Virtuosic, original and exciting, Malumba’s genre-defying music will take you on a sonic journey while making your toes tap and your heart soar. With hints of Klezmer melodies, gypsy jazz harmonies, Celtic instruments and African rhythms, Malumba’s sound are unique and hugely versatile.
Blending together the sounds of Australia’s top folk and jazz musicians ensures performances are exciting and full of improvisation. Another locally-based festival favourite.
Melissa Crabtree is a world traveling, river running, award winning singer/songwriter/guitarist who crafts original music rooted in her love for the wild, majestic lands of the American West. She has toured extensively throughout North America and has performed in a wide variety of locations, both familiar and unusual, as a result of her parallel life as a river, ocean and back country guide.
Melissa has released five CDs and EPs since 2002. She toured the U.S. in a van powered by vegetable oil; she has performed at numerous top-drawer music festivals and has shared stages with the likes of Eliza Gilkyson, Joan Osborne, Greg Brown and Ani Difranco.
Dayan Kai is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, vocalist, and producer with a lifelong dedication to music. Equally versed in jazz, blues, world, Americana, bluegrass, folk and rock, Dayan demonstrates a depth of musicality that bridges cultural and musical worlds.
Mica Lynnah is a locally based dance teacher, artist, and performer. She has trained in many styles of dance and movement within Australia and abroad, and her work is informed and influenced by various forms of contemporary and world dance.
Mica has been teaching for over 10 years, and continues to enjoy collaborating on various dance and theatre projects in the ACT and NSW. She is well known on the South Coast for her roving performance troupe The Haniyami and her Kate Bush tribute group Great Bush.
26 year old Corey Legge plays heartfelt acoustic folk, rock, and alt-country, drawing influence from growing up on the beautiful Far South Coast of NSW. Now based in Wollongong, Corey’s original music is reminiscent of James Taylor, with intricate fingerpicking, and smooth vocal melodies that will get stuck in your head for days.
The guitarist/singer-songwriter recently received a prestigious ‘Young Regional Artist Scholarship’ and Yuin Folk Club grant, which allowed Corey to record his debut solo album in New Zealand with world renowned producer Ben Edwards (Julia Jacklin, Marlon Williams).
The album will be officially launched at the festival.
Robbie Bundle and the Road Worn Healers
He describes his music as “eclectic on many levels” and through the looking class of Black Australia, he changes the perspective on how see at everyday things we might think are mundane.
Robbie’s newest songs are a testament to his conviction that there are so many stories out there which, if told, would change the world as we presently see it.
Robbie has played and collaborated on many musical projects and performed with and alongside many singer songwriters including Archie Roach, Bart Willoughby, Kutcha Edwards, Dave Arden, Shane Howard, Dave Steele, Neil Murray, to name a few.
He also mentors many emerging artists that are now navigating their way on the musical train.
Margaret and Bob Fagan hail from the Blue Mountains and began their musical journey together in Canberra in the late 1960s. They are firm favourites at major festivals around Australia, both as a duo and as members of ‘The Fagans’.
Their strong blend of politically-edged traditional and contemporary songs combined with lyrical ballads and great choruses is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Through a repertoire rooted firmly in the folk tradition, Margaret’s pure voice and Bob’s superb guitar playing ensure their popularity here and overseas.
This year they will be launching their new duo CD, Landmarks on the Journey.
Join storyteller and songwriter Annie Bryant on a magical journey through the garden, around the farm and into the bush beyond, with stories and songs from her five much-loved seasonal albums of audio tales and songs for children.
Annie and her Storytent have spent the last five years travelling up and down the east coast of Australia delighting young and old hearts alike with her enchanting voice and nature-inspired stories.
The simple act of singing can evoke joy and connection. It bridges the differences between people and creates a sense of unity. This is the core idea behind the Timor Leste Belun Malu Choirs Project, a musical cultural exchange program between the Bega Valley and the Natarbora region of Timor Leste where in Tetun , Belun Malu means “friendship“.
This Belun Malu Choir is from all over South East NSW from Kiah to Bermagui. Conducted by David Francis, it has been purposely formed to travel to, and perform in Timor Leste in July 2019. Another Belun Malu Choir from Timor Leste will come to Australia in the autumn of 2020.
Melanie has been described by the Sydney Morning Herald as having a voice of ‘the utmost delicateness’, as a ‘songwriting gem’ by The Australian.
