has previously
played at most of the major folk festivals in the country. More recently Fergusson has
begun building up a following with the new material and has performed to great applause at
the Winter Magic Festival and
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Festival Finale
This will be the first finale since
Jamberoo and will bridge musical waters. Participants include Nick Rheinberger as MC and
ukulele, Mic Conway, Mike Jackson, Kavisha Mazzella, Zumpa, Wongawilli, Tribal Jewels,
drummers, singers, and many more... Created and coordinated by Mahri Autumn (aka Marianthe
Loucataris).
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Five Leaves Left
Folk group Five Leaves Left have been
making a name for themselves in the
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Garida
In February 2008, four very talented
musicians and friends from
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Geoffrey W Graham
Geoffrey W Graham is a theatrical
entertainer folk comic bush poet and Banjo Paterson impersonator. He packages his one–man
shows like The Man from Ironbark combining bush poetry comedy and music into an Aussie
experience; You can expect a yarn, a poem (traditional or original), a song or an iconic
item from his bag of tricks even whip cracking as long as its Australian. He claims a
passion to inspire audiences to appreciate the humour depth and historical integrity of
Australian verse and music. Provides entertainment for schools festivals and the corporate
sector
o FRI 11.30am Show Pavilion
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Graham Moore
Graham Moore is a singer/song writer
and writer of historical folk musicals. Accompanying himself with strong guitar style or
English baritone concertina he has earned a reputation for quality performance at major
festivals and folk venues throughout the country singing his own songs together with a
wide range of traditional and contemporary material. From his anthemic ‘Tolpuddle Man’
to the percussive ‘Tom Paine’s Bones’ his songs have been enthusiastically
adopted by the folk community and have been recorded by the likes of Dick Gaughan Roy
Bailey Mick Ryan etc.
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Greg North
Discovered in the
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Handsome Young Strangers
Formed in Sydney’s inner west in
late 2004, The Handsome Young Strangers (HYS) are a seven piece from Sydney who exploded
onto the live scene in 2005 with their brand of colonial, bush rock madness. They sing
tunes about bushrangers, shearing, droving, convict hardship, sports heroes, war veterans
and other iconic Australians .... and all delivered with the intensity of a runaway victa
lawnmower! HYS take their influences from such revered Australian acts as: The
Bushwackers, Redgum, Roaring Jack and Weddings Parties Anything whilst displaying an
originality that shines through in their own songs.
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o FRI 12mid Heritage Hotel
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Haven Harmonicas
Harmonica Group meets Friday Nights
in Nowra. There are about 25 participants, though not all perform on stage.The group has
been going for 10 years performing in venues such as Nursing Homes,
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Heather Mandich and The
Heather Mandich is a seasoned
vocalist and mandolin picker whose honest delivery will take you to foot stomping thigh
slapping bluegrass highs and move you to tears with songs of lost love and gospel
redemption.
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High Fidelity
High Fidelity is a dynamic
instrumental trio from the Illawarra area of
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Hoddle
Peter Woodley, Kevin and Jacqui
Bradley have been playing music together as Hoddle for the past two years, having evolved
from a duo of Kevin and Jacqui and a long line of sessions. Kevin Bradley, guitars,
mandolin and vocals, has been playing folk music for nearly thirty years, and has a deep
knowledge of the Australian folk music collections. Peter Woodley is flute player who has
been playing Irish music since the late 1970s. He performed with the High Notes. Jacqui
Bradley sings and plays fiddle and won the Chris Wendt award in 2005.
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Jane Aubourg
If you heard Jane with your eyes
closed you would think you were listening to an energetic young string ensemble playing
alternative style folk that just blows your mind. If you opened your eyes however you
would think she is so much cooler for the fact that she is going solo. Come and see the
magic that can happen on just one electric violin.
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o FRI 5.30pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Concert
o SAT 7.05pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Folkie Concert
Jane Scott
Quiet, gutsy and steeped in humanity
there’s nothing plain about Jane’s verse. A performance poet who sets you
thinking, she writes about the real world, about people, politics and going to the pub,
about city life and human foibles.
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Jarrah Reay
Jarrah 12 string guitar is never far
from hand as he spends his days exploring the coasts in his beloved Kombi and chilling
with mates. And his music reflects this his laid back Indy style showing his love for the
beach and the road. His unique fingerpicking style is complemented by his rough vocals.
