We welcome our 2026 performers to the 51st Maldon folk festival – may be subject to unexpected changes.
Nancy Bates (SA)
Nancy Bates is a proud Barkindji woman, award-winning singer songwriter and powerful voice in Australian folk. A long-time collaborator and mentee of the late Archie Roach, Nancy carries forward his legacy of truth telling through song, crafting music that is intimate, courageous and deeply rooted in Country. Her sound sits beautifully within the folk tradition, blending acoustic warmth with soul and country influences. With a voice that can hush a room or lift it to its feet, Nancy delivers songs of resistance, survival, love and justice with disarming honesty. She has received multiple awards and national recognition for both her songwriting and her advocacy, building a reputation for performances that are as moving as they are unforgettable. Nancy is the founder of Blak Country, a movement amplifying First Nations voices through music and cultural storytelling. She is also a committed human rights activist and creator of Songs Inside, a transformative songwriting program working with incarcerated women. At Maldon Folk Festival, Nancy Bates brings stories shaped by land, lineage and lived experience. Her songs honour the great folk tradition of speaking truth to power while inviting audiences into something rare and real.
The Bushwackers (vic)
The Bushwackers, established in 1971, play Australian music, much of it based on the traditional folk and working songs from the early 20th century, infused with their own brand
of contemporary subject matter and instrumentation. With a laconic, distinctive Australian sound, Dobe Newton and Roger Corbett voice 50 years of songs, tunes and dance calls. As much as the music has changed, the spirit of the songs and stories that inspired the first Bushwackers have not. With their politics and social conscience proudly worn on their sleeve, the band combines original material with a traditional repertoire. Songs such as ‘Beneath The Southern Cross’ and ‘When Britannia Ruled The Waves’, sit easily alongside a musical setting of Lawson’s epic poem ‘Faces in The Street’ and ‘The Ballad of 1891’ celebrating the great shearers’ strike. Now in their 52nd year, The Bushwackers are led by the mighty lagerphone of Dobe Newton and the musical direction of Roger Corbett. Both are joined onstage with a great team of musicians wielding fiddles, accordions, mandolins, guitars, bass, and drums. Their shows are filled with an enthusiastic diversity of fans who dance, sing and enjoy this unique Australian music.
Marcia Howard & Damian Howard’s Homemade Jam (Vic)
Maldon Folk Festival proudly welcomes the warm and soulful collaboration from Marcia Howard (Goanna) and Damian Howard (The Ploughboys). With rich harmonies, poetic songwriting and a deep connection to community, they create music that feels intimate, generous and unmistakably Australian. Drawing on decades of shared history, the siblings blend stories of love, loss, hope and healing into a sound that moves effortlessly between folk, country, soul and roots. As Marcia says, it’s about “sharing stories, celebrating connection, and making music that feels like home.” Both artists are woven into Maldon’s musical fabric. Marcia has graced the festival’s stages for decades, while Damian’s first-ever festival gig over 30 years ago with The Ploughboys happened right here, sparking years of touring across Australia and the world. Now, Marcia and Damian return to Maldon, ready to reconnect with the people and places that shaped them. A homecoming, a celebration, and a festival highlight in the making. Don’t miss Marcia and Damian Howard’s Homemade Jam.
Lloyd Spiegel Trio (Vic)
Fourteen time Australian Blues Award winner Lloyd Spiegel has dedicated his life to creating a signature style that honours the traditions of the music he loves, while creating a link in the chain of its evolution. Over the span of 35 years on tour across the globe, Lloyd has become one of this countries most respected guitarists and celebrated blues artists. With his trio (Tim Burnham – drums and Lisa Baird – Trombone), he delivers a unique, captivating performance that crosses genres and generations, re-inventing the Blues by blending powerful vocals and jaw-dropping musical prowess with a knack for humour and storytelling.
