2023 Illawarra Folk Festival Souvenir Program - 16 pages

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Dharawal people. We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Elders, past, present and those of the future, for they hold the knowledge and wisdom, traditions and hopes of indigenous Australia. Aboriginal people of this land have performed age old customs of ceremonies,of storytelling, dance, music, and celebration, who are also an integral part of the Dreaming. In the Spirit of Reconciliation, we look forward to a truly united Australia,where we all can live, not with predujice or greed but in peace and harmony.

Uncle Peter Button, Dharawal people

Well, we are back! Our first Illawarra Folk Festival in three years with some new players, some new performers and somewhat reduced in size.

The spirit, the camaraderie, the family feeling and the diversity that has been engendered by our 35 previous festivals lives on.

So welcome back to our regulars, our regular performers and of course our performers who are making their Illawarra debut.

On a sadder note, we have lost one of our great festival stalwarts. Last February Rod Cork, one of our great organisers and for many years an integral part of the folk scene, passed away, The fact that we are back is in many ways a tribute to him.

Organising Committee

Steering Committee Bruce Jackson, Cody Munro Moore, David De Santi, Robyn Jackson, Russell Hannah, Suzi Wakefield, Tom O’Toole, Wayne Temby

Committee Chair Tom O’Toole

Artist Accommodation Suzi Wakefield

Artist Liaison & Registration Kay Proudlove

Artist Selections David De Santi, Kay Proudlove, Russell Hannah, Graeme Morrison, Cody Munro Moore

Artist Tent City Kevin Donegan, David De Santi

Artistic Directors David De Santi, Kay Proudlove

Artistic Site Setup Jess Alexander, Jane Littrich

Bar Manager Graeme Morrison

Camping Coordinator Ross Dearden

Director Cody Munro Moore

Electrical Services Eddie Weich

Facebook Gail Norris, David De Santi, Al Yorke

Finance Director Wayne Temby

Folk Club President Russell Hannah Folk School Ann Lehmann, Shalani Thomas

Graphic Design Luke Player, Cody Munro Moore, David De Santi Instagram / Twitter Kim Rudner

Instrument Lock-Up Sue Bromham Marketing & Media Al Yorke, Cody Munro Moore

Office Manager Aisha McKnight Operations Helen Wilson Photography Liz Aitken, Graeme Morrison, Kim Rudner

There are many to say thank-you to and there is not enough room to mention all of them. But thank you to our sponsors who have kept us financially viable, to our volunteers who have stepped into gaps like Tom O’Toole (Site Manager), Cody Munro Moore (Festival Director), Kay Proudlove (co-Artistic Director) and of course our perennial workhorses Bruce and Robyn Jackson.

Finally how could we have a Illawarra Festival without our long term co-Artistic director, the inimitable David De Santi. So it is a heartfelt thanks to Dave for getting us back on track.

So have a great festival and let’s keep folk alive and look forward to being back bigger and brighter than ever in January 2024.

Russell Hannah OAM (Bigruss) President Illawarra Folk Club

Publicist Nick Hartgerink

Raffle Angela Cook, Claire Roberts, Robyn Jackson, The Con Artists

Recycling/Green Folk Russell Churcher Safety Mike Burke

Secretary Graeme Morrison

Security Graeme Morrison Shop & Merchandise Shane Moon Signage Angela Cook

Site Planning Tom O’Toole

Site Services & Stores Tony Foley Site Setup & Packdown Tom O’Toole, Phil Jones, John Littrich Sound and Production Ben Davies

Souvenir Program David De Santi, Pedro Altuna

Sponsorship David De Santi, Cody Munro Moore, Lynda Steele Stalls Kerrie Humphrey

Ticketing & Information Robyn Jackson, Bruce Jackson

Video Al Yorke, Liz Aitken, John Aitken

Volunteer Lounge & Catering Suzi Wakefield

Volunteers Management Russell Churcher Website David De Santi

Youth Folk Shalani Thomas, Ann Lehmann

From the Artistic Directors

Firstly I want to welcome and thank Kay Proudlove who has stepped up to be co-Artistic Director. It’s been part of the journey to rebuild and recreate the Illawarra Folk Festival.

We have tried to bring back the peaceful and musical global village of the Illawarra Folk Festival. We want you to enter a world of artistic inspiration, vision, colour, creativity, harmony and community spirit.

To achieve this of course requires quite a huge team effort and thanks to a core of about 40 devoted volunteers, which swells to 250 plus, the 36th anniversary Illawarra Folk Festival will be another great celebration. Special mention to the incredibly hardworking Steering Committee of Robyn and Bruce Jackson, Wayne Temby, Tom O’Toole, Suzi Wakefield, Graeme Morrison, the inimitable Russell Hannah and our new youthful Festival Director Cody Munro Moore. What’s different for 2023? We have 5 venues this time with them centralised around the showground buildings. We’ve transformed the grandstand into an amphitheatre style venue called the Folk Grand. The Slacky Flat Bar space has been increased whereas the Global Green will retain its intimate atmosphere with dancing, blackboard and kids events. Due to the space restrictions the Grandstand Bar will alternate between sessions, concerts and poetry events. Here’s a few statistics – 70 acts from all over the world and Australia with 50% of them local. Despite the scale of the festival we still manage to have ways to participate for all – playing music, singing, dancing, reciting, telling yarns and socialising!