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o FRI 5pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Concert
o SAT 6.25pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Folkie Concert
John Broomhall, Jjohn Spillane & David De Santi
Singer songwriter John Broomhall
originally hails from Broken Hill but has lived in the Illawarra enough years to become a
local. Many of his compositions are based on his intensely personal recollections of his
childhood and his love of the desert landscape of Broken Hill. In contrast he spent the
last few years as the resident bard on the sailing ship The Bounty moored in
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John Dengate
John Dengate is
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Kai Fech
Captivating and hypnotic these are
the sounds of a culture steeped in magic ritual and a strong spirituality. They’re
the sounds that bring people together that celebrate, commemorate and rejoice. They’re
the sounds that have sophisticated a world of music from jazz to RnB to pop. And they’re
the sounds that Pape Mbaye has made since childhood. Pape was born into the special Griot
cast, creative leaders and pioneers who are also the guardians of their culture’s
oral history and artistic traditions. Seven years ago he left Senegal West Africa to make
a new home in
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Kalalaya Dance Group
Kalalaya Dance group have been
dancing on stage in
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Kavisha Mazzella and Irine Vela
Kavisha Mazzella is a musician and
singer unafraid to cross musical boundaries and create community experiences in her shows.
Together with fellow string musician guru Irine Vela she makes passionate life–affirming
music which is an energetic fusion of Italian folk traditions with Country Celtic Gypsy
and folk and her own original music. She has given workshops in
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Kazband
Kazband performs original and
traditional tunes in the style of Eastern European dance traditions. Expect to be immersed
with the infectious flavours of Klezmer and Gypsy music; full of toe–tapping
goodness!
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o SUN 12mid Heritage Hotel
Keith McKenry
Keith McKenry is one of
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o SUN 12mid Black Diamond Marquee
Kim Churchill
Kim’s a great young guitarist
and in a country with so many great young guitarists it’s his ability to create new
techniques and sounds from the instrument that stands out and will ultimately carry him to
leaving his stamp on the Australia guitar scene.’ Lloyd Spiegel, former Australian
Ambassador of Blues Premier Endorsee, Cole Clark guitars said ‘His guitar technique
is gob–smacking and his style reminiscent of Xavier Rudd/ John Butler with blistering
licks and very groovy melodies he really must be seen to be believed’.
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o FRI 7pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Concert – Friday
Len Neary
Len has been a member of the Roaring
Forties several earlier bush bands and the trio Kerfuffle as well as many solo spots. He
likes the audience to join him on chorus songs. As this happens a lot at Illawarra
Festivals, this remains his favourite festival. He also sings some quiet songs. His songs
include shanties, bush songs and Irish songs.
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o SUN 17.40 – Show Pavilion – Politics of the Song
Lilli Pilli
Lilli Pilli is a professional
storyteller bringing stories from around the world to you. Sit back and travel the globe
as she tells stories in Spanish and English. Enjoy the music, the puppets, the tales and
time together.
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Lime and Steel
Lime and Steel add Irish whistle
tunes and bluegrass banjo to a large bag of original folk songs and shake the whole lot
together to rousing effect. With three songs shortlisted in this years Australian
Songwriting Contest this is a band that should not be missed. Ben Scott (creator of the
Sydney Cove Project) and long term musical collaborator vocalist Kate Bain combine with
whistle/banjo player Paddy Connor in this versatile group with roots in the Irish sessions
of the Blue Mountains NSW.
o SAT 2.45pm Nag’s Lounge,
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Lonnie Martin and Helen Rowe
Lonnie Martin and Helen Rowe love to
sing. In kitchens, in cars, in sessions and on stage, but especially with friends. They
grab every opportunity to sing and play, from blues to gospel even a little rock; while
remaining earthed in the folk tradition.
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Love In The Jungle
Love in the Jungle is a locally
produced celebration of Salt laced acoustic folk boosted with a twist of world percussion
and authentic Aussie indigenous sounds. Features the amazing Matt ‘the skin’
Jollo on Congas from
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The Lurkers
Mithra Cox Martin Cubby and Nik
Mueller are political rabble rousers who sing original and second hand folk songs about
work life and political strife on banjo mandolin guitar and double bass. Join the Lurkers
for music that will make you sing, shout, slap your partners thigh and disrespect the
sheriff.
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Mahri Autumn and The Chameleon Collective
With world percussion as the
foundation Mahri Autumn and The Chameleon Collective’s amorphous creativity ranges
from traditional Egyptian style percussion through lush accordian instrumentals to
acoustic world funk. The band features Marianthe Loucataris (aka Manthy) on vocals
percussion accordian and guitar Pedro Altuna on percussion Annalise Friend (aka Slapsista)
on Spanish box drum vocals and spoken word and Henry Lauer on six string bass.
