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2010 Performers
Wall Street Journal dubs them “the most exciting new traditional band to emerge from Ireland this century.” Irish Music Magazine writes “In Beoga, the Irish music world found another prodigy… madcap genius, master craftsmen.” Their distinctive sound is described by New York’s Irish Echo as “a heady, virtually head-spinning sonic blend, stamping Beoga as perhaps the most audacious Irish band rooted in trad today.” The Irish American News lauds the “energy, drive, intelligent creativity, wit and real musicianship” declaring, “this is the freshest take on the tradition,” and the Boston Globe ranks Beoga “as innovative as Celtic music mavericks Solas and Lunasa,” In short, Beoga have become one of the most popular and influential ensembles in modern Irish music.
Beoga (Irish word for ‘lively’) are based in County Antrim, in the north of Ireland. The bedrock of their sound lies firmly within the Irish tradition. However, they are not afraid to incorporate other genres’ nuances into their music. From bluesy riffs to Astor Piazzola-style jazz, to a raunchy New Orleans jamboree vibe, their music always returns to a wonderfully bouncy traditional sound. The result is traditional, with a huge sense of fun and adventure and it all works - wonderfully well. The Irish Times states, “Individually talented and collectively inspired, (Beoga) speak a language called music with a fluency beloved of the best multi-linguists.”
ACOUSTIC ELEMENTS A lively hybrid of Latin, Celtic and contemporary finger-style guitar describes Acoustic Elements. Scott Jolley and Brendan Wright are influenced by the likes of Strunz & Farah, Don Ross and Tommy Emmanuel and every performance guarantees an exciting and dynamic sound-scope. But don’t just take it from them. Their first release “Here to There” received critical acclaim from both PBS’s “Fretnet” guitar show and ABC’s “Across the Planet” world music program and festival-goers Australia wide are raving about them. Don’t miss them! www.acousticelements.com.au
THE ADELAIDE SCOTTISH FIDDLE CLUB (South Australia) The Adelaide Scottish Fiddle Club is a vibrant community group that meets once a month to explore the rich repertoire of the Scottish fiddle. Encompassing a range of ages and ability levels, the group’s engaging performances convey a sense of joy and fun. Led by internationally renowned fiddler Catherine Fraser, The Adelaide Scottish Fiddle Club will present an exuberant and diverse program of dance tunes and beautiful slow airs. Don’t miss it! www.adelaidescottishfiddleclub.com.au
ADO & RUAIRI This year's festival brings to the stage for the first time a collaboration between two fine traditional musicians on fiddle and Irish bouzouki. Known as one of Ireland’s finest young traditional players, Ruairi McEvoy is from Co Meath, and hails from a famous musical family - his mother is the great flute player Catherine McEvoy. Brought to Australia in 2009 by the Gaelic Club in Sydney as a teacher of fiddle, bouzouki and guitar, he's showing no signs of heading home in a hurry! Ado Barker, who picked up the music first in Canberra and later around Melbourne, honed his craft in the musical hothouse of Ennis, Co Clare. A member of seminal Australian-Irish trad band Trouble in the Kitchen, he has earned a reputation both at home and abroad as a fiddle player of rare class and depth. Together, these guys really light the fuse and their debut as a duo is an event definitely not to be missed!"
ANIAR Aniar mix original songs and Celtic tunes with the sounds of the globe. Featuring the beautiful vocals of Gemma Belfrage and Airlie Tait’s flamboyant flute playing plus a driving rhythm section (Don Stewart – guitar and bouzouki, Andrew Hallett – acoustic bass, Gemma Belfrage – djembe), Aniar create music that is poignant, uplifting and a lot of fun. www.aniar.com.au
BELLARINE COMMUNITY CHOIR The Bellarine Community Choir was formed in September 2009, by popular request, to represent the Peninsula and to perform at functions and events when required. The members are very enthusiastic and take pleasure in giving enjoyment to themselves and their audiences through singing. They perform four part harmony and unison songs and include men and woman of all ages. They perform a wide variety of musical styles to please all audiences. Their numbers have grown rapidly since their inception and they are always proud to represent the Bellarine Peninsula.