Martha Spencer Duo with Lucas Pasley (USA)
Martha Spencer is a singer-songwriter, mountain musician and dancer from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She grew up in a musical family, attending community square dances and jams and learning to play several instruments and flatfoot dance. In addition to numerous other recordings, she has just released her third solo album Out in La La Land which placed on the Americana charts. A dazzling entertainer, she has performed across the US, AU, UK, CA, and EU and been featured in articles in Rolling Stone Country, Americana Highways, NY Times and Billboard. Lucas Pasley is a songwriter and award-winning fiddler and banjoist from the mountains of North Carolina. He performs solo, with several regional bands, and with Martha Spencer & The Wonderland Country Band. Along with releasing several songwriter albums, he has devoted himself to preserving and spotlighting the traditional music of his region. As a duo, Martha and Lucas deliver a powerful performance ranging from traditional Appalachian fiddle-banjo tunes from their families to heartfelt original songs
The Sweet Sorrows (Ireland)
Based in Co. Wexford, Ireland, The Sweet Sorrows are veteran Irish singer-songwriter Sammy Horner and his Australian wife Kylie. They globally tour their
acoustic/folk/Americana music delighting audiences with their humour and vocal harmonies. Sammy’s guitar and bodhran is matched by Kylie’s whistles, accordion and melodica. An evening with The Sweet Sorrows always promises to be highly entertaining, provocative and moving. Their intimacy, transparency and strength of passion on stage has won them many fans.
“Touching, humorous and a lot of charm – thank you for a wonderful evening!” ( TOPOFF Restaurant and Kulturzentrum, Switzerland)
“The Sweet Sorrows bring Celtic charm and edge together with soft harmonies to create an Americana/Celtic/Roots fusion.” — CrossRhythms UK
Fred Smith (ACT)
“Fred Smith is simply the best folk/country musician working in this country…beyond writing some of the finest songs about Australians at war, he has created a repertoire that is wry, literate, witty, powerfully emotional and insightful.” (Bruce Elder, SMH). Songwriter, diplomat, philosopher, poet and raconteur, this artist described by many as a national treasure was recently awarded an Order of Australia for services to an improbable combination of music and foreign affairs. Whip-smart lyrics, wry humour, lovely melodies, a brain and a heart, his songs reverberate with the prophetic voice of humanity.
Claymore (Vic)
Claymore, recognised as Australia’s premier Celtic band having headlined in Australia’s largest folk events and toured
internationally on many occasions, they have visited the USA, UK and Europe. A passionate band of multi-instrumentalists who not only manage to combine traditional elements of Celtic music by integrating the traditional into the modern day, they write beautiful original Celtic compositions also, taking their blend of Celtic rock n rock into the 21st century!
Forget everything you’ve ever thought you knew about Celtic rock bands, because Melbourne-based outfit, Claymore, defies all expectations. This enigmatic band of multi-instrumentalists not only manages to combine traditional elements of Celtic music, but they take that passion and soul and rock it right into the 21st century. Few bands can pull off the sensitive task of re-educating the traditional realm into the modern day, but that’s something of a specialty for Claymore. Not only that, but they manage to write beautiful original Celtic compositions, and even lend their style to some power rock classics, all with an Irish and Scottish twist.
“Melbourne outfit Claymore are a unique band within the Australian music scene. Drawing on generations of Irish and Scottish folk tradition, Claymore’s biggest strength lies in their ability to blend it with contemporary sounds, forging a band like no other .From the world’s largest Celtic music event, Festival Interceltique in France, to venues across the country and around the world, their reputation as a first-rate live act resonates wherever they go” – Cairns Post
Leroy Johnson and the Waterbag Band (NSW)
Leroy Johnson and The Waterbag Band sing campfire songs, protest ballads and tales from the heart of far west (so called) NSW. The soulful voice Malyangappa Baaka Wiimpatya Leroy Johnson, joined by a band of musicians who met on Waterbag Rd.
