Mainland and international performers for 2010
Ado Barker and Kate Burke are world-class performers of traditional Irish music. Well known as members of seminal Australian Irish-trad band Trouble in the Kitchen, they spent 2008 touring in Japan, France, the UK and Ireland, along the way building a fierce reputation as crowd favourites. Increasingly in demand as a duo, Kate and Ado bring the sounds of traditional Irish fiddle, concertina and guitar together with traditional and contemporary songs from Australia and beyond. Their performances are lively, energetic and always engaging - definitely an act not to be missed!
Camoon
Camoon are widlely recognised as one of the leading musical trios in Australia today . With traditional Middle Eastern instrument s like the Oud and Nay and Authentic Percussion the trio take you on a journey to the ancient Desert of Arabia and to the mountains of Turkey and Kurdistan. The art of Camoon is to weave ancient sounds, stirring distant memories, bringing the fabric of Middle Eastern music into a celebration of life. The trio have performed at many festivals and event s in Australia including Woodford festival, Fairbridge ,The National festival in Canberra, Belingen Global Carnival and many more.
Daniel Champagne
Daniel is a dazzling performer characterised by a one-of-a-kind guitar style featuring 2-hand tapping, body percussion and old school finger picking techniques’. With dynamic vocal work all rolled into each carefully constructed original or reworked traditional numbers. Daniel Champagne delivers one of the most impressive one man shows out there. Often sounding more like a three piece band rather then a 19 year old Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist. .Rising rapidly through the Australian Folk and Blues ranks and winning over crowds at some of the countries leading events including the Woodford, National Folk and Australian Blues Festival’s. Daniel’s live show is an absolute must see!
Duo Swango
Gypsy and Klezmer outfit, Duo Swango, honed their skills on the streets of Europe. They performed everywhere from the plazas of southern Spain to the cobbled lane ways of Prague to the packed houses of the Edinburgh Folk Festival. Comprising Rachel Meyers on violin and Dave McNamara on piano accordion, Duo Swango draw their inspiration from a range of European musical cultures, particularly Gypsy and Kelzmer. The duo's music is vibrant and full of energy, and humour.
Enda Kenny Band
Dublin born songwriter, Enda Kenny has lived in Melbourne, Australia since 1987. He has more than once been hailed as this country's finest song writer. Drawing on the traditions of the seanachie and yarn spinner, his songs describe stories of life, humour, nature and injustice. Enda’s gift as a performer is his ability to bring alive the individual experience in a way an audience intuitively relates to. Enda performs with long time musical partner Lindsay Martin on fiddle and Sandy Brady on double Bass. Lindsay Martin is well respected as one of our finest exponents of violin as an accompaniment instrument.
Folkoholics
Folkoholics are an interethnic/national folk-punk-improv duet. Matija Solce from Slovenia and Fernando "Nano" Stern from Chile present an amazing blend of South American camping songs, Russian children's music and gypsy tunes. They met at Ethno and have been playing and touring together ever since; in Europe, India, Russia and more. Their performances are very spontaneous and improvisation plays a central role in their music. Puppets and theatrical elements are an entertaining feature of the Folkoholic experience.
From Melbourne Havanah Palava are a dazzling and sensational street band. Saxophones, brass and percussion beat out street tunes from Havana, Soweto, New Orleans, Athens, Sofia, Leeds and beyond. Anything from 12 to 20 skilled musos get down and move around to a mighty, acoustic, outdoor cacophony of Latin, African, Balkan, jazz, blues and ska rhythms. See these pink clad wonders around the streets of Cygnet.
Justin Murphy and Dennis Tracey
The ABC's Justin Murphy teams up with long time singing partner Dennis Tracey from Canberra. These blokes were harmonising back in the early days of the folk revival and are now together again for this year's Cygnet Festival. Catch their warm and rich vocal stylings at their show or check out their contributions to the Shanty Session/concert.
Kate Burke & Ruth Hazleton return again to the Cygnet Folk Festival. They present songs of social commentary and cultural significance and are renowned for their vocal harmonies, expressive arrangements and outstanding musicianship. Their repertoire covers traditional Australian, American and Celtic songs with a few originals and covers splashed into the mix. Nationally and internationally acclaimed, this duo have released four albums, toured extensively, and become festival favorites wherever they go.