So bow your fiddles, pluck your banjos, strum your guitars, blow your trumpets, bang your drum, holler a shanty, squeeze your accordion, dance a tarantella or jig and enjoy our 36th Illawarra Folk Festival.

CONTENTS

From the Director

Well, it seems like we have a real festival on our hands! But don’t let ‘real’ simplify the utter beauty and cohesion that has to happen for it to exist. Coming on as Festival Director after a two year hiatus has been one of the most eye opening experiences of my life. I am still utterly amazed that it exists at all!

Thousands of hours of volunteering, communication, debate, back and forths, ups and downs and believe me that’s only in the first week! I began this journey with a whole range of people I’d never met. We spoke, listened, organised and worked together, and now, I shall never forget them. What these people have brought to you, the audience, is the universal communication of music and dance, through various forms of melodic and emotional performance.

If human connection is the lock, then music is the key, so come on in and enjoy the Illawarra Folk Festival!

Festival

2023 Celebration!

Set in the spectacular northern Illawarra Escarpment in Bulli Showground the festival has 5 onsite venues and is a family friendly village. With superb music from 70 international, national and local artists there’s also a colourful array of international food stalls, craft stalls and the festival bar. You can also camp onsite, plenty of carparking and Bulli train station is a short walk away.

Entry is with a festival pass and wristband only. A Season Pass allows entry to all events from Friday to Sunday and saves $45 on individual day purchases. Children under 12 will be admitted free with paying parent.

Buy online from www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au or call 1300 887 034 and purchase

David De Santi, Kay Proudlove

FESTIVAL HELP GUIDE FESTIVAL HELP GUIDE

FESTIVAL OFFICE

The main office is situated at the southern entry to the Bulli Showground complex. This is where you purchase passes or exchange your pre-purchased pass voucher for a wristband. Please wear it at all times! Next to the Festival Office is the registration area for artists, volunteers, sponsors and media. You may park your car temporarily near the office while you get your wristband but then you must park your vehicle in the designated parking areas inside the showground.

The camping office is also located in the Festival Office.

FESTIVAL OFFICE OPENING TIMES

Thursday 19/1/23: 12noon – 4pm

Friday 20/1/23: 10am – 7pm Saturday 21/1/23: 8:30am – 7pm Sunday 22/1/23: 7:45am – 3pm

FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS

The Folk Festival is run entirely with volunteers. Volunteers work 12 hours across the festival in return for a Festival Season Pass, 2 free drinks from Festival Bar plus more. Applications to volunteer open around October each year via the festival website www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au.

FESTIVAL SHOP

The festival shop is located in the Slacky Flat Bar (Betting Ring) area, under the grandstand. Artist’s and festival merchandise such as souvenirs, recordings, festival T-shirts, cookbooks, clothing and publications are available.

CAMPING

RULES & INFORMATION

There is limited camping available onsite. Access to the camping grounds is from 10am Friday morning and you will not be able to camp before then. You can only register for camping once the Festival Office is open. Your festival wristband must be worn at all times. A camping permit will be issued at the Festival Office

• Campers must display camping permit on car dashboard so it is visible at all times.

• Children and youth (U18) who are camping must be with a responsible camping parent.

• Entry to campsite area is for festival ticketed campers only.

• Do not light any campfires.

• There is to be a minimum of 2.5 metres between tents. Only one vehicle is able to be parked within the campsite area. Additional vehicles will need to be parked in the nominated car parking areas.

• Recycle all waste. Bins are marked as recycling and landfill.

• Do not leave any valuables in cars or tents.

• Be courteous of your neighbours at night and keep noise to a minimum. All late night sessions should be inside the Grandstand Bar and Restaurant.

• Unruly behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in your removal from the site.

• Twenty four hour security is on hand to ensure the safety and amenity of all campers.

SHOWERS

There are limited hot-water showers so please conserve water and keep your showers short. There are hot showers for women and men under the grandstand. There are also some showers in the small toilet block near the entry to the main festival site.

DANCE ZONES

Dance zones have been created at the sides of the stages. Look for the signs and markings and feel to free to dance without blocking the view of seated patrons. Please do not relocate positioned chairs from venues.

LOST AND FOUND

All lost and found items including persons should be reported to the Festival Office.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

The festival aims to provide a safe environment for families. Parents and guardians are responsible for their children (U18) at all times. The Global Green venue has shows for children and a play area hosted by Junkyard Rascals from 8am on Saturday and Sunday. Parents are asked to stay with their children.

BYO BOTTLE

The festival is striving to be a Disposal Water Bottle Free event. Bring and use your refillable water bottle or get one from the Festival Shop.

FESTIVAL BARSLACKY FLAT BAR

The festival organises its own bars with volunteers and the proceeds help keep festival pass prices down. Please patronise it but do drink sensibly. The bar is conducted strictly according to licensing regulations, ie underage and intoxicated persons will not be served and no alcohol is to be taken inside or outside licensed areas. There are selections of fine beer and cider, wine and soft drinks available.

LATE-NIGHT PARTYING

A noise curfew will apply to all camping areas after 10pm. Anyone wishing to party on can go to the Grandstand Bar area inside the Grandstand Building. Please keep all sessions inside the building. Please be courteous of other campers and festival neighbours.

VISITOR SURVEYS

A survey is being conducted. The information gathered is confidential and is used to improve future festivals and assess the quality and impact of the festival on the community. We sincerely appreciate your assistance by completing them.