Nick Charles (Vic)
Recognised as Australia’s preeminent acoustic roots and blues guitarist, Nick Charles mesmerises audiences with his dynamic performances and an impressive catalogue of twenty albums. His extensive career boasts thirteen tours across the United States and a sweep of major folk and blues accolades, including Port Fairy Folk Festival Artist of the Year and two Australian Song Contest victories, cementing his status as a driving force in the genre.
In 2025, Nick gained global recognition, securing the “Best Solo Guitarist” award at The International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Described by The AGE as “Australia’s Virtuoso of Acoustic Roots and Blues,” and by The Sydney Morning Herald as someone who “plays guitar like an angel,” Nick’s artistry continues to impress critics and fans alike.
Throughout his career, Nick has performed alongside celebrated musicians including Ralph McTell, John Hammond and Guy Clarke and graced stages at festivals of every size sharing his distinctive sound with audiences far and wide. Audiences can expect a show overflowing with extraordinary guitar mastery, clever songwriting, and classic blues and folk melodies.
Rich Davies & The Low Road (Vic)
Maldon favourites Rich Davies & The Low Road return with some of their first performances in several years, bringing back the raucous spirit and big-hearted storytelling that have made them one of Australia’s most exciting folk-roots acts at festivals including Woodford, Port Fairy, and the National Celtic Festival, and saw them nominated for Artist of the Year at the Australian Folk Music Awards.
Led by charismatic Scotsman Rich Davies, the Low Road combine trad-roots instrumentation with the intensity of a rock band, creating a sonic landscape with their five-part gang vocals that feels equally at home in a folk club or a sweaty dive bar.
Mick Thomas describes their sound as a ’foot stomping contemporary folk attack’, and music writer Stuart Coupe once declared that ‘Last night, Rich Davies & The Low Road were hands down, no competition, the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band on the planet’.
At the heart of it all is Davies’ songwriting — emotive, narrative-driven songs steeped in Celtic and Appalachian folk traditions and the storytelling spirit of the 60s Folk Revival. His ode to multicultural Australia ‘Dirt Under My Nails’ was covered by The Bushwackers, earned a place in their Big Australian Songbook, and was nominated for a Golden Guitar Award.
Expect wit and banter, heart-on-sleeve storytelling, and joyous folk’n’roll.
Rhiz & The Sugarplums (Vic)
Rhiz & The Sugarplums are a five-piece honkytonk band from regional Victoria, reviving a retro country sound that’s as timeless as it is irresistible. With a voice as bold as her boots and a songwriting style inspired by the trailblazing women of country roots music, Rhiz (Rhiannon McArthur) brings heart, humour, and heat to every tune. Backed by The Sugarplums (Pete Daffy, Jordy Hickey, Pete Fidler and Dean Muller) the band delivers sharp songs, big vocals, a grooving rhythm section, and plenty of twang – A combo guaranteed to get you on the dancefloor. After turning heads with their debut album, they’re back with a second— this time recorded in Nashville!
Mick Coates & the Shallow Gravediggers (Vic)
Michael J Coates & Co present new gritty songs penned by themselves and various other legendary pals along with a dash of Johnny Cash’s American Recordings catalogue and Bob Wills for emotional relief. Songs to make a barmaid weep.
Glenn Skuthorpe (SA)
A master of melodies, and one of Australia’s most prolific and powerful lyricists, and performer. With 7 highly regarded albums and music featured in movies and documentaries such as The Emu Runner and John Pilger’s Utopia, Glenn has earned his place on stage with some of the biggest names in music, such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Steve Earle, Kev Carmody, Archie Roach, Rory McLeod, Michelle Shocked, Buddy Miller and Mary Gauthier. Glenn Skuthorpe continues to take audiences on an unforgettable journey around the world by performing at prestigious venues with a sound that spans a vast gamut making him an artist that you simply must experience live!
