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2010 Performer Bios

 

 

Albion Fair Morris
Performs traditional morris dances from the North West of England. The style is precise and dramatic and is characterised by the use of traditional wooden-soled clogs. The cotton mills of the industrial north west influence the dance styles and the costumes.
www.facebook.com/pages/Albion-Fair-Morris

Amanda Broberg
Fine Blues singer/guitarist, talented Bouzouki wizard then changes pace, presenting melodic, soul-searching and haunting songs. A musical treasure! 

Andy Irvine
Andy Irvine has been hailed as "a tradition in himself." Irish born musician, singer and songwriter, Andy has maintained both personal integrity and highly individual performing skills throughout his 40-year career. From Sweeney's Men in the mid sixties to the enormous success of Planxty in the 70s, to THE Irish super group, Patrick Street, in the 80s, Andy has been a world music pioneer and icon for traditional music and musicians. Irvine occupies a unique place in the musical world, plying his trade as archetypal troubadour, with a solo show and traveling lifestyle that reflects his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie. Few others can equal his repertoire, Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dance tunes, and a compelling canon of his own material that defies description.

www.andyirvine.com

Badja River Quartet
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 Balsdon, Steve MacDonald, Jo Cresswell and Jane Harding.

Black Joak Morris
'A group of effeminate blacksmiths waving bits of cloth they've just wiped their noses on' - Edmund Blackadder
www.blackjoak.morris.org.au

Brothers3
Brothers3 are a unique harmony group. They play a variety of instruments and sing bush ballads/folk music and new country. Instruments include banjo, guitar, clarinet, recorder, harmonica and trumpet keyboard.
www.myspace.com/brothersthree

Bruce Watson
Bruce is an icon of the Australian folk scene and a major songwriter and performer.  He has won a swag of awards and had his songs covered by the likes of Eric Bogle and Joe Dolce.  Bruce’s music reflects life, ordinary people, social justice and the environment, often with a surprising twist and a quirky sense of humour. You will leave a Bruce Watson concert with a warm glow in your heart. Children also delight in Bruce’s antics and songs about vampires, pirates, hippopotamuseseseses and the eternal question: “Are we there yet?” Bruce will be launching his new CD "Balance" at the Festival.

www.myspace.com/brucewatsonmusic

Chloë & Jason Roweth
Chloë and Jason Roweth have been performing and recording for over 15 years together. They share a passion for Australian bush music and tradition, getting great satisfaction out of bringing almost forgotten songs back to life again. Their repertoire includes original songs, traditional ballads, bush songs, country music, music-hall and lively dance tunes. Their concerts range from old-style bush entertainment to more informative "themed presentations". They have recorded 10 CDs as the duo, or with friends. They formerly performed under the name "Us Not Them". Chloe & Jason also perform and record corrugated iron bush music in larger 'folk-rock' arrangements with the six-piece band "Collector".
www.rowethmusic.com.au
www.myspace.com/chloejasonroweth

Chris Fraser
Contemporary Folk singer/songwriter. Plays guitars Blues harp, Banjo, Autoharp. Chris is a contemporary singer/songwriter who touches the heart with his lyrics and a voice filled with emotion. Chris is a storyteller and has been part of the folk movement in Sydney Australia since he first performed at the Sydney Folk Attic in Kings Cross when he was 17.

Chris Gillespie & The Wandering Hands
Chris Gillespie & The Wandering Hands deliver a mix of contemporary Australian storytelling style songs. It is a roots/acoustic/folk based sound that includes guitar, harmonica, bass, resonator and mandolin with some 3 part vocal harmony. The songs vary from bluegrass style to humorous ditties.
www.chrisgillespie.com.au
www.myspace.com/chrisgillespiemusic

