Performers
Here are some of the great performers that we are proud to presenting at Fleurieu Folk Festival 2018.
Ami Williamson (NSW)
“Forceful, funny, powerful and poetic, Ami Williamson is a Folk Singer/Songwriter like none other! I cried, I laughed, then both at the same time; one-woman show at its best” – Sydney Morning Herald.
A trained singer/pianist and a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Ami Williams has been performing in her own right for many years after her father – country music’s John Williamson – first took her out on the road as a teenager. Ami’s experience as a performer has extended far and wide since her graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music – in addition to playing Festivals across Australia; she was invited to entertain troops in the Solomon Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan. She’s not just a talented singer and songwriter, her incredible talents also extend to playing the piano, drums and dulcimer. While Ami’s roots are firmly in the tradition of singer/songwriter, her richly diverse upbringing had Ami taking the stage not only in opera and classical, but also touring with her father, legendary country music artist John Williamson.
Chris Finnen
Chris Finnen is one of South Australia's gemstones of musicianship. Over four decades travelling as a troubadour journeyman has seen Chris Finnen often referred to as the 'guitarist's guitarist'. Chris brings a wry twist to his original blues songwriting, adding sly humour to lyrics, focusing on the musing of everyday experiences and embracing a strong sense of community. His restless musical curiosity has seen him embrace a tapestry of varied cultural influences, weaving the sound of India, Celtic traditions, and African nations into his music. This has resulted in a career rich in variety and encompassing diverse opportunities from film scores, theatrical productions and musical therapy. Chris was inducted into the "American Heritage Blues Hall of Fame" New York August 2013.
The Chris Finnen "Electric" Band
The Chris Finnen "Electric" Band covers a wide range of music based around Blues and Roots music. This includes traditional Blues, Swing, Shuffle, Jazz, Funk, Reggae, African and Psychedelic influences - all wrapped up in an audience interactive journey. Chris was inducted into the "American Heritage Blues Hall of Fame" New York August 2013.
Mike McClellan (NSW)
With songs like Song and Dance Man, The One I Love, Saturday Dance and I Wonder Who You're Waiting For, Mike McClellan has earned an honoured place in the history of Australian music. Mike's early career spanned the 70's and 80's and brought chart-topping songs and gold albums – plus his own national ABC TV series which he hosted for four years. Then in 2011 Mike made a long-awaited return to performing and recording and has since released three new albums, with his latest No Intermission – all of which have only enhanced his reputation as one Australia's finest singer-songwriters.
Fiona Ross & Shane O'Mara (VIC)
An esteemed tradition bearer in her native Scotland, Fiona Ross brings knowledge, passion and commitment to her performance. Her honest, evocative singing style and extensive repertoire showcase the richness, depth and diversity of the Scots song tradition. Guitarist, producer, studio engineer, composer and ARIA Award winner, Shane O'Mara is one of Australia's most versatile musicians. He has extensive recording and touring experience with many diverse artists including Paul Kelly, Chris Wilson and Tim Rogers. As a duo, Fiona Ross & Shane O’Mara deliver a captivating set of traditional Scots songs, including material from Fiona’s highly acclaimed album, Clyde Water, that she recorded with legendary Scottish musicians - Tony McManus and John McCusker.
Khristian Mizzi (VIC)
With a warm, lilting voice and an art for weaving beauty and truth into the words of each song, Khristian Mizzi reaches the hearts of his audiences. His performances have been described as being 'captivating', leaving listeners feeling lighter and more serene than when they came in. Poetic lyrics, meandering melodies and a voice like a big warm hug along with a unique picking style, Mizzi really is a complete artist and is becoming renowned for his intimate performances and thoughtful songs.
Loren Kate
Enchantingly beautiful, down-to-earth and absolutely spellbinding, Loren Kate casts a sublime and haunting web over audiences around the country with her unique and unforgettable sound and soul. She is a captivating performer and brilliant storyteller that often leaves her audiences with both joy and tears. “One of the most divine singer/songwriters in the universe. She can crack you open and expose your rawness, then wrap you back up so you can leave safe and warm. She, Loren Kate, is a special one.” -Phaedra Watts, Nannup Music Festival Director
Siobhan Owen
With classical training, Celtic roots and a passion for languages, the haunting voice and soothing harp of Welsh-born, internationally acclaimed Siobhan Owen will transport you to the ancient and magical lands of the Celts. Winner of the 2017 Australian Celtic Music Awards “Female Artist of the Year” and hailed as “One of the six new ambassadors of Celtic music” by Le Figaro newspaper France, Siobhan’s repertoire includes songs in Welsh, Irish, Scottish, Breton, Cornish and Manx. Back in Adelaide after spending the last few years touring Europe, Siobhan will enchant all with her ethereal voice and harp.
