Alan Blackshaw

Alan Blackshaw writes songs from the heart covering a broad subject range. Alan is never afraid to write and sing about the issues he considers important. His songs reflect a passionate and thoughtful approach to life and cover such issues as love, loss, suicide, mental illness, futility of war and celebration of life.

Ami Williamson

The daughter of Country Music star John Williamson, Ami has been brought up with a musical emphasis on the spirit of the land and finds herself writing her own songs about the amazing people that contribute to this spirit.  Ami is a story teller, song writer and a remarkable vocalist performing a wide variety of cleverly written and professionally presented songs spanning musical genres from jazz, rhythm & blues, opera and of course country.

Aniar

Aniar is an exciting band from South West Victoria, mixing original songs and Celtic tunes with the sounds of the globe. Featuring the beautiful vocals of Gemma Belfrage, Airlie Tait’s flamboyant flute playing plus a driving rhythm section (Don Stewart – guitar and bouzouki, Andrew Hallett – acoustic bass, Gemma Belfrage – djembe), Aniar reinterpret the traditional and blend it with contemporary songs to create music that is uplifting and a lot of fun.

Anne Ridgway & Rosie McDonald

Two smooth, mellow voices with rich and sometimes haunting harmonies combine with intricate, ambient chord progressions or strong percussive, rhythmic strumming on guitars to present poetic soulful songs and ballads with a Celtic and jazz influence celebrating life, our place in the world and the power of the human spirit.

Arch Bishop

Arch, the prince of the unprounceable, the inimitable, irrepressible & ever so slightly irreverent, will have your emotions on the end of his fingertips as he goes through his huge repertoire of poetry, yarns & verse. Arch is a master reciter of contemporary and traditional verse, from side splitting humour to stories that tug at your heart strings.

Bon Accord

This group is made up of members of the Sydney Scottish Fiddlers and is led by Trish Barker. The band consists of three fiddlers, mandolin/whistle, keyboard and bass guitar. They will once again play for the Historic Bridges Ball so expect some wonderful music to dance the night away. The Sydney Scottish Fiddlers meet on the 1st and 3rd Sunday each month in the Hall of the New Church, Roseville, and regularly play for dances and concerts around Sydney. They are always happy to welcome new members.  

Broomhall, Spillane & De Santi

Singer songwriter John Broomhall is originally from Broken Hill, and many of his compositions are based on his intensely personal recollections of his childhood and his love of the desert landscape of Broken Hill. Johnny Spillane, originally from Cork Ireland, has been a stalwart of traditional music playing in many Celitc and Australian flavoured bands. David De Santi, in addition to being a member of Wongawilli, has researched and published Australian traditional music since 1990. Together all 3 weave a musical journey through Australia’s history.

Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh

Caoimhín is best known for playing Irish traditional music on the fiddle, holds an All-Ireland fiddle title, teaches every year at the Willie Clancy Summer School and tours regularly in Ireland, Europe and the USA.  He also plays flute/whistle which he learned from former Chieftains member Michael Tubridy, as well as the uilleann pipes. In recent years he has collaborated with artists from other musical worlds, while still drawing on the deep well of tradition.  Caoimhín has two solo and two duet albums (with Mick O’Brien and Brenndán Begley) to his credit and frequently performs with some of the best known musicians in Irish music circles  – artists such as Iarla Ó Lionáird, Liam Ó Maonlaí and Martin Hayes.

Celtaclysmic

True to their name, Celtaclysmic are a young Melbourne based ensemble that cause a musical storm wherever they perform. With eclectic influences that are both contemporary and traditional they combine effervescent original and trad tunes with diverse songs. All members of the band are highly skilled multi-instrumentalists which makes for thrilling and innovative arrangements.

Celtica Puppet Project

Unique performances and presentations over the festival week of an all NEW puppet show based around Celtic stories and legends, called Milligan, Molly & Mulligan. When uncle Mulligan unexpectedly comes to stay strange things begin to happen and, what's in that old suitcase of his, and why did he say not to touch it? All will be revealed when master puppeteer Keith Preston and musician Tony Doyle come together in a unique collaboration which is sure to excite and entertain.