Christopher Cady
Christopher Cady plays ragtime blue in the Piedmont style, drawing from the works of such old masters as Blind Blake, the Blind Reverend Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt etc, and also the diverse world of ragtime and old-time blues, Jazz and neo-jazz inhabited by the likes of Fats Waller, Pink Anderson, Blind Willie McTell, through to the swing of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, the prosaic simplicity of Jimmie Rodgers and his 'Blue Yodels' ... I don't do yodeling myself ... (Thank God for That! I hear you cry...) Having been playing this music for 30 plus years, there is an easily recognised affinity between the singing and playing of Chris Cady, and the source material. Not only does he manage to stamp it with his own sense of authenticity, but complements this repertoire with surprising offerings such as Willie Nelson's "CRAZY" surprising in that it fits the genre so well, and seems right at home alongside "RAGTIME MILLIONAIRE". Check out the CD 'Rags, Blues & Such', and you will see what this means.
Cliona Molins
Cliona is a Dublin-born harp player and singer. She has been playing the harp since she was 13, starting with traditional Irish and classical harp music. Since coming to Australia, she has immersed herself in the harp traditions of Venezuela and Paraquay in the musical melting pot that is Sydney. She has performed at folk venues with Chris Wheeler (Wheelers and Dealers), cuatro player Ivan Vivas and also the Mothers of Intention. Cliona runs a harp ensemble in Sydney with 16 harps.
www.molins.net.au/harp

Cody Dillon
Cody Dillon is a blend of the old and the new… Take a dash of old-time bluegrass, add a dash of country (of the alt. variety), add some folk and a sprinkle of sea shanties. Top it off with a healthy serving of the freshest freestyle hip-hop.

Coolfinn Mac
Coolfinn Mac plays a lively mix of Irish & Australian music, original material and music from the Celtic nations sprinkled with good humour and pathos. Instrumentation includes fiddle, accordion, whistle, Irish bouzouki, guitar, bass and bodhran resulting in an exciting fusion of past and present.
www.myspace.com/coolfinnmac

Craig Dawson
Craig is a songwriter and guitar instrumentalist best known for his partnership with his wife Simone. As a solo, mainly instrumental act, he offers a mixture of original pieces based on open tunings and some vocal songs thrown in for good measure. Instrumentation includes acoustic guitars in various tunings with the addition of flute/recorder on some pieces. Craig will be joined by his partner Simone for some of the show.

Craig & Simone Dawson
Craig and Simone are regulars on the folk music circuit. With a wide variety of instruments including fingerstyle acoustic and slide guitars, mandolin, bouzouki and flute, they perform mostly poignant, hard hitting original ballads and instrumentals dealing with a range of topics both serious and funny.
www.craigandsimone.com

Creatures Rose (The)
The Creatures Rose are an outstanding duo, using ukulele, violin, guitar and vocals to engage and entertain. In spite of their youth, (15) they are seasoned performers. They are both jewels in the glittering necklace that is the Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. Rose and Rosabella are quirky and confident. There original songs provide and enchanting blend of harmonies across the folk and alternative genres. Now the talent and musical passion of Rose and Rosabella have fused, sparking an uplifting musical experience for any audience lucky enough to catch them.
www.thecreaturesrose.webs.com

David Meyers
David Meyers is a singer/songwriter, Bush Poet and Historian. He plays guitar and sings traditional and original Australian Folksongs. He was a founding member of the Shiny Bum Singers and their convener and musical arranger for the past 10 years. He has performed at festivals all over NSW and regularly in the Northern Territory. David is the convener of the Queanbeyan Bush Poets and the unofficial poet laureate of Queanbeyan.

David O'Connor
David has been a singer/songwriter for over 30 years, with songs covered by people such as Bernard Carney and Faye White; he even had a request for a specific song from Peggy Seeger! His poems, such as Mrs McGregor and the Cockroach, are also well-known and much covered at Bush Poets' Breakfasts. David has been travelling the folk scene for a year; this is his last gig before vanishing back into the Tasmanian woodwork...

Evan Mathieson
Evan is a survivor from the days when it was dangerous to play folk music. With self built autoharps, guitars, a powerful voice & 40 years of performing, Evan reminds us of where we have come from and where we might be going. Old, funny, serious & political songs are all grist to the mill. Evan will present his 'Tribute to Harry Robertson', one of the founding fathers of the Australian folk movement, as well as an Autoharp Workshop.

