Solo singer-songwriter, from the foothills of Gulaga Mountain, Tilba NSW, Abby May began her singing journey at eleven years old, achieving awards in the National Busking Festivals. Now 18, Abby shares her ethereal vocal sounds through an acoustic mix of Irish folk, contemporary folk, indie and jazz, bringing the love of our Mother Earth back through song.

Sometimes slow and sensual sometimes fast and furious, Air and Grace combine the beauty of the harp with the sweet sound of flutes in harmony. Their repertoire is drawn from Celtic inspired music originating in Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Brittany. Traditional tunes are interpreted with sensitivity and originality. Relax, listen and enjoy.

Embark on a musical journey that transcends continents with the unique sound of Amaidí – a dynamic group blending the rich traditions of Irish and Australian music into a vibrant, modern tapestry of sound. Amaidí is not just a band; it's a celebration of diversity in music. The group's infectious energy and modern interpretation of traditional tunes invites audiences to join in the festivities, transcend geographical boundaries and encourage everyone to revel in the joyous union of Irish and Australian musical traditions. Experience the fusion, feel the rhythm, and join the global celebration with Amaidi.

Amber Kenny and Ben Fink have been collaborating for 7 years. Their inspiring journey together has been forged from the joy of creating new original music with folk and soul at the heart. Their music tells captivating stories both with the lyrics and the textured layers of the instruments. Ben, a multi-instrumentalist is often found playing either his guitar or the mandolin plus other unique instruments. His new joy is his Indian Bouzouki, which is the perfect accompaniment for Amber’s stories as she loves to share each song presented in a creative way to bring out the audience's relatable emotions.

Anton, delivers some finger picked ballads along with some lively passionate songs accompanied with craic on top.

Apolline is a lively group of young folkies, equipped with alluring voices, innumerable instruments and an extensive collection of colourful socks. The group views folk music through fresh eyes with foot-stomping sets, original songs and a dash of sisterly bickering in order to bring a unique experience of genre-bending folk.

arís (ah-REESH) crafts an inviting musical experience grounded in tradition while reflecting the modern Australian context. Their diverse backgrounds enrich thoughtful retellings of tunes and songs from Irish and other Celtic traditions, interwoven with original compositions. Sydney-based friends, arís invites listeners to share in the warmth of their deep connection.

Singer/songwriter - Barbara Jeffrey loves to perform her original pieces and also Scottish traditional songs, plus Latin American rhythms. Her entire professional life has been entirely musical, covering education, composition and performance. This includes orchestras, classical ensembles and touring nationally with the acclaimed Ten Sopranos. A brilliant soprano vocalist, her main instrument is harp, although the flute and ukulele do at times make an appearance. With a keen eye and ear for excellence, Barbara is inspired by the outstanding, the brilliant and the beautiful.

Bruce Watson is an icon of the Australian folk scene. His performances are joyful, powerful and engaging. He is a masterful craftsman of songs, a great communicator and winner of many songwriting awards. “An Australian folk hero!” (The Boite). “The best songwriter I have seen in a long time.” (Eric Bogle)

Chloë & Jason Roweth have been researching and reinventing Australian bush music / entertainment for over twenty-five years. They bring you the songs and poems of the kitchen, the verandah, the shearer’s huts, the local pub - and the yarns that go with them.

Christina Green is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, composer and composer and multi-instrumentalist. She performs original songs in a contemporary folk idiom that draws on folk, folk-rock, blues, jazz and cabaret elements. Christina’s songs have been described as ‘snapshots, portraits, landscapes, stories and moments in time, pieces of mindfulness’ – observational and lyrically engaging, they are delivered with a mix of guitar/ukulele with occasional harmonica and percussion additions.

The McCabe family circus is back in town! Having given up their ways as Gallowglass' from county Cavan, they have taken up the juggling clubs, and are putting on a spectacular circus performance. Juggling, tightrope, clowns, throwing knives, magic and more is on the agenda for this year's show. This is a spectacle for the whole family to enjoy.

Dubbo Celtic Dancers, Central NSW and Cape Byron Celtic Dance, Northern NSW are collaborating as "Damhsa Comhla" (Dance together) to provide a step dance experience like no other. Their dance style is based on the traditions of Scottish and Irish Dance technique but with an exciting contemporary interpretation. Their teachers Karen and Molly Armstrong have been working and dancing together for over 30 years and have many awards and wins to reflect their talents and dedication to Celtic Dance.