Based in Candelo in southern NSW, Melanie has recorded Eleven albums and EPs including her latest solo album, ‘Song to Sing on a Saturday Night’ and this August’s release duo album ‘The World Has A Gentle Soul’ with Steve Appel.
Melanie’s critically acclaimed album The Cloud Appreciation Society was long-listed for the 2013 Australian Music Prize, Quatre Chemins for the 2015 Australian Music Prize, and she was nominated for an APRA award in 2011. She has toured with Glen Hansard and The Frames, Jason Mraz, Bernard Fanning, Lou Rhodes, Slaid Cleaves and Sarah Blasko among others, as well as touring extensively on her own in Australia and Europe.
Melanie recorded an album in French, which was funded by the highly successful Pozible campaign and gave Melanie a six-month residency in France, writing songs with poet Alain Rivet and pop icon Helena Noguerra.
Melanie has also written songs with Wendy Matthews and Catherine Britt, and for film and television.
Gabadoo is a Djirringanj man from the Yuin Nation, born and raised in Bermagui NSW. He has been creating hip hop, R & B and urban funk music for over ten years, and is known for producing soul–infused beats and clear, dynamic vocals.
For Gabadoo, music is a way to express his feelings about his life, family and experiences. Making music has helped Gabadoo overcome some anxiety in the past, providing a creative outlet and a way to escape the challenges of everyday life.
A father of four, Gabadoo loves spending time with his young family.
Gabadoo started listening to hip hop artist Easy E from N.W.A when he was a kid, and that inspired him to try making his own music. He loves the old school hip hop vibe and is also a reggae rapper/singer, inspired by his idol, Bob Marley.
Gabadoo has been performing up and down the NSW east coast since 2016, and hopes to carve out a successful career as a performer, earn respect for making great music and make his family proud.
In 2015 The Figmentz performed their Ska / Funk show at Cobargo and in 2017 they brought their Soul Show to the festival . This year will be the best of both with the original lineup of Andy O’Donnell (guitar, vocals), John Drews (Hammond, keys), Ken Vatcher (drums / vocals) and Dave Crowden (bass / vocals) , along with the stunning vocals of Stacey Mills, as well as the fabulous Sapphire Horns Georgi Hargraves (tenor), Helen Gill (trumpet) and Oscar Gill (baritone). Songs by Jimmy Cliff , Aretha Franklin , Otis Redding as well as original Figmentz.
Chelsy Atkins is a Yamaji Widi woman from the Mid-Coast of Western Australia.
From a family of seven Chelsy grew up in the bush near Tamworth. Her father and first inspiration is acclaimed didgeridoo virtuoso, Mark Atkins – story-teller, song writer, composer and painter. Being exposed to this artistic brilliance and culture has influenced Chelsy’s unique sound of Indigenous folk – rockin’ – pop. Her captivating, melodic songs weave tales of life and truth, enhanced by her hypnotic guitar playing and a powerful voice that bends and flicks like the sounds of a didgeridoo.
Headed by Zimbabwen musicians Felix Machiridza and Ben Mutondazi, Zambezi Sounds bring their sweet and spiritual Nyami Mbira and talking bass of the Zambezi River to Cobargo. Backed by Chilean percussionist Sinuhe Pachecco, Tom Sherringham on melodic guitar and Andrew Howard on drumkit. Their repertoire includes a hypnotic and highly danceable mixture of contemporary and traditional African rhythms, classic reggae, stories and songs.
With a history of one EP and a debut album released by the time she was 19, Vendulka is an artist you may want to keep on your radar. Travelling the world with nothing but her guitar and an open heart, she shares her experiences through haunting melodies and soulful lyrics. Don’t miss your chance to see her before she sets off on her next adventure!
Hailing from the Sierra foothills of Northern California husband and wife songwriting duo The Rayos. Elena, violinist from age 5, has enough on her plate, keeping Saul, country blues guitar/singer, in line while they dine, make love, play music, garden on their small apple farm, and run their analog recording studio Ancient Wave Studios. Let them sing you one of their original songs of love and politics — back porch blues meets world beat.
The Novellas are a six-piece band from the Bega Valley with songs inspired by contemporary fiction from Australia and beyond. Sparse & atmospheric, The Novella’s paint in song the evocations of the printed word & celebrate the emotional power of storytelling. Noted Australian actors Patrick Dickson & Tracy Mann have joined the Novellas on stage reading excerpts from the books that have inspired the songs. The Novella’s are Myoung Jae Yi on guitar and vocals, Cellestine Janiola on vocals, Andrew Gray on piano, Anna Martin on drums, Josh Becker on bass, and Georgina Hargraves on oboe & sax.