Fado Piccolo
Mike Burns (Portuguese guitar), Marcus Holdsworth (double bass) and Richelle Staniford (guitar) play the romantic Portuguese instrumental repertoire, full of longing, nostalgia and spice. They came together in 2009 after Mike and Richelle studied Fado in Portugal. There will be a few original tunes as well, with a Celtic Fado feel.

Flying Penguins (The)
The Flying Penguins, are the perfect marriage of the hicks from the country and the inner city trendies: Cooks Hill meets Bulahdelah on neutral territory; bluegrass meets Marvin Gaye over a quiet beer or Kentucky Whisky at a congenial riverside hotel in the Lower Hunter. The little known recipe for Flying Penguin is three part harmony, the usual array of bluegrassy-type instruments, and one smidgeon of occasional trumpet. The uke is also permitted to help balance the flavours of melodic ingredients sourced from folk, disco, alt-country and soul, with the occasional judiciously selected original for that extra spice. The four Flying Penguins are pleasantly surprised that their adventurous musical endeavour is flying, and trust that fellow audience penguins will feel the urge to dance, if not to fly.

Gang Gang Bush Orchestra
The Gang-gang Bush Orchestra, from the Blue Mountains are a community based Bush Band with a Green leaning. Growing since 1996 now numbering up to 20 members with diverse musical experience for classical to lounge, traditional to session. The Gang-gangs will be presenting 'Reedy River: the Songs and the Importance'. Patrick has collected and called bush dance since 1988.
Alistair Hulett 1951-2010 A Tribute in song [Various performers sing for Alistair]
Bush Dance in the Hall Saturday Night. Musos welcome to join the band.

Gilbert Whyte
Since the independent release of his solo acoustic album in Western Australia (Fremantle) in early 2009, Gilbert Whyte has travelled to New South Wales where he is now emerging as a singer songwriter in the east coast original music scene. This Scottish born musician has drawn his performance style out of both traditional folk and contemporary influences, from Bob Dylan and Nick Drake to Bon Iver and the Tallest Man on Earth. With his “folky” fingerpicking on guitar and banjo, and his rambling storytelling delivery, Gilbert’s music reaches into the mind while talking directly to the heart.
www.myspace.com/gilbertwhyte

Grimick
An honest, rootsy mix of styles, Grimick are a Sydney singer/songwriter duo who never stray from the essentials - great rhythm, a contagious melody and something to say.
www.grimick.com
www.myspace.com/grimickmusic

Ian 'the Pump' Macintosh
Songs from the Wheeze and Suck songbook and some that didn't make it. Choc-a-bloc full of W&S chorus classics that don't get played in the band due to time constraints, plus some great obscure and new stuff. And the odd joke or two...
www.wheezeandsuck.com

Jane M Harding
Jane M. Harding, from Coonabarabran in the Warrumbungle Mountains of NSW, sings and writes songs inspired by the people she knows and the places she's been. Her songwriting influences include Kristina Olsen, Pat Drummond, Bruce Watson and Banjo Patterson, with melodies heavily informed by traditional Irish Scottish, and Australian folk tunes. 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.
www.myspace.com/janemharding

Lurkers (The)
With a line-up of banjo, double bass, guitar and occasional mandolin and harmonica, The Lurkers are influenced musically by American hillbilly and old timey music, and influenced politically by the likes of Woody Guthrie, Joe Hill, Pete Seeger and Berthold Brecht. They draw on the tradition of artists and musicians who use their music for political agitation. All three Lurkers share the songwriting, which means every set has a variety of styles from blues to hillbilly to mountain music or traditional folk. All three Lurkers sing, sharing lead vocals and using the close harmonies common in bluegrass. The Lurkers are based in Sydney, Australia.
www.lurkers.com.au
lurkerlust.wordpress.com

Maureen O'Brien
She's a colourful character but inevitably Blue is the colour of Maureen O'Brien's music at this year's St Albans festival. Blues tinged with a touch of folk and jazz, but still Blues as it was meant to be played and sung - with that rich soul sound. Audiences can get a taste of her Original songs in performance and also learn about her influences in the "Black and Blue Pearls" workshop.
www.maureen.com.au

