|
 Multi-Award winning Nardi Simpson & Kaleena Briggs are the Stiff Gins. Celebrating 11 fabulous years of harmony and song together, Stiff Gins are one of Australia's best known and most loved Indigenous acts.
Singing with joy and strength their acoustic, folk, pop and soul harmonies, Stiff Gins have travelled and played to most parts of Australia and the world including New Zealand, American Samoa, New Caledonia, Vietnam, Spain, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, UAE, Cyprus, as well as Canada, the US, Ireland and the UK.
Stiff Gins are through harmony & song, reclaiming a derogatory term for Aboriginal women, instead declaring its meaning as proud, passionate & talented.
"Stiff Gins distinctively tight vocal harmonies will stun and seduce you simultaneously"...Diaspora World Beat.
|
|
 Kristy Cox is a natural born performer. When you hear her pure, distinct vocals, it's hard to believe that she is only twenty-four.
Her breathtaking vocals, bright and genuine personality appeals to a wide audience and leaves them craving for more. Kristy is very passionate about her music, having gained much experience at a young age she is definitely one to look out for.
2010 is seeing the release of the highly anticipated second album from Kristy. The new Bluegrass & Acoustic Country record, 'Breaking New Ground' was produced by world famous songwriter Jerry Salley. The album features some of Nashville's greatest bluegrass session musicians. Including some self penned songs, this will mark her second Nashville recorded album and break out into the Bluegrass genre.
|
|
The Junes are a country swing super group formed in the wake of GIT and THE TOE SUCKING COWGIRLS, two of the finest female fronted bands in Australia. Barely containing the talents of Sarah Carroll, Suzannah Espie and Gleny Rae Virus, The Junes write, sing and perform with all the skill and style of their combined years in the business.
These gals may travel around the country and around the world in other guises, singing other songs, but when The Junes get together, a cone of country power is raised wherever they are. Audiences are drawn to them like moths to a flame, helpless in the spell of the harmonies, the swing, and the sight of these beautifully talented women.
Having recently released their debut full-length album '12 Golden Greats', this album was recorded with Craig Pilkington at Melbourne's infamous Audrey Studios. CD's and T-shirts will be available at the 2010 Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival or you can purchase merchandise through their website.
"Glam Country Outfit", The Junes performed on the ABC's segment, 'Look What They Did To My Song!'. |
Miles to Go Trio - For this year's festival Fremantle composer and instrumentalist David Hyams is joined by innovative string players Jenny M Thomas on fiddle and Mel Robinson on cello.
A celtic infused mix that incorporates songs with country and blues tinges, and journeys through the Australian landscape, from the oceans of wilderness in WA's far north to winding southern coastal tracks.
www.milestogo.com.au |
|
 Award Winning Mundy-Turner are Catherine Mundy and Jay Turner, an internationally touring acoustic, original songwriting duo. Both performers are impressive vocalists, able to inject melodies with affecting depth and pathos.
Their instrumental work is equally expressive. Jay is a versatile acoustic guitarist, alternately driving and delicate. Cath plays lyrical violin and piano in a cross between classical, folk and rock styles.
Together their live performances are characterised by strong original material, intricate harmonies, humorous story-telling, and powerful arrangements. A melting pot of musical styles - folk, blues, rock, country, classical, gospel, a cappella and pop influence them both.
Mundy-Turner's music is unique and emotionally charged. Their stage presence has been described as "exciting, dynamic and charismatic".
The duo's debut award winning album, High Life, was launched in late March 1998 to a sell-out audience at Cairns' Rondo Theatre, two days prior to their first European Tour as a duo. The six month tour of clubs and festivals in the UK and ITALY was a great success, resulting in a UK Tour bookings contract.
Mundy-Turner are now based in Brisbane whence they travel the world, writing new songs and enthralling audiences wherever they go!
+ join us in the FESTIVAL CHOIR!
Is singing your thing? If you love to sing, or if you've always wanted to try it, you are invited to join the first Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival Choir.
Under the skilled & inspiring guidance of Cath Mundy & Jay Turner, the choir will rehearse on Saturday & Sunday morning (2 hours each day), culminating in a Sunday afternoon performance on the Festival's main stage with duo Mundy-Turner. Previous experience or ability to read music is not necessary.
Cath & Jay's gentle approach encourages singers to switch off the mind, free the voice and connect to the group sound, creating layers of gorgeous vocal harmony and rhythm. You'll be energised, uplifted and have a lot of fun!!