Linda Mizzi Trio (NSW)
‘The Linda Mizzi Trio’ is Linda Mizzi (Lead Vocals, guitar), Glenn Skarratt (Mandolin & Guitar), Alex Keller (Bass guitar & Cello). The trio’s songs have a strong direction toward folk/country, however you will still hear undertones of blues, jazz and more importantly, strong and thought provoking lyrics. The trio are based in the Blue Mountains. Linda Mizzi is perfectly imperfect, raw, real and unapologetically undefined by any one genre. After a couple of years of writing new material with a new album to be released this year, the members are keen to get back on to the festival circuit.
Alanna and Alicia (Vic)
Finalists in the Australian Folk Artist of the Year in 2024 (group), Melbourne twin sisters, Alanna and Alicia captivate audiences with their original folky/ jazz/roots songs, their sweet harmonies, quality quirky lyrics, and onstage warmth, wit and fun. Their lyrics, equal parts heart and humour, sparkle with an original, intimate voice as they explore world and personal issues. Audiences connect with their themes and can laugh, cry and dance, all in the one set. Alanna and Alicia will showcase some new material and also sing from their five albums, including the beautiful, most recent ‘Heart Song Listen,’ produced with support from Creative Victoria. Their stunning back catalogue includes the beautiful songs of John Beavis on ‘Songs I’m Singing with Me’ (2017), and original material on ‘Twinlines’ (2013), ‘Two in a Book’ (2010) and ‘Funny She’s so much Like Me’ 2006.
Alanna and Alicia will be performing with their highly talented band featuring Damien Neil, their long time guitarist, and the vibrant Sarah and Silas on piano and twin fiddles.
Alan Reid (Scot)
Alan Reid has been performing Scottish folk music worldwide for decades. A founder member of Scotland’s Battlefield Band Alan helped forge the band’s reputation as one of the most influential and innovative of its generation. His singing and keyboard work has been lauded, while his songs are noted for their lyricism, storytelling and strong melodies. He was nominated as songwriter of the year in the 2009 Scots Tradition Awards and he and the band were inducted in the Scots Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2016. Solo since 2020 Alan is equally at home with traditional ballads as well as his own compositions and his engaging way has won him new fans everywhere he plays.
The Velvetones (Vic)
Step into a world where beloved jazz songs of bygone days meet powerful vocal harmony with The Velvetones, one of Australia’s premier a cappella quartets. From smoky jazz standards from the days of speakeasy’s, through to modern hits reimagined with the charm and swing of the 1940s, The Velvetones deliver performances that are as engaging as they are evoking – think close harmonies, sassy banter, vintage flair and just the right amount of bawdy.
The Velvetones established themselves as one of the county’s leading vocal bands after walking away with a host of awards at the 2018 AUS-ACA National a cappella championships. They have since performed to regular sell-out crowds and at festivals across the country, such as the Melbourne International singers festival, Hobart Festival of Voices, Adelaide Fringe Festival, the Barbershop Harmony Australia Festival, and a host of guest artist appearances, including most recently with the Sydney Adult Glee Club.
Join The Velvetones as they bring their signature blend of musical excellence and playful storytelling in some special cabaret performances at Maldon Folk Festival.
The Tracey Roberts Trio (Vic)
Tracey Roberts is one of Melbourne’s most talented, accomplished and versatile singer-songwriter-pianists. Her clear voice, dynamic vocal range and jazz-infused folk style original songs mesmerise listeners with intelligently constructed lyrics and richly, melodic musical chordings influenced by multiple musical genres.
20 years of musical experience includes international touring, TV & radio, regular performances at concerts, functions and festivals. The Tracey Roberts Trio includes two of Melbourne top class jazz musicians, Robert Mercer on drums (Paul Grabowsky, The Itchy Feet Pep Band) and Lachlan Davidson (John Farnham, Dancing with the Stars). Great stories and beautiful musicianship.
“Tracey Roberts is one of the unhidden treasures of the Yarra Ranges” – Ann Creber 3MDR – 97.1 FM
“One incredible act” – Castlemaine Jazz Festival
Those Folk (Qld)
Charismatic, authentic and thoroughly entertaining, Lawrence Menard (USA) and Clare Quinn (AUS) are the transpacific-troubadours known as ‘Those Folk’. Since meeting in Scotland in 2012, they have travelled extensively and are now based in Queensland.
