ALASKA STRING BAND … Best of Americana …

This soulful group is polished. Signature riveting harmonies are totally off the charts. Groove along while this captivating seven member band offers up American roots favorites … swing, jazz, rock, original, pop, folk and Bluegrass. this family often swap symphonic tools throughout a performance calling into action an impressive mix of acoustic guitar, violin-fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bass, percussion, pennywhistle and tuba

Hailing from Alaska's capital city of Juneau, this highly celebrated Alaskan family band is the subject of much curiosity and inspiration to millions around the globe. Throughout Alaska whether by land, air or sea, this crew of sprightly troubadours entertains visitors and locals alike … aboard cruise ships, in theaters, at world class fishing lodges and amidst the alpine slopes of spectacular mountain top destinations.

Gifted multi-instrumentalists indeed, this family often swap symphonic tools throughout a performance calling into action an impressive mix of acoustic guitar, violin-fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bass, percussion, pennywhistle and tuba.

Delightful, refreshing and simply extraordinary is the … ALASKA STRING BAND …

All funds raised go to The Alistair Hulett Memorial Fund Alistair Hulett Memorial Fund
Alistair Hulett was a singer, songwriter, international socialist and revolutionary. He was a kind, gentle man who was committed to fighting for a better world, a world based on the principles of justice, equality, love and respect for all of humanity. The world was a better place for knowing him and is a sadder place for his loss. He left a great legacy in his music that will continue to bring inspiration to many who, like him, believe a better world was possible.

2023: Trouvers, Peter Hicks, David Beniuk, Tasmanian Grassroots Union Choir ...

Bob Fox, UK's greatest folk singer. Quintessential Songman in the production of War Horse.

BOB has long been a favourite on the live circuit both as a solo artist and in his many highly successful collaborations which include a duo with Billy Mitchell (Lindisfarne), the BBC New Radio Ballads series, The Pitmen Poets (with Jez Lowe) and most recently BOB was invited by John Tams to play the role of the folksinger/storyteller SONGMAN in The English National Theatre’s multi-award winning production of WARHORSE both in London’s West End 2011-2013, in the highly acclaimed and record breaking UK, Ireland and South Africa touring version 2013-2015 and the 10th Anniversary UK tour 2017-2019.

Don’t miss a chance to experience his warm, rich voice, virtuoso guitar style and newly acquired melodeon playing skill. Expect to hear songs of love, joy, work and humour as he performs material from WarHorse, newly written songs from the New Radio Ballad series and old favourites from his many recordings.

Bruce is an icon of the Australian folk scene. He has appeared at over 170 folk festivals across Australia since the 1990s. He plays regularly at festivals, folk clubs, house concerts and other venues throughout Australia.

Performers of the calibre of Eric Bogle, Joe Dolce, Greg Champion, Blackwood and a host of other Australian and international performers have Bruce Watson songs in their repertoire.

Other awards include Port Fairy Folk Festival’s Lawson-Paterson Songwriting Award and Maldon Folk Festival’s Roddy Reed Memorial Songwriting Award.

He has produced seven albums of original songs, plus a songbook of his own compositions: “101 Songs”. He also appears on more than 20 compilation CDs alongside artists such as Eric Bogle, Roy Bailey, Archie Roach, Yothu Yindi and Christine Anu.

Bruce has a keen sense of the absurdities of life. Nothing is sacred, but many things are precious. A concern for people, the environment, reconciliation and for life's mysteries and ironies runs through his songs. His serious songs are both moving and challenging, and he is not afraid to tackle the hard issues.

Three young musicians with varied musical backgrounds united their creative and artistic forces to form the group É.T.É. Its members, Élisabeth Moquin, Thierry Clouette and Élisabeth Giroux, offer a very dynamic and modern vision of Québec traditional music.
Their musical arrangements are shaded with influences of folk, progressive rock and classical music interpreted on fiddle, Irish bouzouki and cello. Élisabeth Moquin also adds a special colour to the group’s appeal through her masterful step dancing.
Their musical arrangements are shaded with influences of folk, progressive rock and classical music interpreted on fiddle, Irish bouzouki and cello. Élisabeth Moquin also adds a special colour to the group’s appeal through her masterful step dancing.