CAR PARKING

There is plenty of free parking inside the showground. Please avoid parking in the surrounding streets. Exit from the site onto Princes Highway is a left turn only.

TRANSPORT

• Taxi 02 4254 2111

• Train times and fares 131 500

• Bus Services Dion Coachlines 02 4228 9855

• QANTAS 131 313

• VIRGIN 136 789

• JETSTAR 131 538

• Link (from Wollongong Regional Airport) 1300 851 269

USEFUL NUMBERS

• Wollongong Visitor Information Centre: 02 4267 5910

• Wollongong Hospital 02 4222 5000

• Radio Doctor 02 4228 5522

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

INJURY AT EVENT AWARENESS

• The Illawarra Folk Club (IFC) is the promoter of this recreational event, the Illawarra Folk Festival (IFF). It utilises existing grounds, buildings, stalls, kennels, roadways and pathways, owned or leased from various organisations.

• It does so on a “as is basis” and subject to existing faults (if any), the current condition and state of repair, of the grounds, buildings, stalls, kennels, roadways and pathways, so that to the extent permitted by law, IFC disclaims all liability for any injuries or death sustained, however caused, during the running of the IFF.

• The IFC has tried to make the IFF an enjoyable and safe experience. Please take care and stay alert at all times you are at the IFF. If you or your minor are injured, immediately ask a volunteer for assistance or directions to a first aid room or contact an emergency service.

• You assume all risks whilst you attend or participate at the IFF, regardless of what activity you are involved in at the IFF.

• By purchasing a ticket, or receiving a ticket as a performer, or as our guest, you acknowledge and accept these terms and conditions in your personal capacity and on behalf of any other member of a band or group you are applying for, and for any accompanying minor. If you purchase tickets for a minor, you are responsible for their behaviour and safety whilst at the IFF.

LICENCE, EJECTION AND CANCELLATION

• The IFC reserves the right, without refund of any amount paid, to refuse admission to, or eject, any person whose conduct the IFC, their agents, employees or contractors deems to be disorderly, who uses vulgar or abusive language or who otherwise fails to comply with any IFC directions concerning the management of the IFF.

• The IFF is a licensed venue. In accordance with liquor licensing law, intoxicated persons are not allowed to remain on licensed premises and will be asked to leave.

• No alcohol is permitted to be brought into the licensed area of the IFF.

• Breach of any such terms and conditions will terminate your revocable licence to attend the event without refund or compensation.

• All persons attending the IFF must hold a valid ticket and display a valid wristband.

• The applicable law is that of New South Wales

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the extent permitted by law, the Illawarra Folk Club Inc. (IFC) shall not have any liability to you beyond the face value of the ticket purchased, plus any relevant per ticket service charge. The IFC shall not be liable for any loss of enjoyment or wasted expenditure. IFC accepts no responsibility for any personal property loss, damage or breakage howsoever occasioned.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

• Your festival wristband must be worn at all times. All children must also have a wristband as well.

• Sound / video recordings are not permitted without the prior written consent from the Artistic Director.

• All professional / commercial photographers or film makers must first obtain permission from the Artistic Director.

• No pets allowed on the site, except registered dogs approved by the festival organisers.

• The Illawarra Folk Festival is a smoke-free festival.

Ajak Kwai

Saplings

Kenny Bartley and the Midnight Feast

Rusty & The Saint The Femme Fatales

Carefree Road Band

THE VENUES

ON SLACKY FLAT

There are 5 venues on ‘Slacky Flat’. This area of Bulli was a former mine worker’s camp and then the subsequent showground site.

SLACKY FLAT BAR FEATURE ARTIST CONCERTS

A building behind the Grandstand that can seat up to 800 persons. It forms part of the Festival Bar area. The Bar stocks a number of Young Henrys beers, wines, cider and soft drinks.

GLOBAL GREEN CONCERTS, DANCING, KIDS EVENTS

The Global Green Stage is a Pavilion Tent on the ‘green’ near the old horse stables. It will be the venue for kids events, dance displays, concerts and the blackboard concerts. Adjacent to the tent will be Junkyard Rascals providing a daytime play area for kids.

GRANDSTAND BAR SESSIONS AND CONCERTS

This is on the ground floor of the

Grandstand building and is adjacent to the Slacky Flat Bar. It hosts sessions from early to late and a number of concert and spoken word events.

GRANDSTAND RESTAURANT CONCERTS

This is upstairs in the Grandstand building and features intimate concerts and late night events.

FOLK GRAND CONCERT

A new intimate venue utilising the showground grandstand.

