Folk Music

The Folk Music category lists musicians and folk bands who produce the traditional sound of a particular country or culture. It is defined as music which is "by and for the common people" that is passed down from generation to generation orally by means of memorization and repetition.

Also see World Music, Celtic Music, Bush Bands

Jessica Paige is a 23 yr old multi award-winning young singer-songwriter of beautiful songs. Hailed by leading industry bible The Music Network as having "one of the best voices we have heard all year and gorgeous lyrics to match" and recently featured in Rolling Stone, Australian Musician magazine and on Foxtel's "Launch of Legends" documentary, Jessica's charismatic and quirky performances captivate her discerning, music-loving audiences.

For over 25 years Melbourne’s Shenanigans group has been engaging audiences in bush dancing with humour and expertise, and in the process accumulated a unique collection of dances that includes something for everyone. Bush Dancing is a uniquely Australian activity that does not require special dance expertise, just a willingness to join in and have fun. 

The Wake have been entertaining Australian audiences since 1995. With a mixture of traditional, contemporary and original Celtic music The Wake are happy in any setting, weddings, pubs, or festivals. We are a flexible band that can arrange our line up to suit any occasion or budget. We are mostly a four piece band with guitar, fiddle, accordion and bass. We can add a drummer to the mix for big occasions or perform as a two piece.

Balkans Gypsy & Klezmer Duo. Goyim covers a range of Gypsy and Klezmer styles (comprising dance and celebration music) from across eastern Europe and the middle east, creating a touch of that burlesque cabaret Balkans brass band appeal, all the while getting an infectious high energy village street sound found among the Gypsy's. Overall people enjoy this exciting & generally raucous style, most find it difficult to remain in their seats and in every performance you'll inevitably find some who can't and will dance regardless.

Speewah takes its name from a legendary sheep station in Australian history where everything was said to be larger than life. Speewah was formed too long ago to remember and has a list of concert performances, bush dances, functions, celebrations, schools and pubs long enough to resurface the Gun Barrel Highway. We have performed on ferries, trains, ocean liners, trucks, camels, catamarans, campfires and of course, stages. Drawing on the Folk and Celtic traditions of our pioneers.

Bush Dances and Festivals - for 10 yrs the band played the Bush Dance for the children at the Gympie Muster, and has performed at Festivals and Shows all over Queensland including Woodford Folk Festival, The George St Fair, Farm Fantastic, Starlight Stampede, Hervey Bay Whale Festival, Pine Rivers and Mt Gravatt Shows, SE Qld Garden Expo... to name just a few. They have many schools and clubs that have become regular clients.

Beat Around The Bush have been playing bush dances and bush music for over 20 years! We have played countless weddings, bush dances, school shows and festivals. Our dances are a heap of fun, with traditional dances being altered for an extra twist, under the zany direction of our crazed caller Ricardo. The music ranges from traditional Australian and Celtic tunes, songs and ballads to even RocknRoll.

An emerging unique folk/roots performer from Australia already well established as an award-winning fingerstyle guitarist. Dale meld's elements of folk/roots, funk, and blues together with soulful songwriting in dynamic and enchanting live solo performances using specially modified Maton and Cole Clark Acoustic guitars that produce not only acoustic guitar tones but also independent bass notes. Combined with an Ellis acoustic stompbox and on occasion a percussionist/drummer, the result is a jaw-droppping one man show with a distinct strong groove element.

Acoustic duo Insideout consist of male and female vocal harmonies and guitar. Blending upbeat rhythmns and eerie lyrics, they play original music as well as covers. Well suited to an intimate setting or background music. Can and have played play 'weddings, parties, anything... Covers include, Paul Kelly, Crowded House, Bic Runga, Midnight Oil, Tracey Chapman, Jack Johnson, Kasey Chambers, Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Playing a mix of passionate gypsy tunes, wild Klezmer, romantic French Waltzes, exotic Tangos, lively Tarantellas and more….. their music often inspires dancing in the streets! As well as playing for Festivals and Street Parties, this trio is also available for private functions. Formed in 2000, the Carnival Gypsy Minstrels have spread joy and merriment through their music at many Festivals and Events in SE QLD.

