FESTIVAL HELP GUIDE
This may be your first folk festival, so here’s some idea about what to do.
• Buy your pass on-line to save you money and time.
• If you’re driving to the festival then make your way to the Kiama Showground Pavilion.
• If you’re using public transport then walk up to the main entry gate and head for the Festival Office in the Kiama Showground Pavilion.
• Make sure you get a full programme when you do the pass/wristband exchange. This is your map to the venues, performers and general information.
• Grab a refreshment and study the program to decide who you want to see or just take pot luck! Having a highlighter pen is a good idea. Mark the events you want to catch.
• Don’t panic if you can’t make up your mind! Chances are you won’t know too many of the acts. Just walk the site! You’ll discover music you’ve never heard or you’ll end up dancing,
reciting or just watching. If you don’t like what you see move onto another venue.
• At the end of the day (night) and if you’ve still got energy then hang around the bar as the musicians will be up for a tune or two. Sometimes the best music is played spontaneously at these late sessions!
• Remember to have fun, but be courteous to your fellow festival goers when leaving!
FESTIVAL OFFICE
The Festival Ticket Office is located in the Kiama Showground Pavilion. This is where you purchase passes or exchange your pre-purchased voucher for a wristband. Please wear it at all times! Adjacent to the Festival Office is the registration area for artists, sponsors and media.
FESTIVAL OFFICE
OPENING TIMES
• Friday 10am – 10pm
• Saturday 8am – 9pm
• Sunday 8am – 2pm
MESSAGES
You may leave messages at the Festival Office, however the Festival cannot take responsibility for messages being received.
VISITOR INFORMATION
• Festival Info line: 1300 887 034
• For local tourist information, call the Kiama Visitors Centre, 1300 654 262
FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS
The Festival runs entirely on volunteers who appreciate a helping hand and the odd thank you! If you can also volunteer a few hours work then please see the wonderful folk in the Festival Office.
FESTIVAL BAR
The Festival organises its own bar and the proceeds help keep ticket prices down. Please patronise it but do drink sensibly! The bar is conducted strictly according to licensing regulations, ie underaged and intoxicated persons will not be served and no alcohol is to be taken inside or outside licensed areas.
LOST AND FOUND
All lost and found items including persons should be reported to the Festival Office.
CHILDREN
The Festival aims to provide a safe environment for families. Parents and guardians are responsible for their children at all times.
TRANSPORT
• Train times and Fares 131 500
• Bus Services Premier Illawarra (02) 4271 1322, Kiama
Coachlines (02) 4232 3466
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FIRST AID
Anyone requiring First Aid should speak to a festival volunteer (in red or blue vest) to arrange assistance. In case of emergency call 000.
SMOKE FREE FESTIVAL
Folk by the Sea is a Smoke Free Festival. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Festival site, including camping areas.
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
• Ambulance, Police, Fire: 000
• NRMA Roadside Assistance 13 11 11
• Radio Doctors 4228 5522
• SES 132 500
• Shellharbour Hospital: 4295 2500
• Wollongong Hospital 4222 5000
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
• 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 Festival Coordinators.
• No pets allowed on the site, except registered dogs who have been approved by the festival organisers.
• Please refer to www. folkbythesea.com.au for full details of conditions of entry.
2024 FESTIVAL DATE 20-22 September
Artist applications open in March 2024
ARTISTS A TO Z
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.
Sat 1.30 - 2.30pm Norfolk
Sun 2.00 - 3.00pm Norfolk
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.
5.00 - 5.45pm Norfolk
1.15 - 2.15pm Kendall Colombian Music Wkshp
6.30 - 7.00pm Kiama Bowling Club
CHLOE & JASON ROWETH
In the spirit of old-style bush entertainment, alive with folklore, the Roweths work with vibrant
arrangements of new and old traditional Australian music, poetry, yarns, and dance tunes, weaving together and carrying forward many threads of the Australian tradition.
Sat 7.30 - 8.30pm Saddleback
Sat 11.00 - 11.45am Anglican Hall
Sat 12.30 - 2.15pm Saddleback Remembering
John Dengate
Sat 2.30 - 3.00pm Anglican Hall Sirens of the Sea
Sun 3.30 - 4.30pm Rugby Club
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 releasing their first full-length album in 2023.
Fri 8.15 - 9.00pm Norfolk
Sat 1 - 3pm Anglican Hall Sirens of the Sea
Sat 5.15 - 6.30pm Kendall Old Timey Session
Sat 8.00 - 9.00pm Anglican Hall
Cha Cha del Mar
Chloe & Jason Roweth Corn Cut Creek
13 2023 Folk by the Sea
Aljamia
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!
Fri 9.15 - 10.00pm Rugby Club
Sat 2.45 - 3.45pm Kendall Bosnian Music Wkshp
Sat 4.45 - 5.45pm Anglican Hall
Sun 11.30am - 12.30pm Saddleback
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 homeland 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.
Fri 7.30 - 8.15pm Saddleback
Sat 4.30 - 5.30pm Norfolk
Sun 3.30 - 4.30pm Norfolk
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.
