2020 Performers
Afro Moses (GHA/AUS)
Afro Moses (GHA/AUS)
Afro Moses is an award-winning artist from Ghana, West Africa. His illustrious career features such accomplishments as being voted twice as Ghana’s Best International Music Ambassador and sharing the stage with highly renowned artists such as Ziggy Marley and Youssou N’Dour. Afro Moses delivers a high-energy show containing positive messages of unity and individual beauty. His music spans countless styles including African, reggae, funk and pop. He'll have you jumping and wanting more.Aidan Connolly (IRE)
Aidan Connolly (IRE)
Aidan Connolly is a master young fiddle player from Dublin and is considered one of the leading Irish musicians of his generation. His debut album, 'Be Off', was released in 2016 to critical acclaim and is considered one of the best fiddle albums of recent years. He has toured extensively in the USA and Japan and has performed in Sweden, France, Spain, the UK and Australia. Aidan is celebrated for his unique style of playing.All Strings Attached
All Strings Attached
Blending elements of high energy Celtic punk, unpredictable gypsy strings, pirate shanty folk rock and a circus sideshow extravaganza, the genres used to describe All Strings Attached are endless. With soaring Eastern-European inspired violin melodies fused with hip-shaking rhythms, driving guitar riffs and layered vocals, they may be hard to describe but they are sure to leave you satisfied.Amazing Drumming Monkeys
Amazing Drumming Monkeys
Australia’s favourite family puppet show is coming back to the NFF with a new character – “Kiiko” and her funky little drum kit! The Amazing Drumming Monkeys have been wowing audiences around Australia and overseas for the past 16 years with a clever combination of puppetry, live music comedy and heartwarming themes resulting in a funny and engaging show suitable for the whole family."*****Our favourite concert" (Rolling Music – Shanghai China)
Avara
Avara presents the passion, intricacy and excitement of music sourced from the Alevi and Turkish folk traditions. Avara is Paul Koerbin (Sirocco, The Renaissance Players), Philip Griffin (The Balkanics), Phil Carroll (Yalla! ) and Andy Busuttil (The Bridge Project). Avara blends the musical backgrounds of each of its players into a dance and audio performance experience that will leave the audience enthralled and energised.Bush Gothic
Bush Gothic
Performing at some of the world's most happening festivals including Mona Foma, Festival # 6 (Wales) and R.I.F.F (India), Bush Gothic have developed a cult following amongst those who like their pop intelligent and their folk dark. Using tales from Australian history as their source material, their musical influences range from minimalist electro to experimental breakbeat. Best Music Weekly Award – Adelaide Fringe. BBC Music Magazine – 5 STARS.Chaika
Chaika
Melding the earthiness of folk with the dexterity of jazz and craft of classical, Chaika’s vast influences create superb genre-blending music that transcends labels. Described as “spine-tingling” (Rhythms) and “extraordinary” (Fine Music FM), Chaika’s musicians have worked with an impressive roster including Nicky Bomba, Monsieur Camembert and London’s Bulgarian Choir. The Sydney-based sextet surprise, thrill and move the unsuspecting listener, from environs of folk festivals to the world-class Sydney City Recital Hall.Chloe and Jason Roweth with Matt Nightingale
Chloe and Jason Roweth with Matt Nightingale
Drawing their inspiration from the warmth of old-style bush entertainment and folklore, the Roweths work with vibrant arrangements of new and old traditional Australian ballads and work songs, early country music, original music, poetry, yarns, and dance tunes, weaving together and carrying forward diverse threads of the Australian tradition. Integral to the sound is the formidable and expressive double bass of Matt Nightingale.Deline Briscoe
Deline Briscoe
Deline Briscoe’s live vocal delivery has the ability to change the weather, interweaving Wungabadi (Yalanji song) with folk/jazz/roots/soul infusion. She has toured with some of Australia's best vocalists like Archie Roach, Lou Bennett, Paul Kelly, Shane Howard, Emma Donovan, and Tiddas and collaborated with composers Iain Grandage and Andrea Keller. Deline has also toured worldwide with ensembles Black Arm Band (2008–2016) and Mission Songs Project (2017–2019) and is currently touring with her 2018 album 'Wawu'. The trio includes Airileke (drums) and Stephen Maxwell (keys/bass).Elephant Sessions (SCOT)
Elephant Sessions (SCOT)
Creating a progressive blend of intricate tunes engulfing guitars with a bass and drum-heavy backline, Elephant Session' music combines the very best of trad funk and electronica resulting in a new and exciting sound. Gigging extensively around the UK they swiftly built a fan base and went on to release their debut album 'The Elusive Highland Beauty' in 2014 to critical acclaim.Fay Hield (UK)
Fay Hield (UK)
Fay Hield’s choice of English folk material and the delivery of it, reflect a rare sensitivity and appreciation of the tradition whilst remaining naturalistic and highly distinctive.She has released three solo albums on Topic Records and been nominated for the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Fay is also a founding member of the English folk super-group The Full English. "Unadorned and quite exquisite" * * * * – Uncut Magazine