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Marcus Sturrock
Skill and passion weaving eclectic
heartfelt tunes and songs from Celtic to Funk, Middle Eastern and more. Marcus sometimes
uses one hand to play melodies or chords, his other hand simultaneously creates drum tones
ond rhythms on the guitar body. Robin Lumley (Keyboard player for Pink Floyd David Bowie
Phil Collins and Moody Blues. ‘Marcus has forged a truly unique sound from the
acoustic guitar. Melody harmony and in your face rhythm on the one instrument. Astounding.’
Tony McManus
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Margaret Bradford
Margaret has gained a strong
following in the live music scene around
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Mariko McConnell
Mariko honed her skills performing to
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lMark Wilkinson
Mark Wilkinson is captivating an ever–increasing
number of fans lucky enough to have been turned on to the singer and his songs. Many of
these have made their discovery watching Mark share stages with some of
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Mendala
Mendala began as a bunch of local
songwriters and performers strongly believing life began at forty and playing with
Illawarra Songsmiths.We enjoyed writing and performing our songs for community events such
as the opening of the Bulli Markets and decided to go wider and play in venues like Ryan’s
Hotel, Helensburgh Workies and the Illawarra Folk Club at the Diggers. Mixing harmonica,
guitar and vocal harmonies backed up with djembe bass and banjo has brought them great
enjoyment.
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Mic Conway
ARIA award winning Mic Conway is an
actor, singer, musician, song writer, fire eater, magician, tap dancer, juggler, latex
mask maker, props builder and puppeteer. Mic was born into a family of vaudeville theatre
and opera. In the 1970s, together with his brother Jim Conway, Mic founded the Captain
Matchbox Whoopee Band. To their surprise it became a cult phenomenon, recording seven
records, two of which achieved gold status. Mic also joined the legendary Pram Factory
Theatre in
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Michael–John Azzopardi
Described as an ‘Esoteric genius
with a penchant for intricate acoustic masterpieces’ (Guitarist Australia) and a
performer who will ‘blow your mind’ (Revolver). Michael–John Azzopardi is a
masterful guitarist with a richly textured voice. His music draws on Celtic and Eastern
folk blues roots and alternative styles.
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o SUN 12mid Show Pavilion
Mick Thomas
At a glance the schedule for twelve
months of Mick’s professional life could seem an unholy mess. There may be a season
of The Tank (the theatre show he wrote with his brother), into a solo tour of Europe or
North America, studio production work, soundtrack work, not to mention his obligations to
Croxton Records or gigs with his fine band The Sure Thing. Hell – Weddings, Parties,
Anything might even do the odd show or three these days. But somehow it all seems to come
together for the very reason that at the centre of it all lies a simple regard for music
– for the performing of it, the nurturing of its potential and the simple human
virtues of playing it along side other equally enthused people.
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Mike Jackson
Mike Jackson is one of
o FRI 9.30am The Shed
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Mitch Smith
Mitch Smith, whistle Jehadist, has
been distributing “cultural pipe bombs” (aka whistles) around
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Mothers of Intention
Mothers of Intention, winners of the
2008 MusicOz awards, are a dynamic four piece acoustic band, reinterpreting the classic
Celtic and modern day folk songs and tunes. Lush three part vocal harmony, driving rhythm
guitar, fiery yet soulful fiddle, lilting whistles and the steady bodhran heartbeat define
the Mothers sound.
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Murrumbidgee Jones sings songs
displaying a unique and sometimes humourous vision of contemporary life in
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Nautilus Sound
Nautilus Sound is a DJ performance
group that has been performing around the Illawarra and Sydney for the past 6 years. They
are Darian Turner and Andy O’Phee. They specialise in world music including Gypsy,
Arabic, African and Indigenous music.
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Nerds and Music
The Nerds’ style could best be
described as folk–comedy. Performing almost entirely original songs, Nerds and Music
aim to reveal the semiotic truths behind everyday existence by forensically dissecting
subjects such as mowing the lawn, eating habits and the colour brown.
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o SAT 12.45pm Nag’s Lounge
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Nick and Liesl
Two unique voices flowing harmonies
and captivating songs seem to bring Nick and Liesl a loving reception wherever they go.