Fri 6 - 6.45pm Norfolk
Sat 10 - 10.45am Anglican Hall
Sat 1 - 3.00pm Anglican Hall Sirens of the Sea
Sat 4 - 5pm Kendall Songwriting Workshop
Sun 11.15am - 12pm Rugby Club
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.
Fri 8.30 - 9.15pm Saddleback
Sat 8.15 - 9.15pm Rugby Club
Sat 1 - 3pm Anglican Hall Sirens of the Sea
Sun 11am - 12pm Norfolk
Fly Little Sparrow Enda Kenny
Felicity Dowd
John Ralph
Frankie & Albert
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Kiama Pipe Band
Gumaraa
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.
Sun 1.15 - 2pm Rugby Club
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.
Sat 11.45am - 1pm Kendall
Sun 1.15 - 2.15pm Kendall
GUMARAA
Gumaraa dance performances and music are a vibrant and captivating way of showcasing Australia’s rich Indigenous culture based in the Illawarra. 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.
Sat 6 - 6.45pm Norfolk Voices of Indigenous Folk
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.
Fri 8.50 - 9.05pm Kendall 3 Song Taster Concert
Sat 9.30-10.30am Saddleback DADGAD Guitar Workshop
Sat 1 - 2pm Rugby Club
Sun 12.15 - 1pm Rugby Club
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.
Sat 5 - 5.30pm Outdoors
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!
Fri 6 - 6.45pm Saddleback
Sat 5.30 - 6pm Verandah
Sun 10.30 - 11.30am Outdoors Shant-Off vs Redfern
LJ PARKS
LJ Parks is an imaginative guitarist and singersong writer based in Hobart, Tasmania. Winner of the 2023 Cygnet Folk Festival Youth Competition, her music is playfully wry and sentimental. with relatable takes on everyday life.
Fri 9.10 - 9.25pm Kendall 3 Song Taster Concert
Sat 12 - 12.45pm Anglican Hall
Sat 1 - 3pm Anglican Hall Sirens of the Sea
Sat 5.15 - 6.15pm Rugby Club
Sun 12.45 - 1.45pm Saddleback
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.
Sat 10 - 11am Rugby Club
Sat 9.45 - 10.45pm Norfolk
Sun 10.00 - 11.00am Saddleback
MICROWAVE JENNY
Tessa & Brendon Boney are Australian duo 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 musical magic.
Sat 8.15 - 9.15pm Norfolk Voices of Indigenous Folk
Sun 2.00 - 3.00pm Saddleback
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.
Fri 8.30 - 8.45pm Kendall 3 Song Taster Concert
Sat 1 - 3pm Anglican Hall Sirens of the Sea
Sat 3.45 - 4.45pm Rugby Club
Sun 10 - 11am Anglican Hall Church Service
PETER WILLEY
With a name like Peter Willey, what else could he be but a comedian? Peter is a seasoned standup, singer and guitarist with an arsenal of stories, jokes, impressions, poems, original songs and
Microwave Jenny
LJ Parks
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Dale Dengate Peter Willey
parodies. He has performed at countless folk and comedy festivals, and hundreds of clubs and pubs.
Sat 2.30 - 3.15pm Rugby Club
Sun 1.30 - 2pm Verandah Limericks in the Key of Sea
PIRRITU
PIRRITU’s music is a gentle, honest, and melodic personal journey that entices you into the depths of sadness, love, and shimmering hope. The songman’s work honours a cultural journey to connect back to land, language, and family with a continual thirst for deeper understanding of his people and country.
Sat 7 - 8pm Norfolk Voices of Indigenous Folk
Sun 3.30 - 4.30pm Saddleback
REDFERN SHANTY CLUB
Originating from a small, noisy bar in Redfern and expanding around Sydney, Shanty Club believes 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!
Fri 10.30 - 11.30pm Saddleback
Sat 2.45 - 3.45pm Saddleback vs Rusty
Sat 9.30 - 10.30pm Kendall
Sun 10.30 - 11.30am Outdoors Shant-Off
Sun 12 - 1pm Kendall Last Sea Shants
REMEMBERING JOHN DENGATE
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. Hosted by Dale Dengate and guests include Chloe and Jason Roweth, Kerith Power, Lachlan Dengate, Paddy Affley and Eulalie Moore.
Sat 12.30 - 2.15pm Saddleback
RHEINBERGER & 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 FirstWorld problems together.
Sat 9.45 - 10.45pm Rugby Club Cabaret Time
Sun 5 - 9pm Kiama Bowling Club Final Shindig Hosts
17 2023 Folk by the Sea
Mad Kelpie Playdate
ROBYN SYKES
Robyn Sykes is a multi-awarded spoken word artist who writes and performs original poetry. The dynamic performer entertains audiences around Australia, including Woodford FF (Qld), National FF (ACT) and Illawarra (NSW).