2023 FOLK SCHOOL

The Illawarra Folk Club is proud to present 24 workshops at the 18th festival Folk School. The school aims to increase awareness of folk music traditions and provide opportunities for musicians of all ages to build on their skills and open new musical doors. ENTRY $65 all day, $30 per session VENUE Northern Illawarra Uniting Church, corner of Point Street & Princes Highway, Bulli MORE INFORMATION www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au/folk-school Ann Lehmann: folkschool@illawarrafolkfestival.com.au Curtis Eller

HALL OLD HALL

1:00pm

Liv Cartledge 1:30pm 1:30pm 1:45pm Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance 1:45pm SHESHANTIES SINGALONG Salty Sirens 2:00pm 2-3pm Suzette Herft 2:00pm 2:30pm 2:30-3:30pm The Jellyman’s Daughter 2:30-30pm The Raglins 2:30pm Black Joak Morris 2:30pm 3:00pm 3:00pm 3:15pm Maypole with Molly 3:15pm Murmur 3:30pm 3:30pm

Suzette Herft

Grace Petrie

SLACKY FLAT BAR RESTAURANT GRANDSTAND BAR GLOBAL GREEN FOLK GRAND

Dear Violet

Wallaby Track Bush Band

Zumpa

Mother Banshee

The Jellyman’s Daughter

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

1140 Street Band

SAT 12:15pm–1:00pm Grandstand Bar

Ajak Kwai

SAT 9:00pm–10:00pm Slacky Flat Bar

SUN 3:30pm–4:30pm Slacky Flat Bar

Az–I–Am

FRI 4:30pm–5:30pm Restaurant

Black Joak Morris

SAT 2:30pm–3:00pm Global Green

SAT 4:45pm–5:15pm Global Green

SUN 12:00pm–12:30pm Global Green

Bush Music Club – Concert Party

SAT 9:00am–10:00am Grandstand Bar

SUN 9:15–10:15am Grandstand Bar

Carefree Road Band

FRI 5:30pm–6:30pm Slacky Flat Bar

Cigany Weaver

SAT 4:00pm–5:00pm Slacky Flat Bar

SUN 2:00pm–3:00pm Slacky Flat Bar

Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance

SAT 1:45pm–2:15pm Global Green

Combined Union Choirs

SUN 11:45am–12:45pm Grandstand Bar

Curious Rendition Orchestra

SAT 9:00am–9:45am Slacky Flat Bar

Curtis Eller

FRI 9:30pm–10:30pm Global Green

SAT 10:15am–11:15am Restaurant

Dear Violet

SUN 4:15pm–5:00pm Folk Grand

Den Hanrahan

and The Rum Runners

SAT 9:00pm–10:00pm Restaurant

SUN 11:00am–12:00pm Slacky Flat Bar

Emily Lubitz

FRI 7:00pm–8:00pm Slacky Flat Bar

SAT 11:30am–12:30pm Slacky Flat Bar

Fiddledance Bush Band

SUN 10:15am–11:00am Folk Grand

Friends of Steve

SUN 2:45pm–3:30pm Folk Grand

Glenn Skuthorpe

FRI 5:45pm–6:45pm Restaurant

SAT 1:00pm–2:00pm Restaurant

Grace Petrie

SAT 6:00pm–7:00pm Slacky Flat Bar

SUN 12:30pm–1:30pm Slacky Flat Bar

Handsome Young Strangers

SUN 6:30pm–7:30pm Slacky Flat Bar

Innes Campbell

SAT 9:25pm–10:25pm Grandstand Bar Bluegrass Jam

Kay Proudlove

SAT 7:00pm–7:45pm Folk Grand

Kenny Bartley

& The Midnight Feast

SAT 11:30pm–12:30am Restaurant

Liv Cartledge

FRI 7:00pm–8:00pm Global Green

SAT 1:15pm–2:15pm Grandstand Bar

Luke Spook

FRI 8:15pm–9:15pm Restaurant

Margaret & Bob Fagan

SAT 5:15pm–6:15pm Grandstand Bar SUN 1:00pm–2:00pm Grandstand Bar

Maurie Mulheron & Pat Craigie

SAT 3:30pm–4:45pm Restaurant – The Times Are A Changin’

