8 Ball Aitken has toured twenty countries performing his blues, soul, swamp-rock and slide-guitar. He’s earned a loyal fanbase from his live shows and internet videos, while paying his dues as a guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer.
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Join performers for a lively discussion exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming songwriting, recording and performance. Share experiences, concerns and opportunities as musicians consider AI's growing influence on creativity, copyright and the future of music.
The Barleyshakes stand out as an award-winning, world-class Irish band that blends traditional Irish music with an energetic, modern twist, featuring a unique collaboration of Irish and Australian performers who share captivating stories behind their songs.
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The Beerwah High Stage Band brings together talented students from Years 7–11 with a passion for jazz, groove, and big-band energy. Heading to the Maleny Music Festival, they’re ready to lay down the funk and swing like a barn door.
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A unique, driving blend of roots reggae, soul and dub, wound together with captivating hooks, solid grooves and striking harmonies, resulting in the type of big?band reggae that throws everything at you from horns to percussion to tripped?out synths and delay?drenched keys.
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The Blackboard is the festival's open mic, offering performers the chance to share up to three songs on stage. All styles are welcome. See the MC early to secure a performance spot.
Blown Away is a lively brass quartet — two trumpets, French horn and tuba — delivering everything from traditional brass band classics to modern pop favourites. Roaming festival streets, they bring bold sound, big smiles and bursts of musical energy, lighting up every corner and surprising audiences wherever they appear.
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This limited edition doll comes dressed in her iconic rhinestone-studded cowgirl outfit, with her signature fiddle, soul stirring vocals and an extraordinarily talented group of Ken Dolls on mandolin, banjo, guitar and double bass. This band delivers a high-energy blend of originals and beloved bluegrass classics — all with their own unmistakable spin. It's bluegrass, but make it pink. Glitter and dancing included: Ken Dolls sold separately.
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No Reeds, No leads, No Strings, just Brass! Come and have a blow.
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Join a lively community bush dance with calling by Susie Bolliger and music by Crooked Compass Club. Every dance is taught before it begins, making it easy for beginners and great fun for experienced dancers.
CJ Shaw is an award-nominated Australian singer-songwriter whose music blends the storytelling of Paul Kelly with the spirit of Slim Dusty. An ARIA Music Teacher of the Year nominee, his acclaimed songs and family-friendly performances have captivated audiences nationwide for more than a decade.
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CJ Shaw and the All Sorts are the coolest thing since sliced bread. Think schoolyard hip-hop, sing-alongs, dance moves and times tables and you are getting close. Bring the family!
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Folk meets beats!This new band fuses traditional and traditional-sounding folk-tinged melodies with driving electronic beats, deep funk basslines and contemporary rhythms, creating a high-energy, hypno-folkadelic sound built to make people dance. David De Santi accordion, Gareth Mewes violin, Benja King electric bass and Katie Randall drums.
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Dead Song Society, hosted by Bec Hoole (AKA indie artist Pipin), is a bold new community-singing project inspired by the spirit of Dead Poets Society, celebrating creativity, connection and joyful rebellion. Gather to sing fun, quirky songs, embrace your inner mischief-maker, and discover the freedom that comes from raising voices together. Carpe cantum - seize the song!
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San Francisco's Dirty Cello delivers a high-energy fusion of bluegrass, Americana and world music, led by dynamic cellist Rebecca Roudman. With electrifying cello, powerful vocals and infectious rhythms, the band has thrilled audiences worldwide with performances that are vibrant, adventurous and unforgettable.
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Infused with the spirit of Django Reinhardt and the charm of 1930s Paris, Echoes of Cirque bring a modern twist to the traditional sounds of jazz manouche and blend infectious rhythms, virtuosic melodies, and soulful improvisation to create a mesmerising musical experience. Members: Rory Dollard: guitar, Rodrigo Santiago: guitar, Lachie Alexander: clarinet, Benja King: double Bass.
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Award-winning fiddler Emma Nixon captivates audiences with vibrant Scottish and Celtic music. A performer, teacher and composer, she inspires musicians through workshops, concerts and her passionate commitment to community folk music.
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Fin Zerner is the sonic architect of the Sunshine Coast. A multi-award-winning vocalist and live-looping specialist, Zerner strips indie-rock to its bones and rebuilds it with haunting, soulful intensity. Don't call him a 'rising star'—he’s already arrived, delivering storytelling so visceral it makes the mainstream look like background noise.