Fri 6 - 6.45pm Kendall Evening Poets
Sat 9 - 10am Verandah Morning Poets
Sat 2.30 - 3pm Verandah A Bit of Verse
Sat 6.45 - 7.45pm Kendall Evening Poets Too
Sun 9 - 10am Verandah Morning Poets
RUSSELL CHURCHER & MARK BALLESI
Mark and Russell recently came together to present a concert celebrating the life and music of Gordon Lightfoot, who passed away on the first of May this year. The concert was very well received at that time and they will now be joined by a number of guest artists to once again pay tribute to that Canadian legend. Mark Ballesi is a singersongwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has been involved in the folk tradition for more than 30 years. Russell Churcher’s first festival performance was as a lead soloist in Peter Bellamy’s folk opera The Transports at the 1988 National Folk Festival.
Since then, he has performed at countless festivals, country halls, pubs and clubs. .
Sat 2.45 - 3.45pm Saddleback Shanties vs Redfern
Sat 6.15 - 7.30pm Anglican Hall Gordon Lightfoot Tribute
RUSTY & 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.
Sun 5 - 5.30pm Kiama Bowling Club
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.
Fri 7.15 - 8pm Norfolk
Sat 1 - 3pm Anglican Hall Sirens of the Sea
Sat 6.45 - 7.45pm Rugby Club
Sun 10 - 11am Rugby Club
Rusty & The Saint Scroggin
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Southern Cross Bush Band
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.
Fri 10.15 - 11.15pm Norfolk
Sat 5.15 - 6.30pm Kendall Old Timey Session
Sat 9 - 10pm Saddleback
Sun 8 - 9pm Kiama Bowling Club
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 places, easy to learn and fun to do.
Fri 7.30 - 9.30pm Uniting Church Hall Bush
Dance, musicians invited
Sat 3 - 5pm Uniting Church Hall Afternoon Tea
Dance, musicians invited
STONYBROKE
Now Allan Stone is a poetry bloke, otherwise known as Stonybroke, He’ll make you laugh and make you cry, and spin
you yarns of pie in the sky. So come along, get on yer bike. When Stonybroke is on the mike
Fri 6 - 6.45pm Kendall Evening Poets
Sat 9 - 10am Verandah Morning Poets
Sat 11.30am - 12pm Verandah A Bit of Verse
Sat 6.45 - 7.45pm Kendall Evening Poets Too
Sun 9 - 10am Verandah Morning Poets
THE CON ARTISTS
The Wollongong Conservatorium’s all ages community band combines young up-and-coming WollCon students, adult community musicians,
Stonybroke
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Robyn Sykes Redfern Shanty Club
and some of the region’s most prominent folk musicians, playing dissident and celebratory folk music from around the world. Fun and irreverent, The Con Artists are a carnival of percussion, wind, brass, accordions, and fiddles.
Sat 10.30 - 11.30am Norfolk
Sat 12.30 - 1pm Outdoors
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 oldschool and contemporary folk and country, and a healthy amount of sibling ribbing, they are an unforgettable act.
Fri 9.30 - 9.45pm Kendall 3 Song Taster Concert
Sat 12 - 1pm Norfolk
Sat 1.30 - 3pm Anglican Hall Sirens of the Sea
Sun 10.45 - 11.45am Kendall U-Can-Lele for Beginners
THE WATER RUNNERS
Take one part bluegrass, one part trad folk and a dollop of country. Mix in great story-telling, catchy tunes, tight harmonies, strong musicianship and an engaging stage show. Best Band in the 2020 National Busking Championships and 2021
Australian Folk Awards Peoples’ Choice Finalists, let them take you on a musical journey through songs of love, life, historical tales and love of country.
Fri 9.30 - 10.15pm Saddleback
Sat 3 - 4pm Norfolk
Sun 7.15 - 7.45pm Kiama Bowling Club
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.
Fri 8.15 - 9pm Rugby Club
Sat 11am - 12pm Saddleback
Sun 2.15 - 3.15pm Rugby Club
TONY & HELEN ROMEO
Tony and Helen have enjoyed promoting Australian music for over 40 years. This weekend they present songs crafted from the poetry of Jim Gordon and Australian tunes, new and old.
Sat 9 - 10am Kendall Australian Tunes Session
Sat 11.30am - 12.30pm Rugby Club Jim Grahame
Poetry in Song
Sun 9.30 - 10.30am Kendall Australian Tunes Session
The Water Runners
Todd Cook
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Tony & Helen Romeo
TRAD CONCERTS
Folk by the Sea has presented a series of traditional music concerts since it’s inception. Expect a singalong as well.
Fri 7.15 - 8.15pm Kendall
Sat 10.15 - 11.30am Kendall
Sat 8.00 - 9.15pm Kendall
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.
Sun 12 - 12.30pm Verandah
Sun 3.00 - 3.30pm Verandah
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.
Fri 9.15 - 10pm Norfolk
Sat 3.15 - 4.15pm Anglican Hall
Sun 12.30 - 1.30pm Norfolk
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.
Fri 7.15 - 8pm Rugby Club
Sat 6 - 7pm Saddleback
Sun 9.30 - 10.30am Norfolk
We need you!
If you feel enthused by the festival and its survival you might like to become part of the organising committee. Send an email with your details and interest to info@illawarrafolkclub.org.au
General volunteer registration will be from October 2023.
Tribal Jewels Wil Linder
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