É.T.É’s first album entitled "Le boire des minuits" was released in 2017. Since then, the group has received an award in the category Émergence of the Grands prix Desjardins de la culture de Lanaudière 2017 for new young groups in 2017. They also received a prize voted by the public during the Cabaret festif 2018. The group continues its momentum by touring in various parts of Québec, the Maritimes and in western Canada.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IokaDvcIkYc

George Mann hails from New York and has been producing labor and protest music for more than 20 years. He has worked with such folk music legends as Utah Phillips, Pete Seeger and Tom Paxton and produced national tours in honour of the Almanac Singers (2013) and Joe Hill (2015). George brings his experience as a union organizer and educator to his concerts - stories and songs about real events and the struggle for a better life. He has just released "For the Road and the Sky," his newest CD, and "Until You Come Home: Songs to Heal the Wounds of War," a compilation CD of songs about the effects of war on those who serve.

SPECIAL: Seniors Week shows singing the songs you remember from Elvis, Simon and Garfunkle, Peter Paul and Mary and ... 

International touring award winning Canadian (Yukon) artist has arrived. This authentic road poet travels North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, UK/Ireland and Scandinavia with 8 records behind him either solo or with legendary sideman Jaxon Haldane (famed Winnipeg band-D-Rangers) never repeating himself on stage. From Celtic Connections (Glasgow, Scotland) to the National Folk Festival (Canberra, AU) his ability to hold an audience, weave melody, while juggling the dark with the light is infectious

https://www.tentrees.ca/

Clarinetist Jože Kotar and pianist Luca Ferrini have been playing together for more than ten years. Their repertoire ranges from the Classical period to the contemporaries but they prefer to perform modern and contemporary music, written in "traditional" style, jazz and live electronics. In duo as well in other chamber ensembles, mainly Slovenian (MD7 contemporary Music Ensemble, KOS DSS – Soloists Chamber Orchestra of the Slovenian Society of Composers, Neofonia Ensemble, and others) they premiered more than hundred new works. In their concerts they always try to mix different genres and, when possible, to propose new works. During all these years a number of composers has already written for them, other have accepted their proposal to write new pieces. In this way, for the next seasons they are going to prepare a programme entitled "Music from the Islands", dedicated to music for clarinet and piano written by composers who live, work or come from different islands around the world. For the occasion, among the other pieces they are going to premiere new works, written by Tasmanian composers. The programme is quite various and suitable for every kind of audience. 

Jože Kotar became principal clarinettist of the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra in 2007 after serving in that role at the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra for 12 years. He is also a tenured professor at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana. As a soloist, chamber musician and member of various chamber ensembles, Kotar performs in Slovenia and abroad (Europe, USA, South America...), leads seminars for the clarinet and chamber music (Croatia, Serbia, Italy, Hungary, Belgium, Ireland, Israel, Brazil), and participates in the jury of international competitions. Kotar is a member, co-founder and artistic director of the Slovenian Clarinet Orchestra and a member of the Ariart Wind Quintet and the MD7 Contemporary Music Ensemble. Since 2007 he is a conductor and artistic director at the Trbovlje Workers Band.

Luca Ferrini, from Trieste, Italy, studied piano, harpsichord, organ and organ composition and graduated with distinction from the music conservatories in Trieste and Udine. Over the last twenty years he has been playing concerts on all three instruments in Europe, Asia and Central America. He works with renowned musicians and conductors as a soloist, chamber musician and with orchestras. Member of numerous ensembles of ancient and contemporary music. His repertoire is quite large and ranges from the Renaissance to contemporaries. More than hundreds premieres. In addition to his 20 CDs, he has made numerous radio recordings with a variety of European broadcasting companies. He currently works in Slovenia as professor of piano and harpsichord at the Koper Art Gymnasium and as piano accompanist at the Ljubljana Academy of Music. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6WkiASKs2I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsXTz3j_pbg

CELEBRATING THE SEEKERS

Keith Potger’s solo tribute to the group he helped to form back in 1962 covers the songs, the stories and the influences that shaped The Seekers in their rise to international fame.

CELEBRATING THE SEEKERS is an audio-visual treat, with rare footage and still photos of the group.