Mean Feet Brass Band
All accoustic brass and percussion band playing raucous dance music based on modern dance club tracks and some traditional New Orleans styles. Great for a young audience.
myspace.com/meanfeetbrassband

Mothers of Intention
Connecting the heart of the music to the heart of the listenner. To watch ‘Mothers of Intention’ is to experience a richly textured performance. Lush vocal harmonies, layered instrumentals, driving rhythm guitar, fiery yet soulful fiddle, lilting whistles and the steady bodhran heartbeat define the Mothers sound. 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. The Mothers of Intention have performed at the National, Illawarra, Snowy Mountains festivals (plus many more) their new CD "When the Wind begins to Sing" will be available at the St Albans Folk Festival.
www.mothersofintention.com.au

My Wife Deirdre
My Wife Deirdre is very tasteful. She has the energy of five, and loves stringing together elements of Celtic, U.S. American and Australian musical culture to create beautiful and thoughtful works. You'll like her.
mywifedeirdre.webs.com

Newcastle People's Chorus
The Newcastle People's Chorus is an A Capella group that upholds a spirit of betterment and helps to present the working class with a sense of history. It proudly keeps alive the oral tradition of worker's choirs, singing songs of working life, struggle and social justice.

Nick Rheinberger
Nick Rheinberger is possibly Australia's most versatile entertainer, able to play originals and classics with his band, crack a smile as a solo comedian, entertain children and whip out a poem or two. He plays a guitar made from recycled galvanised iron and a collection of small instruments which barely fit his oversized hands. His new album is called "Do Tell".
www.myspace.com/nickrheinberger

Nissa
Nissa consists of 14 year olds Naomi Jones and Elissa Koppen who have been playing music together for three years. On flute and fiddle, tin whistle, cajon and dulcimer, they enjoy exploring folk music from around the world. As part of these musical travels they present you with a taste of Celtic, gypsy, klezmer, Italian and Canadian as well as some original work.

Patrick Harte (& Friends)
'Alistair Hulett 1951-2010 - A Tribute in Song'
Patrick, from Gang-gang, with various performers will be singing Alistair's songs from his amazing and diverse repertoire of many years as an songwriter, activist, ecologist, and revolutionary. He was a kind & gentle man, committed to fighting for a better world.

Paul Robert Burton Trio
Paul Robert Burton is a Multi-tasking, Multi-instrumentalist, Singer/Songwriter/Producer & Sound Engineer that performs a highly eclectic repertoire of originals and unusual traditional musical pieces. His music blends Blues, Celtic, Gypsy, Middle Eastern, Gospel, Bluegrass, Swing, Jazz & Folk Rock influences together into an evocative musical soundscape. Combining rich vocals, traditional acoustic instruments and modern technology together, to perform music as the universal language of unity. Paul’s current musical ventures include; promoting his new solo album “The Calling”; Playing at many festivals, ticket shows and a variety of human rights events; continuing work with his band "The Shuffle Kings"; managing, recording and performing shows with founding members of The Angels, John & Rick Brewster in "The Brewster Brothers Trio" and performing shows with Steve Prestwich (Cold Chisel).
www.paulrobertburton.com
www.andrewtoner.com

Peter & Nicky
Peter is a singer/song & tune writer who continues to refine his craft, by playing guitar and singing for most of his life! He is joined by Nicky who gives fine voice to the songs they have collected over the years, and on some, he accompanies her delightful interpretations. He is a multi-instrumentalist, playing Banjo (See Old Time Banjo Workshop) Mandolin & piano. His first Folk involvement was at Wagga, as a high school student, and has performed at folk clubs in Sydney in the 70's. He also spent time in North America performing and studying instrument building.