Kamerunga
This six piece band boasts former Steeleye Span drummer Nigel Pegrum in it's line up and the group has put a fresh and funky twist on Aussie and Celtic music. Combining folk influences with jazz, rock, reggae, classical and world music elements and melding mandolin, fiddle and guitar wizardry with sizzling saxophone, keyboards and a dynamic rhythm section, the Cairns-based band take listeners on an exhilarating and extraordinary journey, musically and geographicall
Kate Rowe
One time French scholar and party fairy, Kate Rowe is one of Australia's most talented and prolific songwriters. Her songs are at once charming and incisive, diverse, witty and engaging. She is adored by adults and children alike for her songs about subjects as unlikely as what dogs would say if they could talk, a man she never got to blind date, a dysfunctional pirate family and the Parisian catacombs. In 2009 she teamed up with Spooky Youth Program protige and composer, Ryan Morrison, for an Australian tour and they have recently performed together in the UK to huge acclaim. Her children's song 'Space Rabbits of Brockelvoons' has recently won the children's division of the 2009 international John Lennon songwriting contest.
www.myspace.com/katerowemusic
www.katerowe.com
www.ryanmorrison.com.au/kateandryan
Kavisha is an ARIA Award winning musician and singer who crosses musical boundaries whether it be through her work with community choirs and events or in solo shows that feature her pure voice and sublime lyics. She makes passionate, life-affirming music whether it be drawn from Italian or Australian traditions or in her own original music in which you can also hear echoes of Italian folk traditions tinged with Country, Celtic and Gypsy styles. Well known as the choir master for several choirs, such as Melbourne based La Voce Della Luna, Kavisha will be Cygnet's Festival Choir Master for 2010 as well as featuring in her solo shows.
Kobya
Kobya and his Afro Folk Roots Trio present a colourful and engaging musical journey from a premier artist. Kobya's musical Heritage lies in tribal Mozambique. His work has expanded to include contemporary grooves and original songs that touch on a range of current issues with a depth of feelings. His intimate performances will include song from hislatest CD release Uxongili (You're Beautiful). A special dedication to his beloved Mother Africa.
Kobya will also present a workshop concert for the young ones involving singing, songwriting, movement, and percussion.
Lachlan Green
Accomplished young Canberra fiddler Lachlan Green plays with eloquence and grace. Skilfully accompanied on guitar by Phil Green, they play Celtic music influenced by a variety of styles from Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia and North America. Lachlan is an experienced teacher of the Scottish fiddle and has learned from some of the world's best.
Luke Plumb and Peter Daffy
Luke Plumb, based variously in Scotland and Greece is a native Tasmanian with a global reputation as a mandolin and bouzouki player. Peter Daffy, from Victoria, is a country and Bluegrass singer, instrument maker, player, and yodeller extraordinare. Together they are known for their duet work, their collaborations as the Funky String Band and for their various other musical projects in Australia and Britain. Catch them again at Cygnet 2010.
Luke Plumb and Tom Dunlop
Reviving an old collaboration, the Mandolin maestro, Luke, pairs up with Irish born Tasmanian Tom Dunlop. Tom's Celtic tinged song writing and guitar playing are tender and lyrical even when hard hitting. Together they are bound to create some magic.
Friends and Players of
The Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club
The most accomplished group of their kind in Australia, the awesome MFSC is back in Tasmania. When they were here in 2008 they won many new fans and friends. They are back with a 20 piece group..ready to fiddle up a sonic storm.
They are helping to make this festival a heaven for fiddlers!
Matija Solce
The media find a lot of flattering words for Matija Solce: versatile, the most eminent, unique, fresh, astonishing, extraordinary, talented, acclaimed, award-winning, promising …". In Cabarethole, which places various puppetry techniques alongside music and stage installations, he is a scriptwriter, a director and a musician inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.... Matija will also be performing in the music duo, Folkoholics, with Nano Stern.
Murphy, Tracey and Delaney
The ABC's Justin Murphy (Hobart) teams up with long time singing partner Denis Tracey (Sydney). These blokes were once a couple of Canberra shiny bums making beautiful harmonies back in the early days of the folk revival. Older and wiser they are now together again for this year's Cygnet Folk Festival joined by Kate Delaney. Catch their warm, rich acappella vocals and complex harmonies at their show or check out their contributions to the Slipway Shanties at the Port Cygnet Sailing Club.