Georgia State Line
Honest, and refreshingly self-assured, Georgia State Line’s unique brand of country-infused melancholy yields music that’s equal parts heartsick and hopeful. Combining some of Melbourne's best – Tom Brooks, Patrick Wilson and Laura Baxter – and fronted by lauded songwriter Georgia Delves, the band melds both vintage and contemporary sounds to craft songs steeped in Tennessee sunsets. Delves’ voice is effortlessly colourful and textural with a depth and grace to rival even the most revered of talents.Hat Fitz and Cara
Hat Fitz and Cara
High-energy duo Hat Fitz and Cara are among Australia’s most talented roots music artists. The husband and wife team have clocked up 10 years of worldwide touring festival performances and album releases from their home base in the hinterland of South East Queensland's Sunshine Coast. They are showing no signs of slowing down, bringing their own mix of Blues and Gospel-infused roots. Their festival touring circuit takes in Australia, the UK and North America.Jon Boden (UK)
Jon Boden (UK)
Jon Boden, best known as the lead singer of the progressive folk juggernaut Bellowhead, launched his solo career in 2016. Presenting self-penned songs from the albums 'Painted Lady' and 'Songs From The Floodplain' and his latest album 'Afterglow', material from Bellowhead, Spiers & Boden and his 'A Folk Song A Day' project, his critically acclaimed and enthusiastically received solo shows have confirmed him as one of the foremost names in English folk music.
JuggleHub
JuggleHub are a community focused Juggling Club based in Canberra. Running weekly meet ups every Wednesday since mid 2018, JuggleHub has rapidly become Canberra's number one place for all things juggling! JuggleHub organises the majority of International Juggling Combat competitions (Fight Night) in Australia.Littmus Steampunk Band
Littmus Steampunk Band
Littmus Steampunk Band is a ragtag bunch of time travelers from the great Victorian Age of Exploration and Invention spreading the word about the joys of steam-powered machines made of wood, brass and clockwork gears. A mix of acoustic folk, pop, cabaret and tunes from the Age of Airships are all delivered by adventurers impeccably dressed in the grand style of 19th century London.Liz Frencham Trio
Liz Frencham Trio
2018 Troubadour Award Winner and perennial festival presence Liz Frencham is stepping back into centre stage supported by virtuoso multi-instrumentalists Pete Fidler and Josh Bennett. She has a BRAND new album and a swag of new songs along with favourites from her 'Jigzag', 'Jimmy The Fish' and duet album days. Come and be warmed by that cheeky grin and cradled by her luminous, generous presence.Māmā Mihirangi & the Māreikura (NZ)
Māmā Mihirangi & the Māreikura (NZ)
“A powerful show of stunning contemporary Māori music, dance, instruments, language, stories and costumes. The queen of live loops is back in force and this new show is her best yet”. Songlines Magazine UK, 2019. This is a fierce all-female Māori world-roots production showcasing the virtues of Indigenous feminine power and inspiring cultural identity. With ancient chants, intricate harmonies, traditional and contemporary instruments featuring women’s dance, haka, weaponry and martial arts the group delivers an inclusive, informative and inspiring cultural performance.Mammals, The (USA)
Mammals, The (USA)
The Mammals are an Americana/folk/rock band fronted by husband-and-wife songwriting duo, Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar, the daughter of fiddle legend, Jay Ungar. The Mammals joke that they’re “too folk for the rock show” and “too rock for the folk show”, but in reality they hit the critical emotional and sonic touchstones of both. Their performances are propelled by just the right amount of guitar grit, soothing harmony, barn-burning fiddle, retro grooves, and storytelling savvy.Mark Moldre
Mark Moldre
Mark Moldre's new album 'Fever Dreams' contains some genre-hopping sonic bedlam, fractured Americana-hued ballads, jazz-tinged standards, folk, old-school Jungle Book style reggae and ramshackle/rollicking noir blues. An album that captures magic and mayhem woven into a loose rock ’n’ roll aesthetic. The fingerprints of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and Chet Baker are buried deep in the DNA of 'Fever Dreams'. It is an exciting stage act fresh from a recent tour of France.Muddy Wolfe
Muddy Wolfe
Muddy Wolfe is a new band on the Canberra music scene. Their debut album (released March 2019) was well received among blues fans and got airplay on Triple J with their song 'Life of a Working Man'. But it doesn't stop with the blues! Muddy Wolfe crosses over into the realms of folk, jazz and rock with vocal harmonies and a band full of young talent with musical sensibilities beyond their years.Pagoda Project (UK)
Pagoda Project (UK)
Created by Paul Hutchinson (piano accordion) and Karen Wimhurst (clarinets), Pagoda Project brings together a unique blend of contemporary folk instrumentals with improvisation to create a warm, dynamic sound. Their originality, combined with a healthy dose of humour, leads to a fabulously entertaining concert. They come highly recommended, performing in festivals across the UK and the Czech Republic, earning them five star reviews from Songlines and FRoots. They've featured on the Songlines cd 'Top of the World'.