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One of Australia's best-known concerts of labour songs, protest music and social justice, Flames of Discontent honours Don Henderson's legacy and the landmark 1979 Seamen's Union album, celebrating music's enduring power to inspire fairness, solidarity and social change.
Hosted by Mavis and The Man. Songs from CJ Shaw, Sue Wighton, The Salty Sirens, Deb and Rob Bowen-Saunders and more!
Franz James and Bianca Jade are a fresh Brisbane-based folk duo. Bianca, a Gomeroi woman with a deep love for storytelling and justice, joins her husband Franz, a well-seasoned folk singer/songwriter and fingerstyle enthusiast. After many years of making music together they are finally taking their lilting harmonies and captivating stories to the stage.
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Recently awarded an Order of Australia for services to music and foreign affairs, Fred Smith has been described as an Australian national treasure. “…simply the best folk/country musician working in this country…he has created a repertoire that is wry, literate, witty, powerfully emotional and insightful.” (Bruce Elder, SMH).
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If you’ve never had the joy of ‘flying’ on someone else’s feet before, it’s time to come and experience a brand new feeling of liberation! If you’ve already had a taste of acroyoga, you’ll know the satisfaction of using intelligent body mechanics to achieve things you might not have thought possible even a minute before. Yes, you’re strong enough. Yes, you’re flexible enough. The only real question is… Are you willing to come play??
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Brisbane/Meanjin's Georgie Neilsen crafts raw, intimate folk songs with powerful vocals. A decade deep — from fronting The Growing Pains to stages across Brisbane and Melbourne — her cabaret roots and indie spirit collide in captivating storytelling. Now back with a folkier sound alongside Marcus Warren, Neil Neilsen and Evan Clarry.
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The Good Tunes Band brings traditional folk music from around the world to life with lively performances that inspire participation and dancing. Blending infectious energy, welcoming spirit and timeless melodies, they celebrate the joy of community through music, keeping folk traditions alive for new generations.
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Lift your voice in a joyful community singalong celebrating gospel songs, uplifting harmonies and shared spirit. Leave inspired, refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
Led by Hayley Grace, The Bay Collective Big Band is a powerhouse seven-piece from Byron Bay, delivering an irresistible blend of funk, soul and rhythm and blues. Featuring outstanding vocalists, a blazing horn section and a driving rhythm section, their high-energy performances are bold, joyful and packed with infectious grooves, drawing inspiration from legends including Stevie Wonder and James Brown.
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Henry is an emerging young artist gaining recognition through performances at major festivals including Stars of Charlotte Plains and Paradise Country Festival. Earlier this year he performed at the We Are One charity festival in PNG having his first stadium experience. Henry proudly returns to Maleny Music Festival in his hometown.
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Hoozatt provide a wide variety of interactive street theatre, comedy, stage shows and fun.
See the MC for a chance to perform for 15 minutes, 3 songs and shine.
Ian Dearden has been a passionate musical performer since the 70s. From high school to the present, in solo, duo and band configurations, Ian has performed throughout Australia, UK, Ireland, Europe and the USA. Ian’s skilled guitar playing, heartfelt singing and storytelling, and a repertoire including original, traditional and contemporary songs, always engages.
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Mine host at the Poets’ Breakfast and other events all around the place. Ian is someone whose poetry has been described as “quirky” and even ‘bent”. He is a master at it and he loves doing it. Bring a poem along and be part of The Poet’s Breakfast. You will be entertained.
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Indie-folk songstress, Isabel Rumble, crafts intimate, nature-rich songs that speak directly to the heart. Raised on a walnut farm in the southern valleys of NSW, her latest album has been described as “a conversation with the soul” (Atwood Magazine, US). Since her 2023 debut, Isabel has captivated audiences at iconic stages like Port Fairy Folk Festival and on international tours. Her signature warm storytelling and “voice like honey” (ABC) create listening spaces that enchant and heal, making her a compelling solo act for contemporary folk audiences.
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Fourteen year old singer-songwriter who plays guitar, sings, and occasionally live loops.
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Jacaranda Morris are a North West Morris side from Brisbane. Our dance style originates from the Lancashire region of England. Morris dancing brings a colourful spectacle to festival streets. Keep an eye out for bells, flower garlands, purple grandeur and fabulous musos.
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Jamiesha is a Tulmur-based First Nations family band blending Barkindji and Western Samoan culture through pop, rock, soul and hip hop. Fronted by husband and wife, Aniesha & James, their performances are heartfelt, uplifting and deeply connected to family, community, storytelling, love and resilience.