Akoustic Odyssey
Akoustic Odyssey is an original world music fusion group. They have been described as “uncategorisable”. Consisting of guitar, bass, cello, violin, percussion, drums, flute, clarinet and soprano saxophone, this combination of musicians delivers a rich and truly unique sound. Their original compositions contain an eclectic mix of influences from the Metal, Classical, Jazz, Greek, Spanish, Latin, Middle Eastern, African and Folk genres. Akoustic Odyssey have performed at WOMADelaide, the National Folk Festival and at many other events and festivals around South Australia. Their dynamic and dramatic performances always leave a lasting impression!
The Adelaide Empire Band
The Adelaide Empire Band are Adelaide's premier Steampunk Traditional English Band. Over the past 5 years, the AEB have played for concerts and dances in Adelaide. Specialising in traditional English and Playford tunes, they have delighted audiences with the mighty sound featuring squeezeboxes, fiddles, wind instruments, hurdy-gurdy, drums and bass.
Andy and Marta
Drawing from a deep well of influences and experiences, Andy and Marta pour out their songs with an ear for sifting out the true and essential elements. Rich, emotive vocals overlap and intersect with intricate, rhythmic and soulful guitars, finger picking the heart.
Adrienne Lovelock and Peter Day
Peter Day and Adrienne Lovelock are well known on the Adelaide folk scene as performers and organisers of folk clubs and sessions. Peter’s accomplished guitar work complements Adrienne’s highly individual voice across a wide range of styles from traditional folk ballads to blues. Adrienne’s songwriting has a strong emphasis on narrative and character, often retelling the stories of people from our past in a new and fresh style that honours folk traditions. She won the Judith Crossley Memorial Award in 2017 for her song ‘One More Hill’. Adrienne’s debut album, ‘Every Road Leads Somewhere’, was released in 2018.
Blackberry Blossom
Blackberry Blossom is an all-girl band that play an eclectic mix of folk music including European and Celtic tunes. They mix haunting songs with lyrical melodies and intricate harmonies on fiddle, harp, vocals and piano accordion. Come along and enjoy some rollicking jigs and reels alongside something feminine and pretty.
Bobby Digger
Bobby Digger is an Ambient Acoustic Duo. A Pommy Cop and an Aussie Soldier who will whisk you away with a variety of lounge, indie, folk, soul and pop. A pure voice coupled with effortlessly skilled guitar make the perfect combo for a chilled atmospheric night. A mixture of classic covers, adapted oldies and sophisticated originals make Bobby Digger a versatile and enjoyable sound for all occasions. Bobby digger are new in town and are already winning crowds all over SA, and they hope you enjoy their music as much as they clearly enjoy making it.
Brianna Page
Brianna is a 14-year-old self-taught vocalist/musician from Murray Bridge. Inspired by the music of Grace Vanderwaal, her beautiful vocals are accompanied by the sweet jangly sounds of her ukulele.
Courtney Robb & Snooks La Vie
Adelaide singer-songwriter Courtney Robb wants you to feel what she feels as she moves between the lines of country-infused folk and blues. Courtney’s charged delivery demands something of her listener as the imperfections and fragility of her stories reveal themselves. Courtney will be joined by former Hiptones frontman, Snooks La Vie on harmonica.
Dave Godfrey
Dave is a singer, guitarist and ukulele player who began performing in folk clubs in 1980. He spent 10 years playing the pub circuit in rock bands; he also performs solo acoustic work in local pubs. His music is a mixture of both Australian and American folk and originals - influenced by Bob Dylan, The Bushwackers and Eric Bogle.
Dustbowl Chic
Dustbowl Chic combine energy, life and fun into their unique style of rustic Folk Rock, singing their songs of the south. These Willunga locals dip their flat caps and fedoras to the traditions of Celtic, American and Fleurieu folk with songs and a soul that capture local life, landscapes and laughter in a seemingly incongruous yet highly effective mix of instruments and styles. Dustbowl Chic represent what it means to be a Willunga local - Diverse, Creative and Fun!
Fiona Ross – The Jean Redpath Story
A behind-the-scenes perspective on acclaimed Scottish folksinger and cultural ambassador for Scotland Jean Redpath (1937-2014) who became, for many listeners across the globe, the voice of traditional Scots song. Esteemed Scots singer Fiona Ross sings songs from Redpath’s expansive repertoire and shares insights into the life, work and influence of this most engaging and prolific performer. Photographs, video and live recordings of Jean Redpath are interwoven throughout the show. Co-produced by Fiona Ross and Pete Heywood.
