2024 Lineup

2024’s list of now/soon to be famous performers. Social media links, more photos and website info coming soon!

All Strings Attached

All Strings Attached(ASA), combine soaring violin melodies over fast and furious modern rhythms, with a deep underlying Eastern European flavour. Their song-writing draws together numerous unlikely folk music traditions and successfully blends them together with a spicy melange of punk, polka and progressive rock.   The result is a sound that is uniquely ASA.  

Andrea Kirwan and Claire Evelynn

What do you get when you combine an Australian/Fijian singer-songwriter with a Celtic Folk Harpist? Truly a match made in heaven with Andrea Kirwin’s rich, soulful vocals set to acoustic guitar, ukulele, cigar box guitar, harmonica, stompbox and the ethereal resonant tones of Claire Evelynn on Celtic Harp.

Barry Skipsey

Singer-Songwriter Barry Skipsey hails from Alice Springs. He’s a deft instrumentalist, a powerful singer and an equally engaging performer. From mine sites, to a roustabout in the shearing industry or a deckhand on a prawn trawler, his songs of an outback working life, love and family are nostalgic and thought provoking. At the same time, be prepared for a laugh. 

Bromham

Bromham is more of a musical community than a band. Their joy for music and life (and a bit of silliness), is tangible and infectious. These 13 (or so) musicians, all bring their own influences and unique instruments together in a remarkably cohesive and natural way in order to tell stories about their families and friends.

Candice McLeod and the Sweetwaters

Nestled in the north-east Victorian hills of Dhudhuroa Country, is truth-telling folk songstress, Candice McLeod. Her live performances have been described as endearing. Her stage presence, raw and real. Capturing the soul stories of eight long years living a life on the road, Candice is an artist willing to lay her heart bare for the sake of connection. 

Chloe Jade

Whimsical folk yet life affirming, Chloe’s musical style blends her own unique soulful yet relaxed vibes with hints of folk, old-time-country and blues. Evocative2, lived-in storytelling and rich guitar melodies weave between warm vocals. Lyrics that speak honestly with strong will and at other times, are not afraid to embrace the lighter side and have a laugh.

Christina Tourin (USA)

From the classical masterpieces, Celtic traditionals, and sonic innovations from other cultures to improvisational meditative atmospheres, music has been a constant inspiration throughout Christina Tourin’s life. Trained at both at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and at McGill University in Montreal, Christina’s fascinating musical life has taken her around the world as an educator and composer.

Corn Nut Creek

Corn Nut Creek puts their own spin on Appalachian music with their evocative original songs that combine lush harmonies with intricate clawhammer banjo playing and a lilting fiddle. Expect to hear both powerful, transporting songs and toe-tapping fiddle and banjo!

Dallas Frasca

Dallas Frasca’s ‘one-woman show’ is everything roots music should be: powerful, raw, energy and she oozes the very essence of it! Frasca is a stand-out of her class and a charismatic force on stage. She’s earned an ARIA Top #10 album plus a slew of releases, tours, & legendary support slots, with no tell-tale signs of slowing down yet.

Enda Kenney

Nationally and internationally, Enda Kenney is recognised as one of Australia’s finest songwriters and a cracking live entertainer.  His tenth studio album titled “After The Interval”, was released late in 2023. The tracks are recorded with accompaniment from Dave O’Neill. Currently on tour in Europe & the UK, Enda will be back for his album release at Yackandandah Folk Festival.

Ernest Aines

Australia’s award-winning Alt Folk/Americana singer-songwriter, Ernest Aines, released his debut album, “Spiral Bound” to wide acclaim from music journalists around the world. Van Dyke Parks, the American music arranger, record producer and collaborator with The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, says Aines is a giant of lyrics and musicality. His soulful voice has drawn comparisons to Bon Iver and Jeff Buckley.