Peter Christie
After 17 years as a high school music teacher, Peter has hung up his white board markers and programming notes, recorded an album and hit the road with his guitar. Performing both original songs and covers, his repertoire explores the genres of Bluegrass, Old-time country and Folk music. A feature of the concerts is the way in which audience members are encouraged to participate both through singing as well as through providing some musical accompaniment – an all round enjoyable experience.
www.mountainfolkaustralia.com
www.myspace.com/peterchristie

Peter Mace
Peter Mace is a performer and writer of Bush Poetry who over recent years has established himself at most of the major Folk and Country Music festivals throughout New South Wales and Queensland. Peter was the 2008 “Reciter of the Year” at the National Folk Festival and is the co host of the Gosford Bush Poets, a group dedicated to maintaining our traditional verse and encouraging up and coming poets to have a go.

Phil Stormer
Out of the Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney, Phil Stormer presents to you, his unique blend of acoustic guitar music. Taking up the instrument at just 5 years old; hard work, dedication, practice and persistence have seen to it that close to 20 years on, the guitar remains in his hands, and to amazing result. From fiery flamenco, to light jazz, to classical to straight out blues-rock, Phil's live show has something for everyone. A passionate performer, dedicated to his craft and to bringing his crowd a good show. Come and see a rising star on the Australian Folk scene.
www.philstormer.com
www.myspace.com/philstormer

PHUNsters & Ukastle
Parramatta & Hills Ukulele Network. The PHUNsters are a group of ukulele strummers who love to strum and sing together, joined by some members from Newcastle's two Ukestras
groups.google.com.au/group/PHUNsters

Poetry is Better than Sex
Les Barker, the zany British poet, performed at the National Folk Festival, unfortunately he can't make it to St Albans. But Mike Richter will give you a few belly laughs by reciting some of his funniest poems.

Racz 'n Waters
Music is the space between the notes, and since forming in December 2007 Racz 'n Waters have found their own beautifully original spaces. Their acoustic feel Debut Album 'Nothing Borrowed' not only offers the listener a chance to take time and reflect, but also offers fun and anthem like tracks guarenteed to send goosebumps through even the toughest of skins... and hearts. Their vocals blend seamlessly in 3 part harmonies, accompanied by Guitar, Mandolin and Irish Bodhran. Singing their open hearted lyrics, captivating audiences and promising a truly unforgettable performances that, in such a short time, has won awards and recommendations. Their Song 'The Dreaming', won them Australian Song of the year 2009 in the ASA awards and also featured in 2009 Starstruct. Catchy wistful and fun acoustic trio, playing original music and sneaky familiars.
www.myspace.com/raczandwaters

Sara Jevo & the Balkan String Kings
This five piece string and percussion group are united by their for the syncopated rhythms and complex melodies of central European folk tradition. Their infectious interpretations of traditional and contemporary tunes have become legendary from Warsaw to Dubrovnik. Ignite your inner Gypsy & dance to the irresistible pulse of Sara Jevo and the Balkan String Kings

Sommers Family (The)
Hailing from Dorrigo, and regular performers at our Festival, we have watched Ken and Bridget’s family grow and develop very diverse musical talents. With Mum & Dad playing guitar and bass, and singing, they introduced mandolin and fiddle to the three older kids, who have all gone on to become a huge part of the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass festival. The line-up now is with the three younger ones, all following the tradition of talent! See them in the Kids Fest and Gospel Concert.

Springtide
The combined talents of Jackie Luke on Hammered Dulcimer, and Greg Wilson on Para-Celtic Harp makes-up one of Sydney's most distinctive duos. Add to the sound the sweetness of Jackie's vocals, and the lively sound of accordian and concertina and you have the unique sound of Springtide Years of dabbling in many musical styles has given Springtide a wealth of musical material to choose from. They move with ease from a traditional Aussie tune to a beautiful harp tune by Turlough O'Carolan, then lend their hands to a lively jig or reel, or a poignant Greek song by Mikis Theodorakis. Springtide revels in finding music to suit their unusual instrumental combination.
www.easy.com.au/dulce

St Albans Dirt Road Choir
Established in early 2009, the St Albans Dirt Road Choir meets every Sunday evening in a back room of the Settles Arms Hotel, and is open to everyone in the MacDonald Valley with a love of music and singing. Our repertoire is mostly traditional folk songs, sung in parts and harmonies, but also includes some modern popular music. Our first public gig was at the High and Dry Festival held in St Albans last November, and the Choir is very excited to be following this up by singing at the Folk Festival.