Alongside their work in Mundy-Turner, Cath & Jay direct Freedom Train community choir in Waterford, Queensland, and have facilitated vocal harmony workshops at many festivals and events. Cath also directs Mixed Beans multicultural community choir at Beenleigh Library, Queensland. They love singing and bringing people together through singing! |
 Bluestone Junction are five of Australia's most experienced musicians playing the most exhilarating acoustic music you are ever likely to hear.
Their sound is straight from the late 40's and 50's. Bluestone Junction recreate the sound of perhaps the last genre of music to evolve using only acoustic instruments - Bluegrass.
Authentic in every way, Bluestone Junction present themselves with a solid foundation in tradition, yet boldly add their own original material. Their performances have excitement, passion and integrity...you'll see.
|
|
 Innes and Present Company are four of the most enthusiastic bluegrass musicians around on the Australian scene today. They play old style bluegrass with style and class, sing original songs with feeling and like to show off their chops with some hot picking, when the mood takes them (which is often!). This band has fun, and so will you.
|
|
Ewan MacKenzie has been playing guitar for many years in all styles. Since devoting himself to the jazz genre, Ewan is now regarded as one of Australia's premier Gypsy Jazz guitarists in the Django Reinhardt style.
Artistic Director of the OzManouche Festival, member of the Doch Gypsy Orchestra, Paris Dreaming and Swing Manouche, Ewan studied with Manouche Gypsy guitarist Lollo Meier in Holland.
Ewan's playing is fluid and passionate, his improvising is warm and articulate. Rhythm guitarist Oliver Steffen will perform with Ewan at this year's Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival.
www.parisdreaming.com.au |
|
 Parvyn combines her rich heritage from Punjab with elements of jazz, blues, folk and country to perform in her own unique style.
Together with Josh Bennett, a master of strings, skins and hollow things, they are at home with a variety of styles from Bluegrass to Indian ragas. Josh's remarkable guitar and Parvyn's pure and soulful voice have captured the hearts of audiences around the world.
www.myspace.com/parvynmusic
www.joshbennett.com.au
|
|
 Connecting the heart of the music to the heart of the listener. With their trademark sweet 3 part harmony, chunky yet mezmeric guitar, fiery and soulful fiddlle, haunting whistles, and bass like bodhran beat, the Mothers music has a timeless texture which engages with audiences of all ages.
Winners of the 2007 MusicOz award for the best Folk/World track, their performance will take you on a journey of beautiful ballads, some inspiring arrangements of unexpected covers, lively jigs and reels and fantastic original material. Their new CD "When the Winds Begin to Sing" will be available at the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival.
www.mothersofintention.com.au |
Festival regular Evan Mathieson returns to present another of his entertaining 'Autoharp Players' Workshops at this years Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival.
Evan has had a 40 year love affair with the autoharp, both as a skilled hand builder of the instrument, as well as a talented and enthusiastic player, especially in good-fun, fast pickin' jam sessions!.
With his rich and powerful voice, Evan accompanies his easy listening finger picking style on either the autoharp or guitar. He believes there are two sorts of music...good or bad...so he performs a diverse selection of great songs in many different styles.
Photo of Evan Mathieson at the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival taken by Lindsay Mar © Lindsay Mar |
Consisting of fiddler Virginia Botha & guitarist Stephen O'Hern, Marmellata is an exciting collaboration. The duo draws on combined experience playing at and attending various Folk Festivals and Schools to present traditional and modern Celtic tunes in a unique way.
www.stephenohern.com |
 Jane M Harding
Jane M Harding is a singer-songwriter and musician who makes her home in Coonabarabran, in the Warrumbungle Mountains of NSW. People and places have always been her songwriting inspirations, particularly the re-telling of interesting and little-known stories from her local area.
Her songwriting is influenced by the story-telling styles of Kristina Olsen, Pat Drummond, Bruce Watson and Banjo Patterson, with melodies heavily informed by traditional Irish, Scottish, and Australian folk tunes.
Jane has been a follower of the SE Australian folk festival circuit since she discovered it back in 2004, doing blackboard and walk-up spots whenever she could get on, and playing whistle in any sessions she could find. She particularly loves the smaller festivals like Sessionfest, Uranquinty and Numerella where there is greater opportunity for informal sessioning to the wee small hours, preferably around a camp fire!
Her song Sailing (Blown Away) was a finalist in the Roddy Read Memorial Songwriting Contest at the 2007 Maldon Folk Festival in Victoria.
She has recently received greater recognition in folk circles, performing at the 2008/09 Gulgong Folk Festival, 2009 St Albans Folk Festival..
Blessed with a fantastic voice and gentle touch on guitar, she weaves a story in song that will continue to haunt you, long after the performance is over.
|
The Slimy Brothers are Michael O'Halloran on guitar, ukulele & vocals and Ross Roache on guita, banjo & vocals.
They've been performing together for 20 years and these days sing mostly their own songs-laconic stories in music and verse of the laid-back, humorous, sentimental and often blunt realities of life in Australia, past and present.
They'll be joined onstage at the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival with Brisbane folk musician, Terry Jacob on accordion & fiddle. |
|
Shiny Top Strings are Richard Galluzzi and Maurie Llambias, two bald fellers playing old time songs & tunes in the spirit of traditional fiddle and banjo duos.
Maurie on fiddle and Richard on clawhammer banjo as well as vocals, have been playing their unique take on Folk and Bluegrass music regularly at Clubs and Festivals throughout Australia.
a 'highly polished' act !....devoted audience member!
|
|
Chris Cady & Russ Redford. Old Acoustic Blues, Rags and Such. Guitarist/vocalist & harmonica/vocalist.
Chris Cady, renown piedmont style guitarist, and Russ Redford, one of the Hunter Valley's best harmonica players, began jamming together a few years ago progressing to performing at Open Mic sessions.
They began performing "new" songs (actually really old songs) as a duo at Folk in Broke 2008 & 2009, St Albans 2009, Newcastle Folk Club 2009, the Royal Exchange as well as other venues around Newcastle and Sydney.
Lots of great "old timey" blues, country and traditional songs with authentic vocals from both and, with over 80 years playing and singing experience between them, they can invoke the spirit and the groove of the 'old masters' when they 'lay it down' on their respective instruments.
|
|
 Slightly More Off is a refreshingly different Central Coast band, comprised of Carl & Leila Desborough and Frank & Marilyn Russell. This band presents a 'deranged cabaret' style of entertainment. With their collection of obscure and original murder songs & manic ballads, they love to make the audience laugh and keep them wondering what will happen next.
Carl plays guitar and sings in a not-too-delicate style while Leila plays an assortment of instruments including the musical saw, sings and has fun.
Frank keeps everyone in line with his double bass, "Stanley", while Marilyn adds highlights with her assortment of instruments. Always a crowd pleaser you will be guaranteed a good time!
|
|
 One day, with two guitars and shiny voices, Ruby for Lucy set about making songs they wished to hear. And one day, there was a knock at the door - upon opening they found a present!
Ruby for Lucy shook the box and to their surprise, an audience fell out! "What a lovely gift", they cried, "A smiling audience with ears and EVERYTHING".
Encouraged, they set about making more songs that they wished to hear.
The Gardener calls it 'whimsical folk'. Their Mothers say, "It's lovely, dear".
|
 With a passion for Bluegrass, the Slickville Pickers spend many hours jamming amongst train sets, motorbikes, kids & dogs.
Playing a mix of traditional, contemporary and original songs, featuring strong harmonies and many instrumentals. Starting out as a jam in the back shed - this engaging music has developed a life of it's own that's seen us performing at festivals, country shows, pubs, cafés & parties. |
 A chance meeting at the beautiful Numeralla Folk Festival at the confluence of the Numeralla and Badja Rivers in NSW led this group of friends to discover a shared passion for great music.
Haunting harmonies on Irish low whistles, expressive and innovative concertina, sensitivity and richness on guitar and piano and passionate vocals.
The Badja River Quartet will take you on a journey from Scotland to Brittany, from Ireland to Northumbria.
This imaginative and beautiful music combines the talents of Lainey Keir, Steve MacDonald, Jo Cresswell and Jane Harding.
www.mothersofintention.com.au |
|
 The O'Donnells are part of the new generation of Australian Bluegrass, exciting audiences with their unique family harmonies and high energy traditional acoustic music.
Parents John and Wendy along with their children, Johnny, Jacqui and twelve year old Katelyn are currently recording their debut album, scheduled for release this year.
This unique family union are Overall Group & Senior Winners of last years QLD Country Music Festivals Champion of Champions.
Natural heart pumping music that will warm your soul and put a smile on your face, catch them at this year's Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival.
|
After 17 years as a high school music teacher, Peter Christie has put aside the whiteboard markers and lesson plans, recorded an album and hit the road with his guitar, performing his songs.
2010 sees his debut year of traveling as a professional artist even though he has been performing for 25 years. As a classical pianist, accompanist, piano bar entertainer and wedding singer, Peter's experience is broad to say the least.
Peter's new album "Long Way Home", essentially bluegrass in style, includes original songs, covers, and some classic old gospel. A highlight of the CD is a duet with Judy Stone of "I'll Step Down", one of Judy's hit songs from 1962.
Peter is excited about the prospect of performing his brand of Contemporary Bluegrass / Country at festivals and gigs around the country during 2010. |
|
 Anne Infante is a gifted singer/songwriter whose songs are heartfelt, lyrical and sometimes philosophical as well as 'whimsical and down-right silly'.
She draws from an enviable repertoire ranging over a wide variety of styles, is a regular club and festival performer and 'writes songs you think you've known all your life.'
www.anneinfante.com / www.myspace.com/anneinfante |
|
 Stars of Thursday are an acoustic, slightly alternative, original music three piece band providing a refreshing new sound. Combining creative acoustic guitar parts with intricate drum rhythms on a djembe (traditional African drum) supported by funky bass lines covered in creative melodies and inventive lyrics.
Two brothers, Tim Orchard and Jon Orchard along with Chris Richter have been working together to create the Stars of Thursday sound. A rich, energetic and quite unique taste of original music that appeals to a v very wide age group.
With the ability to play thought provoking ballads or fast, catchy 'get up and dance' tunes, Stars of Thursday is proving that they can keep you interested and inspired with their energy and unique, creative style of music. www.starsofthursday.com
Clip
one |
Clip
two |
Clip
three |
|
|
 Mary Brettell is one of Brisbane's most popular acoustic performers and best loved folk personalities. Her repertoire encompasses traditional folk music that even non-folkies enjoy, popular music that even hardline folkies delight in, traditional music from that prolific composer "anon.", songs from the pens of emerging (and fully emerged) independent writers, foot-stamping bluegrass, smoky torch songs with lashings of innuendo and nostalgic love songs to cars. The common denominator is that it's all good music.
Mary's performances combine the laid- back ease of a good mate come to visit with the sense of musical balance and flow that is the hallmark of a professional who has years of gigging under her belt. Her voice and delivery are distinctive and uniquely her own; sincere, committed to the song but with a power that could fill a stadium if needed.
Her new CD, With a Little Help from My Friends..., displays that professionalism, not just in her performances but in the generous and respectful motivation for the recording.
www.brettell.com.au
|
|
 Anabelle Kay Is 20 years old born and bread on the Central Coast NSW. The young folk singer/songwriter doesn't come from a musical family or background but somehow convinced her mother at five years old to get piano lessons and now here she is. Anabelle went to live in Oklahoma in 2006 and living in such a remote area with not much to do she picked up a guitar and turned to song writing to keep her from going completely insane!
Ever since the songs have been overflowing.
Anabelle has a unique, refreshing sound that makes your ears prick. Her lyrics are quite clever and witty, as well as a melodramatic voice, she definitely brings something different to the table.
www.myspace.com/anabellekay
|
 Since releasing her debut EP in 2007, Sarah's engaging lyrics and alluring melodies have been praised by acoustic music lovers across the globe.
Winning a Tamworth Independent Artist Recognition Award (TIARA), graduating from the CMAA College of Country Music in 2007 and being twice a Toyota Star Maker Finalist exceeded all of Sarah's expectations. In 2009 Shock Publishing selected her song "These Girls" for the TV hit series the Saddle Club.
Described as a record full of homespun stories with songs that say something different in a fresh way, this album is winning Sarah countless fans in the country and roots music world.
www.sarahmcmonagle.com |
|
 With country roots and a folk heart, Bronnie Ware is a very fine storyteller and observer of life, weaving delightful songs around clear, gentle vocals. Bronnie has a diverse and interesting background and draws on her vast life experience to share her wonderful stories and inspiring observations.
Recent remarks from her audience include "Bronnie is in a genre of her own, an inspiration" and "She's like a female Paul Kelly".
Bronnie's new album is due soon.
www.bronnieware.com
|
|
|