Meridian

SAT 11:00am–11:45am Folk Grand

Mother Banshee

SUN 9:00am–9:45am Folk Grand

Munsterbucks

FRI 7:00pm–8:00pm Restaurant

SAT 5:00pm–6:00pm Restaurant

SAT 11:00am–12:00pm Grandstand Bar Celtic Session

Murmur

SAT 3:15pm–4:00pm Folk Grand

Nikriann

SAT 9:00am–10:00am Restaurant

Paul McKenna Band

FRI 8:30pm–9:30pm Slacky Flat Bar

SAT 1:00pm–2:00pm Slacky Flat Bar

SUN 3:30pm–4:45pm Grandstand Bar Celtic Session

Redfern Shanty Club – shanty singalong

FRI 9:00pm–10:00pm Folk Grand

SAT 8:00pm–9:15pm Grandstand Bar

Rheinberger & Wilson

SAT 10:15pm–11:15pm Restaurant Cabaret: A Love Odyssey

SUN 12:00pm–1:00pm Restaurant

Rusty & The Saint

SUN 11:45am–12:30pm Folk Grand

Salty Sirens

SAT 1:45pm–2:30pm Folk Grand

Shining Bird

SAT 10:30pm–11:30pm Slacky Flat Bar

Steampunk Vagabonds

SAT 4:00pm–4:30pm Global Green

Suzette Herft

SAT 2:15pm–3:15pm Restaurant

SUN 1:15pm–2:15pm Restaurant

Swing Beans

FRI 7:00pm–8:00pm Grandstand Bar

SUN 2:15pm–3:15pm Grandstand Bar

Swingaleles

SAT 12:15pm–1:00pm Folk Grand

The Con Artists

FRI 4:00pm–5:00pm Slacky Flat Bar

The Femme Fatales

FRI 7:45pm–8:30pm Folk Grand

The Go Set

FRI 10:00pm–11:00pm Slacky Flat Bar

SAT 7:30pm–8:30pm Slacky Flat Bar

The Jellyman’s Daughter

FRI 9:30pm–10:30pm Restaurant

SAT 2:30pm–3:30pm Slacky Flat Bar

The Morning Star

SAT 10:00am–11:00am Slacky Flat Bar

The Morrisons

FRI 11:00pm–12:00am Restaurant

SAT 6:30pm–7:30pm Restaurant

The Other Noonans

SAT 5:30pm–6:15pm Folk Grand

The Papercollar Pickers

SAT 3:45pm–4:45pm Grandstand Bar

SUN 3:45pm–4:45pm Restaurant

The Raglins

FRI 8:15pm–9:15pm Global Green

SAT 2:30pm–3:30pm Grandstand Bar

The Water Runners

SAT 7:45pm–8:45pm Restaurant

Tribal Jewels Dance Co

SUN 1:30pm–2:00pm Global Green

Wallaby Track Bush Band

SAT 11:30am–12:30pm Restaurant

SUN 2:30pm–3:30pm Restaurant

Zlatkos Balkan Cabaret

SUN 10:30–11:30am Grandstand Bar

Zumpa

SAT 6:45pm–7:45pm Grandstand Bar

SUN 9:30am–10:30am Slacky Flat Bar

FEATURE EVENTS

Welcome to Country with Uncle Peter Button

FRI 6:45pm–7:00pm Slacky Flat Bar

The Times Are A Changin’

Maurie Mulheron & Pat Craigie

SAT 3:30pm–4:45pm Restaurant

Youth Traditions Concert

SAT 8:00pm–9:15pm Global Green

Cabaret: A Love Odyssey –Rheinberger & Wilson

SAT 10:15pm–11:15pm Restaurant

FUNNY CONCERT (various Artists), host Peter Willey

SUN 10:30am–11:45am Restaurant

FINALE CONCERT

SUN 5:00pm–6:00pm Slacky Flat Bar

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS

Ken Field’s Hoot Band – BYO any acoustic instrument!

SAT 5:00pm–5:50pm Slacky Flat Bar

SAT 11:00am–12:00pm Global Green

SUN 2:15pm–3:15pm Global Green

Redfern Shanty Club – shanty singalong

FRI 9:00pm–10:00pm Folk Grand SAT 8:00pm–9:15pm Grandstand Bar

Salty Sirens – she–shanties singalong

SAT 1:45pm–2:30pm Folk Grand

Blackboard Folk Concert – limited spots, see the MC for 15 minutes

FRI 5:30pm–6:45pm Global Green

SAT 9:15pm–11:00pm Global Green

Saplings Sessions Bush Music Club – for youth

SAT 5:30pm–6:30pm Global Green SUN 3:30pm–4:30pm Global Green

John Dengate Parody Cup – for parody songwriters

SUN 9:00am–10:15am Restaurant

Session, general

FRI 8:15pm–12:00am Grandstand Bar

SAT 10:25pm–12am Grandstand Bar

SAT 8:00pm–10:15pm Folk Grand

Bluegrass Jam

SAT 9:25pm–10:25pm Grandstand Bar Innes Campbell

Good Tunes Session

SAT 10:00am–11:00am Grandstand Bar

Celtic Sessions

SAT 11:00am–12:00pm

Grandstand Bar Munsterbucks

SUN 3:30pm–4:45pm Grandstand Bar

Paul McKenna Band

Yoga

SAT 8:30am–9:30am Global Green

SUN 8:00am–9:00am Global Green

Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance

SPOKEN WORD

Poets – Robyn Sykes, Peter Mace and Stonybroke

BYO poem

Welcome Poets

FRI 4:30pm–5:45pm Grandstand Bar

Morning Poets

SAT 9:00am–10:00am Folk Grand

Arvo Poets

SAT 4:00pm–5:15pm Folk Grand

Woolly Yarn Spinning Competition

BYO tall story

SAT 6:45pm–7:45pm Global Green

Morning Poets

SUN 8:00am–9:00am Grandstand Bar

Arvo Poets

SUN 1:15pm–2:15pm Folk Grand

CHILDREN’S PERFORMERS

Junkyard Rascals

SAT 9:00am– 5:00pm Global Green

SUN 9:00am– 5:00pm Global Green

Gobsmacked!

SAT 9:30am–10:00am Global Green

SUN 9:00am–9:30am Global Green

Mally Moo’s Music for Minis

SAT 12:15pm–12:45pm Global Green

SUN 9:45am–10:15am Global Green

Maypole with Molly

SAT 3:15pm–3:45pm Global Green

SUN 12:45pm–1:15pm Global Green

Storybeats

SAT 1:00pm–1:30pm Global Green

SUN 11:15 am–11:45 am Global Green

Super Kenny & Magnificent Manda

SAT 10:15 am–10:45 am Global Green

SUN 10:30 am–11:00 am Global Green

1140 STREET BAND

1140 are a local fun and funky street band born out of The Con Artist and Kids Honk who have been playing together for just over 2 years.

AJAK KWAI

Singing in Arabic, Sudanese or English, Ajak conjures a vivid picture of her Dinka heritage. Music is the vehicle for her stories of extraordinary life experiences as a refugee, exiled from her home and her family. Her moving tales of exile, hope, freedom, love, and cows – beloved animals of the Dinka – in turn reflect her optimism and belief in the best of human nature.