BHAN TRE Some consider it unlucky but for Bhan Tre the number 13 totals the number of years the girls have been playing their particular style of original and traditional Celtic music both here, in Australia at numerous concerts and festivals, as well as the odd trip to Ireland. 2010 looks like another great year for Bhan Tre infused with song, music, fun and mischief so ensure you catch one of their ‘not to be missed’ performances. The band features Sue Foley (vocals, bodhran & tin whistle), Geraldine Davis (vocals, guitar & bodhran) and Rebecca Humphries (vocals & fiddle).
BLACKBIRD (South Australia) Blackbird is a dynamic group of musicians playing an exciting mix of traditional Celtic and original tunes. Jack Brennan and Nick Martin play Uilleann pipes in an exhilarating style, with Tommy Carty on guitar and Martin Ruane on Bouzouki, adding a lively, fiery rhythm to the group. The musicians have been playing together for many years. This is the first time they come together as Blackbird.
THE BORERERS (South Australia) Witness the most energetic Celtic band in Australia and see why they’re renowned for their live performances and been voted the most popular band at major festivals all over the world. The BordererS have released 8 albums and been the winners of the Independent Music Awards in the USA plus the Musicoz Award for Best World Music act in Australia. The band has also supported Tom Jones & The Proclaimers. The BordererS are Jim Paterson (acoustic guitar & vocals), Alex Paterson (bodhran, penny whistle & lead vocals), Brenton Smith (drums), Steve Fleming (bass, fiddle & backing vocals), Richard Tankard (keyboards) and George Butrumlis (accordion & backing vocals). www.theborderers.com.au
BORDERLINE KAYLEE Borderline Kaylee is a vibrant group of teenagers and young adults who perform originally choreographed ceilih, bush and traditional Celtic dances. These young performers play a mixture of instruments and sing songs both traditionally and with their own twist. Energetic and lively, Borderline Kaylee are also an experienced dance band that provide fun evenings for families and people of all ages and dancing abilities. The band features Rebecca Voake (flute & tin whistle), Naomi Voake (bidhran), Matthew Harriage (guitar), Cameron Hibbs (violin), Stephen Panter (violin), Julia Konig (violin), Jennifer Cheong (vocals & viola), Jaclyn Cheong (vocals), Christopher Morrow (tin whistle), Bryndyll Hornet-Dever (percussion), Kim-Thao Ward (percussion) and Bart Tessellaar (bass). www.borderlinekaylee.tripod.com
THE BUSHWACKERS ‘When a group of Melbourne university students gathered to share their love of traditional music in 1971, little did they realize that they were establishing a musical institution. The Bushwackers are 37 years in the making….. and still going strong! Once they had established residencies in Melbourne pubs, their attention turned to Europe and a decade of extensive tours split between home and Europe began where their energy and musicianship made an instant impact. During their home visits, the band began to explore and popularize the neglected area of bush dance - their Bush Dance Spectaculars attracted huge crowds throughout Australia. After decades of relentless touring, the band decided to take a break from the road in 1995 and they have continued to record and perform at major festivals/events with their unique and powerful stage shows. The band features Dobe Newton (lagerphone, percussion & vocals), Roger Corbett (guitar, mandolin & vocals), Mark Oats (fiddle & vocals), Clare O’Meara (fiddle, accordion & vocals), Michael Vidale (bass) and Adrian Cannon (drums). www.thebushwackers.com.au CATHERINE FRASER QUARTET (South Australia) Winner of the 2010 Golden Fiddle Award for Best Soloist, Scottish fiddler Catherine Fraser is joined by pianist Duncan Smith, cellist Emma Luker and guitarist Bill Grose, to create a musically diverse and rhythmically exciting quartet. In demand as an international performer and teacher, Catherine brings a special brand of emotional communication to her performances. The arrangements are creative, the musicianship is superb, and the result is entertainment of the highest quality! wwwcatherinefraser.com
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE CEILI ENSEMBLE This is a group of Christian College students who have been inspired to play Celtic music in addition to their formal instrumental training, finding an outlet through the Ceilidh band started at school by music teacher Cathy Blake, a well known fiddle player on the Geelong folk music scene