Hedgehog
Hedgehog is a trio in Renaissance-style costume. They perform a lively and eclectic mix of dances, folk tunes and love songs from the Renaissance. Instruments include guitar, mandolin, waltzither, recorders, voice and violin.
Henk Groot Trio
Singer / Songwriting act in which the musical accompaniment is as important as the lyrics. Songs of SA history, River Murray, Coorong and the S.E of SA wrapped up in all the various musical genres they have absorbed over the years, from Celtic to Country, Calypso to Bluegrass and Bush music.
Highly Strung
Highly Strung is an acoustic string band that has been exploring songs written by Australian women, looking at the stories told from different areas of the country by the women who have lived here. They play mostly traditional stringed instruments but make their own interpretation of the songs they sing. Highly Strung aims to make the songs appealing to the contemporary audience. 90% Australian material, with a few songs from elsewhere that fit their experiences or reflect conditions they see here in Australia.
Jax and Alan
Jax and Alan are Jackie Walton and Alan Gilbert. They have been playing music together for over three years at Festivals and Folk clubs. Jax is a singer, songwriter and violinist. Alan is a rhythm guitarist and singer. They have a variety of styles of music which include Celtic, Folk, Classical, Movie Themes and some Originals.
Jesse McCormack (TAS)
Materialising on stage in a vibrant, passionate flourish of purple bohemianism, Tasmanian troubadour Jesse McCormack showcases his signature style of “Swedish-infused acoustic Celtic folk-rock” utilising a small arsenal of eclectic instruments and a voice that's been known to reduce grown men to tears and rowdy pubs to awed silence. He is excited to be returning to Fleurieu following his debut at the 2016 festival.
Jim and Patti Bee
Found at folk clubs and events on two continents since the 1960s, Patti’s job and folk music brought them together in Canberra in 1988, they married and settled in Adelaide. They have presented themed concerts such as "Songs of the Supernatural" and "What's the Life of a Man" at the SA state festival in Goolwa as well as "Nobbut a Lancashire Mon" and "Songs of Sex, Sin and Seduction" at previous Fleurieu Folk Festivals. In honour of their 30th wedding anniversary this festival weekend, they’ve decided it’s time to put together another themed concert!
Jimmy O'Hare (VIC)
Jimmy’s eye-catching technique of guitar playing has the potential to draw you in and not let you go. A combination of virtuosity and emotion results in a performance not easily forgotten. Jimmy explores the guitar’s melodic, harmonic and percussive capabilities, often all at once in his original compositions. Jimmy was the winner of the 2017 Queenscliff Music Festival 'Foot in the Door' Blues & Roots Competition. Performances in both the 2017 and 2016 Melbourne Guitar Perspective Concert Series and Melbourne Guitar Festival have all seen him grow his reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting young guitarists.
Kathy Walton
Kathy is a specialist teacher on Irish whistle, flute and recorder. A pioneer of folk music education in the UK, highlights include the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and the Globe Theatre. She established the Meitheal Cheoil music school in London (1994) and Australian branch in 2016. Kathy adjudicates for Comhaltas and prepares students for exams at the London College of Music. Her students have 31 national titles to date, representing Britain at the All-Ireland Fleadh (world championships) more than seventy times. She has produced two CD’s; Making Tracks and Taking Note and her arrangements were selected for the award-winning documentary Breaking Ground in 2013.
Liberty Tuohy
Liberty Tuohy is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter hoping to spread her story through the lyrics of her songs. Liberty is a country girl from a small coastal town in the Eyre Peninsula who began performing for her parents in the lounge room with her brother at the age of 3, creating their own instruments from the kitchen utensils. She now tries to play as many instruments as she can inside her bedroom, however, acoustic guitar is hands down her favourite. She enjoys Sunday sessions at the local pub, playing indie-folk music for the people in her local community.
Liberty has just been announced as the Winner of the 2018 Whyalla Recording Scholarship and will be launching her debut single and music video as part of her prize in 2019.
Little Sylvie
Little Sylvie are an established, all female six piece a Capella vocal group that delves into various musical genres all sung sans instruments. Boasting both the unique sounds of their female Baritone and a professional opera singer amongst their midst, the vocal group relishes their ability to celebrate deep, full-bodied tones and their ethereal soprano highs. A highly skilled vocal ensemble with years of experience performing a wide range of genres including Jazz, Gospel, Country and Indie folk. After two years away from the stage, Little Sylvie are relaunching themselves in Feb 2018 with their all-new lineup and captivating repertoire.
Moonta Street
Moonta Street presents the new sounds of Australian contemporary folk music, performing a scintillating blend of folk and original music blending the sounds of Anglo and European music with the influences of Chinese traditions. Moonta Street (named after Adelaide Chinatown) features the virtuoso playing of Guzheng maestro Zhao Liang together with percussion from Adelaide's most , acclaimed percussionist Satomi Ohnishi adding sublime vocals from Mary Heath and backed by keyboards, guitars and hammer dulcimers from Keith and Shivani Preston. Moonta Street songs bring the ancient and modern together with songs about Climate Change, trains speeding along the Old Silk Road and Loom weavers from Lancashire. Pure Adelaide!
No Spring Chickens
Three ladies of a certain age who love good songs, either old or new. They sing both A Capella and with acoustic instruments and enjoy arranging their songs with close harmonies. Our backgrounds are in traditional and contemporary folk music, but they just love singing together and will tackle any genre if the song is good enough.
Paul Reynolds
Paul plays interpretations of early 20th-century music, including jazz and blues standards and Tin Pan Alley classics along with a bit of humour and few modern songs with stories.
Peter Anderson (VIC)
Peter Anderson plays Appalachian dulcimer, sings Pink Floyd songs, plays guitar, sings cheeky and funny parodies, plays accordion, plays movie themes, leads dance bands, repairs accordions, sings traditional Australian folk songs, has a cool campervan, calls dances, loves a campfire session, bots the odd cigarette, flirts a bit, stands 6’4”, doesn’t believe in mornings, is suitably left wing, and is thoroughly entertaining on stage, to name but a few things.
Ruby Moon
Ruby Moon weave a spellbinding tapestry of lush harmonies and rich vocals. Let Nikkie, Bron and Adrienne take you on a captivating musical journey of both acapella and accompanied songs from the British Isles, Australia and America. Sweet harmonies to sing up the moon!
SA Celtic Harp Orchestra
South Australia's premier Celtic harp orchestra will be performing a selection of tunes from Ireland and Scotland to tug at your heartstrings! Featuring solos, duets and ensemble works by harpers from all over the State.
Saltwater Taffy
Front porch songs in the traditional Americana, the music that migrated from the British Isles up into the mountains of Appalachia and came back down again. A salty sweet tang of four-part harmony with more than a touch of an Old-Timey string band. Saltwater Taffy takes you on a melodic ride across the salty seas to the hills and cotton fields, from civil wars to lost loves. Travel with the Taffies down that Old Plank Road, along the New Railroad by the Miller's Pond and up through the North Country with a whisper of old-time gospel along the way.
Scott Creek Primary Junior String Ensemble
Keeping the folk music tradition alive and lowering the average age of performers for Fleurieu Folk Festival 2018, all the way from a tiny rural school in Scott Creek SA, the Scott Creek Junior String Ensemble, features 4 fiddles and a mandolin and will be performing a variety of traditional folk tunes. Aged from as young as 6 to as old as 12 years old, their enthusiasm for music will inspire and delight you!
Spiral Dance
Fusing folk-lore and legend, Spiral Dance presents an eclectic blend of traditional English Folk/Rock with powerful self-penned songs and tunes. Rousing melodies intertwine with mythical tales that will spirit you into the realms of magic and the mists of ancient times - This is music that will rock your ancestors!
Telenn Tri
Telenn Tri are Christine Morphett - harp and keyboards, Peter Franche - piano accordion, guitar, bouzouki, bass guitar and Linda Rankin - fiddle, vocals and keyboard. This trio combines its wealth of various musical backgrounds and influences, to provide the basis for an exploration of Celtic music. Both traditional and contemporary tunes and songs are interwoven with original compositions.
The Grubby Urchins (VIC)
On the nebulous intersection of trad jazz, sea shanty and good ol’ fashioned folk, sit The Grubby Urchins, a duo of happy-go-lucky young Melburnians with dirty feet, useless degrees and a penchant for the eclectically bizarre. Armed with heady harmonies and intrepid instrumentals the Urchins wage their reckless stylistic war on songs old and new, leaving audiences grinning in politeness and confusion and wondering where the youth of today went wrong.
The Fatherhood
The Fatherhood is a five-piece contemporary folk band from McLaren Vale playing upbeat original songs. This is a welcome return for The Fatherhood after two seasons at Fleurieu in 2015 and 2016 and the release of their album 'Dreams Enough to Share'. The band comprises Richard Brown (vocal, guitar, violin), Jackie Walton (vocals, violin), Kai Walton (keyboard), Derek Walton (bass) and Paul Trueack (drums). The Fatherhood’s performances include songs written by Jackie and Richard about love, life and landscapes containing melodic and ambient sounds, from the soulful indie “Myponga Beach” and the quirky dance "Body by the River", to Jackie’s emotional song “Remembering”.