AZ-I-AM

AZ-I-AM is easy listening and emotionally touching. This trio perform a smooth blend of originals and classic songs.

BLACK JOAK MORRIS DANCERS

Black Joak Morris performs the Morris dances of the Cotswalds in southern England, which date back to the 13th century, and our own local Sydney tradition, which dates back to 2004.

BUSH MUSIC CLUB INC

The Bush Music Club, based in Sydney, has been actively promoting Australian folk traditions for over 60 years.

CAREFREE ROAD BAND

Carefree Road Band has been entertaining folk in the Illawarra since 2016. Being a multi-cultural Band they enjoy performing Celtic, classic folk and their own original songs.

CIGANY WEAVER

Fusing the passion of folk music, the precision of classical, and the spontaneity of jazz, Cigány Weaver create a rich and vibrant atmosphere for both the heart and mind. Front woman, Jo Davie’s soaring vocals and enchanting gentle demeanour combine with the fiery violin, dynamic guitars and driving rhythm section to create a purely acoustic group that effortlessly navigates the musical nexus between intimacy and raucousness.

CINNAMON TWIST BELLY DANCE

Under the direction of Dr Virginia Keft, Cinnamon Twist belly dance presents dynamic and colourful contemporary belly dance.

COMBINED UNION CHOIRS

The Union Choirs sing songs of peace, protest union struggles and the environment.

CURIOUS RENDITION ORCHESTRA

The Curious Rendition Orchestra or CROW was conceived in 2014. An inclusive adult ensemble, playing a variety of repertoire from around the world.

CURTIS ELLER

Curtis Eller is a banjo player and songwriter. The twenty-year show business veteran has developed a devoted international following based on spellbinding performances that combine a dreamlike vision of American history with silent film style comedy, and rock & roll energy. Eller’s legendary solo shows have earned him the title “New York’s angriest yodeling banjo player”.

DEAR VIOLET

Dear Violet are an all female folk/indie trio from Wollongong. With lyrically

encapsulating songs focusing on story telling and sharing experiences they aim to create music that is relatable to all walks of life and to push the boundaries of genre.

DEN HANRAHAN AND THE RUM RUNNERS

Den Hanrahan taps a style of Bluegrass/ Oldtime neither frozen in the past nor experimenting with the future but simply played with his band the Rum Runners, blending contemporary and old fashioned Australian stories..

EMILY LUBITZ

Very few artists can cradle your heart in their hands while they kick your ass, but after more than a decade touring with critically acclaimed indie-folk darlings Tinpan Orange, Emily Lubitz is striding out on her own. With that timeless, aching quality that only the great voices have, Lubitz is every singer’s favourite singer, a captivating live performer who has won the hearts of audiences around the world, and yet she is more priestess than popstar, creating her own iconography that sears itself into the listener’s imagination.

FIDDLEDANCE

Fiddledance, well known in the Illawarra, perform music with Bush, Folk, Old Timey, Bluegrass leanings.

FRIENDS OF STEVE

Friends of Steve are former members of the band The Humphreys. The band plays a selection of dance friendly tunes enjoyed by the late Steve McClure who was a founding member of the Humphreys and a great supporter of the Illawarra Folk Club.

Den Hanrahan and the Rum Runners

Cigany Weaver

Handsome Young Strangers

Black Joak Morris Dancers

Kay Proudlove

Gobsmacked!

Margaret & Bob Fagan Ken Field’s Hoot Band

GLENN SKUTHORPE

With 7 highly regarded albums and music featured in movies and documentaries such as The Emu Runner and John Pilger’s Utopia, Nhunggabarra, Kooma, Muruwari man and international touring singersongwriter Glenn Skuthorpe is a powerful lyricist and composer.

GOBSMACKED!

Bertie and Louis have been Gobsmacking audiences young and old for over 25 years.You’ll see dragons, monsters and missing bed socks. Hungarian & Celtic folk tales peppered with rambunctious tunes of ordinary house bound monsters.

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.

GRACE PETRIE

More than a decade after first emerging, protest singer, LGBTQ+ activist, comedy audience’s favourite and folk star Grace Petrie stands out as one the most important songwriters working in the UK today. ‘Just when you thought that what folk music needs right now is a strident, left-wing female causing a bit of carnage, here’s Grace Petrie.’ Mojo

HANDSOME YOUNG STRANGERS

Handsome Young Strangers have been delivering their energetic Australian Bush Folk Punk show for 19 years and although they’re not so young anymore they still belt out songs about shearing, bushrangers, boats and beers with high intensity.

INNES CAMPBELL

Innes Campbell has been performing bluegrass on vocals, guitar and mandolin for twenty years. He loves a high energy jam and some laughter to go along with it.

JUNKYARD RASCALS

Based locally in the beautiful Illawarra, Junkyard Rascals love to PLAY and love to create PLAY spaces where kids of all ages can have fun, explore, grow and discover themselves. The junkyard is an ever changing space made up of 100% recycled or 2nd hand items, natural materials and the environment in which we PLAY.

KAY PROUDLOVE

Kay is a Wollongong raised musician and songwriter with a remarkably agile, engaging, honest, soul-bearing voice

and a wry, dry-ice sense of humour to her work. Continuing to tour throughout the indie-folk scene over the last 15 years, Kay has also begun to compose for theatre, writing and performing her original music in shows at Edinburgh Festival and beyond.

KEN FIELD’S HOOT BAND

The Hoot Band is a pick-up band led by Boston-based saxophonist/composer Ken Field, playing traditional New Orleans second line brass band music, surprising covers, and Ken’s original compositions. It is open to all interested brass band musicians. Ken leads the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble.

KENNY BARTLEY AND THE MIDNIGHT FEAST

Kenny Bartley and the Midnight Feast will take you on a Funky Folk Blues journey of musical enjoyment. With high energy originals and toe tapping grooves be prepared to dance up a storm

LIV CARTLEDGE

Liv Cartledge is a 25 year old singer/ songwriter, born and based in the Victorian High Country town of Beechworth. Liv’s raw truth telling, powered by a husky and bellowing voice, is a complex, melancholy love letter to depression, friendship and moving forward.

LUKE SPOOK

Luke Spook hails from the South Coast and is a travelling troubadour with a penchant for the past, an amateur folklorist, forest gnome, sometimes organic vegetable gardener and oftentimes multiinstrumentalist folk musician from outer space.

MALIKA REESE

AKA MZ MALLY MOO

She’s a rock star to minis. Emotions, weather, and good old fashioned silliness. In a fun relaxed way, Mally Moo leads musical play for little ones and their care givers.

MARGARET & BOB FAGAN

Margaret & Bob Fagan are two of Australia’s most respected folk musicians with a long involvement in the scene, both as a duo and with their family band The Fagans. Their songs move from themes of social and environmental justice to traditional ballads and contemporary stories.

MAURIE MULHERON AND PAT CRAIGIE

Maurie Mulheron and Pat Craigie have performed together since meeting at

the New Theatre in 1978. They perform both traditional and contemporary songs specialising in the folk revival of the 1960s. Their repertoire includes protest and union songs plus their own original compositions.

MAYPOLE WITH MOLLY

Maypole with Molly enjoy sharing music and dance with kids. Their interactive and energetic dance sessions encompass music from Mozart along with Austrian influences from accordionist Erika Cleaver (Molly).

MERIDIAN

The music of Meridian traces a line back to the old time country blues and brother duo’s of the twenties, thirties and forties. Their rich vocal harmonies and warm acoustic tones on mandolin, banjo, guitar and fiddle weave together to create music that is both intimate and timeless.

MOTHER BANSHEE

Mother Banshee are a band of four Wollongong gals who’s repertoire includes styles and genres from all around the world. Their arrangements and original compositions combine both classical and folk traditions to create an ethereal and exciting experience for the audience.

MUNSTERBUCKS

Munsterbucks, two lads from Munster, a province in the South of Ireland, and one from Australia. Tommy Donovan from Kerry (banjo and mandolin) Jack O’Leary from Cork (vocals, guitar and bodhran) and Sam De Santi (fiddle and guitar). All three of them have a rich heritage in playing traditional music both here and overseas.

MURMUR

Murmur are a fruity four-piece band from Austinmer. They play original songs and instrumentals inspired by Brazilian 80’s pop and various South American musical styles. The band members are Luke O’Neill, David Gale, Matt and Matilda Dickson.

NIKRIANN

Nikriann explores women’s stories of love and loss through the centuries, from the pure tones of early Celtic and Sephardic music to recent compositions inspired by traditional melodies.

PETER MACE

Peter is a performance bush poet and writer who has entertained audiences at most of the country’s major festivals and

poetry competitions. He may have you laughing one minute and shedding a tear the next, but either way will be sure to entertain.

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.

RHEINBERGER AND WILSON

Since being thrown together to host the finale of the Illawarra Folk Festival 12 years ago, Nick Rheinberger and Tia Wilson have been dreaming of teaming up properly. Combining Nick’s razor-sharp songs about modern life and love, Tia’s brooding accordion, sweet harmonies and a love of the absurd, Rheinberger and Wilson are a unique Australian cabaret and comedy act.

ROBYN SYKES

Robyn Sykes is a multi-awarded spoken word artist who writes and performs original poetry. Robyn runs workshops for adults and children, mentors emerging performers/public speakers, and organises poetry events in regional NSW.

RUSTY & THE SAINT

Long-time musical acquaintances finally come together on stage to present an eclectic selection of y is Russell Churcher and The Saint is David De Santi and will be joined by some guest musicians.

SAPLINGS

A daily session just for the young (about 8 – 18). Bring your own instrument and come and have some fun learning

Australian songs and tunes, or learn some percussion (provided) hosted by the Bush Music Club.

SALTY SIRENS

Sapphic Sailors Kristy Capstanfield and Elyse Fishpatrick put a modern, queer twist on traditional sea shanties and sea songs in rollicking raucous sing-alongs. Accompanied by accordion “Moni,”

The Salty Sirens share tales of hard work, daring adventure, defiance and debauchery.

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.

SHINING BIRD

Shining Bird is an experimental indie band from the coastal town of Austinmer, NSW Australia. Formed initially as a studio project in 2012, they released the Shade of the Sea EP, followed by their debut album Leisure Coast through SPUNK Records in 2013.

STEAMPUNK VAGABONDS

Steampunk Vagabonds are an Illawarra based dance and performance troupe providing good old fashioned entertainment with a timeless, vintage feel.