Forgotten Land

Forgotten Land are a 4 piece local band from Yackandandah and surrounds. Gem King (vocals/guitar), sings from the heart about her life experiences. She is backed up by her husband Dave with his rhythmic beats & legendary friends Deb & Rowan, who play beautiful melodic tunes on the double bass, cello and flute.

Frank Yamma

Frank Yamma is one of Australia’s most significant Indigenous songwriters with an ability to cross cultural and musical boundaries. An initiated Pitjantjatjara man, Frank sings in his native language and English.
His mighty songs, magical guitar playing and deeply evocative voice tell stories of country, protection, heartache, travel and love. 

Gangar (Norway)

Are you ready for a Norwegian folk music party? Gangar is a Norwegian folk rock cannon ball of young and wild energy you won’t forget anytime soon! Gangar arrange traditional melodies with elements from Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, and Jazz, creating a new and exciting sound filled with haunting melodies, heavy riffs, driving rhythms, and virtuoso solos. 

Girl Friday and the Sepia Tones

Hobart-born and Melbourne-based award winning (Maldon Folk Festival 2016) singer/songwriter Girl Friday (Tracey Hogue), will transport you to a different era.  Her folk, jazz and blues sensibilities, evoke feelings of nostalgia, innocence and whimsy. Girl Friday’s rich, soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, remind us that people have felt and sung about the same things forever and a day. 

Gordon Mullen

Gordon Mullen delivers a masterclass on the ukulele, weaving intricate pickings through songs by Bruce Cockburn, Muse, Midnight Oil and Nordic classics. Coming off a standing ovation at his previous festival appearance, Mullen will bookend these artists on keyboard with originals including a call to action on climate change, refugee care and the tender recognition of the outback woman who loses all to drought and disease. Not to be missed. 

Grommett Lloyd and the Never Ending Wave

Grommett Lloyd & the Never Ending Wave are a group based in Beechworth, Naarm (Melb) & Jan Juc. Performing original songs about the social and physical Australian landscape and mental health, their sound could be described as a blend of Aussie/Indie rock, with folky/singer songwriter undertones.

Guanoco Trio (ARG)

        Guanaco Tri­o, brings together three young musicians from three different continents in their love for the folkloric  music of Argentina. With Laura Urteaga (ARG/ESP), Benjama­n Aedo (CHI) and Owen Saloma(AUS), the trio is based in Buenos Aires and performs a repertoire of original compositions and arrangements of traditional Argentine folk melodies. Sensitive, thrilling and colourful. 

Gypsy Rumble

Gypsy Rumble, Australia’s most unique and innovative band, is a captivating blend of ukulele, Celtic/Folk, Reggae, and Bluegrass. With their roots deeply embedded in Celtic, World, and bush dance traditions, Gypsy Rumble takes audiences on a thrilling journey through time.

JC and the Tree

Indie-folk duo JC & the Tree, write melodies ranging from the mountains to the sea and life in between. Incorporating violin, vocal harmonies, piano and self-made acoustic guitars, this duo takes their audiences on a journey through genres including folk, singer-songwriter and rock with touches of gypsy, metal and funk.

Joel Havea

Joel Havea has many stories to tell from his decade-long career as an independent, worldwide-touring musician. His unique sound of South-Sea Soul, is an eclectic take on the Blues & Roots genre, and his engaging and energetic performances, reflect his roots as a true world citizen.

Julian James and the Moonshine State

Julian James and the Moonshine state bring a high energy, Americana Hill Country sound, featuring whiskey drenched Fiddle, Bass and Drums.   

Khristian Mizzi

Winner of 2017 Troubadour Award as well as 2021 Folk Alliance ‘Australian Solo Artist of the Year’, Melbourne Singer/Songwriter Khristian Mizzi is making waves throughout the Folk circuit across the country. More than just a few have said that Khristian Mizzi’s songs take them to a place they’d forgotten in themselves. Well crafted stories which draw hopeful and heartwarming wisdoms.