Their distinctive sound is the coming together of two singer/songwriters with influences
ranging from Nick’s love of Cat Stevens and James Taylor to Liesl’s classical
songbooks and the local folk music of her childhood home
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Nick Rheinberger
Nick Rheinberger is allegedly a local
radio personality and comedy writer who haunts Folk Festivals and pub stages in his spare
time. He’s a former professional busker with the ‘Pickled Herrings’ and
children’s entertainer with the ‘Three Men in a Tub’. At festivals he often
appears with his band, as a solo artist, a comedy performer, poet and children’s
entertainer. He’s also started a tradition of the ‘Big Blues Jam’ at
festivals. Catch him before he dies of exhaustion.
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No Such Thing
No Such Thing is a group of musicians
who, under the leadership of well known collector Alan Musgrove, play collected Australian
dance tunes. The unusual name came about after a Scottish musician commented that “there
is no such thing as Australian dance music”. The band recreates the authentic feel of
the old time dance bands and will soon get your feet tapping. They a favourite of the
dancing fraternity, playing monthly at Wongawilli and other dances.
o SAT 6pm Global Green – Afternoon Tea Dance
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NSW Railway Band
The NSW Railway Band was established
in 1896 and is arguably the oldest service band in
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Once Upon a Song
Once Upon A Song is an interactive
music and storytelling experience for young children. Featuring internationally renowned
storyteller Anna Jarrett and versatile musician Ann Lehmann along with young talents 11
year old Sam De Santi and 14 year old Amelia Gibson the group take an original approach to
nursery rhymes and the stories behind them. Captivating both kids and their parents, Once
Upon a Song play with a diversity of story infused vocals bouzouki guitar fiddle and
percussion. Their quirky performance is a blend of musical styles from tango to jazz,
Aussie country, bluegrass to offbeat Tom Waites style Ogre songs.
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o SAT 12mid The Shed
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Penny Hartgerink
Penny makes a living out of
performing around the
o FRI 7.30pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Concert
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Peter Miller
Fingerstyle guitarist Peter Miller is
a player that has been described as similar to the style of Phil Keaggy, Bruce Cockburn
and many of the players from the Windham Hill label that brought us such greats as like
Michael Hedges and Will Ackerman. His playing has a tasteful use of space, without being
underplayed. His live performances are a mixture of solo and layered guitar pieces using a
loopstation (JamMan) to build layers.
o FRI 10.30am Show Pavilion,
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Phil Edgeley
Phil Edgeley loves playing guitar and
singing his songs and now couldn’t imagine his life without it. His songs are direct
and stripped bare to reveal the plain truths as he see’s them, studies and
observations that are both incisive, sensitive and lyrical. Phil draws on experiences from
a lifetime or two he had before he came to the music.
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Pilgrims
We are a local trio who have a long
history behind us in playing all types of music. We are now trying to play a lot of our
own songs as well as some well known favourites. We try to mix a little bit of the quiet
ballads with a little faster jigs etc.
o SUN 2.15pm Restaurant
The Poi Pixies
Delphina, Tarryn and Nina are the Poi
Pixies. These three have been fire twirling together for three years with a local fire
twirling group at Fairy Bower beach. These three Poi dancers perform contemporary
choreographed dances with LED glow Pois. They have taken their inspiration from the
traditional Maori Poi dancers and all the beautiful fire twirlers they have met. The Poi
Pixies have performed at the Illawarra Folk Festival, the St Albans Folk Festival and the
Turning Wave festival. The Poi Pixies regularly perform at Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge
and busk at Chatswood and Circular quay.
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o SAT 7.25pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Folkie Concert
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The 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.
o FRI 10.15am The Shed
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Queen Juanita and the Zydeco Cowboys
Queen Juanita and the Zydeco Cowboys
is a zydeco swing dance band featuring Queen Juanita on vocals and piano accordion and Dr
Zot on guitar. This band looks like its stepped right out of the 1950s with rockabilly
fashions upright bass hot rhythms and a dangerously danceable attitude. Queen Juanita and
her band celebrate the exquisite melting pot of sounds of
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The Reality Project
Singer songwriter Mark Richardson on
acoustic guitar and vocal and Andrew Hilton on electic bass guitar. Playing together for 1
year. Various other involvements seperately.