String Contingent (The)
The String Contingent play new acoustic music for violin, double bass and guitar. Their compositions and performance combine the clarity and precision of baroque chamber music with the raw excitement and intensity of Scottish fiddle and bluegrass. The String Contingent redefine the possibilities of a string trio in their own articulate and fluent style. They aim to broaden the traditional role of each instrument within the ensemble, with arrangements involving both structured and improvised elements.
www.myspace.com/thestringcontingent

Tea Ladies (The)
The Tea Ladies are: Diane Lehnam - Hailing from a rich Eastern European musical lineage, Diane is a clarinettist and accordionist and a 2009 CONDA award nominee for excellence by a professional actress. Debra Rodrigues - From the cultural melting pot of Singapore, Debra is a trapeze artist, mime, hula hoopist and dancer with Circus Avalon.
That's That
Female Songwriting Duo who harmonise to gentle guitar, chimes, bells and congas. Karen and Dianne blend sounds and voices in song to become "Soulfolk" a unique and original genre linking folk, jazz, tribal and etheric vibrations. The women share positive uplifting messages about interconnectedness, the earth, subtle planetary energies and moving through life's challenges with a smile. Each show will highlights different aspects of their songwriting and you can join the girls Monday morning as Dianne leds you through a songdala meditation to uplift you for the day. Bring your voices to join in song.
www.planetarycaretakers.com

Torchsong Country Soul Band
Imagine the heart of Hank Williams, the soul of Sam Cooke, and a voice reminiscent of Emmylou Harris, personified in a 6 piece band who rock like Steve Earle and bring it down like the Cowboy Junkies. Introducing The Torchsong Country Soul Band a 6 piece roots group delivering original but timeless folk, country, soul and bluegrass music. The songs are soulful and rich and range from heartbreakers and tear jerkers to glorious three piece harmonies. Fans of Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, Missy Higgins, John Butler and The Waifs would also be attracted to our music.
www.myspace.com/torchsongcountrysoulband

Torin
Torin King is a genuine travelling minstrel. Stolen away in his youth by a band of Faeries and taught to play the Celtic Harp, he has devoted his life to the study and promotion of Celtic music and culture. Although the Celtic Harp has not been heard in popular music for centuries, the harp playing of Torin King is alive and vibrant, combining ancient traditions and modern influences. His repertoire includes a wide range of traditional Celtic tunes, the music of Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738) and other old Irish Harpers and his own compositions. He is also a lively storyteller, providing the background to many of the pieces that he plays.
www.myspace.com/torinking

Two of Triantan
Judy Pinder and Miguel Heatwole sing Irish and Scottish songs that will raise the hairs on the back of your neck. They have a broad range of traditional and modern material, in English as well as Gaelic, weaving harmonies in the melodic, unaccompanied style which has become their trademark. Triantán grew out of the folk-singing sessions of Sydney and have been performing together since 1993.
www.triantan.com

Virago
Kath Morgan, vocals and tenor recorder and Di Clifford, vocals and percussion, perform as 'Virago', presenting haunting Celtic harmonies and clever parodies. Seasoned performers, they never fail to delight. Regular performers at Dubbo Folk Club and around Central West NSW, their most recent appearance was at Gulgong Folk Festival 2009/10.
Wheeze & Suck Band (The)
Festival Favourites, formed in 1996 these musicians / singers shared a desire to perform a principally English repertoire of traditional and contemporary material. This includes original Award winning tunes and songs: ‘Rag and Bone’, ‘Johnny in the Morning’ and ‘Tyburn Fayre’.Their songs, from sublime ballads to rip-roaring shanties, are sung in exquisite four part vocal harmonies. The Wheezers also play original and traditional dance tunes on fiery fiddle, melodeon, driving guitars, cello mandolin all underpinned with grounding percussion. The 'Wheezers' music is passionate and lively, and is guaranteed to get the audience singing and dancing, making the performance a truly memorable occasion!
www.wheezeandsuck.com

 

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