Lady Valiant

Lady Valiant are a high energy, engaging Blues/Roots/Rock act.  Drawing inspiration from the delta blues of old, Lady Valiant utilise raw soulful vocals with dirty slide guitar and a rumbling rhythm section to get you bouncing on the dance floor.  Hear the stories and inspiration behind the songs while you get your groove on.

Lorraine Nash(IRE)

Irish songstress, Lorraine Nash is a stunning newcomer and multi-instrumentalist, who has quickly become one of the most played female artists on Irish radio. After a series of successful singles and a debut album release, which spent weeks at the top of the Radio 1 airplay chart, Lorraine makes her first tour to Australia!

Lucy Wise

Lucy Wise’s natural singing and warm stage presence, have captivated audiences across Australia, NZ, the US and the UK. Her distinctive vocal sound and instrumental backing draw on acoustic, traditional folk, roots and pop music influences. Lucy sings about growing up, love of all kinds, city life, country towns, beaches and bushlands. Her intricate guitar work, provides a vibrant backdrop to her melodic tunes. Lucy’s fourth album, “Into The Blue”, won Best Folk Work in the 2023 Music Victoria Awards, and she was a finalist at the 2023 Australian Folk Music Awards for Best Contemporary Folk Album and the People’s Choice Award.

Mezz Coleman

Melbourne artist Mezz Coleman’s unique brand of folk-pop songs, are lovingly crafted with vulnerability, and delivered with her signature breathy, yet commanding voice. After recently releasing her sophomore album, Mezz has turned herself into a one woman band using loops, keys, and ukulele to bring her full band sound to life at her solo shows. 

Oceanique

Winners of Folk Alliance Australia’s Youth Artist of the Year 2022, Oceanique are a twin sister duo from Western Australia, based in Melbourne. Their songs are full of close harmonies, wonder and warm melodies. A sound that calls to mind the sibling harmonies of First Aid Kit and The Waifs. 

Pete Denahy

Pete Denahy knew when he was 11 years old that he wanted to be a country singer. He taught himself guitar, started writing songs and at 13 years old, saw Slim Dusty in concert for the first time. Twelve years later he was in Slim’s band playing fiddle and doing a comedy spot on the show! While he has written some ridiculous comedy songs, he is no stranger to writing a heart wrencher. His latest record “She Loves Me To The Moon”, is not a comedy release but a traditional country album, featuring his own fiddle playing, twangy guitars and wailing pedal steel. Pete is a five time Golden Guitar winner and is very happy to have won three of those for his fiddle playing – an instrument that has kept him in work for many years

Riflebirds

Get ready for electrifying, hip-shakin, vintage rock n soul with Melbourn’s high-flying Riflebirds. The band’s unique guitar and keyboard driven sound, performed with passion and energy, has earned Riflebirds a reputation as one of the finest live acts around. With their fourth and most adventurous album  ‘”Keep It Together”,  receiving high praise, the band returns to Yackandandah in 2024!

Riley Catherall

Riley Catherall is a singer-songwriter hailing from the Snowy Mountains now living in Melbourne. His arresting lyricism and patient storytelling, have earned him national renown and international attention as one of Australia’s most promising songwriters as he prepares to release his sophomore album.

Saoirse

A Saoirse (pronounced Sear Shar)performance will delight the audience with a little bit of everything Celtic, from heartfelt ballads, original songs and stories, to lively jigs and reels, with even an Irish step dance or two! With excellent musicianship and harmonies that will take your breath away, a concert promises to entertain; to warm hearts, and leave toes tapping for more!

Scott Cook and Pamela Mae

Scott Cook sings sturdy, straight-talking songs that see the good in you. In 2007, he quit his job teaching kindergarten in Taiwan to became a full-time troubadour, touring steadily around the world and releasing seven albums along the way. This year, the YFF festival favourite, is joined by his sweetheart Pamela Mae on upright bass and vocals for her first visit to Australia.