CLAIRE PATTI Having been invited to sing on Portarlington stages over the past 3 years, Claire Patti has now got her own act! She presents a degustation of Celtic delights, with enticing performances of airs, originals and quirky interpretations of traditional melodies. Claire captivates her listeners with her rich and haunting voice, matched by her sincere and beautiful harp playing. Be transported. Be entertained. www.clairepatti.com
CLAYMORE Although many Celtic bands may come and go, each sounding remarkably like the others, the point of difference with Claymore is within the term “rock”. They add a current flavour and an inherent Australian-ness to their music, bringing old time traditional themes into the future, and appealing to audiences young and old. From the penetrating beats of the bohdrahn in the battle songs of the Jacobite rebellion to the hypnotizing drone of the pipes in the evocative love ballads of Scotland and Ireland, fans of the band find themselves conquered by the most fiery and delicate textures of Celtic music. While their style has been described as new age folk music, there is more passion, fire and enthusiasm than that genre allows. Featuring William Hutton (vocals, acoustic guitar & bodhran), Grant Scroggie (bagpipes, acoustic guitar & bodhran), Craig Scroggie (drums & percussion), Michael Doyle (lead guitar, fiddle & mandolin), Lindsay Hodgson (bass & didgeridoo) and Mick Mills (drums). www.claymore.org www.myspace.com/aussieclaymore
CONUNDRUM Conundrum has excited diverse audiences across Australia delivering Celtic dance music with driving rhythm and youthful energy. Having performed at festivals and venues throughout Australia and New Zealand they are a well-tuned performance machine. Their live shows are energetic and will leave people dancing – albeit sometimes in their seats! The band creates depth and freshness in their rendition of traditional Celtic music without compromising the melodies and rhythms that are so impressive in the first place. Playing traditional music from Ireland, Brittany, Scotland and the Shetland Islands, they also write and perform original tunes adding to the rich cultural pool which is their inspiration. Featuring Catherine Moser (fiddle & vocals), John Meredith (Irish flute), Corey Romeo (mandolin & guitar) and Gerry Daly (bodhran & guitar). www.myspace.com/cananundrum CORNERBROOK (New South Wales) Cornerbrook is Australia’s hottest new Traditional music act, blending the skills of some of this country’s best Irish musicians with the exciting and little-heard music of Newfoundland. Featuring Ben Stephenson (guitar) from Trouble in the Kitchen and Cory Clarke (button accordion & vocals) from the excellent Newfoundland band A Crowd of Bold Sharemen, with two of Sydney’s finest Irish players, Bridie Burke (fiddle) and Ben McAtamney (bodhran), they are not to be missed. www.myspace.com/cornerbrookmusic
THE CRAIC HOOERS (Ireland) The Craic Hooers are an Irish traditional eclectic 3-piece all girl band from the rain-sodden island that is Ireland. The band has been rehearsing together for donkey’s years in their secondhand WW2 soundproofed submarine and now they are ready to launch their original and exciting sound on an unsuspecting world. The girls have toured extensively throughout Ireland sampling the over-priced alcoholic beverages in the various one-horse town watering-holes, hitching along the highways and byways with the rain running down their saturated hand knitted Aran mini skirts and have been a prominent feature in the booming seedy weedy area of Temple Bar in the dark heart of Dublin. The band have just arrived in Melbourne in Oz hoping to encounter some sunshine, realistically priced Shiraz and small furry creatures. The band features Sharon Hussey (fiddle, tin whistle, mandolin & vocals), Avril Sweeney (guitar & mandolin) and Michelle Kettle (bodhran). www.sharonhussey.com THE DREAMCATCHERS The Dreamcatchers trio are an innovative contemporary folk band combining original songs with lavish harmonies and lyrical Celtic inspired instrumental numbers. Singer songwriters, Sarah Cottingham (guitar, percussion, mandolin and vocals) and Zak Zreikat (guitar and vocals), are joined by instrumentalist Martin Scuffins (Fiddle, Mandolin, 5 string Banjo). From playful up-tempo original songs to Celtic melancholy, the music of The Dreamcatchers is steeped in tradition but recognizes no boundaries!