Partners in life and music, their songwriting explores love, hope, belonging, and the human condition. Breathtaking vocal harmonies are featured alongside rich instrumental work performed on guitars, mandolin, and accordion.
Recent performance highlights include the Woodford Folk Festival, Blue Mountains Music Festival, Yackandandah Folk Festival, Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Cobargo Folk Festival and a headline tour of the UK.
A partnership forged in the fires of folk music, their sound is inspired by iconic duos such as Simon and Garfunkel. Those Folk make not just folk music, but music for all sorts of folk.
Freya and Tom McGowan (Vic)
Powerhouse vocals and emotive guitar lines, Freya and Tom McGowan are a hard working daughter/dad duo from Ballarat who have performed at some of Victoria’s most loved folk festivals, including Port Fairy FF, Maldon FF, Newstead Live & Cresfest.
As a 16 year old songwriter living in a regional area, Freya’s lyrics provide listeners with a glimpse into themes that are central to her experiences as an emerging artist. Combined with Tom’s guitar work, their sound is a rich tapestry that reflects the broad range of artists that Freya has grown up listening to, especially Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush and Martha Tilston. They are recipients of Troubadour Foundation Award and Roddy Read finalists.
Barry Versus Kelly Ensemble (Vic)
A musical drama by Felix Meagher (with additional music by Lou Hesterman and Cyril Moran) about the trial and execution of Ned Kelly in November 1880. Barry Versus Kelly focuses on the confrontation between Ned and the Judge, Sir Redmond Barry. Barry, whose harsh sentencing of Ned’s mother, Ellen, to three years goal in 1878 sparked the Kelly Outbreak, is haunted by Ned’s last words to him. “I will see you where I go.”
Ernie Gruner & James Rigby (Vic)
Ernie and James met 47 years ago and have been playing music together ever since.
They bonded over Shetland fiddle workshops and Blues jams at Port Fairy Folk festival and together they chased tunes and good times at Irish sessions, bush dances and music camps all over Australia. Finally they decided it was time to perform together and share all their favourites gathered on the way. While fiddle duets are at the heart of their music they also duel on mandolins, guitar and song through Blues, Celtic, Klezmer and Bush music.
Jesse Lawrance (Vic)
Maldon Folk Festival 2025 Roddy Read Song Writing Award Winner Jesse is a songwriter hailing from Castlemaine, Victoria. With roots firmly planted in the Texas songwriter tradition and a deep appreciation for country and Americana genres, Jesse writes songs that are gritty and poetic. His lyrics combine powerful imagery with deft storytelling to create moving vignettes from the raw materials of life.
Having honed his craft as the front man for Melbourne-based roots outfits The Goodtime Medicine Band and The Bon Tons, Jesse’s musical journey took a transformative turn in 2020 when he began focusing intently on songwriting. This resulted in an ever-growing catalogue of first-rate songs that have become a staple of his performances at venues and festivals across Victoria.
Jesse released his debut studio album Some Little Town in October 2024, following four singles. The single For Better or for Worse—a duet with partner Honeytree—peaked at #4 on the Australian Country Radio chart.
Jesse Lawrance’s music evokes a strong sense of time and place, weaving melody, imagery and storytelling into varied emotional landscapes. He is earning a reputation as a captivating songwriter and performer.
Joyce Prescher (Vic)
Dutch singer-songwriter Joyce Prescher is a distinctive voice in Australian folk, blending a European sensibility with contemporary songwriting. Now based in Melbourne, she crafts poetic, slow-burning songs rich in melody and emotional depth, exploring love, loss, identity and belonging.
Her work has drawn comparisons to artists such as Jessica Pratt and Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief), with gentle nods to ‘70s songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, and echoes of Nick Cave’s brooding intensity and literary depth.