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o SUN 12.50pm Nag’s Lounge
Rebecca Moore
Rebecca is a gifted songwriter with
ability to transport audiences on an emotional and metaphorical journey. She has been
compared to Tracey Chapman, Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell and Sarah McLachlan; however she
maintains a distinct individuality and an awesome creative presence. Rebecca has supported
some of
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o SAT 1.45pm Nag’s Lounge
Replay
Replay has performed at every
Illawarra Folk Festival since 2004 which is quite a feat as they are only aged from 10 to
15. Between them they play fiddles, viola, mandolin, cello, double bass, whistles, bodhran
and guitar; soon their parents will need a truck just to move the instruments! These are
talented young musicians who write and arrange much of their own music. Expect a bit of
Celtic a bit of gypsy and maybe a song or two but just don’t call them cute!
o FRI 6.30pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Concert
o SAT 8.10pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Folkie Concert
Russell Hannah
Russell has been the anchor man of
the Folk Club and the Festival since its inception. Russell is the traditional default MC,
publicity guru, stalwart of the workers, councillor extraordinaire, upholder of the
environment, brunt of large jokes, tripe connoisseur, tormentor of accordion players and
generally all round good bloke. If you run out of drinking partners, look for Russell who
will gladly share a drink and a good yarn.
o SAT 12mid Grandstand Bar – Woolly Yarn Spinning Competition
S.T.R.U.M.
S.T.R.U.M. Strange Tropical Ukulele
Moments was formed in 2007 with a dedication toward fine uplifting songs and instrumentals
based around the ukulele. Founding member Anthony ‘Juke’ Leonard has been
playing the ukulele since his days with Yasmin and the Tealeaves, a popular cult band from
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Scarlett Affection
After touring to the States and
Canada last year and releasing their debut record Our Sweet Ambush, a TRAX Touring Grant
Festival, appearances a swag of live to air ABC radio performances live shows lighting up
the East Coast reviews and national press and a prestigious Songwriting Award from the
Great American Song Contest – Scarlett Affection are a radiant new act. Harmonies and
sparkling folk pop songs with sass and soul. Bangalow sisters Melia and Nerida create a
fabulous and frivolous live show complete with haunting melodies a theatrical stage
presence and affecting choruses that hook into your heart.
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Senor Cabrales
A multi–instrumental group who
play traditional music mostly from the northern Spanish Principality of Asturias. For many
years the members have shared an interest in collected Australian music Irish and Scottish
tunes jazz and jug band music as well as for red wine strong cheese and late night
sessions. All this inevitably drew them to play the spirited and passionate music of
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Shabnam
Australian singer–songwriter
Shabnam has sung with various groups and bands over many years including on tour
throughout
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Shannon Evans
Acoustic blues, folk with a hint of
reggae. After a year traveling overseas in thrid world countries,
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Shimmy N Sheik Belly Dance Co
Shimmy n Sheik Belly Dance Co are a
local Belly Dance School run by teacher/ performer Julie Abela. They have 2 performing
troupes; The Sheik Charmers and The Sheik it Babies. Classes are held in Corrimal and
cover beginners right through to performance level.
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Skorba
SKORBA perform music inspired by the
Neolithic temples of
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Southern
Southern Crane Martial Arts practice
the Chinese traditional southern style Lion Dance. The lion is traditionally regarded as a
guardian creature. Chinese lion dances can be broadly categorised into two styles.
Northern and Southern. Southern dance is more symbolic. It is usually performed as a
ceremony to exorcise evil spirits and to summon luck and fortune. The southern lion
exhibits a wide variety of colour and has a distinctive head with large eyes a mirror on
the forehead and a single horn at center of the head. The lion dance also symbolises the
myth of the Chinese new year.
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Sydney Irish Ceili dancers
The Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers
delight their audiences with their wonderful displays of traditional Irish dancing. Their
exacting performances incorporate music song and dance including solo step dancing as well
as the energetic ceili dancing and very sociable set dancing.
o FRI 9.15pm Global Green – Irish Ceili Dance
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Tabla (of Ghawazee Moon Bellydance)
Tabla Bellydance dwell in the beat of
the drum. Tabla’s style is described as ‘urban folk’ – Egyptian Gypsy
layered over the playful accents, liquid taqsim and the fast and feisty drum of folkloric
baladi as well as high energy modern baladi–fusion. Firmly grounded in traditional
folkloric bellydance Tabla’s energetic and original choreographies revel in the proud
earthy and provocative spirit of the Ghawazee. Experienced as both performers and
teachers, the Tabla troupe creates electric performances and joyful workshops. Their 2008–2009
red hot folk tour is a vibrant and entertaining experience.