The Michael Menager Trio was born at Cobargo Folk Festival 2017. Sam Martin (guitar) and Michael Menager (vocals, guitar) signed for the festival as a duo. But at Sam’s last minute invitation, Dan Efraemson (violin) – from Malumba, a World Music band that Sam also plays in – jumped up on stage. And so it began. Michael’s lyrics cut along a philosophical edge, his rhythms and melodies cut across the spectrum of bluegrass, folk and blues, and his stories cut across the inner landscape of a poet and traveller. And Martin & Efraemson’s improvisations weave a framework for it all.
In this theatrical song cycle, “Voyage”, four of Australia’s leading folk musicians recount the stories of the young women immigrants who voyaged from Gravesend to Sydney heading to a new life in Australia in the 1830’s. The original songs are based on the reseacrh of Liz Rushen, drawn from eyewitness accounts and source material of the time, and bring a fresh female perspective to the experiences of these young women. This is a compelling revisiting of a little-known aspect of recent Australian history. Performed by Penny Larkins (Vocals), Penelope Swales (whistles and vocals), Jamie Molloy (concertina and vocals) and Helen Begley (Guitars and Vocals) it is history at its most poignant and it’s never sounded so good!
Twice winners of Scotland’s Traditional Music ‘Live Act of the Year’ Award (2016 and 2011), SKERRYVORE tour their unique fusion of folk, trad, rock and Americana worldwide. This appearance at Cobargo is their first ever perfomance in Australia. Their typically high energy set will be a mix of tunes and songs, a party waiting to happen. “Skerryvore have crafted a world beating fusion, which takes pride in their Scottish heritage and above all else is a pure joy to listen to.” FOLK RADIO UK
Inspired by her American roots, Shelby Grace is fast becoming a versatile and accomplished singer and guitarist. Hailing from the NSW Snowy Mountains, Shelby recently graduated from the CMAA Academy of Country Music. She was awarded Peoples’ Choice runner up in the 2017 Australian National Busking Championships and overall runner up at the 2016 Australian National Busking Championships. Shelby’s recent performances include Tamworth Country Music Festival, The Peak Festival, Cobargo Folk Festival and Floriade.
Sacred Cow’s repertoire is a genre-jumping, up-beat collection of songs from the ‘colourful’ life of songwriter, Sarah Cowan. Embracing social commentary and political activism, Sarah’s weapon of choice is an open-tuned, percussive guitar utilised to shoot down ignorance, challenge taboos and inspire empathy. Joined by Jeremy Kemp on funky bass and viola Brasilliera, and Jo Baxter shaking it up with percussion and stunning harmonies sacred cow acoustic are set to reinspire audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Robyn Sykes is not your average rhyming poet. A flick of her pen makes words twist, tuck and double-somersault with pike. Poems prance. Ditties dance. ‘I love to entertain’, the multi-award-winning poet says. ‘And I love telling stories. I’m delighted to be part of the Cobargo Folk Festival.’ The Australian Champion bush poet learnt to say ‘Banjo Paterson’ before she said ‘Mum’ or ‘Dad’… well not quite, but you get the idea. Buckle up for the ride as Robyn takes her audiences on a high-impact tour through life in modern Australia.
For nearly four decades, American fingerstyle guitar wizard Richard Gilewitz has fascinated listeners with 6 and 12-string finger gymnastics while spinning enchanting yarns of a seasoned raconteur. His concert performances around the world spill over with unexpected turns of the funnies, thought-provoking takes on life on the road, and tunes that propel the audience on a magical journey of sight and sound. His signature playing style delivers a technical diversity of banjo style patterns and classical arpeggios with a rhythmic percussive approach, exploring the history of guitar with sounds of folk to Americana, the blues to the classical, ragtime to pop, and somewhere in between.
The Quaama Singers will “pop up” at various times and places around the Festival grounds on Saturday between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm. There’s also a stage performance on Sunday between 4.00 and 6.00 pm. Come and sing along to crowd favourites, beautiful chants and fabulous circle songs. No festival is complete without a rousing go at The Lion Sleeps Tonight and this is where you’ll find it!
Paverty Bush Band is Canberra’s premier bush band. Paverty started in 1970 as Franklyn B Paverty and the Platt Valley Crooners. With a strong instrumental line up including fiddle, banjo, flute, lagerphone and feet tambourines they get toes tapping and folk up and dancing. Paverty plays Australian folk music – an eclectic mix of traditional and original songs, ballads and tunes with country, blues, rock, bluegrass, skiffle and jug band influences.