Nano Stern
Nano Stern from Chile is a student of the traditional music of the world. Since he started playing violin at 3 at the feet of his sister, he has travelled in his home town of Santiago, across Latin America and is now adventuring around the globe, filling old bottles with new wine. He's established himself as a Latin American songwriter and is a passionate advocate of the legacy of Victor Jara. His second album, Voy Y Vuelvo, won him the Chilean Grammy (APES) for best album. Although he sings his own songs in Spanish, his performance skills are such that he manages to communicate the sense of his stories to all, with beautifully composed melodies and superb arrangements. His live show's appeal is based largely on the fact that in addition to performing his own wonderful songs from his three albums, he also re-interprets and re-invigorates many famous traditional songs from all over the world, singing in Macedonian, Italian, English and other languages. Nano is returning to Australia with his new album, Los Espejos.
“...exudes authenticity and the sheer love of making music. All in all one of the concert highlights of the year so far.” The Melbourne Age Newspaper, Australia
Neil Adam and Judy Turner are the partnership behind the family band New Dogs Old Tricks and the musical driving force behind the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club, but before all that they were a duo playing his songs and her tunes. Neil is a noted song writer and story teller as well as a leading exponent of DADGAD guitar styles. Judy will accompany him on fiddle, viola and (airlines permitting) the musical saw. Really thoughtful lyrics combine with lovely melodies and sensitive playing – a classy, gentle act suffused with warmth and humour.
www.melbournescottishfiddlers.com
www.tellingtales.net
The Melbourne Age describes Nick as "Australia's virtuoso of acoustic roots music" and to Australian Guitar Magazine he's "an awesome talent". He performs over 200 shows a year from Perth to Nashville. Nick Charles' music encompasses an eclectic mix of blues, folk and ragtime jazz. His original songs and instrumentals have won numerous awards. Nick's virtuosic fingerpicking guitar,cracking slide and countless stories, songs and tunes will feature in various concerts including an intimate performance in the 'Love Songs To Tasmania Concert'.
Queensland based finger-style guitarist Peter Miller is known in Australia and Ireland for his delicate touch and for his beautiful melodic sensibility.
Peter has just returned from Ireland and Europe where he has shared the stage with Legendary song writer John Spillane, piper Eoin Duignan and many more. He has also supported the great Pierre Bensusan. He will be one of the featured instrumental virtuosi at the 'Loves Songs To Tasmania' concert and will appear elsewhere during the Festival.
Pigeonwing Strings
Making their Tasmanian debut, Greg Fair (USA) and Pria Schwall-Kearney (Vic) play the music of the Appalachian Mountains with creativity, passion and energy, drawing upon numerous influences for their sound. Don't be surprised to hear elements of Quebecois or Cape Breton Fiddling woven through their old timey Appalachian show. Greg will also conduct a claw hammer banjo workshop while Pria will present both eclectic step dancing and Quebecois fiddle workshops.
Multi Instrumentalist Peter Anderson is Australia's leading exponent of the Appalachian Dulcimer. His repertoire ranges from Medieval and folk through to Pink Floyd. He is also a fine accordion player, guitarist and singer. Peter's shows at Cygnet are guaranteed to be both entertaining and eclectic. His Dulcimer playing will be a particular feature at the, 'Love Songs To Tasmania' concert.
Rachael Brady
Rachael Brady's considerable talents as a singer songwriter have been lauded by music critics around Australia. She is guaranteed to give a memorable and always uplifting performance - not just because she has a truly phenomenal voice but also because her music has genuine depth, beauty and intelligence.
The Rhythm Hunters
From NSW 20+piece Australasian physical drumming ensemble The Rhythm Hunters present a show that is by any measure an incredible experience for the eyes and ears.
Dynamic Australasian Physical Drumming! Specialists in Indonesian and Japanese music and culture, The Rhythm Hunters bring together an absolutely unique fusion of eclectic cultures with hints of Africa, Indigenous Australia and Classical mixed into their strong Japanese and Indonesian foundations. Join the frenzy of dynamic Indonesian seated dance, experience the thrill of synchronised frame drumming, and be blown away by the massive resonance of mighty Japanese festival drums! The bliss and business of founder, Rendra Freestone, The Rhythm Hunters focus on precision, power, impact and fun! With a strong band of loyal followers from around the nation, The Rhythm Hunters are an entertainment experience all of their own and a cultural and musical celebration!
Simple Folk, from NSW, are a traditional folk trio consisting of vocalist Mandy Breeze, bouzouki player Doug Kelly and violinist Andrew DeTeliga. Doug and Andrew have performed together over the years as part of well known bands Sirocco, Churinga and Tansey Fancy. On this occasion they team up with unique vocalist Mandy Breeze to present a program of mostly English, Scottish, Irish and Australian folk songs which represent the original roots of their long and varied musical journey over the last 3 decades.