Daniel Kelly lives in the Yass Valley and writes and play ballads in the Irish, Scottish and English traditions. Daniel is a regular performer in the region and has published a number of albums with songs about the recent and distant history of Yass and its connection to Ireland. With a strong personal connection to Irish culture, Daniel brings authenticity to his writing and performances. With nearly 1500 folk ballads published on YouTube, Daniel has a keen interest in preserving the craft of the bard.

Enda Kenny is an Irish-born songwriter who has made his home in Australia. Through ten independent albums, his thoughtful, descriptive stories have struck a chord with festival audiences worldwide. A string of early songwriting awards has led to a full time career as one of the best entertainers in the world of folk and acoustic music. His songs are always memorable, often hard-hitting and spiced with plenty of humour.

Now residing near Mount Beauty in the Victorian Alps, Enda tours extensively throughout Australian and is a regular visitor to New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Holland and Germany. Enda is the latest Artist of the Year at Newstead Live Music Festival.

“On small stages to intimate audiences or large stages to festival audiences he always holds the crowd in the palm of his hand. Witty and intelligent songwriting and a brilliant night’s entertainment” – Eleanor McEvoy

“The finest Irish songwriter living overseas” – Colum Sands

“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). Fred and band will be playing songs from his rich back catalogue focusing on the more Celtic end of his oeuvre.

Gar MacLeman is a singer/songwriter, playing mostly original material with the occasional Irish and Australian Folk song. Style wise, he’s a mix of Blues, Celtic Rock and Folk. Between 1986 & 2004 Gar was based in Ireland, playing original and Irish music in the duo Dreamcraft, throughout Europe. Since 2004 he's back in Australia, playing at various festivals.

Green Fieldz performs bluegrass, Celtic, ragtime, gypsy jazz, pop, originals and old favourites. Stunning ukulele duets and wild fiddle with blazing guitar intertwine melodies and harmonies on well-known tunes combine with gorgeous vocal harmonies. A show-stopping blend of genres that draw audiences in to enjoy their wonderful performance, lively onstage banter and warm humour.

Jasmine Beth plays original songs about problem people of all kinds – from problem politicians to problem gamblers. She is heavily influenced by traditional and modern folk music. Her single ‘The Gambling Man’ was a finalist in the Great American Song Contest 2021. Jasmine tours Australia and the UK regularly.

An inspiring solo performer with baritone vocals reminiscent of honey whiskey, Jose enjoys fostering community music and forming ongoing musical communities wherever he goes. This includes sessions, venues, and choirs in Victoria and now also in Queensland. He is an ambassador to the Guitars for Vets Australia (G4VA) music program, promoting the power of music in assisting military veterans. He promotes folk music around Australia and conducts workshops and sessions for festivals such as Mountaingrass, Sandford Bush Music Festival and the National Folk Festival.

The way we were… now. Karisma emerged in 1970 when Peter Paige, former bass singer in The Graduates (1959), created his lush close harmony arrangements for the quartet to perform in Sydney clubs. The tradition continues featuring two new and two original members, a zesty acapella sound and a sparkling repertoire of songs spanning eight decades.

Kathryn Clements is one of Australia’s finest exponents of traditional Irish song. She has toured Ireland extensively and brings us her latest concert: SONGS OF IRELAND: A MARY BLACK TRIBUTE…an intimate weaving of Irish music, song and story. Kathryn is also an accomplished songwriter and will weave some of her own songs into her concert from her latest album ‘Songs of Love and Freedom as well as Irish favourites such as Song for Ireland and No Frontiers Kathryn has a depth of experience teaching Traditional Irish singing in workshops at Port Fairy Folk Festival; National Folk Festival and National Celtic Folk Festival and she is a past Recipient of the Lis Johnson Memorial Award at the National Folk Festival.

Contemporary Australian folk music rooted in the Scottish and Irish traditions, Kejafi brings reimagined traditional tunes and songs with beautifully composed original material that keeps the living tradition of folk music alive and thriving.