EILEAN BEAG Eilean Beag, is a spin off from well-known Scots Gaelic band Eilean Mòr. The two founding members of the group, Bill Grose (guitar) and Ruth Lee Martin (vocals and bodhran) continue to bring the beautiful traditional songs and music of the Gaelic Highlands and Islands to Australian audiences. They are joined by the lyrical whistle and flute playing of Iain Stewart. Come along to a song workshop run by Ruth, learn the choruses to some of these wonderful traditional songs (not that hard we promise!), and then join Eilean Beag in concerts that not only highlight the music, but also encourage audience participation. "Can't believe that this bunch of Aussies have such a great Highland sound. (Andy Mitchell, Cullin FM).
ERIC BOGLE (South Australia) Eric Bogle was born in Peebles, Scotland along with his twin sister – “he was a particularly whiney little child … it was prophesied that he was either destined to be a politician or a folk singer of protest songs”. His musical career began as the lead singer of a local rock band “The Informers” but he eventually turned his attention to folk music after failing to transform himself into a Rock God. Eric became increasingly aware of and involved in politics and he heard his first folk songs at various protest marches and meetings - his interest in folk music turned into a passion which become a life-long, enduring relationship. He emigrated to Australia in 1969 and began climbing the corporate ladder before realizing that he really wanted to embark “on the perilous career path of a professional musician”. The rest is history – he has recorded 14 CDs and toured extensively, appearing in every major Folk & Country Music Festival in North America, Europe and Australia. This warm and engaging stage performer is “a literate and thoughtful songwriter who can cut to the heart of the matter with some well-crafted lines”. www.ericbogle.net ERIC PURDIE – Glasgow Storyteller Extraordinaire Eric Purdie has been sharing, formally and informally, at open nights and folk festivals for over thirty years. He has a direct performing style, which lies within the ‘stand up’ school of comedy. Through his humorous stories and anecdotes about his early years in Glasgow, he imparts a unique oral view of a life and culture. He has a unique insight into the Scottish story, which is not all about kilts and shortbreads. It’s about industrial towns and the Socialist movement.
EVAN & MISCHA Evan Davies and Mischa Herman, both talented multi-instrumentalists based in Melbourne, currently spend their time playing in bands which span a variety of styles. Evan forms part of Squeebz (trad Irish) and String Theory (Appalachian Folk). Mischa plays with RANT (Celtic and World Music) and Colectivo29 (Argentinean Tango Quintet). Through their unlikely discovery that they both play Highland Bagpipes, they have come together for this years’ Celtic Festival to present a tasty concoction of traditional and original tunes on flute, whistles, accordion and bagpipes! www.myspace.com/evandaviesmischaherman EVELYN’S SECRET Evelyn’s Secret is a new band, whose members are formerly of Dram, the 2009 Paddy O’Neil Award band. They deliver original songs and original Celtic styled tunes, as well as traditional Celtic music played with exuberance and an engagingly original style. The members of Evelyn’s Secret have drawn an enthusiastic response from audiences this year at many concerts and festivals across Australia. The band features Anita Hillman (cello, bass & vocals), Jenny McKechnie (guitar & vocals), Hilary Glaisher (fiddle & vocals) and Brigid Glaisher (flute, whistles & vocals). www.myspace.com/evelynssecret FIDDLERS FEAST (New South Wales) For 15 years, Fiddlers Feast has presented the best of Aussie Fiddling. Be it working as a group at major festivals nationally and overseas (Festival InterCeltique, Lorient, World Expo, Ailichi) or collaborating with artists such as Warren Fahey, Diesel, Graeme Connors, Jimmy Little etc, Fiddlers Feast remain at the forefront of Aussie fiddling with award winning CDs and compositions performed all over the world. The band features Marcus Holden (violin, mandolin & vocals), Clare O’Meara (violin, guitar & vocals), Mark Oats (violin & vocals), Garry Steel (accordion & piano), Rodney Ford (drums) and John Coker (bass). www.fiddlersfestival.com
GARY ÓG (Scotland) Gary is from Glasgow, Scotland – an Irish folk and rebel singer-songwriter. He has played music professionally since 1994 when he joined his first band Eire Óg and during the next seven years, they toured through many cities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe and America. He is influenced by lots of guitar folk bands such as Paul Brady, Christy Moore, Deccy McLaughlan and Bob Dylan. He has been performing solo since 2001. www.garyog.com G-JACK, D-MAC & THE B-MACS (Queensland) George Jackson (fiddle) and Davydd MacDonald (guitar)are two exciting young performers with a new direction in the Celtic tradition. Performing together since 2007, their explosive live shows have captured audiences from across Australia and New Zealand. The Duo is joined for the National Celtic Festival by two of Australia’s most passionate traditional musicians, Beth McCracken (flute) and Ben McAtamney (bodhran). Playing all together for the first time at the 2009 National Celtic Festival the four musicians immediately felt a connection, there was an amazing energy combining in some impromptu on stage magic. 2010 will see the quartet on stage together for the first time and ready release their raw passion for Celtic Music. www.myspace.com/georgeanddavydd
GIBB TODD (Queensland) Gibb Todd is a Scott from Scottish-Irish descent and sings songs from both traditions while accompanying himself on the guitar and five-string banjo. His repertoire includes several of his own songs. He is widely travelled and experienced on the world stage and has played in many European countries, USA, Canada, Bermuda, Australia and New Zealand. Gibb was the Master of Ceremonies at the Celtic Club at the 2009 Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow. www.gibbtodd.com
THE GO SET The Go Set combine the traditional sounds of bagpipes, fiddle, accordion and mandolin with contemporary rock guitars and a penchant for socially and politically motivated lyrics. Influenced by everything from The Dubliners and The Pogues, to The Clash and The Sex Pistols – The Go Set are folk music for a new generation. The Go Set last performed at the Festival in 2007 and have since released their 4th album “Rising” and toured twice around Europe. The band features Justin Keenan (vocals & guitars), Mark Wallace (accordion), Ago Soldati (drums), Lachlan McSwain (bagpipes), Evan Young (bass & vocals), Sam Gathercole (fiddle) and Ben Fraser (vocals, mandolin & guitar). www.myspace.com/thegoset JAMIE MCKINNON From songs of battles won and lost to loves won and lost Jamie McKinnon brings his passionate and engaging performances back to Portarlington. With songs introduced by stories of their origins or connections audiences are treated to Scottish songs delivered by a great voice in a very relaxed style reminiscent of “The Corries”, Scotland’s foremost folk performers of the 60’s-80’s.
JOHN SPILLANE (Ireland) “John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet, dreamer – a canvass filled with colour and brilliance. His music transports the listener; his live performance captivates the audience. In a world filled with strife and upheaval, a time-out with John Spillane is enough to ease the load a bit on anyone lucky enough to bask in his light. The man and his music are pure magic. Vocally, he is quite unique with an almost sean nos-like element in his singing and he is said to have a voice “full of honesty, commitment and sensitivity”. His songs flit between beautiful poetry tinged with melancholy to roguish, irreverent Cork humour. www.johnspillane.com
LIMINALITY Cath Connelly and Greg Hunt together are Liminality – performing Celtic music which is truly spiritual and has touched audiences deeply whenever they play. True to their Celtic roots, Cath and Greg combine Celtic harp, violin and mandola in a stunning performance. The instruments fuse beautifully in a presentation of music on the Celtic threshold. www.cathy.com.au MARIA FORDE & JIMMY MOORE This year Maria Forde and Jimmy Moore unite to bring you a unique performance of Ireland's favourite ballads by two faces of the festival. Since arriving from Armagh in 1982 Jimmy has wowed Australian audiences with his golden vocals, endearing humor and talented Sydney based band Claddagh. Maria, based in Victoria, tours nationally sharing original and traditional songs from her six albums. Between the two of them they have earned impressive national and international reputations performing with artists including the Fureys, Eric Bogle, Foster and Allen, Christy Moore, Dedannan, Paddy Reilly, George Jones and Daniel O'Donnell. A festival highlight!
THE MELBOURNE SCOTTISH FIDDLE CLUB The all fiddling all singing all dancing group from Melbourne that has a knack of making you feel better going out than you did coming into their gigs. Make sure you see them, after 15 years their younger members have taken the group to a new level, and their fourth CD “Gates of Gold”, released December 2008, is proof of this. www.melbournescottishfiddlers.com also on YouTube.
THE MESSAGE Dynamic and melodic, The Message create music that has been likened to the Fleadh Ceol meets Thin Lizzy, melding traditional Irish tunes and songs into an upbeat rock format. The band has performed in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, performing in Oman and Brunei to enthusiastic responses and critical acclaim. They also perform regularly interstate and have developed sound followings wherever they play. The band features Bob Connor (vocals, guitar & mandolin), Sean Nash (vocals, guitar & mandolin), Rob Doole (vocals & fiddle), Brad Dawson (percussion) and Rick MacInnis (bass). www.themessage.com.au
MYRA MCRAE & BAND An emerging Scottish-Australian artist, a singer and multi-instrumentalist, Myra McRae’s open hearted singing style, lively tune sets and warmth on stage have earned her a loyal following. She delivers perceptive takes on the vagaries of life and matters of the heart, a comfy hybrid of music steeped in tradition… Playing fiddle and accordion, she is joined by Matiss Schubert - fiddle/mandolin, Sandy Brady - upright bass, Ade Kelly - guitars, John Parry - drums. Myra's first album 'As I Roved Out' 2008 will be followed up with a second album 'The Cat's Eye' to be released in March 2010. www.youtube.com/user/myramcrae PAT HIGGINE (New Zealand) Pat Higgins’ background is in Irish traditional music on wooden flute and whistles. Also, a fine guitarist, he uses a complex finger-style to accompany his vocal performance. Pat has taken traditional songs from Ireland and its neighbours to re-work them in open guitar tunings. More recently, he has also mined his own life experience, and this original material is now a large part of his performances. These new songs feature on his self-produced CD “What You See is Not your Own”.
PEARL Over three decades beginning with Goanna, they have established their individual reputations as acclaimed singer-songwriters, vocalists and performers on the world stage, and have mesmerized audiences with musical strength, fearless politics and their tender hearts. Marcia Howard and Rose Bygrave’s CDs have achieved the highest praise and their songs cross effortlessly between the Celtic and Australian cultures. They have worked with artists such as Mary Black, Luka Bloom, Paul Brady, Liam O’Maonlai and Seamus Begley … to name a few. Together they are PEARL. www.marciahoward.com.au www.myspace.com/rosebygrave
PENDRAGON DREAMING From Wales; Land of Song – a Welsh-language folk group that blends traditional songs and tunes from the other side of the world for you to enjoy here in Australia! Your chance to hear the last living Celtic language at the festival; an eclectic mix of harp, flute, acoustic guitars, fiddle, didgeridoo and a rich tapestry of vocals that you'd expect from the land of Song. Traditional Welsh styles, rhythms and melodies plus new numbers to turn your world upside down. Sung in`Australian’ as well as Welsh to make you feel at home whether from Wales or Portarlington! The combination of Pedr Bonnell (guitar, didgeridoo & vocals), Sian Brion (flute & vocals), Gawain Kenn (bass) and Faleiry Koczkar (harp & vocals) produces a traditional Welsh singing style and melodies. A unique and evocative fusion of sounds and rhythms. www.pendragondreaming.com Celtic Shades of Welsh Wales Dan ni yma o hyd / We are still here! Come and experience the myriad hues of this oft-hidden magical soul – in music, word and images – audio-visual performance art for everyone with Pendragon Dreaming and Isabel Ellender. Events and stories unfold from a flowing river of living Celtic culture streaming down the millennia to the present day. Presented in English with songs and poems in Welsh to get a feel for this beautiful, poetic language. www.pendragondreaming.com
PETER MILLER (Queensland) Australian finger-style guitarist Peter Miller plays in a style similar to the guitar music of the Windham Hill label. Peter has toured extensively through Australia and several times in Ireland, sharing the stage with legendary songwriter John Spillane on numerous occasions. He has also played with piper Eoin Duignan, supported the great Pierre Bensusan and his music has appeared on compilation CDs worldwide. Website: www.petermillermusic.com
RANT Beginning in the Celtic tradition, yet inspired by a variety of genres, RANT incorporate harp, accordion, vocals, whistles, keyboard and guitar into a repertoire of contemporary tune sets, traditional ballads, European folk, popular rock and even the occasional music theatre excerpt. Returning to the Lake School of Celtic Music, Song and Dance, Victoria, where they formed in January 2008, the band enjoyed working with songwriters Ted Egan and Nerys Evans, composing material that features on their first album "In a Moment". Drawing on a variety of influences, Jonathan Burton (guitar), Michelle Doyle (harp), Mischa Herman (accordion & whistles) and Carrie Young (vocals & keyboard) perform with an infectious enthusiasm that enlivens audiences large and small.
RED CAT Red Cat perform a variety of favourite and original contemporary Celtic music. Luscious harmonies with powerful words and music make this trio a stand out act. Kerry, Rob and Mike have an enviable performance history between them and since forming in mid-2008 have played at many festivals and venues around Australia to rave reviews. Red Cat's new CD ‘First Life’ has just been released and is available from the festival stall. Band members are Kerry Dawson (vocals & bodhran), Rob Carroll (vocals, banjo, guitar & bodhran) and Mike Daley (guitar, mandolin, vocals & harmonica). Website: www.myspace/redcatoz
THE RUMJACKS (NSW) The Rumjacks spontaneously formed when musicians from various bands met in Sydney in 2008. Lifelong fans of 'traditional' folk music and high energy folk punk as pioneered by the legendary Pogues, and, with core members as regular players on the Sydney and Melbourne pub rock scenes, The Rumjacks set about throwing together a swag of original songs and playing shows on the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. The Rumjacks convey a direct and emotional lyrical punk energy in the manner of “Against Me!” and Billy Bragg and they draw on a vast array of musical styling’s such as reggae, gypsy, folk, and more to fuse it all together in a cannonball of roots rock. The band features Will Swan (accordion, tin whistle & vocals), Frankie McLaughlin (vocals), Johnny McElvey (bass & vocals), Anthony Matters (drums & vocals) and Gabriel Whitbourne (guitar). www.myspace.com/therumjacks
SCUFFINS & THE KAT Martin Scuffins (Fiddle) and Zak Zreikat (Guitar) are collectively ‘Scuffins and the Kat’. Their approach to instrumental Celtic music reflects both a deep respect for tradition and a healthy spirit of creativity. At times they pare the tunes down to their basic elements and at others they build layers of variation. From expressive airs to lively jigs and reels, this is pure, uncluttered music from the heart.