His 12 string guitar was an integral part of their sound and being the arranger of the vocal harmonies he had a unique place in the group.

During his performance Keith pays a special tribute to his colleague and dear friend of 60 years, the late and great JUDITH DURHAM.

Keith is known to countless fans and this is obvious in the welcome given to him by audiences all over the world.

This special program contains some timeless favourites from The Seekers, some beautiful original ballads from his three solo CDs and a few hits from the ‘60s to the ‘80s that influenced the group and appeal to the generation who grew up playing SEEKERS albums at home or in the car. Throughout his show, Keith shares stories and amusing anecdotes from almost 60 years on the international music scene.

Keith unfailingly delivers up-beat, heart-warming events that leave audiences reliving their fondest memories while sharing the joy that is a hallmark of Keith Potger’s solo concerts.

SPECIAL SHOWS: SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER

Studio Theatre, Theatre Royal

2.30pm and 7.30pm

This explosive Quebec City four piece band reshape little-known musical treasures in an energetic yet subtle way, blending fervour and a sense of humour only equalled by their talent as multi-instrumentalists with a knack for musical arrangements.
Les Chauffeurs a pieds draw in the audience with their infectious passion, rhythm, well crafted arrangements and sense of humour. They feature French Canadian "swing" on the fiddle, tongue tricks on the recorder, four part vocal harmonies and traditional foot percussion.
Also perfect for energetic ceilidh - quebecois jigs or reels, often crooked;

2023 SPECIAL

BUY FIVE PAY FOR FOUR

Mike McClellan is a modern-day troubadour, with a long history of several hit songs and tours across this wide land – and a few others (including the US) – to his credit, including quite recently. He has worked outside of music, hosted a music talk show on the ABC and he knows a lot of people, first hand.

Spinning a great story comes naturally, both as introductions and as songs. The two sets contain a mixture of new songs as well as some oldies, including several hit songs from the back catalogue and the occasional cover song, often introduced with a twinkle and a story about his meeting or friendship with said artist. This pattern also had a couple of twists; introducing a number of his songs that have been recorded by other artists (including Ricky Nelson).

In terms of songs, as well as enjoying the older hits and the lyrical writing, his relatively new song, Gruch, is a tribute to Adelaide based, now passed, Bryan DeGruchy was the show stealer for me; a gorgeous heart-felt ballad to the man and his guitars (two of Mike’s three DeGruchys were on stage). Mike’s voice stands up to the test of time, his guitar playing is solid picked folk acoustic, he has chops, but only for the service of the song at hand, and his songwriting shows no sign of waning.

While his hits may have been decades ago, the new songs are alive, lyrical and well worth a listen. As for the advertised 100 minutes of gig – it was well over two hours (including intermission) of lyrical melody – a joy!"

Introducing The Stage, a regular venue at the CWA Hall, Lindisfarne.

Opening concert features Peter Hicks (& Hui Tocker) and Trouvers - the first in a series at The Stage in Lindisfarne.

Peter Hicks is a well known performer in the Australian folk circuit whose music borrows from roots, blues, celtic and protest traditions from the likes of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie.

Peter will perform songs from his extensive and very eclectic repertoire on acoustic and slide guitar and even incorporate some bluegrass style banjo in the set.

Joining Peter on vocals will be the fabulous Hui Tocker who will also present some of her original material and spiritual songs. 

Peter's 2002 album, Our World is Not for Sale, has stood the test of time. Maybe it is sad that Our World is Not for Sale is still relevant as an action song but the chorus is well worth joining in.
From the library of Peter's albums one can only guess what you will hear - of one thing you can be certain, it will be entertaining and educational.

Trouvers: Take a swag of new songs, really good songs, and introduce them to the world.

That’s the aim of Trouvers who strive to bring these ‘unknown’ songs to audiences wherever they can.

Add some better known songs, songs with a purpose/meaning, and the mix is delectable.

Repertoire includes Big River, Some People Cry, Captain Swing, Last Thing on My Mind  but also songs by Tasmanian songwriters.
eg Methinna by Shaun Pearce, Reservoir Song by Rory Campbell, Lost Child by Kelvin Carter.