Chris Aronsten

Chris's performances are unique and his material  is in a folk / blues style, with original songs and tunes that have Celtic, Eastern European, Appalachian Hillbilly, Fiddle tunes and Blues influences.

Chris Duncan & Catherine Strutt

Scottish fiddler, Chris Duncan and pianist Catherine Strutt are Australia’s leading Scottish music duo. This ARIA award winning Newcastle based duo have been exploring and performing together the traditional fiddle music of Scotland, for seventeen years, and have performed internationally and nationally at festivals, concerts, private functions and countless dances. Chris and Catherine’s superlative musicianship brings to life the sensitive slow airs, the swing of the jig and groove of the reel leaving their audiences captivated.

Coast Ceili Band

A dynamic Sydney/Newcastle based ceili band with a strong driving sound, this group will get you up dancing with their infectious rhythms and lively jigs and reels. The band has just released its first CD "Set Dancing Downunder" to great acclaim, and recent performances include the SICD 50th Anniversary Ceili at Sydney's Gaelic Club in May.  They present an energetic brand of dance music played on accordion, fiddle, mandolin, whistle and keyboard, augmented by exciting rhythmic elements.

Colleen Z Burke

Colleen Z  Burke, poet and writer is the author of numerous books, including poetry books, oral histories and a biography, Doherty’s Corner – the life and work of poet Marie E.J. Pitt.  Colleen is co-editor, with Vincent Woods, of The Turning Wave – Poems and Songs of Irish Australia. Colleen facilitates creative writing and poetry courses in adult education and has presented a variety of workshops and given poetry performances at Australian folk festivals.

Coolfinn Mac

Coolfinn Mac is a  mainly acoustic, multi-instrumental group delivering 'traditional' music with a contemporary edge, combining  the magic of music from the Celtic nations with Australian and original material, creatively blending instruments and styles. Coolfinn  Mac will take you on a journey that bridges traditions with an exciting fusion of past and present, songs and tunes, both old and new.

Corinne Fenton

Award-winning author Corinne Fenton has written numerous children’s books and poems including her most recent picture book, The Dog on the Tuckerbox, the story of Lady and her master Bill. It is also the story of Australia’s pioneers; the bullockies who worked the rough tracks, and of one dog’s unwavering loyalty to her master. Corinne is the Victorian Coordinator of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and will present children's writing workshops and book readings at this year’s Festival.

Corner House Ceili Band

This is a Ceili band with a truckload of experience. The group formed out of the well known and much loved Canberra Ceili Band which played for the Irish Ceili at the National Folk Festival for many years as well as at Fleadh Nua in both Jindabyne and Goulburn. The new line-up is a smaller, more compact group but still with all the experience and energy you’d expect from a Ceili Band with a great sound and a brilliant repertoire of tunes.

Don Richmond

Don is one of Sydney’s most popular and experienced Dance Callers and teachers of Australian Traditional Dance, and will be guiding your steps at the Woolshed themed dance and presenting a workshop to familiarise you with some of the dances prior to the event. Don is the caller and plays a variety of instruments from lagerphone to tea-chest bass with popular Sydney Bush Band, Currawong.

Eithne Ní Chatháin

Eithne is an all-Ireland sean-nós singing champion, writes and sings her own songs in Irish and English, performs sean-nós and traditional songs and plays fiddle, piano and guitar, as well as being an accomplished sean-nós dancer.  She has performed, taught and given workshops in Irish music, dance and language since graduating from university and has supported and recorded with singer-songwriter Luka Bloom on many occasions.  Since the release of her debut album, Eithne has featured in Irish Music Magazine, appeared on national TV and radio, perfomed solo in Ireland and will tour Germany and Ireland 2008.