Some could say it is foolish to think playing music is the most important goal in life – but this is the passion that drives Peter Hisco and Wendy Jackson, recent and welcome additions to the Cobargo music scene. Sometimes it seems foolish to try and play too many instruments at one gig -but being sensible can be boring. With sublime vocals that blend seamlessly and extensive instrumental skills on an array of stringed instruments – guitar, double bass, fiddle, mandolin, banjo and ukulele – the Passionate Fools will lift you up and warm your soul with music inspired by a broad range of styles from swing to blues to bluegrass.
Peter Otton is a multi-award winning local artist whose work is represented at NSW Government House. Tim Metcalf is a multi-award winning poet. Both men are long-term residents of the Bega Valley Shire.
Cielle Montgomery and James Church are ‘Montgomery Church’ – a blend of acoustic folk, Americana and bluegrass influences, grown and distilled in the Snowy Mountain ranges of country New South Wales. With their organic union of dobro, guitar, harmony vocals, and elegant songwriting, this captivating duo are enthralling in their dynamic intimacy and embrace all that is subtle, spacious, and sensitive.
Mensch Monique! Cruise with compass in search of waves. Love a slow waltz down the boulevard. Get drunk on the storm and the calm before it. Peer down at the clouds from above and chew gum under water.. Mensch Monique! are the joie de vivre of Berlin/Kreuzberg Bohemia life on the land by the lake and the deepblue sea. Mensch Monique! are two voices, a guitar, and an acoustic bass. Mensch Monique are Jule Schroeder (ex The Beez) and Georg Sasspowski (Extreme Little Sleep).
Jodi Martin returns to Cobargo with a stunning new single, Love is Your Legacy. (and of course, a full show) Written in her hometown of Ceduna, this is Jodi at her raw and honest best. Following the momentum of her cheeky eco-single (Did Mother Nature Become a Criminal, co-written with Arlo Guthrie, the new single is an intimate journey through love and loss, steeped in the stillness and sparseness of the desert. Jodi is joined at Cobargo by her Candelo-based sister, Robyn Martin, to weave harmonies around songs that will leave a smile on your face and goosebumps on your skin.
With their debut album taking out three titles in the 2018 Australian Celtic Music Awards, Gone Molly are unique folk storytellers. Ghosting across ancient battlefields, through grimy London alleyways and down into the faerie dells, their rich lyrics and catchy choruses make for a compelling live show where audience participation is a must! Recently joined by talented multi-instrumentalist Lachlan Baldwin, this is an act you don’t want to miss.
Oh no! They’re back! Again! With their new show ‘Real Men Cry’, Glover & Sorensen are two blokes just having a chat with the audience about the realities of life. Sounds safe enough, eh? But with these two comedians onstage at the same time, bouncing off each other (verbally mostly, physically sometimes) it’s twice the laughs, twice the unexpected – and twice the trouble. It’s spontaneous fun (with some insightful bits). Each performance is different. Bring a helmet (and a tissue).
Here are some things the critics say about a man who first unveiled his talent at the Cobargo Folk Festival: “Daniel Champagne is a crossroads. Fusing the strong traditions of Blues, Folk and other roots art with pop showmanship and admirable lyrical ability. I firmly believe that he will become an ambassador for roots music in a time where it desperately needs representation. The word Prodigy seems to entirely fall short of this soft-spoken young man’s skills, he coaxes sounds and melodies out of his instrument that literally drop jaws.” The Calgary Herald, Canada” “Today I saw the future of Folk – Festival goers flocking in their thousands towards the main stage to witness a young musical phenomenon from Australia dish out an absolute show-stopper.” The Firefly Column, USA. Make sure you see him and make up your own mind.
“Spine-tingling” (Rhythms) and “extraordinary” (Fine Music FM), Chaika employ ethereal harmonies and myriad instruments to create textures inspired by Balkan vibrancy, Turkish markets, Celtic stories, and Eastern Europe’s stunning landscapes. Now releasing their third LP, Chaika’s members individually have written for and performed with truly diverse roster on stages all over the world, including Monsieur Camembert, Riley Lee, and The London Bulgarian Choir. “Enchanting” (The Australian) audiences from folk festivals to the world-class Sydney City Recital Hall, Chaika surprise and move listeners, journeying an unidentifiable era and landscape with music that sits firmly “outside the norm” (Timber & Steel).