Presented with three part harmony and quality guitar backing, the sound of Trouvers garners praise wherever they perform – most recently the March 2024 Kunanyi Folk Club and opening for Mike McClellan (December 2023).

Trouvers know that good songs need to be remembered. They understand that for every songwriter there needs to be a thousand interpreters.

Trouvers are your interpreters.

When Woody Guthrie met Pete Seeger

When Woody Met Pete

Former NSW Teachers Federation President Maurie Mulheron goes back to his folk roots for a show about the birth of the Folk Movement featuring the songs of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie.

Joined by local folk singer-songwriter Peter Hicks, Maurie's set will tell the story about how he personally met and sang with Pete Seeger and it will lead us through the songs that inspired a generation to write and sing folk songs.

Maurie hosted a series of concerts about Pete Seeger for over a decade at the Woodford Folk Festival. Expect a rootin tootin, singalong hootinnany as you belt out the choruses of these much loved folk songs.

The progam will also feature local folk trio, The Trouvers, and the Tasmanian Grassroots Union Choir

3:30 – 6:00 Ferntree Tavern Sun 18^th February

Suzette Herft is a captivating songstress and songwriter with a bunch of heartfelt and award winning, contemporary folk /Americana songs in the style of Joan Baez and Emmylou Harris.
Suzette has received many accolades for her moving and brilliant solo tribute to Joan Baez, and is a well-known facilitator of wonderful singing and songwriting sessions in Melbourne. She has been described as having a ‘golden, velvet voice’ and a’charismatic’ stage presence.

As they enter their 55th year in 2023, the Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland's premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can't get better...yet continue to do just that.

The Tannahills have turned their acoustic excitement loose on audiences with an electrifying effect. They have that unique combination of traditional melodies, driving rhythmic accompaniment, and rich vocals that make their performances unforgettable. As the Winnipeg Free Press noted, "The Tannahill Weavers - properly harnessed - could probably power an entire city for a year on the strength of last night's concert alone. The music may be old time Celtic, but the drive and enthusiasm are akin to straight ahead rock and roll."

The Stage transforms into a live music venue four times in 2025.

When artists are booked to perform, their details will appear in this listing.

You can book in advance knowing the quality of performers will be the best Tasmania has to offer.

Season ticket available: $80 for all four concerts.

ArelmediaMontz 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.

Ross 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.

Take a swag of new songs, really good songs, and introduce them to the world.

That’s the aim of Trouvers who strive to bring these ‘unknown’ songs to audiences wherever they can.

Add some better known songs, songs with a purpose/meaning, and the mix is delectable.

Presented with three part harmony and quality guitar backing, the sound of Trouvers garners praise wherever they perform – most recently the March 2024 Kunanyi Folk Club and opening for Mike McClellan (December 2023).

Trouvers know that good songs need to be remembered. They understand that for every songwriter there needs to be a thousand interpreters.

Trouvers are your interpreters.

https://www.facebook.com/TrouversTas/

Where My Heart Lives, live recording Ferntree Tavern 2024

Herald of Free Enterprise,  live recording Ferntree Tavern 2024

Hammet, Cygnet 2012 Hammett by Trouvers

https://soundcloud.com/roger-joseph-2/growing-old

https://soundcloud.com/roger-joseph-2/cookie-and-lila

https://soundcloud.com/roger-joseph-2/captain-swing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiaZTf3q0OU Reservoir Song (2017 Fleurieu Folk Festival) written by Rory Campbell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28huD1-rCz8 Methinna (2017 Fleurieu Folk Festival) written by Shaun Pearce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_ZAVZJTJwk Some People Cry (2017 National Folk Festival, Stockmans Camp)

Back to the 1780's! If it sounded good back then, why not today?

Almost 300 years ago, some musicians from around Antwerp, Brussels, Gent and Leuven decided to write down their favourite music. As time passed, however, the paper turned yellow, the ink began to fade, and the music itself was left to gather dust along with the faded manuscripts …

That is, until now! With their finely textured arrangements WÖR injects new energy into 18th-century tunes from the Flanders region of Belgium. Their music shines an inventive spotlight, with a modern twist, on tunes from these manuscripts.
https://www.wearewor.com/