Enda Ó Catháin

Enda is no stranger to Australia, first visiting here in 2000. Since then he has completed an MA in Modern Irish, recorded a solo, unaccompanied fiddle CD entitled Ó Inné go Inniu (From Yesterday to Today) and taught Irish language and aspects of its literature and culture. Brought up with Irish and English in a musical household Enda’s grandfather, a renowned player and respected fiddle teacher, was his forming musical influence. Enda has taught workshops, gigged and played from Adelaide to Zagreb, from northern Ontario to the south of France and from eastern Australia to the west of Ireland.

Franklin B Paverty

With its distinctive and entertaining presentation of Aussie folk music, Franklyn B. Paverty is one of Australia’s leading folk/bush bands. With 7 albums to their credit, the band has shared the stage with many well-known international acts including the Dubliners, the Fureys, Billy Connolly and the Irish folk band Altan. Paverty features guitar, fiddle, mandolin, lagerphone, banjo, accordion, keyboards and the trademark Paverty vocals.

Fr. Michael O’Sullivan

An tAthair Micheál (Fr Michael) is originally from Cóbh, Co Cork and came to Australia as a young priest.  His deep love of Ireland, her history, culture and language has taken him on many  journeys over the years and has included his definitive book on the Sydney 1798 Memorial, advisor to the Celtic Council of Australia, and life-member of the Aisling Society. 

Fred Graham

See Tulca Mór

Frencham Smith

“As good as contemporary singer/songwriter folk music gets in Australia. Smith is a superb songwriter with a wry sense of humour and a wonderful eye for the idiosyncrasies of modern life and Frencham has a voice with all the appeal, emotional honesty and clarity of someone like Shawn Colvin or Mary Chapin Carpenter. Yes, really, she is that good. There is no other folk duo in Australia which even comes close to this magical combination.”

Bruce Elder Sydney Morning Herald

Geoffery W Graham

The great grandson of a Irish gold digger, Geoffrey W Graham, has discovered gold of his own. The rich veins of verse and song from Traditional writers have led to Geoffrey becoming immersed in performance as a career. As a theatrical communicator he weaves music, bush verse and comedy, into mesmerising performance. His down-to-earth entertainment touches the hearts of even the cynical amongst us.

Gerry Faulkner 

A native of Galway, Gerry arrived in Sydney 11 years ago and since then has been a busy and active member of the Sydney Irish community. He is a past president of the Sydney St.Patrick’s Day Committee and each year is MC for the parade as it passes the review stand at Town Hall. Gerry hosts the popular Irish radio show, Ireland Downunder every Sunday morning and his services as MC are always in demand. An Irish event is not the same without him!

Gregory North

Discovered in the Blue Mountains wandering aimlessly through the bush, this man of many hats will have you wondering which voice is really his.  The accents and characters in his poems and yarns could be the result of medical experimentation or maybe he's just a freak of nature. Fresh from the release of his DVD “Man of Many Hats”, Greg is sure to entertain.

Gundagai Community Choir 

A small group of people came together in April, 2007 to prepare music for a special function held at St Patrick’s Church and when the group decided to continue singing the Gundagai Community Choir was born. The choir has sung at a variety of Church liturgies, held a Sacred Concert, and in June 2008, eight members took part in Choir Oz with the Sydney Philharmonic Choir’s rendition of Carmina Burina at the Opera House. We practice at the Uniting Church Hall each Monday evening at 7.30pm during the school term and new members are most welcome.

Gundagai Country Music Club

This group, made up of local musicians plays a mix of both your traditional and more upbeat country music and has been playing around Gundagai and the district for a number of years now. They also perform regularly at Lott’s Family Hotel and that's where you'll hear them over the Festival weekend. They are providing the PA for, and hosting the Blackboard Stage there on Friday & Saturday.

Ian Henry 

Ian is a piper, originally from Co Antrim in the north of Ireland but has been here in Australia since he was a young man and now lives in Kurrajong at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Ian plays both the uilleann (Irish) pipes and the Celtic war pipes and, his piping skills are always in great demand.

