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Folk by the Sea - Kiama
2023 Festival Artists

Artists

Aljamia, Blanche, Cha Cha del mar, Chloe & Jason Roweth, Corn Nut Creek, East of West, Enda Kenny, Feliicty Dowd, Fly Little Sparrow, Frankie & Albert, Glenn Skuthorpe, Gumaraa, John Ralph, Kiama Pipe Band, Kiama Sea Shanty Club, LJ Parks, Mad Kelpie Playmates, Microwave Jenny, Nerida Cuddy, Peter Willey, Redfern Shanty Club, Remembering John Dengate, Rheinberger & Wilson, Robyn Sykes, Russell Churcher - Gordon Lightfoot Tribute, Rusty & The Saint, Sarah Humphreys, Scroggin, Southern Cross Bush Band, Stonybroke, The Con Artists, The Fallen Robins, The Water Runners, Todd Cook, Tribal Jewels Dance Co, We Mavericks, Wil Linder

ALJAMIA
ALJAMIA

Aljamía is a new dance, fire arts, and music group influenced by medieval Europe and La Convivencia. Their performances showcase songs and dances from the golden age of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, taking you on a journey to a forgotten multicultural past of beauty and wisdom.es, Charlie King, and Priscilla Herdman. The Oakland Tribune referred to Small as a "writer of some of the most powerful social and political songs of our time."

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Cha Cha del Mar
Cha Cha del Mar
Cha Cha del Mar is all about dancing by the sea. Kiama based musicians Anamaria Gomez Jamarillo, Mark 'the sax' Holder-Keeping and ShyBoySteve bring a mix of Afro Colombian, Samba and Salsa rhythms and traditional folk songs and sounds from Latin America.'

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Blanche
Blanche is the creative alias of John Grant, a self- produced First Nations musician (Wiradjuri) hailing from Sydney, Australia. Blanche produces all his music in his bedroom studio and creates music under many genres such as alternative rock, acoustic, psychedelia and RnB.  Blanche uses music to explore and understand the world around him as well as delve into his own psyche.

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Chloe and Jason Roweth
Chloe and Jason Roweth

In the spirit of old-style bush entertainment, alive with vibrant arrangements of new and old tradtional Australian music, poetry, yarns and dance tunes. Weaving together and carrying forforward many threads of the Australian tradition.

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CORN NUT CREEK
CORN NUT CREEK

Danielle Vita and Tanya Bradley are storytellers whose original songs draw upon traditions of Appalachian music. They were awarded Jurors Top Five in the 2020 Blues and Roots Radio International Song Competition. They will be embarking upon an Australian tour in 2023 and relaeasing their first full-length album in 2023.

Website  |   LIsten

EAST OF WEST
EAST OF WEST

In the fertile borderlands between genres, East of West explores the edges: Mediterranean, Jazz and Balkan influences interweave through intricate compositions and improvisations. Catch them on their tour to celebrate the release of their new album, " Moving Home" as the trio's oud, percussion and double bass map new musical territories!

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ENDA KENNY
ENDA KENNY

Enda Kenny is an Irish-born songwriter who has made his home in Australian since the late 1980's. His thoughtful, descriptive stories of his homelaland have struck a chord with festival audiences here and beyond. His songs are always memorable and spiced with plenty of humour. Rock and Reel describes him as a cracking live entertainer.

Enda is touring extensively throughout Australia in 2023, as well as New Zealand, UK, Ireland and Germany. Enda was awrded Artist of the Year 2023 at Newstead Live Music Festival in January.

"On small stages to intimate audiences or large stags to festival audiences, he always holds the crowd in the palm of his hand. Witty and intelligent songwriting " Eleanor McEvoy

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FELICITY DOWD
FELICITY DOWD

A nomadic troubadour and storyteller spinning tales and melodies across the country...NSW Folk Federation Young Artist of the Year (2020) and Gill Rees Memorial Award winner at the 2023 National Folk Festival. Felicity Dowd is one of Australia's mosy promising up and coming musicians!With deep stories and humorous tales, you won't want to miss the chance to see this young troubadour in her element.

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FLY LITTLE SPARROW
FLY LITTLE SPARROW

Lisa Lazuli and Lizzie Flynn come together to sing harmonies that emulate riding on the wings of a strong-willed bird. Heading on a flight path of beautiful harmonic arrangements, their eclectic repertoire and commentary will take on a journey from fragility to hope.

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FRANKIE & ALBERT
FRANKIE & ALBERT

Frankie & Albert are a newly formed folk duo based in Thirroul. Utilising their varied musical backgrounds, they perform a large catalogue comprised of  traditional folk songs and tunes, along with original material, beautifully arranged for two part harmony.

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Glenn Skuthorpe

With 6 highly regarded albums Nhunggabarra, Kooma, Muruwari man Glenn Skuthorpe, has a sound that spans a vast blend of genres, making him an artist that you simply must experience live!