SHANACHIE The Paddy O'Neill Young Celtic award group for 2010 from the Lake School of Celtic Music, Shanachie features: Michelle Meehan (vocals, guitar, fiddle & flute), Rob Hillman (viola, fiddle, vocals & guitar), Michaela Hickey (accordion, keyboard & vocals) and Allan Evans (harp, flute & vocals). Shanachie, an energetic and creative mix of traditional and original music from four very talented young performers destined to go places... New CD 'Fourfold' available at the festival.... SHIRLEY POWER & COLIN MOCKETT Shirley Power has the pure, clear, voice of an angel while Colin Mockett has an endless supply of Celtic humour. They are firm festival favourites, either together or apart. Shirley’s concert spots are festival highlights while Colin brings sharp, witty fun. As individual performers, they are exceptional, together they are unforgettable. Their live multimedia shows combine screen, narration and music to entertain, inform – and delight. This year they bring two: “Best Humour the Celts” builds on the Celtic love of humour in a delightful session of Celtic jokes, ditties, poems and musical fun. “The Bard Bared” begins with the controversy that raged throughout Scotland during 2009 - Robert Burns 250th birthday – and moves to tell his life story in music www.entertainmentgeelong.com
The Simpson Three are a trio of Celtic musicians performing a wide range of genres including Irish, Old Time, Scottish and Australian music. Including members from ‘Celtaclysmic,’ these three siblings promise a fiery blend of traditional, contemporary and original tunes and songs. They are all highly talented multi-instrumentalists with tight and refined arrangements. Their line up includes Clancy Simpson (tenor banjo, mandolin, guitar & vocals), Declan Simpson (fiddle, guitar & vocals) and Bec Simpson (bodhran & vocals). These young dedicated musicians are a must see at this year’s festival! www.myspace.com/simpsonthree SIOBHAN OWEN (South Australia) Sixteen year old Adelaide girl Siobhan Owen was born in Wales with Welsh and Irish heritage. Classically trained, Siobhan also turns her haunting soprano voice and delicate harp playing to a repertoire of traditional Celtic songs. Siobhan was voted the 2009 SA Folk Awards “Most Outstanding Emerging Artist”. At a young age she has already recorded two albums, won prestigious classical and folk performer awards and has played at many festivals around Australia. She is a truly enchanting act! www.siobhanowen.com
SQUEEBZ Squeebz [skweebs] verb, squeebz-ed, squeebz-ing, noun -noun 1. Awesome young band that cranks up tunes 2. The collective term for the musics of Ireland, Cape Breton, Scotland, Brittany, Appalachia and Australia 3. ~ up: An increase in pace and energy notably when playing choonz 4. An acceptable lyric when lilting. -verb 5. ~ it up: to initiate a squeebz up; see also ‘squeebz it up!’ (imperative) 6. ~ it out: To produce crankin’ music Squeebz features Declan Simpson (guitar, mandolin, banjo & vocals), Jack Wilson (fiddle & piano), Evan Davies (flute, banjo & guitar) and Kit Joyce (accordion).
STRING THEORY String Theory bring new old time music to Port Arlington! Pria Schwall-Kearney, Lucy Wise, Evan Davies and Claire Alleway play a mixture of traditional Appalachian songs and tunes with a rhythmic twist, sweet vocal harmonies and funky cello and banjo grooves. Winners of the Peter Daly award for best up-and coming band as well as the Infinite Motown Competition at the National Folk Festival this year, they have just launched their first EP, ‘Trimmed in Red’. Check them out! www.myspace.com/priaschwallkearney
THE TO’RAGS (Tasmania) Celtic roots meets contemporary folk. The To'Rags feature some of Tasmania’s finest folk musicians. They are a working band who play a vibrant mix of traditional and original Scottish and Irish music. The To'Rags signature sound eatures driving rhythms and exquisite four-part vocal harmonies. “The Fabulous To'Rags! The Second Best Fun You Can Have Standing Up: A melting pot of good energy, fine playing, and some very singable favourites you know and love.” Ian Paulin The band members are Tom Meldrum (bouzouki, whistles & vocals), Mike Shegog (guitar & vocals), Jeremy Sibson (bodhran), Annie Parsell (accordion & vocals) and Mat Woolley (banjo, mandolin & vocals). www.myspace.com/thetorags
ZEPTEPI Inspired by artists such as The Waterboys, The Dubliners and Levellers, folk rockers Zeptepi have been gigging around Australia since 2004. Renowned for the energy and passion of their live performances, this year sees the launch of their 3rd album at the Festival, a collection of fiddle-tastic classics to follow up on their 2009 EP 'The Ballad of John Green'. The band features Phil Dean (vocals & guitar), Bernie Dodd (drums), Frank Packer (bass) and Hayley Anderson (violin). www.zeptepi.info www.myspace.com/zeptepiband
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Beoga – first ever trip to Australia!