Visit website →Songs about, with John in the lyrics. Bring your own or listen.
JOSM is exciting A Cappella choir. They come together to create a magical experience that opens the heart and connects people. This group sings in a harmony, and aligning voices to explore the exciting sounds of Folk Blues and World Music. Experience the joy and become uplifted and energised!
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Karma Police are a four-piece alt-rock band based on the Sunshine Coast. Following the release of their debut single, 'Getaway', in 2025, the band has recently spent time at Airlock Studios in Brisbane, recording an EP with Producer, Cody McWaters - scheduled for release later this year.
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Kim Kirkman is an extraordinary musician who gives over 100 performances a year as either a harpist, violinist, singer or conductor or all these things at once. He has performed at Woodfood Folk Festival, Australian Celtic Festival, Abbey medieval Festival and the Brisbane Celtic Festival.
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Kris Mizzi, a recipient of Folk Alliance “Australian Solo Artist of the Year,” is a Melbourne singer-songwriter and master storyteller. Winner of the Troubadour Award, he’s captivated audiences worldwide, performing at Celtic Connections 2025 and Ireland’s Your Roots Are Showing. New album coming this year.
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Create your own lantern during the day, then join the magical evening Lantern Parade. Bring your creativity, colour and festival spirit as we light up the night together.
Lee likes to dabble. And dabble he does! Saxophone, keys, guitar and recorders. He’ll sing you a song and loop up a storm
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Lizzie Flynn combines lyrical honesty, satirical storytelling and memorable melodies in songs rich with warmth and insight. A four-time album artist, she has performed at major folk festivals and created acclaimed cabaret, theatre and community music projects, including the recent album Wonderdust with The Runaway Trains.
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Maggie Carty Winner of the 2025 AFMA Folk Album of the Year, Irish banjo player and singer Maggie Carty brings soulful energy to Irish traditional music. Now based in Naarm/Melbourne, her trio blends driving rhythms, bluesy undertones, and heartfelt storytelling. Her acclaimed debut album Ebb and Flow explores heritage, movement, and transformation.
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The Maleny Music School Band returns to the festival, showcasing the next generation of folk musicians as talented young performers share their enthusiasm, creativity and growing musical skills.
Maleny Ukulele are a uke-driven ensemble from the rolling hills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Led by musician and music teacher Tom Richter, the group is known for its clever arrangements, quirky song choices and heavenly vocal harmonies.
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Three friends decided not to let ChatGPT write their bio. It would’ve said "hearlfelt lyrics and luscious harmonies" true enough, but still. Sophie was on the street in Cobargo and these two guys came up and said "do you want to be in a band?" We should actually say what we’re going to do. Fight the power. Yeah. In three part harmony.
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What do you get when you cross a classically trained mezzo soprano with a German singer-songwriter? Mavis & The Man—a comedy duo turning life’s daily annoyances into humorous and satirical songs. From “Granny Undies” to “The Dripper,” their sharp wit and harmonies make the ordinary hilariously unforgettable. Why talk about it? Sing it.
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Mná (Mnaw) means women in Irish, and it’s women who are leading the charge in this vibrant Irish-themed gathering.
mou is a singer, songwriter, and producer turning raw pain into connection and hope. Shaped by struggles with ADHD, addiction, and mental health, their music is honest and healing. Each song offers empathy, challenges stigma, and reminds listeners they’re not alone, creating space for resilience, self worth, and peace.
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Advanced a cappella group from the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Jazz, world music, contemporary arrangements. Tight rhythmic precision, layered harmonies, vocals that bring energy and warmth to audiences.
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Cath Mundy & Jay Turner’s 30-year collaboration features soaring vocal harmonies dynamic songwriting, and masterful storytelling presented with humour and humanity. BEST DUO finalists in the Australian Folk Music Awards 2025, Cath (vocals, piano, fiddle, ukulele) & Jay (vocals, guitars) are joined by their son Joshua on bass guitar.
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Best known from the acclaimed duo Cloudstreet, Nicole combines beautiful vocals, engaging storytelling and much-loved favourites from her celebrated folk career, creating a warm and memorable concert experience.
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The Noah Simpson Trio is an emerging sound in Queensland's folk scene. Incorporating the enchanting combination of Irish Bouzouki, accordion, guitar and three-part vocals, the young trio pays homage to the heroes of the genre while staying true to themselves.
