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 Anne Kirkpatrick
Singer songwriter Anne Kirkpatrick seemed destined to be a performer, being the daughter of country music legends Slim Dusty and Joy McKean.
During a career that started at the age of ten in her parents' travelling country show, Anne Kirkpatrick has been described as "a true revolutionary" and "the godmother of Australian new country". Her 1991 release Out Of The Blue was heralded as a watershed album in Australian country music and her latest album Showman’s Daughter was declared by Bruce Elder of the Sydney Morning Herald to be “a remarkable achievement that keeps Australian country music in the hands of the nation’s first family”. Anne has received six CMAA Golden Guitars and one ARIA Award. Anne’s discography includes eleven solo albums, two duet albums with her father Slim, and now her latest recording project—the Slim Dusty Family Reunion album featuring three generations of the Dusty clan.
More... (Link to...Anne Kirkpatrick Bio factfile.html)
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 The Davidson Brothers
2009 Golden Guitar winners Hamish and Lachlan Davidson "are nothing short of sensational and are taking the Australian country music scene by storm" according to Australian bluegrass pioneer Trevor Warner.
Just into their early 20s, the Davidson Brothers are proving to be Australia’s number one Bluegrass act.
The Davidson Brothers will be featured at the Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival on 24th and 25th October 2009 fresh from performances at the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Festival in Kentucky on October 2nd and the IBMA World of Bluegrass Showcase in Nashville on 30th September. Their other September dates include the Bean Blossom Uncle Pen Days in Indiana, the Tri-State Bluegrass Festival Indiana, and Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival in Missouri.
Recently the Davidson Brothers released their brand new self-titled album on Shock Records. It debuted at #12 on the ARIA charts.
The first single, “I Miss the Sound of Rain” has been getting great airplay and the film clip hit the charts at #17 its first week on CMC. The album has received 5-star reviews and won them Best Band & Best Composition at the 2008 Golden Fiddle Awards. The last album, “Raised On the Road” saw them take home 2007 Independent Album of the Year.
Hamish won the 2000 Australian Bluegrass Fiddle Championship & Lachlan is the 2008 Australian Bluegrass Mandolin Champion.
Growing up in Victoria, the Davidson Brothers have been 3 times finalists in the Golden Guitars, won 4 TIARA Awards, 3 Golden Fiddle Awards & 2007 Best Bluegrass Award at the Victorian Country Music Awards. |
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 The Lonely Horse Band – Mick Daley, Andrew Hull & Tonchi McIntosh
The Lonely Horse Band was an idea conceived at the 2006 Tamworth Country Music Festival by Andrew Hull, Tonchi McIntosh and Mick Daley. They quickly formed a loose collaboration intent on producing more original music relevant to the ‘One Horse Towns’ of Western NSW. A few beers later and the Lonely Horse Band was formed. All three artists had a lot of goodwill invested in the Bi-Annual Nymagee outback Music Festival. This community then became the focus for the ‘Living Memory’ project which, after securing some funding from the CASP program, conducted three days of interviews and songwriting in the village, resulting in the ‘Pomegranates and Peppercorn trees Album’ In 2007 the band rocketed throught the remote badlands of Western NSW from Weilmoringle to Nevertire with their 'Saddle Sores' tour. Embraced by publicans, punters and public servants, the unique songs of the land found a home and a new audience as far East as gulargambone and as far West as Tilpa. 2008 see's the frugal but most discerning Arts Administration body, Regional Arts NSW backing the project to the hilt as the trio, powered by the mighty skills, melodies and rhythms of the legendary Stretch, head further west than they have ever dared with the 'Blazing new trails in Western New South Wales' tour and another Living Memory project in the remote mining village of White Cliffs. The tour will take them to the furthest corner of the state, a place where tumbleweeds are revered and a healthy coating of dust is considered good dress sense.....
http://www.hullyjoe.com/proj_lonely_horses.html |
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Akabella Choir
Since its inception in 1990, Bellingen based Akabella has developed from a community group into a 36 member performance choir, presenting its unique blend of global a cappella music at many regional events and major festivals.
A feast of pure vocal harmony... |
 Redlands Bluegrass Boys
The Redlands Bluegrass Boys was formed in 1998 by a group of enthusiastic acoustic musicians from the Redland Shire just south of Brisbane. Collectively the band can claim about 200 years of music experience.