Stonetrain

Blues rock, done dirty. Stonetrain are an original 5 piece band from Melbourne’s West. Fronted by a powerhouse female lead singer, the band features a tight rhythm section and a blues-influenced lead guitar player who knows how to rip it up. Together, they create a sound that’s fun, loud, and impossible to ignore.

Sunday Lemonade

Nomadic duo Sunday Lemonade, traverse the spectrum from heartfelt folk through to powerful indie rock. Their songs provide a unique standpoint, exploring observations of life on the road, friendships and introspection all bottled up in optimism. The bubbly pair are powered by connection, evident in their uplifting, energetic performance. Since winning an Emerging Artist Award at the Nannup Music Festival in 2020, Loz & Tys have warmed the crowds for Ash Grunwald, Steph Strings, 19Twenty, The Pierce Brothers and more. Amidst multiple nation-wide tours, they feature on festival line ups alongside an array of acts such as Little Georgia, The Bamboos and Tones & I.

The Backyaerd Banjo Club

The Backyard Banjo Club are a five-piece trad-jazz/bluegrass bonanza. Think Tom Waits meets Django Reinhardt and plays a jazz cover of a Radiohead tune. High energy up-tempo jazz and the occasional sultry ballad, good times guaranteed. 

The Royal Belgian Conspiracy

Led by the onstage energy of lead singer Moozy, alt-country indie-folk act The Royal Belgian Conspiracy will leave you entertained, shedding a tear one minute and getting up to dance the next.  Best described as a blend of The Milk Carton Kids, Sufjan Stevens and Southern Culture On The Skids.

The Royal High Jinx

The Royal High Jinx have performed at major festivals across the world. Having released 3 exciting albums, they’ve been described as the ‘Balkan Abba’  for their catchy songs and glamorous show. Join a world of celebration returning to Yack, as you sing along and dance to Melbourne’s most colourful festival band.

This Way North

Full of rapturous nostalgia, This Way North’s music takes you from moody, tremolo-tinged heart-tuggers to pounding, driving alt-psych rock through a sonic landscape of reverb-soaked guitars and rolling rhythms. 

Those Folk

Those Folk, are a husband & wife musical duo, comprised of songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, Lawrence Menard and Clare Quinn.  A partnership forged in the fires of folk music, their songwriting explores love, hope, belonging, and the human condition. Breathtaking vocal harmonies are featured alongside guitar, accordion, mandolin & banjo.  

 

Valley Road

Valley Road is a folk duo of two friends, who have performed together for nearly 20 years. They weave their experiences into songs of people and place, bringing an Australian perspective to their diverse folk influences. When they take to the stage, their years of friendship and connection shine through to create a rare kind of magic

Windbourne (USA)

Hailed as ”The most exciting vocal group in a generation” by Songlines, American act Windborne’s captivating show, draws on the singers’ deep roots in the traditions of vocal harmony. The absolute uniqueness of their artistic approach, brings old songs into the present. Known for the innovation of their arrangements, their harmonies are bold and anything but predictable.

Winter Wilson(UK)

It is in live performance where these two really excel. Kip Winter(vocals, accordion, guitar, flute) and Dave Wilson(vocals, guitar and banjo), bring a sense of intimacy to every venue. Blending superb, often hard-hitting original songs, stunning harmonies and musicianship with sometimes hilarious humour and tales of life on the road. Together, their voices are sublime. 

Zamponistas

Zamponistas: Australia’s premier Bolivian Roving Panpipe Band (not much competition!). Their act is unique. The haunting tones of the Andean panpipes and a heartbeat of percussion create a swirling, syncopated, high energy chorus of sound, the sounds of the Inca realm. Dressed in bright ponchos, they weave in and out of crowds, twisting, turning, spinning – totally engaging audiences and bystanders alike! Some call it guerrilla music, some call it pop-up music. They bring joy and delight wherever they play.