A two-time Australian Folk Music Awards finalist, Prescher has released two acclaimed albums, with Out Of My Mind reaching No. 12 on the ARIA Australian Artist Country Albums chart. Signed to Cheersquad Records, recent collaborative releases with Lachlan Bryan have further highlighted her versatility and strong presence within Australia’s folk and Americana communities.
Though her recordings are often gentle and introspective, Joyce is a magnetic performer. Her songs expand and transform on stage – dynamic, immersive and emotionally resonant. She balances intimacy with quiet authority, drawing audiences into performances that unfold with calm intensity and lasting impact.
Crocodile Crocodile (NT)
Crocodile Country celebrates the ‘Sound of The Territory’ – an exciting and uplifting musical journey through Australia’s rough and tough, wild and tempestuous northern frontier. You’ll never never know if you never never go along to Crocodile Country’s home-grown Territory music with Bite!
The Wild Colonial Bhoys (NT)
McCarthy’s Lore presents “The Wild Colonial Bhoys” – a lively, multi-media presentation celebrating a larrikin Irish spirit that survives alive and well in Australia today … through the likes of Shane Howard, Ted Egan, Kev Carmody, Paul Kelly, Paddy McHugh, Geoff McArthur, Mick Coates and Kevin McCarthy. It’s a spirit that must never ever die!
The Stealth Brothers (NT)
Kevin McCarthy (Darwin) & Colin O’Keeffe (Warrnambool) are The Stealth Brothers, appearing in Maldon with their intimate collection of “great songs” that have slipped in under the radar! Songs that have never made the charts but have impacted in some way on their personal lives.
Fiona Ross (Scotland & Aust)
Renowned for her honest, earthy style and deep knowledge of the Scots tradition, Fiona Ross is widely recognised as one of the leading interpreters of Scots song today. A finalist for Scots Singer of the Year at Scotland’s prestigious Trad Music Awards, she has earned acclaim for her emotive performances and powerful storytelling. Now based in Australia, Fiona continues to champion traditional Scottish song through concerts, workshops, and lectures. Whether delivering a haunting muckle ballad, a tender love song, or a rousing Jacobite chorus, Fiona captivates audiences with her deep connection to the Scots repertoire and the rich stories woven through it. Fiona will be running workshops from her new Maldon Studio.
The Celtic Way – Inspired by the ancient wisdom of Celtic spirituality, this contemplative gathering offers a shared space of reflection, words, music and imagery — inviting us to pause and listen deeply.
Sound Bath – A deeply relaxing sound immersion weaving together voice, alchemy crystal singing bowls and other therapeutic sound instruments to calm the nervous system and restore balance.
Sam O’Connell (Vic)
Sam is a 29-year-old Australian-Irish Folk musician from the Mornington Peninsula. Sam had a guitar placed in his hand at the age of 7 years old and continued learning and mastering his craft for years to come. With his raw and beautiful storytelling vocals and his incredibly intricate guitar work, Sam is the whole package and always puts on a show that will captivate all audiences
Harpers Bizarre (Vic)
A long-time favourite of the Maldon Folk Festival, this group meets monthly to play beautiful music and of course, to share epicurean delights. Their music includes tunes from the Celtic countries as well as an exciting Latin based repertoire and individual compositions. Festive hand-crafted felt hats, and harps made from unique Australian timbers, are well known signatures of the group. Each year, in the winter months, Harpers Bizarre runs a music camp at Cave Hill Creek Recreation Centre, near Beaufort central Victoria, promoting and encouraging interest in Harp Culture. Harp maestro Andy Rigby is the group’s Musical Director and fashions many of the harps in his Workshop, just down the road in Malmsbury. Check out some of Andy’s exquisite instruments at the Maldon Folk Festival ‘Instrument Makers Exhibition’ on Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.
Geoffrey W Graham (Vic)
Geoffrey specialises in down-to-earth Dinkum Oz Entertainment with a passion to inspire audiences to appreciate the humour, depth and historical integrity of Australian verse and song.
