SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
As always, the renowned Session Bar will be a hive of organic folk activity throughout the Festival, where anyone can start a jam or join in. Additionally, programmed sessions offer folks a time to converge to discover a diverse range of musical traditions and play with Festival artists. Read on below for some highlights of the 2025 Festival session program.
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Bring your instrument and join the SessionHedz, led by Sue Hobson, for an introductory session if you’re new to music jams or want some extra pointers.
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Join David de Santi with Good Tunes, and Mike Martin and the Kameruka Bush Orchestra for some post-colonial Australian tunes.
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Learn some traditional Tassie tunes with young guns Homebru, featuring Ziah Cooper, winner of the Norm Merrigan Award at the 2024 Festival.
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Discover tunes written by First Nation musician Val McGuiness, led by Ian and Chris Hayden.
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Explore the rich diversity of Australian and international music through sessions led by João Almeida, Canberra Eurosessions, Zumpa, Pining for the Fjords and the Scruffy Scandi Band, and many more.
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Dive into the world of shanty songs with the Redfern Shanty Club, or immerse yourself in Celtic traditions with the Celtic Piping Club and Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers.
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Enjoy Old Time and Bluegrass sessions with Hunter & Suzy Owens, The High Street Drifters, and the West End Bluegrass Jam, plus tunes from New Orleans with Kid Hank and his Ockerstra.
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Explore Balinese vocal music and percussion with Gamelan DanUnda, or get in the groove with Latin American percussion from Pachamama.
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Join Miguel Heatwole (of Ecopella fame) and The Other Noonans for evening singing sessions in the Terrace.