Montz Matsumoto was born in Japan and started to learn bluegrass banjo at the age of 15. He is greatly inspired by North American music traditions and passionate about creating his own music on banjo which reflects his Asian background. Montz has explored the world, touring with music legends and learning traditional musical styles from everywhere he visits.
Since moving to Australia in 2002, Montz has performed at many festivals including Woodford Folk Festival, the National Folk Festival, Port Fairly Folk Festival and Cygnet Folk Festival. Montz has won multiple Bluegrass and banjo prizes at Tamworth and other festivals.
Elisse Kleiner – Flute
A remarkably versatile flautist, Elisse has performed flute with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and in world, tango folk, and inter-art ensembles. Based in the Huon Valley, Tasmania, Elisse studied flute at the Royal College of Music in London. She is a passionate music educator, leading music workshops for children with The Song Room and the MSO's education programsRoss Sermons – guitar
Ross grew up in Hickory, North Carolina, and his music can liven any remote corner or festival stage with a lifetime's experience in the tradition of folk, authentic blues and Americana. His vast, multi-genre repertoire is played with accomplished bottleneck slide and finger picking built on blues and roots, and delivered with generosity, enthusiasm and charm.
Ross has spent the last 30 years performing around the world.