WEBSITE  |   LISTEN

GOOD TUNES

David De Santi has been accumulating 'good' tunes for over 30 years and wants to share them.Be ready for a musical tour around Australia, Italy Quebec, Scotland, Scandinavia, Spain, France, Ireland, England and beyond! Sheet music available or use your ear to join in.

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GUMARAA

Gumaraa dance performances and music are a vibrant and captivating way of showcasing Australia's rich Indigenous culture. Gumaraa dance performances are paired with traditional Aboriginal Music, which includes the Didgeridoo, clapsticks and traditional singing. The music often imitates the sounds of animals. Traditional Aboriginal music is used to mark special occasions and to pass down stories from generation to generation.

Gumaraa are an Aboriginal tour group and education company based in the Illawarra region of NSW.

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JOHN RALPH
JOHN RALPH

John's songs reflect the diversity of musical influences from a lifetime of playing in Folk  and Irish Country and Rock Bands. Songs of Social Comment , Love songs, Comedy and Traditional songs from  the UK and Australia.

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Kiama Pipe Band
Kiama Pipe Band

Kiama Pipe Band plays traditional pipe band music with celtic origins from Scotland and Ireland. The band regularly performs at community events including the Bundanoon and Berry Celtic festivals.

KIAMA SEA SHANTY CLUB

Come join our communal singing of Sea Shanties / Lanties. Kiama Sea Shanties have been together for a year and have built up a repertoire of enjoyable songs. Lyrics are all accessible via the Kiama Shanty website found easily on phones. We have some books with lyrics too to ensure all people are able to sing along.Welcome me hearties!

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L J PARKS

l J Parks is an imaginative guitarist and singer-song writer based in Hobart, Tasmania. Winner of the 2023 Cygnet Folk Festival Youth Compatition, her music is playfully wry and sentimental. with relatable takes on everyday life. She looks forward to premiering new works from her highly anticipated sophomore EP, All Caught  Up.

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MAD KELPIE PLAYDATE
MAD KELPIE PLAYDATE

Instrumental Celtic trad five piece Mad Kelpie Playdate combine Scottish and Irish pipes, flute, guitar, keyboard and percussion to provide a lively modern take on Celtic music, with original compositions, intricate harmonies and driving rhythms. Their debut album won “Instrumental of the Year” at the 2019 Australian Celtic Music Awards.

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MICROWAVE JENNY
MICROWAVE JENNY

Tessa Nuku & Brendon Boney are Australian pop/folk/jazz duet Microwave Jenny. Microwave Jenny have released 4 EPs with the 4th recorded in London. Well known for their national tours and house concerts where they play in fan's homes they're musicians who pride themselves on the DIY nature of their career. Most recently they have been the recipients of an Australian Arts council grant to help them create some new magic to be released in 2020. Both Tessa and Brendon have Indigenous backgrounds with their origins in Ulladullua and Wagga Wagga.

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NERIDA CUDDY
NERIDA CUDDY

Nerida Cuddy’s story-based concerts create space for connection and reflection, humour and fun.  As a writer, Nerida lives and breathes the landscape of Australia – but the themes are universal. Described as “a central west Mary Black”, Nerida has written and performed for 30 years, in many and diverse situations.

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PETER WILLEY
PETER WILLEY

With a name like Peter Willey, what else could he be but a comedian?  Peter is a seasoned stand-up, singer and guitarist with an arsenal of stories, jokes, impressions, poems, original songs and parodies. He has performed at countless folk and comedy festivals, and hundreds of clubs and pubs.  Hilarious!

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Redfern Shanty Club
Redfern Shanty Club

Originating from a small, noisy bar in Redfern and expanding around Sydney, Shanty Club believed quite simply that everyone can sing...they’ve just forgotten how. Come and join in with songs of the sea. Sing a harmony. Make some noise. Forget the words. It’s group karaoke done loud and right.

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REMEMBERING JOHN DENGATE
REMEMBERING JOHN DENGATE

Bush Songs, music and folklore with Dale Dengate, Kerith Power and Friends

This concert with friends and family of John Dengate will share his legacy of works which were a social comment on Australia. John, who was a regular in Kiama, was well known for his biting political satire, parody about arrogant characters, sensitive stories about family and the oppression of battlers. Come and join the choruses.

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RHEINBERGER AND WILSON
RHEINBERGER AND WILSON

A musical comedy duo combining razor-sharp songs about modern life and love with brooding accordion, gutsy guitar and sweet harmonies. Going where other couples fear to tread, you’ll hear funky songs about the challenges of sharing a bed and d**k pics, while we work through all our First-World problems together.