Instrumental Celtic trad six piece Mad Kelpie Playdate combine Scottish and Irish pipes, flute, guitar, keyboard and percussion to provide a lively modern take on Celtic music, featuring original compositions, intricate harmonies and driving rhythms. The Queanbeyan based band’s debut album won “Instrumental of the Year” at the 2019 Australian Celtic Music Awards, with their 2nd album released in 2024.

Na Peacaigh (Irish for 'The Sinners') is an upbeat, Sydney-based four-piece band, singing Irish language songs, traditional and modern with a sprinkling of foot-tapping dance tunes. All four members are accomplished performers on the Sydney celtic/folk scene, and the Na Peacaigh ensemble sound is so much more than the sum of its parts!

Niranjana (Paru) & Pranav is a brother-sister duo act who perform various genres including Irish/ Celtic, Indian and pop music. They perform across Australia at various festivals including Melbourne Celtic Festival, St. Patricks Day etc, and have been performing at Yass since 2019.

Peter Campbell seems to have sprung fully formed from an alternate folk universe! Hard to believe I’m hearing him for the first time. Peter plays his 12 string as classic backing for his smooth as honey voice and delivery, taking classic folk songs to a new place, then backing it up with brilliant originals. Rosie McDonald, Artistic Director, Bundanoon Folk Festival.

If you like modern and traditional songs sung with a warmth that comes from the heart, Phil’s your man. He “likes to really get inside a song, to inhabit it” before he feels ready to sing it. Phil’s been performing for over 50 years, picking up many songs along the way, and loves to share them with folk audiences.

Self-taught Singer-Songwriter, Rachel Clark, has crafted a musical journey that blends heartfelt storytelling with a sultry and soulful acoustic folk vibe. With raw honesty, she delves into the depths of the human experience, heartache to humour, offering introspective narratives on loss, love, and the battles we all face.

Rory Phillips is an aspiring young guitarist/singer/songwriter with an engaging stage presence, who will leave his audience impressed with his musicianship and enamoured with his personality! At 17, Rory already has a long list of accolades to his name including the 2023 Folk Federation of NSW Young Folk Artist of the Year.

Since coming together in 2007 Saoirse have firmly established themselves as one of Australia’s premier Celtic bands. With performances throughout Australia, Port Fairy, National folk festival, National Celtic festival, Speigletent , and appearances in Ireland and Europe (Le Festival Interceltique) this world class band delights their audience with heart rending ballads and spirited tunes! Saoirse have released 4 CDs and received multiple awards for their music. The band are excited to be bringing some original music and new talent to 2024!

Festival sweethearts Sarah and Silas play folk/roots music. Their love, skill and connection shine through exciting duelling fiddles and sweet vocal harmonies which dance to the strum of a ukulele and the stomp of a drum. This beaming pair write songs about love, life and gardening catastrophes. 

A fun-loving bunch of adult Irish Set Dancers from Canberra who will be sharing their love of Irish Set Dancing with workshops, a display, and a participatory ceilidh. We will be dancing to live music provided by Ian Hayden and his band of experienced musicians, who will get your feet tapping and your hearts soaring.

Hailing from Glasgow Scotland with Irish heritage (Derry) Shona enthrals her audience with songs deeply rooted in the Traditional Sean-nós style, her passion for the culture and heritage of her Celtic history is incorporated into every song. Since firming her duo with Phil Lester with his voice like a fine Scotch single malt, the two have conquered many Celtic and Folk festivals within Australia including the inaugural Melbourne Celtic Festival. They return to bring some of their much-loved songs and just a bit of cheeky Scottish banter you’ve come to know and love.

‘Song brother’ was an affectionate term used by Anthony Woolcott and Miguel Heatwole during 25 years together in the Celtic vocal trio, Triantan. Sophie Moore has happily become their sister and the three of them sing music made with skill and love. Always loyal to traditional folksongs they also find harmonious pathways to 1970s prog-rock and Tolkein.

Stringline is a contemporary folk band playing memorable, powerful originals, influenced by Celtic, indie, country and bluegrass styles. Multi-instrumentalists and songwriters, their long history together is obvious through the chemistry in their vocal and instrumental harmonies. True folkies, they use acoustic guitars, mandolins, bass, fiddle, banjo, and accordion to create a unique sound. Known as wonderful storytellers through words and music, Stringline captivate audiences with inspiring lyrics set to catchy melodies with refreshingly arranged traditional instrumentation.