Jamie Molloy

Jamie is a concertina player who pops up regularly at sessions all around the place. He has a passion for the instrument and after the success of our 2007 concertina master class with Ruth Boylan Jamie is keen to bring together those of like mind and is inviting all players of the instrument to join him. He will also be leading an introductory workshop session in Irish music for all instruments.

Jennifer Smart School of Dance

The Gundagai Irish Step Dancers from the Jennifer Smart School of Dance performed at the Festival for the first time in 2007. The Monday night Irish dance classes commenced as a result of interest created by the inaugural Turning Wave Festival.  Margaret Winnett travels to Gundagai on an irregular basis to teach - at all other times Mary Smith, a very experienced dancer, teaches the classes.

Jenny M Thomas

"Jenny M Thomas rescues Australian folk from the world of beards and blue jeans." (THE AGE)  Golden Fiddle Award winner and former Circus Oz performer, she is a fiddle-singer who challenges tradition with breathtaking confidence touring her music worldwide. Influenced as much by Radiohead and Bjork as the old trad players she doesn't just sing traditional Australian songs; she plays with them, rips them apart and lovingly puts them back together as "works of exquisite beauty" (Music Forum)

Jig System

Watching a Jig System performance is to be taken on a musical tour throughout the Celtic Nations. Drawing influence from Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Breton, Asturian and Australian traditions, they play jigs and reels with fiery enthusiasm and vibrancy. Their songs are influenced by these same traditions and portray the scope of human emotion. Featuring four young musicians who have been active members of the Melbourne trad. scene for years, Jig System are a new act that are not to be missed!

Jim Stubbs Backing Band

Jim Stubbs Backing Band performances have been described as producing a rich hearty blend of musical diversity using a minimum of ingredients, ranging from soulful blues, bouncy jazz, country swing and gospel. Traditional folk tunes are delivered instrumentally via Jim Stubb's harmonica and Steve Macdonald's finger picked guitar, banjo and Hawaiian slide guitar, while Kellie Stubb's vocals continue to delight festival goers around the country.

John Hospodaryk

John describes his style as blues, roots and heritage. Singing and accompanying himself on guitar and banjo, John has spent the last four decades collecting various traditions, including blues, rags, shanties, bush ballads, old-timey, bluegrass, country and rock ‘n’ roll. All these styles have fed his song writing and he has performed his music at festivals, cabarets, pubs and clubs.  John takes an active role in the current anti-war movement and in 2001 won the MUA song-writing award.

Karen Lynne & Acoustic Shock

Acoustic Shock is a traditional Bluegrass band consisting of multi award winning musicians Martin Louis, Nigel Lever and Quentin Fraser. They are also joined by bassist Liz Frencham and Australia’s foremost female contemporary Bluegrass vocalist, Karen Lynne who’s latest album “Changes” has been hailed a “truly international album in the class of Alison Krauss and Rhonda Vincent”.

Keith Preston

The man behind the puppets is UK born musician, actor and puppeteer Keith Preston. With over thirty years experience in the Arts Keith presents an excellent show for all ages. He also presents a brief talk/discussion on the history of Punch & Judy, and the changing history of puppets and society. He has presented this traditional puppet show since 1994 at both international and Australian Festivals, at schools and at a wide range of community arts events.

Marcia Howard and Damian Howard and The Ploughboys

This collective of Australia’s top folk performers, Marcia Howard, Damian Howard and the amazing musicians that comprise the Ploughboys delivers an unforgettable music and entertainment experience. Masters of their instruments and masters of their trade as storytellers and performers, the Ploughboys are nothing short of marvellous. They’ve performed with some of the world’s best including Mary Black, Luka Bloom and Brian Kennedy and are the perfect musical package, combining nu-folk and traditional with blissful harmonies and beautiful musical arrangements to be one of the most sought after bands on the gigging circuit.

Margaret & Bill Winnett

Margaret and Bill Winnett's names are synonymous with Irish dancing and their workshops are full of fun and energy, yet demanding enough for the most discerning dancers.  Margaret and Bill teach set dancing with their group, the Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers every Thursday night at Kingsgrove. No matter what your level of dancing you are sure to enjoy their workshops and they will also be presenting the pre-festival Set Dancing Classes.