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

STORYBEATS

Acclaimed story-teller Lilli RodriguezPang teams up with percussionist Matt Bourne to engage and immerse listeners into the world of storytelling with an enchanting rhythmic twist.

SUPER KENNY AND MAGNIFICENT MANDA

Super Kenny and Magnificent Manda are a very fun interactive kids show that entertains the adults too. Join them in song, actions and percussion and become a part of performance.

SUZETTE HERFT

Suzette Herft is a contemporary troubadour originally from the exotic isle of Sri Lanka. Raised on the British pop coming through Radio Ceylon, the country music from her father’s record collection, to the American troubadour singersongwriters that influenced her teens, she finally found her place in the burgeoning Victorian Folk Scene in the 90’s.

THE CON ARTISTS

The Wollongong Conservatorium’s all ages community band combines young up-and-coming WollCon students, adult community musicians, and some of the region’s most prominent folk musicians, playing dissident and celebratory folk music from around the world.

THE FEMME FATALES

These funereal street-theatre kooks encroach on a carnival like a lost mystic down a Dapto flea-market. They’ll find a-cappella, soul-folk, N’Orleans, gypsy, & (ahem) 80’s hits; all with a sprig of political melancholia to wear in their hair.

Rheinberger & Wilson Storybeats

The Morning Star

The Morrisons

The Papercollar Pickers

Maurie Mulheron and Pat Craigie

THE GO SET

The Go Set combine the traditional sounds of bagpipes and mandolin with high energy Clash-esque punk songs. A dynamic live act not to be missed.

THE JELLYMAN’S DAUGHTER

Emily Kelly and Graham Coe are Edinburgh-based duo The Jellyman’s Daughter. Singing with an affinity and closeness that can often have audiences puzzling over who is singing which harmony line, their songs can range from a simple plaintive wisp of a feeling to imaginative musical endeavours. The full band includes innovative 5-string banjo (Jamie Francis), electric bass (Leo Bacica), and drums (Ben Collard)

THE MORNING STAR

The Morning Star is an experimental folk-rock band formed by collaborative Illawarra based songwriters Alicia Mollica and Cody Munro Moore. The duo were drawn together not only from a sense of mutual fondness but of a common understanding where songwriting was concerned.

THE MORRISONS

The Morrisons have cemented their place as the darlings of the Sydney folk scene, blending Australian stories with the sounds of bluegrass and old time music..

THE OTHER NOONANS

The Other Noonans are a married Comedic, duo with deep environmental/ social justice musical leanings. They blend real life environmental protest experience with a dark sense of humour and a dash of disability perspective all wrapped up in acoustic folk.

THE PAPERCOLLAR PICKERS

Rod Vervest and Craig Sinclair are intergenerational, inter-jurisdictional, and

united by a love for ragtime blues and close vocal harmonies. Expect a melodic dish of well-seasoned acoustic blues.

THE PAUL MCKENNA BAND

Called “The best folk band to have come out of Scotland in the last twenty years” by The New York Times, Paul McKenna has long been ranked among Scotland’s finest young singers and songwriters. Paul is armed with a powerful yet intensely emotive voice and passionate social conscience, often expressed through his songs, a combination that’s brought frequent comparisons to the great Dick Gaughan.

THE RAGLINS

Deeply rooted in traditional folk music, award winning Victorian duo The Raglins bring a contemporary approach to traditional folk songs, reinterpreting Australian, English and Irish ballads and showcasing them with fresh and innovative arrangements.

THE SWING BEANS

The Swing Beans The Swing Beans have developed their own take on old school early jazz and Texas Swing songs from Fats Waller to the Texas Playboys. Incorporating acoustic guitars, fiddle, and double bass with harmony vocals, they swing along and have fun.

THE SWINGALELES

The Swingaleles is a progressive ukulele group augmented by other instruments. It is prominent in the Illawarra, performing for community groups, aged care centres, fetes and festivals.

THE WALLABY TRACK BUSH BAND

The Wallaby Track Bush Band is a Hobart based traditional Australian folk band. They love singing their favourite classic songs about shearers, drovers, convicts

and bushrangers, but also playing lively tune sets which they can be often found using for community dances in the their home state.

THE WATER RUNNERS

Take a slice of bluegrass, a dash of trad folk and a dollop of country. Add great stories, tight harmonies, strong musicianship and an engaging stage show and you have The Water Runners! Their songs take you on stirring tales and along South Coast trails.

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.

YOGA

Come and join Erika Steller and Fiona Davis in fun and uplifting yoga sessions to stretch and energise, and deeply relax. Perfect to start the festival day.

ZLATKOS BALKAN CABARET

Want to get your feet tapping? Then come along to experience the unique music and song of Zlatkos Balkan Cabaret, from moving love songs to passionate dance music. Zlatkos Balkan Cabaret brings the excitement and mystery of the Balkans and Eastern Europe to every performance.

ZUMPA

Be transported with Zumpa to forgotten Italian fishing villages, moonlit olive groves and a hard life under a hot sun where peasants play music to celebrate life with a fierce sense of humour. They provide the sounds of Italian music to provide a truly spaghetti and meatballs experience.

The Con Artists

Luke Spook

Zlatkos Balkan Cabaret The Swing Beans

The Raglins

Tribal Jewels Dance

The Water Runners

The Paul McKenna Band

Glen Skuthorpe

Shining Bird

Ajak Kwai