No better way to start your day than joining Alan, Gavin, Moiré, Paula, Peter and Ray at the Slow Sessions. Over the years they have run dozens of sessions teaching traditional tunes, starting at the National Folk Festival in 2003, and now spreading their wings and strings to include a few festivals from St Albans to Cobargo. Whether you’re accomplished or a beginner, the focus is on fun and inclusion.
Well known as Stringfiddle in Heritage & Scottish Dance Circles, Bob and Jane enjoy extending their repertoire into other aspects of traditional music, from reflective beauty to wild excitement, bringing empathy and rapport to the interplay of fiddle and piano. And it wouldn’t be a Cobargo Folk Festival without Bob leading the sessions in the bar.
Making a return visit to Cobargo, The Black Mountain String Band is a celebration of string band music in all its forms. They combine fiddles and banjos along with guitar and double bass to draw from the well of tradition, while adding timeless sounding originals. Donal Baylor, Jacqueline Bradley, Matt Nightingale and Pablo Shopen- who’s father pioneered old time picking in Canberra with his band of the same name in the 1980s – cleverly arrange this wide range of material in a seamless presentation and will delight aficionados and new audiences alike..
Highly regarded in the Australian acoustic music scene for their vocal abilities, songwriting and musicianship, partners Ruth Hazleton (Vocals/Banjo/Guitar) and Bill Jackson (Vocals/Guitar/Harmonica) first joined forces in 2007. Individually and as a duo they have toured the UK, Ireland and the US and have recorded and released more than a dozen albums to wide critical acclaim internationally – Ruth as part of seminal Australian folk duo, Kate Burke & Ruth Hazleton and Bill as a solo performer. The duo presents a combination of original songs and traditional songs from the Americana and folk music traditions
“This could be eight different bands from eight different corners of the world except it’s more like one fevered collective musical brain firing off ideas like skyrockets. Look, there’s one exploding above you right now,” wrote Bernard Zuel, in the Sydney Morning Herald. SMH. Mariachi, Balkan, New-Orleans swing, Spaghetti- Western, Cabaret, Film Score, Cumbia, Punk-Rock are all represented in this magnificent ensemble. Their recent LP, Home, received extensive radio support in Sydney including album of the week on Eastside Radio and airplay on community radio stations 2SER, FBi, ABC Radio National and RRR in Melbourne. Be prepared to be surprised and delighted.
Now Allan Stone is a poetry bloke, Otherwise known as Stonybroke. He’ll make you laugh and make you cry Or spin you yarns about pie in the sky. Raising awareness about Global pollution And how we all must be part of the solution and Three young lads, fresh out of luck Towed through the bush, by a big Mack truck A driver chap who gets into fights, First Nation people with sacred sites, There’s even a bloke who had a lamb, And Mulligan who blew out the lamp. So come along, get on yer bike When Stonybroke is on the mike
Baz has a long history of playing music of many genres in many parts of the world, from successful rock bands, to folk, blues and World music and has become something of a musical chameleon. All these influences come out in original songs and tunes and the music in Baz’s solo shows. Everything from piano boogie, to sparkling accordion features, to soulful ballads and songs that reveal his sense of humour; you never know what’s coming next!
The Western Flyers are one of the most exciting bands to glide on to the music scene in years! Their unique sound is a cross section of the Great American Songbook: classic western swing, hot jazz & swing standards, vintage country & cowboy songs, and electrifying old-time fiddle tunes. Dubbed “The Biggest Little Band in the Land”, the trio features archtop guitar-slinger Joey McKenzie, who brings his dynamic rhythm guitar style and smooth vocals to the band, along with Katie Glassman, 3-time National Swing Fiddle Champion and vintage-style singer extraordinaire, plus legendary double bass-player, Cary Black.
All the way from Co. Clare, Ireland, the prodigiously gifted Susan O’Neill’s soulful & husky-voiced performances are truly something to behold. Using guitar, harmonica, trumpet and a loop pedal, Susan delivers a timeless and powerful blend of the old & new. Her inspirational fusion of soulful folk & her own acclaimed original material makes for an entertaining & enchanting musical experience. Her performances at last year’s National Folk Festival are still being talked about.
Stiff Gins combine stunning harmonies and wicked senses 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. Fresh off the stage from their epic visual theatre project Spirit of Things: Sound of Objects they are forging forward. In their nineteenth year they soar into their most intriguing music making yet with a new recording and sound design project in the works.