Sullies’ songs are about leaving, love, loss, and broken hearts. Songs and stories with a twist of protest, environmental issues and calls for peace. Sullie is a singer-songwriter who plays across multiple genres. His songs range from sensitive folk acoustic ballads to punk rock songs and all points in between.

Contemporary Troubadour, and recipient of the 2019 Folk Victoria Award for services to folk music. Suzette Herft has built a loyal following for her stunning voice, her soulful presence and award winning, heartfelt, uplifting original songs as well as her joyful renditions of well-known covers. She is renowned for her masterful facilitation of singing and songwriting sessions, as well as for her tribute shows to Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. "Suzette sings from her soul, she glows when she sings... every song is plucked with precision from her heart" Mundy (Ireland). Suzette has recorded 6 albums and is currently working on her 7th album.

Australia's beloved folk and country band, The Bushwackers, renowned for their captivating performances, are set to grace the festival stage. Following their acclaimed appearance on ‘The Voice, Australia’, led by Dobe Newton and Roger Corbett, they embody the essence of Australian music. Their spirited tunes and meaningful lyrics resonate across generations, honoring Australia's cultural legacy. Expect an unforgettable experience at the Yass Celtic Festival as The Bushwackers showcase their legendary passion, humour, and music.

The ChOOks sculpt glorious new tunes and sanity-preserving songs of experience with the wisdom and humour of lives well lived. They complement each other vocally and instrumentally with tight harmonies, big voices and lots of instruments. Wendy and Moira will have you crying till you laugh—some have even been known to get up and dance!

The Full Irish bring the Irish pub session to the stage. Their performance ranges from powerful up-tempo songs to haunting ballads steeped with the earthy sound of their Irish roots. The Full Irish perform traditional Irish folk songs and tunes, as well as contemporary Irish music and original songs

The Go Twos with Ann Palumbo & Quentin Fraser. 

Rosie McDonald & Nigel Lever are individually well known in the Folk and festival scene, but it is the music they play together that shines with an intimate and heartfelt intensity. They are joined by the amazing musicians Ann Palumbo on double bass and vocals and Quentin Fraser on dobro and electric guitar.

The Mountain Dew Band have been together for over 20 years They have appeared at many Folk Festivals including The National Folk Festival, The Illawarra Folk Festival, The Irish & Celtic Music Festival Yass, The Gulgong Folk Festival, The Queanbeyan Medieval Fair, Tallong Apple Day, etc. Band Members: Tony Rodwell Guitar/Vocals Philip Lawton Piano Accordion Shay Byrne Button Accordion/Vocals Teena Rodwell Bodhran. They cover Irish/Country/Folk/Aussie/Bush Dances. We are noted for our “Lively” music and audience involvement.

Graeme "The Scotsman" McColgan traded Glasgow's drizzle for Sydney's sun in 2021, performing across Australia since, pairing his evocative vocals with guitar and uke. From lively modern folk to 200-year-old Burns poems, Graeme's performances at festivals, events and community celebrations are a mesmerising blend of diverse melodies and engaging storytelling, making him a standout in the vibrant Australian folk scene.

Inspired by ancient Celtic traditions, Tidal Moon’s repertoire includes imaginative originals and traditional folk songs from around the world, sung in various languages such as Gaelic, Spanish, Tagalog, and English. Using a variety of instruments including harp and guitar, Barbara Jeffrey and Jose Garcia forge a unique perspective on folk, using cultural perspectives from Scotland and the Philippines, plus their respective professional backgrounds. Barbara’s music grounding was in education, classical music and opera, and Jose’s in community music, country and bluegrass. Despite these disparate sources, their combined soprano and baritone harmonies blend together magically. Stunningly beautiful, traditional and contemporary music!

Wickham Lane is a vocal harmony group from the Hilltops shire, comprising of Julie and Peter O’Connor, Eris Gleeson, Lindel and John Roxburgh. They have been enjoying their weekly rehearsals and the challenge of doing 4-part harmonies since 2004. In recent times they have concentrated on Celtic music and introducing some instruments. To give variety to their concerts they perform a mix of group songs as well as some solos and duets.