Siobhan Owen
Hailing from Adelaide, 16 year old Siobhan Owens was born in Wales with Welsh and Irish heritage. Classically trained, Siobhan turns her haunting soprano voice and delicate harp playing to a repertoire of traditional Celtic songs. At a young age she has already recorded two albums, won folk performer awards and has played at many major festivals. A truly enchanting act.
Sirca
Sirca, from Adelaide, are a young seven piece folk, jazz and rock fusion band. It is really hard to categorise this emerging young musical powerhouse as they effortlessly blend an eclectic array of styles such as folk, roots, celtic, funk, and rock into a single body of sonic beauty. A treat for the eyes and ears! This is a band to watch in the future!
Soteria Bell
An 3 piece world/contemporary music ensemble that specialises in ambient, atmospheric pieces. Soteria Bell perform music that is inspired by ancient & modern cultures, featuring shamanic style vocals, creative improvisations, and original songs that have been described as 'haunting & evocative'.Soteria Bell feature on the Aria Award winning soundtrack to Australian feature film 'Jindabyne" this was a collaboration with Australian music icon Paul Kelly as well as Dan Luscombe (The Drones)
Visiting from the UK, Steve Turner is universally acclaimed as one of Britain's finest Folk singers. Critics and audiences are also effusive about his fine concertina playing. Steve Turner will draw you in with his powerful renditions of English Folk songs. This is a deeply traditional vocal art form delivered by a recognised master. Steve's cd, 'The Whirligig of Time', has been widely hailed in the U.K. press as one of the year best traditional recordings.
String Contingent
Formed in Edinburgh in September 2008, String Contingent play new acoustic music on violin, double bass and guitar. Their compositions combine the clarity and precision of baroque chamber music with the raw excitement and intensity of Scottish fiddle and Bluegrass. String Contingent redefine the possibilities of a string trio in their own articulate and fluent style, and challenge the traditional role of each instrument within the ensemble. Chris, Holly and Graham work together on a deep and insightful level to produce exhilarating, poetic music. A truly virtuosic band, String Contingent challenge themselves and their audience through constant re-invention and discovery.
String Theory
String Theory is a recently formed group based in Melbourne. With a hubub of instruments between them, 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. Hear traditional string band music taken in some new and surprising directions by some of the best young string players in the business.
Takidimi
One of Australia's hottest young instrumental groups Takadimi emerged out of the Australian Institute of Music. They are a 6 piece Fusion ensemble that effortlessly blend, Indian, Jazz and Celtic elements. With soaring melodies and world-rocking grooves, they'll inspire to make you move. Get jumping or just shut your eyes and allow the waves of sound to take you on a musical adventure around the globe and beyond.
Tallulah Rendall
Fresh from performing at Glastonbury Tallulah Rendall is off on a world tour. She
will be performing songs from her beautiful album, 'Libellus', accompanied by the
beautiful SonVer (Joanna Quail) on cello. Tallulah's music combines the off-kilter,
soulful vocals of Kate Bush and raw muscular guitar work of Patti Smith (and
prettier than both). She has been described as spellbinding, enigmatic, raw and
seductive. The Evening Standard said she is 'One to watch' whilst Shirley Bassey
said 'Tallulah has a wonderful voice'.
www.myspace.com/Tallulahrendall
www.myspace.com/sonver
The Tinderbox Collective
The Tinderbox Collective is the result of a decision by several of Melbourne's most outstanding young musicians from the indie, hip hop, and world music scenes that it just wasn't good enough that they weren't around for the folk revival of the 70s. After meeting at the 2009 National Folk Festival, the group formed with the intention to reinterpret Australian folk and dance tunes for a modern audience. Already gathering a diverse fan base and receiving rave reviews for their energetic lagerphone-and-cajón driven beats, virtuosic instrumentals and big vocal harmonies, the Tinderbox Collective will be releasing their debut EP at the festival.
The Wise Girls
This 4 piece folk band are all from the legendary WA Wise folk dynasty and after a year of living in different parts of Australia they are coming together again as rising stars on the Australian folk scene. The Wise Girls will serve you up a mixture of traditional, nu-trad and original songs and fiddle tunes with great vocal harmonies and good cheer, on instruments handcrafted by their dad, Scott Wise.
The Woohoo Revue
The Woohoo Revue have established themselves as one of the hottest gypsy dance acts around. The band has developed a huge reputation for the intensity and wildness of their live shows through constant touring. They simply flick the proverbial light switch and the entire audience explodes into life. Expect a big, brassy and outrageously tight show.
The Festival is able to bring you the Woohoo Revue with financial support from Arts Tasmania.