Linda offers a unique and hauntingly beautiful performance blend as a harpist and singer. Combining Celtic heritage and classical training she is unlike any performer in Melbourne. Irish melodies intermingle with mystical songs of the Celts while classical favourites complement the charm that comes only from a song sung in French. For over ten years she continued to charm hundreds of audiences in both Queensland and NSW featuring as a special guest for concert events or creating a subtle ambience for corporate functions and weddings.

Cathouse Creek Cathouse Creek is an old fashioned alt-country band specialising in songs from the 1920's - 1950's. Comprising guitar, piano accordian, and bush bass with an emphasis on vocal harmonies, Cathouse Creek play danceable, foot-stomping good-time music as well as waltzes, gospel, and roots oriented material. Mature, professional, widely experienced, & exuberant, Cathouse Creek promises to make your event a memorable one! It's roots-blues-old time country music for weddings, parties and all events!

Phillipe the accordion player is one of the best roving musical entertainers in Australia. His repertoire is huge taking any requests and singing in 20 languages. His accordion is perfect for roving as you hear it floating over crowds from a distance. He has a great abilty to make people laugh, dance and sing along and create general merriment.

Underbelly provides live music at the highest level - associated Middle Eastern and African musicians are highly trained and experienced and can perform solo, duo or in any ensemble requested. Using traditonal instruments such as the Turkish flute, darabukka drum, Djembe drum and oud, ensembles can be tailored to create dynamic beats or mesmerising melodies that transport your guests to another time and place.

Jugularity plays an energetic mix of folk, jazz, blues, lounge, rap and gypsy music in a comedy-cabaret style. Jugularity is versatile - performing in concert, or as roving minstrels, or calling folk/bush dances or doing kids' shows. Jugularity is available for all manner of functions: festivals, fashion parades, weddings, divorces (half price if they played the wedding), open for inspections, wine tastings and other intimate occasions.

The Night Sky play gypsy jazz cabaret pop, with a dollop of tango and a side-serve of swampy blues – with lyrics that are sometimes darkly comic and sometimes just plain fanciful. This is an intergalactic journey of many moods. The Night Sky has performed at various venues and festivals in Melbourne including The Spanish Club, Wesley Anne, Bar Open, Dantes (Gert’s Sunday Salon), the Marquis of Lorne and The Regal Ballroom as part of High Vibes Festival.

Alan Buckley plays Irish music as well as 50’s, 60’s and 70’s Pop and a bit of Country. He covers a number of rock/pop ballads as well as the classics by the Beatles and Jon Denver. He also has an extensive repertoire of Irish Folk songs, ensuring a great night of entertainment!
For 23 years Alan played with the Brandywine Bridge band, performing at the medieval Warwick Castle in England. He has played solo, in groups, written shows, has performed children history shows and has also appeared on TV in the UK.

Celtic Fire is a high energy band playing a dynamic mixture of your favourite Irish, Celtic & Australian sing-a-longs and toe-tapping tunes. Don't be fooled by the name of the band - we play many styles of music including bush music, rock'n roll, blues, pop, country, & classical.We specialize in providing Celtic entertainment for all types of functions from weddings & garden parties, through to lively sessions, dances & corporate events.With a unique combination of harp, whistle, flute, accordion, bodhran, guitar & vocals, Celtic Fire will make your event a lively and enjoyable experience.

Ironstone gives you passionate and energetic and contemporary folk/rock music in a contemporary, innovative and exciting style. They can cater for a sedate wedding, dinner, corporate event or rock the night away for a party crowd. Ironstone delivers great music by experienced and versatile musicians- driving rhythms to delicate airs and songs ready to create that “right” atmosphere for your event.

From underground Balkan parties to “The Famous Spiegeltent,” Babaganoush have ventured the Gypsy Circuit in full swing. Their blazing musicians are generating a Gypsy fever in Melbourne’s most intimate and liveliest bars and cafes. During hot performances, crowds are whipped into wild frenzies. Heartfelt and tormenting, the group seems to have a diabolical effect on their audiences. Cruel and insidious, Babaganoush’s Gypsy music is not for the weak and feeble hearted but for those who’ve had their hearts broken numerous times.