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Robyn Sykes
Robyn Sykes

Robyn Sykes is a multi-awarded spoken word artist who writes and performs original poetry. This dynamic performer entertains audiences around Australia, including Woodford FF(Qld), National FF (ACT) and Illawarra (NSW). Robyn runs workshops for adults and children, mentors emerging performers/public speakers, and organisers poetry events in regional NSW.

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RUSTY AND THE SAINT
RUSTY AND THE SAINT

Long-time musical acquaintances come together on stage to present an eclectic selection of contemporary folk-influenced songs. Rusty is Russell Churcher and The Saint is David De Santi.. They have a swag of songs from the likes of Richard Thompson, Mark Knopfler, Guy Clark and Lyle Lovett.

RUSTY CHURCHER - GORDON LIGHTFOOT TRIBUTE

Rusty is Russell Churcher. Russell's first festival performance was as a lead soloist in Peter Bellamy's folk opera 'The Transports' at the 1988 National Folk Festival. He has also performed at countless country halls, clubs and pubs from Port Macquarie to Mungindi, he has supported touring artists such as Foster and Allen, Jimmy Little and John Williamson and has performed in front of the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York and many other well-known hotels.

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SARAH HUMPHREYS
SARAH HUMPHREYS

Beloved Australian folk singer, Sarah Humphreys is as natural and as honest as they come. Soulful and unpolished with a voice like no other, she leaves her audience with full hearts and teary eyes.

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SCROGGIN
SCROGGIN

Scroggin is a high energy mix of Bluegrass, Newgrass, Oldtime and all round good times. They make your salted nuts sweet and your sweetmeats salty, your sweetheart sweeter and your pack less bulky. Think you don't need it? You couldn't be wronger, it makes your dried fruit juicy and your chocolate last longer

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SOUTHERN CROSS BUSH BAND

Southern Cross has been providing great music for bush dances for over 40 years. Many of these dances are simple folk dances, and with the bands' callers helping you put your feet in the right palces, easy to learn and fun to do.

Stonybroke
Stonybroke

Now Allan Stone is a poetry bloke otherwise known as Stonybroke
He’ll make you laugh and make you cry. Or spin you yarns about pie in the sky
Raising awareness of global pollution. And how we all must be part of the solution
Three young lads fresh out of luck. Towed through the Bush by a big Mack truck
A driver chap who gets into fights. First Nation people with sacred sites
There’s even a bloke who had a lamb. And Mulligan who blew out a lamp
So come along, get on yer bike. When Stonybroke is on the mike.

The Con Artists
The Con Artists

The Con Artists are Australia's biggest folk band. We play a range of folk/world music from different countries especially balkan music with a range of sections and instruments.

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The Fallen Robins
The Fallen Robins

Sydney sisters Charlotte, Jess and Sarah captivate audiences with their soaring 'blood harmonies' and modern storytelling. With a heart-on-sleeve approach to performing, a fresh blend of old-school and contemporary folk and country, and a healthy amount of sibling ribbing, they are an unforgettable act.

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THE WATER RUNNERS
THE WATER RUNNERS

Take one part bluegrass, one part trad folk and a dollop of country.Mix in great story-telling, catchy tunes, tightharmonies, strong musicianship and an engaging stage show. Best Band in the 2020 National Busking Championships and 2021 Australian Folk Awards Peopls' Choice Finalists. Let them take you on a musical journey through songs of love, life,historical tales and love of country.

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Todd Cook
Todd Cook

Todd’s emotive lyrics, earthy tones and raw appeal connect to a wide variety of listeners. His songs float from intricate folk fingerpicking styles to driving rhythms that stir the soul. His stories of Australian landscapes and people are accompanied with mesmerising instrumentation and a depth that always engages and entertains.

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Tribal Jewels Dance Co
Tribal Jewels Dance Co

Tribal Jewels Dance Co brings a colourful engaging gypsy style belly dance to the stage. Their dance allows women of all backgrounds, sizes and ages to enjoy dance and be proud of who they are. Their mission is to broaden the appreciation of women celebrating dance and cultural diversity.

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WE MAVERICKS
WE MAVERICKS

They pack punches but have songs to heal your scars. Masterful strings meet captivating vocals and barefoot rhythms, all in a wild and fascinating connection. Nominated “Best Folk Artist 2022” in the Aotearoa Music Awards, Australian Folk Music Awards "Artists of the Year, Best Duo/Group/Ensemble" 2021, showcased at Folk Alliance International 2022, and are recipients of Australia’s Troubadour Foundation Award 2020.

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WIL LINDER
WIL LINDER

To tell your own story is one thing but to tell it in a way that brings others along through their own life experiences is something that emerging folk artist, Wil Linder, does effortlessly through his songwriting.

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    Presented by the Illawarra Folk Club, a non-profit incorporated association. 

    The Club also presents the annual Illawarra Folk Festival held in January at Bulli.

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