Michael-John Azzopardi

Esoteric genius with a penchant for intricate acoustic masterpieces, singer songwriter guitarist Michael-John Azzopardi is a regular performer on the Sydney music scene. Stylistically he draws on alternate rock, blues, folk (Celtic and middle-eastern) and jazz. The intensity and depth of his music reaches right into the listener and takes a firm hold on the soul. His arrangements are mind blowing, his lyrics philosophical and poetic, his guitar work breathtaking.

Mike Jackson

Mike is a power-house of energy and fun and his concerts for adults and children are joyfully intimate celebrations of life, love and music. His workshops make music and magic an attainable goal for all and his shows feature well known songs and tunes played on a truckload of unusual instruments.

Mitch Smith

Mitch is a man whose small passion for whistles has grown into a major commitment and he is now making some very fine whistles. He started the very popular Oz Whistles in 2005 and since then his mission has been to share that passion with others. Mitch will run a special workshop on how to “tweak” your whistle to make it play better and also present a session for beginners – no experience necessary (just passion!).

Norm Merrigan

Norm has been writing songs in the folk idiom for a number of years. When he took up playing the bouzouki in 2005 he found it to be the ideal vehicle for song-writing and since then has penned a number of interesting and engaging songs, one of which Men of Anzac made it into the finals of the ASA Song Writing Awards (folk category) a couple of years ago. About to release his first CD, Norm's concert at the festival is a selection of his new material.

O'Shea-Ryan Irish Dancers

Information coming soon!

Pat Alexander

Pat Alexander is the acclaimed writer of Slim Dusty’s classic (I’d love to have a beer with) Duncan. He claims that Duncan mysteriously captured the character of Australian mateship by chance and without intent, through the mixture of his wide Australian heritage and his passion for our fascinating culture. Pat sings his own songs (which really do not fit into any conventional category but reflect a whimsical, cheeky, humour and pathos) and he enjoys other songs; songs that appeal to him of course.

Patricia McGrath & Alarna Stevenson

Collectively these two dance teachers have over 65 years experience in Irish Dancing and are highly regarded teachers. They have a great love of Irish dancing in all its forms including Irish Set, Ceili, and Solo dancing with a strong sense that dancing should always be fun! Trish and Alarna currently teach on Wednesday nights at the Harp Bar in Tempe and both are the driving force behind the popular Harp Irish Set Dancers.

Peter Mace

Over recent years Peter Mace has established himself as a very talented and entertaining performance poet. He has appeared at numerous festivals and venues and to date has won quite a few awards for his poetry. While he has a great repertoire of traditional Australian poetry he also has a wonderful store of Irish poems and never fails to impress those who hear him. Catch him at the poet’s events and he will also be doing some MC work so watch out for that too.

Poi Pixies

Tarryn Balsdon and Delphina Shakallis are The Poi Pixies, two female Poi Dancers that have been  twirling with each other for four years, with their local fire twirling troupe at Fairy Bower. Inspired by the traditional Maori poi dancers, these two not only dance with fire but they also use LED glow Poi’s. The Poi Pixies use choreographed and contemporary dances that excite the mind and body. Bringing excitement, enthusiasm and youthfulness to any performance.

Preston's Historic Punch & Judy

Preston's Historic Punch & Judy Show is a recreation of this famous puppet show from an earlier in the time. It incorporates elements of the Victorian & Edwardian style shows as well as modern touches giving it to a contemporary context. The show presents all the puppet characters associated with the original 'traditional show'.

Puddin' Eaters

The Puddin’ Eaters encourage kids to join in with stories, music, song and dance drawn from the Celtic/Australian tradition, all in a light hearted vein.  Expect a colourful mixture of story-telling, play acting, join-in music and dancing for kids of all ages.  Meet ridiculously tall but extremely silly Rob the Storyteller, not-so-tall Stuart with his squeeze box and lovely Sally the Dance Caller (she’s the one in the fabulous dress). You will also see them around the festival as active participants in other events, especially music and dance sessions.