Together they perform a range of traditional bluegrass songs and instrumentals, and demonstrate the tight vocal harmonies and driving instrumentals epitomised by this style of music. The band features Allen McMonagle (vocals, guitar, fiddle), Neil Wills (mandolin, guitar and vocals), Fred Hudson (banjo and vocals), Bill Turner (guitar and vocals) and Tom Stekinga (double bass and vocals)..
The Redlands Bluegrass Boys have been an integral part in the organising and running of the annual Redlands Bluegrass Convention at Kindilan Convention Centre each July.
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 My T Fine String Band
Rod and Judy Jones have had the My T Fine String Band in various incarnations for almost 30 years, playing bluegrass and traditional country music. They have played at numerous dances and concerts at the Bluegrass and Traditional Country Music Society in Sydney.
My T Fine have been regular performers at the Jackson’s Mill Jubilee Festival in Weston, West Virginia since 1986, and have appeared on the ABC, The USA “Today” Show. Also in a special on the Galax Old Time Fiddler’s Convention, West Virginia Public Radio, Judy won the Galax Old Time Fiddler’s Convention Clawhammer Banjo Championship
They will be sure to get your toes tapping and your feet dancing at the Friday night dance at Dorrigo. |
 Jane M Harding
Jane M Harding is a singer-songwriter and musician who makes her home in Coonabarabran, in the Warrumbungle Mountains of NSW. People and places have always been her songwriting inspirations, particularly the re-telling of interesting and little-known stories from her local area.
Her songwriting is influenced by the story-telling styles of Kristina Olsen, Pat Drummond, Bruce Watson and Banjo Patterson, with melodies heavily informed by traditional Irish, Scottish, and Australian folk tunes.
Jane has been a follower of the SE Australian folk festival circuit since she discovered it back in 2004, doing blackboard and walk-up spots whenever she could get on, and playing whistle in any sessions she could find. She particularly loves the smaller festivals like Sessionfest, Uranquinty and Numerella where there is greater opportunity for informal sessioning to the wee small hours, preferably around a camp fire!
Her song Sailing (Blown Away) was a finalist in the Roddy Read Memorial Songwriting Contest at the 2007 Maldon Folk Festival in Victoria.
She has recently received greater recognition in folk circles, performing at the 2008/09 Gulgong Folk Festival, 2009 St Albans Folk Festival..
Blessed with a fantastic voice and gentle touch on guitar, she weaves a story in song that will continue to haunt you, long after the performance is over.
Her first CD, Songs from the Road will be released in October |
 Blue Goose Band
The Blue Goose Band perform original compositions interspersed with early blues, traditional Australian, contemporary folk, jug-band and even jazz standards.
Sonia Bennett's powerful voice is supported by guitar, banjo, mandolin, slide guitar, keyboards, harmonica and bass. All this combines an approach to playing that makes for an entertaining performance.
Myspace -In the late 1980's Whistling Goose, one of Sydney's favourite jug/folk/goodtime bands, came to an end after more than a decade of entertaining Sydney audiences. Blue Goose represents the renewal of the musical relationship between three of the members of Whistling Goose. It combines Sonia Bennett's powerful vocals and guitar with the multi-instrumental musicianship of Max Gregory and Bruce Stavert and Andy Stavert on bass.
Blue Goose brings together a broad range of musical experience and skill and a love of music in many guises. Their many original compositions, interspersed with refreshing interpretations of songs of many genres old and new, combine with a whimsical approach to playing that makes them fun and great to listen to. |
Dangerous MC's – J-RAD & FINO
J-RAD (Jarryd Needham) performs original self-produced hiphop music and MC's (raps) over the top, with the help of FINO. |
 The Usual Suspects
Multi-instrumental trio using Double Bass, guitar, mandolin and violin with 3 part harmonies performing a mix of old timey, contemporary folk and original songs.
Past performances as a trio at St Albans folk festival, Coastfest and Umina Beach Folk Festivals. Performances as a duo at Uranquinty and Gulgong festivals.