He has impersonated Banjo Paterson, Henry Lawson and Tex Morton and is an ardent fan of CJ Dennis. Geoffrey combines verse (trad/contemporary & original), music, comedy and audience interaction. His more recent performance is “Scrambled verse”… a mishmash of material to delight even the most hardened anti poetry audience. Over the last 40 years, Geoffrey has performed at conferences, aged care facilities, schools, clubs and his overseas performances have included Laos, UK, USA, Gallipoli, Beersheba and Jerusalem. Geoffrey is basically a packager – packaging variety, audience connection, interaction, humour, verse, music…. And basically good old fashioned fun.
Jeanette Gillespie & Duncan Brown (Vic)
Jeanette and Duncan will lead the concert as they have in previous years, and involve other festival artists and friends. Possible participants may include any agreeable festival guests who may be “shanghaied” during the festival!
Yes Men (Vic)
Central Victoria is renowned as the hotspot for quality men singing and the Yes Men have handpicked the best of them. Actually we’re un-auditioned and we just think we’re the best singing blokes around. Our songs go to the heart of being a modern bloke with all of the privileges and challenges that come. And we sound great.
O’Shea Ryan Academy Of Irish Dancing
Brewers Own Bush Band
How we love this Family dance, with children and families, and all that come and dance with us, year on year! I have lost count of how many times I have joined with our band for the Family Bush Dance here at Maldon Folk Festival!
The Brewers Own Bush Band is honoured to have the opportunity to be invited to play again for this, the 50th festival!
We will present a fun filled music/dancing session for everyone! “Littlies, kids, mums, dads, grans, pa’s, rellies, and anyone else who loves music, a good laugh, fun, balloons & some dancing for exercise!
You, the dancers make this such a special event for us all! We welcome you as our dance family, so let’s make this dance one to remember!! The Brewers Own Bush Band: Formed in 1978, playing dances now for over 40 years and into the future!!
We thank you for the opportunity to be part of the Maldon fabric and love you all.
” You are the Folk enjoying the dancing we enjoy.”
The Rhymer from Ryde (NSW)
“The Rhymer from Ryde” just can’t get enough of Bush Poetry and rhyming verse. When he’s not writing it, learning it or performing it he’s organising poetry events like the Victorian Bush Poetry Championships (2024) or the 10th Anniversary of his “Rhymers Roundup” shows (held at the Tamworth Country Music Festival). Other than that he likes to extend a helping hand to his fellow poets by presenting workshops to help them develop their skills. On stage he’s a dynamic ‘dynamo’ of activity as he brings modern, classical and original verse to life through his theatrical and engaging performances. A real ‘live-wire’ act, make sure you don’t miss the “Rhymer” at this year’s event..
Noel Bull
Noel aka ‘The Raging Bull’ named because of his antics on stage, performs humorous and serious bush poetry. He is a lovable larrikin who has lots of tales, associated with working in the outback in his younger days, to share with you.
Lorraine McCrimmon
A performance poet of many years with a large repertoire of traditional, contemporary poems, some to make you laugh and others to reflect on festivals I’ve performed at include, Cobargo, Majors Creek, National FF.
Margaret Crichton (Vic)
Festival Choir – Always wondered what it feels like to be onstage? Join the Festival choir and find out! you just need to enjoy singing to have a go. Your groupies can come and watch as we sing two songs in harmony at one of the main venues. Come and have some fun. No experience necessary. Shower singers welcome!
Bush Sessions (ACT)
Bush Sessions recreate the music of Australian Bush gatherings from the 19th and early 20th century. Music played on verandas, in lounges and in memorial halls. The music has been collected from traditional players, the men and women who made music in the bush. Tunes handed down through families, learnt from neighbours, friends and broadsheets. These are participation sessions. We provide printed music, welcome ear players also and play at a pace which encourages joining in. Please bring your instrument and play through some great toe tapping tunes in traditional dance style.