Raelene Bruinsma

With astute musicianship, stewed in classical, jazz and folk music, and a passion for song and voice, Raelene Bruinsma presents a uniquely rounded, varied and interactive performance. Distinctly Australian, yet never clichéd, with a touch of the cosmopolitan, Raelene explores issues of reconciliation, gender, life, love and the inner worlds of human experience in her original songs, and some compelling interpretations of contemporary and traditional folk tunes. Watch out for her new friend, “Mr Loopy".

Replay

One of the youngest groups around but has already been performing for 4 years. Replay is: Siobhan Mewes 9, Rohan Gibson 11, Amelia Gibson 13 and Gareth Mewes 14. They each compose with a liking for Celtic and gypsy styles then workshop the ideas together. Plus some traditional tunes and songs. Half the band lives in Canberra and half in Bowral, (their parents will be pleased when they can drive themselves to rehearsals!).

((( Shhh! )))

The name on every ones lips and part of the Irish contingent for this year's Turning Wave Festival, (((Shhh!))) is an experimental, highly engaging Irish folk group combining traditional music, instruments and vocals with keyboard and loops. The result is amazing!

Shiny Bum Singers

The group performs the  work songs of the Australian workplace. The writers in the group are masters of parody and their finely honed songs thrill and entertain many and varied audiences. They have performed widely in New South Wales, at many National Folk Festivals and more recently completed a UK tour.

Shirley Power & Colin Mockett

Shirley Power and Colin Mockett combine fine music and laughter – Shirley the music, Colin the laughter. Their performances are full of warmth, humour and a unique blend of song, poetry and narrative that will have you spellbound or laughing till the tears come to your eyes.

SIDE

This exciting branch of the Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers specializes in the performance of Irish dancing in all its forms, but especially in the older style step dancing. Under the direction of Margaret Winnett the group performs at festivals and events all over NSW.  With a dance style that is natural, relaxed and attractive Margaret has been a traditional Irish step dancer since 1957 and has honed her skills both performing and teaching throughout fifty years of dedication to preserving the Irish dance tradition in Australia.

Southern Cross Trawlers

Margaret Walters and Don Brian share an interest in Australian traditional songs, pooling their talents for unaccompanied singing and for trawling through song books and elsewhere for unusual material. Their presentation "Sons of Freedom"  includes some of these, but also some well-loved gems from Australia's convict, bushranger and union history (10am Sat in the Old  Gundagai Theatre). They are hosting the Festival Singers' Club in the Uniting Church on Saturday night at 7pm.

Springtide

Springtide features the combined talents of Jackie Luke & Greg Wilson. For those who may not know, Jackie and Greg were the driving musical force behind the popular Fellowship of the Strings/Fourth Realm. Featuring Hammered Dulcimer,  Para-Celtic Harp, the sweetness of Jackie's vocals, and the lively sound of accordion and concertina this multi-instrumental team move with ease from a repertoire embracing many musical styles, from traditional Aussie tunes to the harp music of O'Carolan.

Steve Cook

See Tulca Mór

Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers

The Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers were formed in 1958 by Peter McKenna from Ardee Co. Louth. Margaret and Bill Winnett have taught and led the group since 1992. They perform traditional Irish set, ceili and step dances which are both technically polished and highly entertaining to watch. The group dances with live music every Thursday night at Kingsgrove, NSW and in 2008 celebrates its 50 year anniversary of dancing.

Sydney Trade Union Choir (STUC)

For the last sixteen years STUC has performed at all kinds of events including peace rallies, trade union events, folk festivals, community carnivals, picket lines and birthday celebrations. Choir members come from different walks of life. We are teachers, public servants, chemists, wharfies, nurses and quite a few of us are retirees. The Choir’s repertoire includes songs of Australian history, Irish/Celtic songs and contemporary Aboriginal songs. Our songs are also of peace and social justice, people’s struggles, industrial songs, political, entertaining and some humorous.