We don’t have enough space to list the achievements of Sharon Shannon, the button accordion player from Co Clare, Ireland. She has recorded and toured with a who’s who of the Irish and global music industry, including Bono, Adam Clayton, Sinead O’Connor, Jackson Browne, John Prine, Steve Earle, The RTE Concert Orchestra, The Chieftains, The Waterboys, Willie Nelson, Nigel Kennedy, Alison Krauss and Shane McGowan. Her 12 studio recorded albums to date have all been very different and groundbreaking, mixing traditional Irish with reggae, country, First Nation American, bluegrass, rap, dance, African, French Canadian. The genre-defying star has had multi-platinum album sales and has had several Number One albums, singles and DVDs in her home country. Sharon grew up in a rural community and is part of a family that all play musical instruments and traditional Irish music. However, her career took a massive upward trajectory when in the late 80s she was asked to join the seminal rock band The Waterboys. Her first show with that band, to an audience of 50,000, was the on main stage at perhaps the most well-known music festival on earth–Glastonbury. Here for the first time, in one concert, at Cobargo.
Who could forget their Eurovision and Sgt. Pepper shows at previous Cobargo Festivals. Shortis and Simpson are a cabaret duo who spend their time satirising politicians and bringing Australian history to life in shows that are humorous, poignant, informative and entertaining. And they’ve been doing it for a long time, clocking up nearly 100 years of experience between them. You can catch them at the festival in a few guises – doing satire, and taking a funny and moving look at the musical influences upon them and others.
Shane Howard is a prolific Australian songwriter, admired and respected for his integrity and commitment to music. His songs champion the cause of the common man, the environment and the injustices endured by Australia’s Aboriginal people. After 30 years of singing, writing and journeying the globe, from campfires to concert halls, he has consolidated his voice to become an important addition to the evolving folklore of modern song. Howard’s 13th solo album Deeper South redefines the boundaries of Australian folk music and reinvigorates it with poetic and musical mastery. The Shane Howard Trio features the mastery of Howard’s musical companions Ewen Baker (Fiddle. Mandolin) and John Hudson (Guitar, Dobro). The Deeper South show features songs full of music and poetry that are deep and dark, yet illuminated by great shafts of light. This is folk music, but not as we know it.
Prairie balladeer and veteran road warrior Scott Cook returns with a new intercontinental stringband, consisting of fellow Canadian Bramwell Park on banjo, and Aussie comrades Esther Henderson on fiddle and Liz Frencham on upright bass. These are sturdy, straight-talking songs, equal parts introspection and insurrection.” He sings his heart and soul, and in doing so lets light flood into your own… Truly one of Woody Guthrie’s children.” -RnR Magazine
Performing 150 shows a year worldwide, Nick is known internationally as “Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic roots and blues”. His 35 year career has seen him accumulate every conceivable accolade including Port Fairy Artist of the Year 2014, every blues award in Australia multiple times and twice winner of the Australian Song Contest. “The River Flows” was The Age Blues Album of the Year. He’s toured with John Hammond, Guy Clarke and Ralph McTell and performed more than 300 shows across North America. This is dazzling fingerpicking roots magic and a lifetime’s stories and songs from the world’s musical highways.
Known for his storytelling and powerful live shows – Luke O’Shea has a unique, yet classic Australian sound. A recipient of nine Golden Guitars & twice named the Australian Independent Artist of the Year – Luke carries on the ancient tradition of singing up the country in a very distinct and contemporary way and is a fitting heir to the bush troubadours of past. Drawing inspiration from the humorous and the heartbreaking, Luke O’Shea crafts and delivers his songs to connect with audiences on an unexpected deeper level.
With eight albums under his belt, Jordie Lane is widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest singer-songwriters. His acclaimed album ‘Glassellland’ made its debut into the top 100 US Americana chart, and won a slew of praise and awards, including Double J ‘Album Of The Week’, nominated for The Age Music Victoria Awards, and winning ‘Tower Of Song Of The Year’. Descriptions of Lane’s voice land somewhere between Rodney Crowell and Ron Sexsmith, with a musical style driven always by what the song demands of him. From finger picking folk to rock’n’roll roots to storyteller ballads, it is a voice that has taken him around the world, performing major festivals in the US, Canada, UK and Australia, and touring with international legends, Billy Bragg, Old Crow Medicine Show, Neko Case, Cat Power, The Weakerthans, Ruthie Foster, Mary Chapin Carpenter and The Moody Blues.