Check out their kazoo and yodeling for beginners workshops. |
 Don & John - Resonator Brothers
Local musicians Don Ferguson Jnr. (vocals, guitar, mandolin and National resonator) and John Woolhouse (vocals, guitar, mandolin and dobro), have made regular appearances at the Dorrigo Festival in various line-ups since 2003. Lately, as a “Brother Duo” they have been taking it back to the early roots of Folk & Bluegrass music – exploring the rich gospel heritage of this format in a fresh way. Phoebe “Pink Strings” Woolhouse will also be adding her unique colour on Double Bass.
Presenting songs from the Monroe Brothers, Stanley Brothers, Louvin Brothers, and many more, along with original numbers, Don & John provide the simplicity of two blended vocal harmonies, plus one guitar and one mandolin, one shared heart and a passion for this music and message that will touch your soul and spirit. |
 Russ Redford
Russ Redford, sings and accompanies himself on the harmonica. He is a founding member the Hunter Harmonicist Collective (formed 2004) .
Repertoire is a mixture of blues, Gospel and traditional songs. Blues such as "Messin' with the kid" and the much older "Baby Please Don't Go", the traditional "Cuckoo" , the Gospel tinged "This Train" and - audience participation required - "John the Revelator". Accompanied Maureen O'Brian and guested with Chris Cady at St Albans 2008. Gave Harmonica workshop and performed as duo with Chris Cady at St Albans 2009. Also sang and played at the Gospel Concert St Albans 2009. Performed solo and duo, featured in the Radio Play and the Gospel Concert at Broke Folk Festival 2008. |
 Trunk Road
Utilising the exemplary song writing of Vic Manuel, Kym Pitman and Tim Hulsman, Trunk road treats its audience to a unique and captivating blend of lyric, harmony and acoustic instruments (Dobro, ukulele, fiddle, guitar, banjo and bass). This highly original contemporary folk band surrounds moving lyrics and storylines with echoes of its musical roots in old-timey, all manner of folk, boogie, blues, and a hint of gospel thrown in. This exciting line-up of creative talent is an energetic and moving musical experience not to be missed. Vic Manuel, Kym Pitman, Tim Hulsman, Chris Judd, Terry Walker, Will Pregnell, and Nina Grant.
The band members have high profile solo and recording musical careers. festivals - Kym has performed at the National Folk Festival, Global Carnival, Woodford, Port Fairy, Adelaide Fringe Festival; Vic at the Puget Sound Guitar Festival, Seattle; Tim at the World Music Festival, northern India, Welcome Platypus Festival, Hurstbridge, Vic. |
 Stockade
Acoustic Roots & Blues dipped in Folk Rock ...with a slice of Celtic on the side......and a splash of Gypsy Jazz to wash it all down!
Featuring mostly original music in the Roots/Blues and Folk Rock traditions… delivering songs, some with a humorous edge, about life, love and topical issues.
Lead singer Chuck Euston delivers a powerful lead vocal, and also quality acoustic/slide guitar and mandolin.
Chris Euston adds bluesy vocals as well as the magic of accordion, mandolin and wailing harmonica.
Ben Euston serves up solid yet sensitive percussion, adds another harmony when needed and occasional acoustic guitar.
These musicians wow their audience with genuine captivating lyrics, outstanding harmonies and a feast of instrumental finesse.
"Great songwriting!” … “create a magic that makes everyone feel included” …"they play great music and love playing it!"..."a lively, spirited and professional performance"... “such a BIG sound”
Stockade have released their debut CD “Common Man” |
 Gary & Sam Shepherd
Gary & Sam are father and son guitarists and singers, and have performed at many festivals throughout the East Coast of Australia.
Both are accomplished fingerstyle guitarists, who also enjoy presenting fingerstyle guitar workshops at festivals. Both Gary and Sam have won many accolades for their musicianship, songwriting and entertaining. |
 Simple Folk Band
Simple Folk perform English, Scottish, Irish and Australian traditional folk songs as well as instrumental jigs and reels etc.
“Handcrafted contemporary traditional folk music at its best. Beautiful ballads, lively tunes and haunting medieval dirges, performed sensitively and passionately with voice, and instruments chosen from Irish Bouzouki, French pipes, guitar, mandolin, bombard, dulcimer, keyboard and bodhran and more… “ |
 Scarlett Affection
'Australia's best kept secret'. (David Keogh, Perfect Pitch')
Scarlett Affection is a sassy stage show combining the classical training and unique harmonic synergy between sisters Melia & Nerida.