The Fiddle Chicks
The Fiddle Chicks are Dee Trewartha and Emma Woolcock. With only their two fiddles, bass fiddle and stomp boxes they create a unique musical experience for audiences at Festivals and events throughout Australia. Their unique minimalist sound is strong, energetic and vital. From their inspiring originals to unique arrangements of songs from the rich heritage of folk music, The Fiddle Chicks have proven themselves to be one of SA’s most endearing and original acts. Their musical style ranges from Traditional Celtic, European, Gypsy and Roots, but it is their original compositions and rich fiddle soundscapes which really shine through.
The Heggarties
The Heggarties have become renowned as a compelling and unique band who impress not only with quality song-writing but also with their dynamic live show. They have been nominated for a swag of awards including; finalist in the SA Music Awards, and finalist in the Adelaide Roots and Blues Association awards. Their debut album, released in 2017, has received extensive airplay nationally and internationally including spending nine straight weeks in Adelaide’s biggest community radio station’s Top 20 and ending up as number 18 in the top 101 for that year.
The Reverend and Mrs Rowdy
Honky Tonky music boils up old-timey, country, jazz, western swing, bluegrass and blues – all in the same pot. The Reverend and Mrs Rowdy and band (aka The Rowdies) take the wheel of Hank Williams old blue Cadillac bringing succor to tired sinners, reviving flagging spirits, and spreading a swingin' gospel of community, localism, and drinkin' dancin' good time music. Joined by local bluegrass royalty Leonard Cohen on dobro, this mob of charlatan evangelists are hitting the road to honky tonk redemption and political freedom, through some larger than life stories, twisted observations on life and politics, and some terrible bad heretical theology. Drink up sinners. Hallelujah!
The Royal High Jinx (VIC)
Mesmerizing Melbourne Gypsy dance band, TRHJ, write, play and sing danceable music inspired by European traditions, shaded with gypsy jazz, Balkan, and a pinch of classical virtuosity. Enjoy a smorgasbord of romantic continental classics and frantic Gypsy musical treats. Experience a stage of colour with Sarah (Former Violinist of The Woohoo Revue/Bushwackers), Silas (Women In Docs/ Bushwackers), Jen (The Great Chefs Of Europe) and Terry (The Fratellini Bros ). Launching their new album 'Gone, Gone, Gone,’ at Fleurieu Folk Festival, sing, dance and be entertained by Melbourne's most colourful gypsy dance band!
The Skeleton Club
From its inception, Adelaide blues/folk six-piece band The Skeleton Club has been the makeshift home for a coming-together of storytellers. The band’s eclectic sound could find a comfortable home from Nashville to Cuba to Spain and almost anywhere in between, but home is where the heart is, so TSC are romping and rocking their way across Australia from dive bars to houseboats and backyards to festivals to bring you their unique brand of troubadour-blues/pop.
Trav Collins
Trav Collins is a 19-year-old Adelaide singer/songwriter who has a unique sound, incorporating acoustic guitar with unorthodox electric tones and effects. His solo music has the fullest sound possible whilst still maintaining an acoustic feel. His recently recorded and released the first album, inspired by his life and views to date, features the didgeridoo, harmonica and piano accompaniment on selected tracks.
Willunga Ukuleles
Willunga Ukuleles is an informal community group who share a common love of this 4-stringed lute. Established in 2017, Willunga Ukuleles enjoys a large following, and its fortnightly gatherings at the Alma Hotel attracts anywhere from 25-50 players and performs regularly at local events. Including players of all ages and abilities, Willunga Ukuleles promotes a fun, relaxed and inclusive atmosphere while learning and playing popular hits and little-known ditties from the past 100 years.
Dance
Adelaide Morris Men
Hedgemonkey Morris
Hot for Joe Morris
Lancashire Witches
Contra Dance with Telenn Tri
Dance - with the Adelaide Empire Band
Come and try Renaissance Dance with Hedgehog
Kids
Kids on the Move
Life is a Drama- Dramatic Kids
Punch and Judy
Action songs with Annie Thornton
Tin Whistle Workshop with Kathy Walton (UK)
Poetry
Hosted by Caz Williams
Caz Williams has recently completed her Masters in Creative Writing, She performs regularly at a live music club in Balhannah, has been published in various anthologies including Something in the Blood. She has run poetry gatherings at the Fleurieu Festival for a few years now. Her sessions/workshops are very flexible depending on who turns up and what they want to do. Read out favourite poems, discuss poetry and related issues. She encourages original offerings and is happy to discuss them a bit more if desired.