The Gilmours

Scottish born Neil & Jane Gilmour came to Australia in 1980, settled in lovely Forbes and have been there ever since. In recent years they have returned to their roots in Scottish music having been influenced in their early years by their parents and grandparents. Their repertoire is made up of songs which they remember from those days. Neil plays guitar and mouth organ, both sing and Jane plays bodhran. The Gilmours were winners of the inaugural Festival Busking Competition in 2006.

The Harp Irish Set Dancers

The Harp Irish Set Dancers perform sets from around Ireland and are well known for their fun and energy, and infectious rhythmic ‘battering’ style of dancing. Co-teachers Trish McGrath and Alarna Stevenson hold social set dance classes every Wednesday night from 8pm at the Harp Irish Pub, Princess Hwy Tempe, NSW.  The group also run regular Ceilis every two months at the Harp.

The Rounders

Based in Sydney, The Rounders are Australia's hottest new traditional music act blending the skills of some of this country's best Irish musicians performing Irish, Australian, and the little-heard music of Newfoundland. The group is: Cory Clark (button accordion & vocals); Bridie Burke (fiddle); Ben McAtamney (flute, whistle & bodhran); Ben Stephenson (guitar & bouzouki). With a wonderful balance and blend of instrumentation this group produces a slick, well crafted and exciting sound.

Tomas Hamilton

Dublin born singer songwriter Tomás Hamilton is a well known entity in the Hawkesbury area west of Sydney. He calls himself a product of the 60’s “folk scene” but didn’t start writing his own material until 1996. Since then he has recorded several albums including Barbwire and Bullshit (2000) and Further Down the Track (2004).  Another CD, Hamilton’s 5^th was released in 2006. His songs reflect and Aussie way of life from an Irish perspective, as well as his time spent in the RAAF.

Tony Doyle

Tony Doyle is a sight impaired musician with more than 20 years experience in the disability / arts sector, and is recognised as an advocate in the field. During twelve years as director of Arts in Action, Tony’s main focus was on disability inclusive arts practice, initiating a number of projects to enable people with disabilities to participate in the arts. Tony’s music adds an exciting element to the puppet show. Through the use of a simple tin whistle and a lap top he uses a “wind channeller” to create a variety of instrumental sounds and timbres providing a 21st century backing to this traditional story.

Trish Barker

Sydney fiddler Trish Barker is no stranger to community music events and Trish has also led fiddle rallies at the National Folk Festival, and the two previous Turning Wave Festival. She has selected and arranged a program of tunes which reflect the ethos of the festival and we’re sure that all who participate will have a great time.

Tulca Mór

Popular Brisbane based Irish Band Tulca Mór are regarded as one of Australia’s top Irish bands. Tulca Mór presents traditional Irish music at its best – full of vitality, lilting rhythms and lyrical melodies. Tulca mór’s outstanding line-up features Fred Graham on fiddle, Steve Cook on bouzouki & vocals, Andrew Heath on guitar and Kevin Higgins on flute, whistles and uilleann pipes.

Vic Jeffries

Vic Jefferies from Sydney has appeared as a feature poet and master of ceremonies at every major folk and poetry festival in NSW, as well as the National Folk Festival, Canberra. Vic writes and performs ballads and poems based on his keen observations of life. Whether his poems make you laugh or make you cry they will certainly leave you entertained.  Vic also hosts the “Central Coast Poets” on the 4^th Wednesday each month at the Gosford Hotel, Gosford, NSW.

Wheeze & Suck Band

The Wheeze and Suck Band are a dynamic five piece band featuring guitar, mandolins, fiddle, melodeon, percussion and vocals, performing an exciting mix of traditional, contemporary and original “roots” music. These costumed ‘mad hatters’ sing rousing songs and soulful ballads in exquisite four part harmony and play high energy instrumental dance tunes which can often lead to audience participation and revelry.

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