With Songwriting Awards, Australia Arts Council Support, Contemporary Music Touring Program Support, International and National touring, Television appearances, Festival Appearances at Illawarra Folk Festival, Cobargo Folk Festival, International Folk Alliance Conference Memphis, and radio play. this exciting Bangalow acoustic two-piece are evocative and elegant master storytellers.
This cheeky sister act is engaging, moving and beautifully melodic - they have an infectious live dynamic that will leave you with spine tingles! |
 The Junes
The Junes burst onto Australian TVs with their guest appearance on Specks'n'Specks in June 2008. Since then, their gorgeous three part harmonies have been immortalised on their maiden release “The Junes Collection”, which sold out at the 2009 Port Fairy Folk Festival.
Combining members of two highly successful girl groups (GIT and Toe Sucking Cowgirls). The Junes bring glamour and humour to an array of country classics and cleverly crafted original songs. Fiddle, accordian, guitar, mandolin, and ukelele all get a run in a Junes show as they nod their heads to June Carter Cash in a sparkling and highly entertaining show.
Bassist Dougie Bull will also be running a workshop on Double Bass slap techniques. |
 The Orphans
The Orphans are a bluegrass-inspired, country/roots/Americana act showcasing the songs of Lyn Taylor and Nick Payne.
The songs are acoustic driven and feature both Lynn and Nick on acoustic guitar with the occasional blues harp, dobro, ukulele and mandolin making an appearance. These acoustic sounds are enhanced by the sweet pedal steel lines of Mike Kirkley.
Lyn draws on her experiences of trial, isolation and distance from loved ones as the basis of her song writing and haunting vocal style. Displaying a similar sense of "less is more", Lyn's approach dovetails neatly with Nick's to create music that has been described as, and is literally: "Simply enjoyable".
The Orphans have pioneered a monthly showcase of original Australian country/roots in Sydney called The Orphanage Sessions. They have also appeared at the Blueswater Country Music Festival at Port Stephens and the Tamworth Country Music festival
http://www.myspace.com/theorphansau |
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 The Big Blue Fish
The Big Blue Fish (formerly known as the Grassy Knoll) is a new trio of sunshine coast residents who have been playing music together since 2008.
Their style could be described as a modern mix of old time and bluegrass, Django Reinhardt era swing and their own thrilling originals.
The Big Blue Fish is comprised of three accomplished musicians:
Innes Campbell (guitar, dobro, mandolin, vocals): Innes has been playing guitar since age twelve and recently won first prize in the CMAA National Bluegrass Championships in Tamworth in flatpicking guitar. He also sings and has written many of the songs you will hear them perform.
Darryl Low (mandolin, fiddle, guitar, banjo): Darryl has been playing music up and down the sunshine coast for years and is a talented multi-instrumentalist.
John Thompson (bass, guitar): John is the newest member of the band. He has managed to blend in to the Fish with an ease that belies the bulk of his newest instrument - the bass.
Look out for Innes' workshop on flatpicking guitar. |
 Ami Williamson “What do you get when you mix an entertainer with a songwriter?
An opera singer with a comedian ? A folk singer with a set of drums ?
A show girl with a poet?.....Ami Williamson!” – The Canberra Times.
“Ami has created something that's not quite country, not quite folk, not quite classical and not quite pop, but an exciting mix of all of the above and more.” - Sunday Arts ABC.
Ami has worked in many of the top venues and Festivals in Australia and abroad and has shared the stage with many International artists such as Kristina Olsen, Hans Tressink, Joan Carden, John Butler, The Angels,
The Whitlams, Eric Bogle, Beccy Cole, Angry Anderson to name a few.
Early this year Ami “Stole the show” (Sydney Morning Herald) in The Musical “Quambatook”.
Ami is one of those rare female singers. While her roots are ?rmly in the tradition of singer/songwriter, her richly diverse upbringing had Ami taking the stage not only in opera and classical, but also touring with her father performing her own material.
Ami has recently returned from entertaining the troops in the Solomon Islands and in Iraq and Afghanistan with Angry Anderson and Tania Zaetta. ABC’s “Australian Story” accompanied the performers on tour and ?lmed a documentary which was shown in 2 parts in May 2008 on ABC1. |
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Artists
Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival