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Hayley Davis is an educator and artist from the Sunshine Coast, she established Parados Productions in 2024 and in 2026 Parados Education, a not-for-profit organisation for young regional artists to connect with community and learn the craft of storytelling. The songs we'd like to present at the Maleny Folk Festival are folk songs for kids or written by kids with a strong storytelling aspect, including visual theatre.
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Music to move to, music to meditate to too Inspired from a world of music and a home in the Australian rainforest. Paul has had a wide ranging experience of musicality. From living in India and studying sitar, to training his fingers in the south of Spain to the intricate rhythms of flamenco His multicultural approach towards playing the guitar and his healthy appetite for deep bassy grooves are important factors for the magic of Paul A. George. Desert Sounds, Flamenco guitars, Organic House, Down-Tempo
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After a string of Australian and international tours, French-Australian singer/songwriter Pauline Maudy (MZAZA) presents an intimate concert of chamber folk, a collection of songs that trace the arc from darkness into light and celebrate the stubborn beauty of being alive. She is joined by accomplished instrumentalist and composer Robert Davidson (Topology).
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PIRRITU’s music is a gentle, honest, and melodic personal journey that entices you into the depths of sadness, love, and shimmering hope. With two album releases under his belt, The songman’s work honours a cultural journey to connect back to land, language, and family with a continual thirst for deeper understanding of his people and country. Pirritu’s music features folk instrumentation weaving amongst his unique vocals like the gentle wind and waters that the Ngiyampaa man sings of.
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Jacinta Foale and Jenny Fitzgibbon share a deep love of the poetry of Michael Leunig and the gentle quirkiness of the poetic spirit. Jacinta has created beautiful musical settings for many of Leunig's most insightful and heartfelt poems, which they love bringing to life in harmony. Their performances are complemented by a thoughtful collection of other poems and truth-telling songs, creating an intimate, reflective and uplifting musical experience.
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Join fellow poetry lovers for Breakfast Poets, evening poetry gatherings and the Folkin' Funny Concert. Read, listen or simply enjoy. Bring your favourite poem—or your own—and share it in a welcoming, supportive atmosphere.
Ragged Band Border Morris is Brisbane's vibrant mixed Morris dance side, bringing the ancient English Border Morris tradition to life with energetic dances, live music and colourful spectacle. Since 2005, they have delighted audiences with sticks, rhythm, folklore, workshops and captivating festival performances.
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Rain Of Animals is the euphonious collaboration between Pepita Emmerichs (Oh Pep!) and Theodore Barnard (Wire & Wool) and their love of all things mandolin, fiddle, guitar, harmony vocals, bluegrass, oldtime, swing, tunes, and songs. Their sound is both new and old, unique in its instrumental wizardry and musical integrity all at once.
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For almost 30 years, Rebecca has been a much-loved member of the Australian folk community. With her guitar, cello, and a bountiful basket of meaningful songs, Rebecca returns with gratitude to the place where her deep connection with folk music began – right here in the magical heart of Maleny.
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Roarke is a 14 year old, Grade 9 student at St Laurence's College in Brisbane. He plays the classical, acoustic and electric guitar and also sings. Roarke performs weekly as part of his School curriculum and in AMEB exams, Eisteddfods, at his School festival and also played at Tamworth in 2025.
Traditional music sessions bring musicians together to share tunes by ear and from notation in a welcoming, informal setting.
Siamaura is the inspired collaboration between Thai traditional musician Peranya Visitchantaragoon and Brisbane-based violinist Gareth Mewes. Drawn together by a shared curiosity for cross-cultural sound, they discovered an inherent chemistry between the Saw U (Thai alto fiddle) and the violin—two instruments that speak different languages yet share similar ancestors. Siamaura is preparing for the release of their debut album in 2026.
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They say music makes the world go round. Join us as we spiral out of control into a singing frenzy. Classic covers led by seasoned professionals
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Rise with the larks and welcome the day through song in this uplifting morning singing session hosted by Nicole Murray. Enjoy gentle harmonies, familiar folk songs and a warm, inclusive atmosphere. No experience is needed—just bring your voice and start the day singing together.
Come raise the roof with Don Jarmey and friends. Bring along your voice, your instrument, your friends and all of your energy for open sessions of acoustic songs with a few tunes thrown in for fun.
Hosted by Sue Wighton and Lizzie Flynn, this intimate songwriter session features a selection of outstanding writers sharing the stories behind their songs. Each guest is interviewed before performing two original works, offering audiences a unique insight into their craft.
Sue Wighton is a respected singer/ songwriter and has performed everything from jazz to classical to folk. Sue’s approach to songs is honest, unpredictable, sometimes irreverent but always engaging. She has been entertaining Brisbane audiences for many years – whether it’s delivering a soulful torch song at the Brisbane Jazz Club, or accompanying herself on guitar to deliver her rich repertoire of traditional folk and self-penned acoustic tunes. Sue charms and delights her fans with her heartfelt, true vocal style and irreverent wit. She has been known to bake.
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Sunshine Coast Wild Goose Qigong promotes Wild Goose qigong and the associated health benefits from practising this form of qigong. It can be at any age. The group has roots with Simon Blow gigong in Sydney and in China. The event leader has over 10 years experience in teaching qigong and Chinese arts.
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Susie Bolliger is one of Queensland's most engaging folk dance callers, renowned for her vibrant, welcoming style and infectious enthusiasm. Equally at home calling Irish set dances, Australian bush dances and ceilidhs, she has introduced many people to the joy of social dancing. Susie is also the driving force behind the Brisbane Folk Dancing website, promoting and connecting the region's diverse folk dance community while encouraging dancers of all ages and experience levels to get involved.
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Join Terry and Shaun to explore traditional Australian tunes passed down from older musicians. Play lively set tunes, waltzes, schottisches and more, while celebrating and keeping Australia's rich folk music traditions alive.
Brisbane's Friday night Sea Shanty and Folk Song Session! We meet on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month at the The Rose and Crown in South Bank. Join us after a hard day's work at The Fo'c'sle for a drink, a song, and some great company!
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Yeehah! The award-winnin’ Hillbilly Goats bring a barn-raisin’ hoedown of foot-stompin’ mountain music, wild energy, an’ sweet singin’!
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Sapphic Sailors Capstanfield & Fishpatrick have been rocking boats around Australia since 2021. They’ll haul on the harmonies and heave on the accordion to bring you tales of daring adventure, defiance and debauchery through sea shanties, SHE shanties and sea songs with a modern, queer twist.
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The “ Tripsy Tipsy Gypsies” are none other than Pete Hawkes, George Washingmachine and Christian Marsh, three international players at the height of their powers joining forces. Be prepared for an onslaught in lilting Gypsy jazz fiddle, thundering Celtic reels, wailing blues harmonia and sizzling slide as these three wield their instruments of mass distraction together for the first time as one united force.
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From Kiama, NSW (Dharawal country), The Water Runners have navigated mechanical mishaps, dangerous roads and dangerous roadhouse food to share their vibrant blend of bluegrass-infused Australian folk at festivals and venues nationwide. Their strong musicianship and well-crafted songs offer a rich storytelling experience from the serious to the seriously fun.
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‘Those Folk’ are a husband & wife musical duo comprised of songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, Lawrence Menard and Clare Quinn. A partnership forged in the fires of folk music, their songwriting explores love, hope, belonging, and the human condition. Breathtaking vocal harmonies are featured alongside guitar, mandolin, accordion & banjo.
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Tom Harrington is an award winning Indie-Folk artist and has been touring Australia non-stop the last 3 years supporting artists like Boy and Bear, Ziggy Alberts, The Dreggs, Kim Churchill, Steph Strings, Felipe Baldomir and many more. Tom has performed at major Australian music festivals such as at Byron Bluesfest, Airlie Beach Festival of Music and Gympie Music Muster. From a capella vocal loops that burst into crowd singalongs to singing into his guitar pickup. Tom released his debut album in 2026 and toured it across every state and territory of Australia before taking it to Europe. He shares a sound that tips its hat to trad folk and dips its toes into coastal country
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Powerful vocals and impressive guitar skills well beyond his years, 15-year-old Torin Peat is an emerging Queensland artist to watch. With a growing catalogue of original compositions Torin blends a riff-driven fusion of blues, country and rock. His sound is defined by tight grooves, intricate rhythm work, and soaring lead guitar anchored in real-life storytelling that resonates across generations.
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With an onstage vibe that's purely contagious 'Vix & the Slick Chix'' is one crowd-pleasing, foot-stomping bluesy experience not to be missed. With their tight grooves, dynamic vocals & upbeat style, these seasoned Blues women bring an energy that’s guaranteed to raise the spirits and fill the dance floor!! Their recipe for the Blues is One part Chicago, a few drops of Soul, a good dash of Gospel & a little pinch of Country. They serve it all up HOT, with a BIG sound & a Double helping of Joy!
Join us for the festival's official Welcome to Country, presented by Traditional Custodians of Jinibara Country.