Peppercorns, The
The Peppercorns are Craig Sinclair (guitar & vocals) and Lara Norman (violin, mandolin & vocals). Hailing from the south coast of WA, this duo bring together a wealth of musical influences on their bluegrass swing and old-timey inspired folk tunes. Using a traditional single microphone approach, their delicate string arrangements, soaring harmonies and timeless lyrics create a unique sound both intimate and powerful.Raglins, The
Raglins, The
The Raglins play traditional Australian folk songs with a contemporary twist. With driving acoustic guitar, beautiful vocals and stunning harmonies, The Raglins sing songs worth remembering. Twice runners up in the Folk Alliance Youth Awards, they have performed across Australia at nearly every major Australian folk festival, including most recently at Woodford Folk Festival.Rob Barratt (UK)
Rob Barratt (UK)
Rob Barratt is a brain-tickling word-mangling comic poet humourist and singer from England who has appeared at venues and festivals all over the UK and in Ireland and Australia. He combines clever word play verse and song with satire parody and audience participation. He deals with such important topics as squid Neanderthal politics, the weather in Scotland, and distressed furniture. “This is not only clever but I think it’s very funny” (Mike Harding).Ruth Hazleton & Daisywheel
Ruth Hazleton & Daisywheel
Daisywheel is a lyrical voyage from the past through to the uneasy times in which we live. It’s also the much anticipated first solo project from multi award-winning traditional folk singer and songwriter, Ruth Hazleton. A stunning new sound brimming with originality and something to say, Ruth is joined on stage by a full electric band (guitars, banjos, drums, bass, mandolin, oud & yayli tambur).
Saije
Saije is a multi-instrumental folk duo whose soulful harmonies, dynamic guitar-lines and percussive breakdowns breathe life into heartfelt stories. They invite you on a journey from the depths of ancient forests to bustling French markets, weaving Celtic and French-gypsy flavours into their songs along the way. Their songwriting typically encourages connection to self, the Earth and each other. They are the Folk Alliance Australia ‘Young Artist of the Year 2019–2020’.Shelley’s Murder Boys
Shelley’s Murder Boys
Shelley’s Murder Boys take you through the depths of Sydney to the hills of Appalachia. Playing energetic old-time favourites, dark folk classics and originals inspired by the trials and tribulations of our time, SMB will be sure to take you on an old-timey adventure.
Stiff Gins
Stiff Gins combine stunning harmonies and wicked senses of humour to transport listeners to a world of joy, spirit and song. Their moniker is a reclamation of an offensive reference to Aboriginal women, a banner to guide their music in the direction of strength and pride. Three albums and countless breathtaking shows later, the name has become synonymous with musical excellence. 2019 marks Stiff Gins 20th anniversary.Stowaways, The
Stowaways, The
The Stowaways perform traditional music from the Celtic world and beyond, including sets of tunes and arrangements of songs. They also feature stories bringing out the richness of traditional composers and the journeys that musicians take. The band is multi-generational, combining the depth of years of playing of the two older members with the exciting raw talent of our young singer and bouzouki player.‘Uptown’ Brown!
‘Uptown’ Brown!
'Uptown' Brown! is a singing gentleman-adventurer performing a program of primitive 1920s–1930s jazz and blues on a self-invented one-man band. His contraption is built from cedar, leather and brass, whilst vocals & finger-picked ukulele are amplified through old megaphones, mimicking the effect of a 78 record. This is a quality musical and roving act in the finest tradition of vaudeville and ragtime.We Mavericks (NZ/AUS)
We Mavericks (NZ/AUS)
This is original, wild folk that resembles everything else. We Mavericks is a new duo that packs emotional punches but has songs to heal the scars. Australia's Lindsay Martin brings sensitive strings and velvet vocals, while NZ’s songstress Victoria Vigenser delivers driving rhythms and gritty lyric with a truly magnificent voice. Musical twins and mavericks besides, their hooky originals and crazy stories will have you enthralled.Whitetop Mountaineers (USA)
Whitetop Mountaineers (USA)
Featuring contemporary and traditional Southern mountain music of America from the classic old time bluegrass and country repertoire, Whitetop Mountaineers combines the brilliant instrumental prowess of Martha Spencer (guitar, fiddle & banjo) and Jackson Cunningham (guitar, banjo & mandolin), with seamless harmony vocals and some tricky Appalachian dance moves from Martha. Jackson is also a highly skilled luthier and his beautiful hand-crafted fiddles are in high demand.