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Talla Tango
Erika Mordek leads the dancers and
has been dancing Argentine Tango for about 5 years, and after a brief spell in
o FRI 8pm Global Green – Tango Time
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Tamnesia
Tamnesia describes their sound as
Swamp Gospel. Covering old timey church blues and gospel from the turn of the century to
the present. Interesting mix of guitar and dobro steel for that real swamp feeling.
Wonderful vocal arrangements not to be missed.
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o SAT 12mid Slacky Flat Bar
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Terry Fielding
Terry Fielding, a Balmain boy,
originally spent some of the sixties in the Illawarra region where he teamed up with
another young songwriter, Fred Dyer, and formed the duo FIELDING AND DYER who became very
successful as a songwriting and performing act. Firstly winning
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Tim Hoevenagel
Tim has been playing music
professionally for over 26 years when he began performing in his native
o SAT 3.45pm Nag’s Lounge
o SUN 12mid – Nag’s Lounge
Tracey Bunn
There is far more to former Toe
Sucking Cowgirl Tracey Bunn than the girl who is more than a match for any pub audience.
However much she may try to play it down and convince us that she’s just a ‘girl
and a guitar having a great time’, her honest heartfelt songs convict her of the
heinous crime of being a fine writer, observer and teller of tales. She is a woman who
demands we listen and then delivers.’ MAVERICK MagazineUK
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The Transylvaniacs
After years of sitting beside their
inspirors in small rooms or wedding tents across
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Tribal Jewels
Tribal Jewels dance troupe is made up
of professional and advanced members from Jewels of the Harem Bellydance Studio based in
the Wollongong CBD. This fusion style Belly dance originated in the
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Vardos
Driven by Alana’s wild violin,
chased by
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o SAT 12mid Heritage Hotel
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Vento del Sud
Vento del Sud is a traditional folk
group performing Villanelles tammurriates and tarantellas from the south of
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The Viaggiatori
Formed to perform the live music to
the Italian silent film – Dall’ Italia All’ Australia – Kavisha
Mazzella, Irine Vela, Mark Holder–Keeping and David De Santi weave an Italian folk
music tapestry. They have performed as the Film band at the National Folk Festival,
Brunswick Music Festival and in
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Vic Chapman
Vic is a local Aboriginal elder and
will be officially opening the festival on behalf of the original land owners. Vic was
also the first Aboriginal School Principal in NSW and his son, John, was a great supporter
of the Illawarra Folk Club.
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Vivienne Sawyer
Vivienne is from a family of yarn
spinners politicians and other lovable and sometimes unlovable larrikins. She began
writing poetry at an early age and has been performing her own style of Bush Poetry for
about 20 years. She has won a total of 15 awards in Poetry and Yarn spinning competitions
including the Reciters Award at the National Folk Festival in
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Wendy Regan
Wendy Regan is a local professional
circus and community artist with a keen hobby interest in folk music. She has worked for
many companies and festivals all through
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Whistler
Whistler are a 3 piece folk band who
have been playing together for 3 years. Together Julian, Rachael and Rob attempt to create
a modern folk sound whilst maintaining traditional influences.
o FRI 6pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Concert
o SAT 6.45pm Nag’s Lounge – Youth Folkie Concert
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The Whitetop Mountaineers
Martha Spencer and Jackson Cunningham
are from the highest mountains in
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Wongawilli
Wongawilli have been fine ambassadors
for distinctive folk music and dance rooted in a rich Australian tradition since 1987. The
lineup has changed with the band now Graeme Murray, Reg Murray, Tania De Santi, Samuel De
Santi, David De Santi, Tim Kendell, Johnny Spillane and Miffy Ryan. They have carried
their songs and music all around the world. They have a new CD, their 7th called
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The Ya–Yas
Baz and Trev have performed together
for many years as the Ya–Yas and as part of the bands Allez–Gator, The Mojokers
and The Mighty Pythons. Baz comes from a background with successful professional bands in
the
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Zondrae King
Zondrae comes from an Italian
background and grew up in the shadows of the Port Kembla Steelworks. She has a broad
experience of both city and country life. Many of her poems are through a mothers eye.
After being introduced to the world of Australian Bush Poetry at Majors Creek in 2001 she
began writing and performing at several festivals. Since joining the ABPA and a couple of
Bush Poetry web sites she has written over 50 poems and has had some success in both
written and performance competitions. She writes and performs with a passion that
sometimes leaves both herself and her audience with a tear in their eye.
o FRI 8.30am Show Pavilion – Poets Breakfast
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Zumpa
Zumpa play a lively selection of
music from the various regions of
o THU 12mid Show Pavilion – Lunch Italian Style
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