A Bit of English (ACT)
A Bit of English is a Canberra based band lead by Jackie Luke and Greg Wilson. They specialise in modern and traditional, session and dance music from England. They meet regularly with friends to play an eclectic tune mix, ranging from the Playford era through to modern compositions. Discovered during lockdown zoom sessions, 3/2 hornpipes add interest and fun to their repertoire. Join in and share the music.
Campbell the Swaggie (everywhere)
The only fair dinkum reciter of Aussie Bush Poetry who doubles as the last Australian swagman. Everyone knows Campbell, from govt house in Darwin, right down the east coast to the Sunday market in leafy Camberwell, and every festival and market in between. Keeping the Spirit of Waltzing Matilda (carrying the swag) and mate ship policy alive. By raising Funds towards helpingpremature and chronically ill children via financing the Royal Flying doctors and emergency relief appeals. Verses recited are kaleidoscope of my travels and experiences, Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and tales of the Land. The poems reflect the heritage pillars of Australia.Check out The Legend of Campbell the Swaggie by Kevin McCarthy’s Crocodile Country and an interview while he was staying in Maldon during most of 2020 until after Easter 2021.
Michael the Balloonologist (Vic)
Michael the Balloonologist has been a fixture at festivals, fetes, fairs and functions for over twenty- five years. From single balloon animals to multi-balloon creations Michael manages to enthral his audience whether they are 2 or 102. Dogs, bears, flowers and fancy hats flow freely from his fingers. Come and claim a colourful creation – and yes, he does parties.
Emu Creek Bush Band and Friends – Gay Charmers and Friends (Vic)
Long time stalwarts of the Maldon Folk Festival, the Emu Creek Bush Band, will once again be providing the toe tapping opening dance of this year’s festival as they have done for many years. Despite the passing of their leader Peter Ellis OAM the band he nurtured over thirty or more years will continue to provide the best of bush dancing. Bring the kids and be prepared for a fun filled evening. You won’t be disappointed. The Bush Concert commences with entertainment from the band but incorporates items from the floor and so the audience end up entertaining the band!
The Britannia Morris (Vic)
Surely you know us already? The dancers in the streets? With the wavy hankies and clashing sticks? The white uniforms and live melodeon music? The ones who have been engaging audiences at Maldon for over 20 years?
Well, if you don’t know us by now, you just haven’t been paying attention!
The Connected Circus (Vic)
This colourful and family friendly Circus Space will be running from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. There is a Circus Space for participants to explore a range of props with assistance from instructors. These props include Hula hoops, Pois, Spinning plates, Rolla Bollas and Flowerstix. Also in the grassy outdoor space there will also be games like Finska, Bocce and Giant Jenga. Undercover in the Rotunda there is an Art Space for children to draw, sketch and do origami and a Games Space with all sorts of fun board games for all ages.
The Connected Circus runs their mobile entertainment space at festivals and events all over Victoria. We also facilitate a wide range of school programs and workshops in Central Victoria, helping to improve the wellbeing of children and adults using creativity and movement.
Rudy the Music Man (Vic)
In past Maldon Folk Festival appearances Rudy the One Man Band has wandered along main street and entertained audiences where he’s found them. For over 30 years Rudy has trudged many miles carrying around his 25kg one man band rig of drum, monkeys, gorillas and numerous musical instruments. Unfortunately, Rudy’s roving days are over. This septuagenarian is less ambulant but no less entertaining singing and playing his Harmonica, Pan Pipes, Flex-A-Tone, Trombone, Concertina, Didgeridoo, Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar, Accordion, Djembe & Hi Hat. Rudy entertains from the wealth of songs and instrumentals he has acquired from years of busking at markets and festivals, playing in bush bands and appearing on Red Faces and Australia’s Got Talent. Regaling Pre-School children to adults in Aged Care Facilities and Hospices, Rudy is happiest bringing a smile to the faces of everyone he encounters