Performers for 2006 include

David Francey & Shane Simpson (Canada)

Bio: David Francey's list of achievements in the folk music industry keeps on growing. Last April David won a Juno for his third CD, Skating Rink. His second CD, Far End of Summer; won a Juno in 2002. David's longtime collaboration partner Dave Clarke, one of the most respected guitarists in Canada today will support David on his Australian tour. "David's songs are lean whippet like creations, a bit like the man himself. With not one wasted word or superfluous line he takes the everday, often mundane business of living and elevates it inot something infinitely more nobel and memorable, the mark of a truly gifted songwriter." Eric Bogle

Performers: David Francey - guitar & vocals, Shane Simpson - guitar, mandolin & vocals

Website: www.davidfrancey.com

MP3 / Alex Legg/ Martin Pearson

Bio: MP3 consists of Martin Pearson, Chris Paine and Alex Legg singing songs from now to before now to long before now. It's funny, light hearted and damn good.

Performers: Alex Legg - Guitar & vocals, Martin Pearson - guitar & vocals, Chris Paine - Harmonica & guitar

Martin Pearson

Bio: Martin is a multiple choice performer, please pick one or more of the following: a) Stand up Comedian b) Satirist and parody writer c) Folksinger d) Poet e) Debater f) Storyteller g) A cricket ground in Melbourne.

Martin is a comedian with a keen eye for making everyday events so mundane that they are laughable. A parody writer of renown and a singer of some notes. Martin is also a folk singer, who longs for serious recognition in much the same way as a flatworm longs for reeboks. He can on occasion, and in the true folk tradition, sing songs so maudlin that audience members may attempt to end it all by throwing themselves into a pint of guinness.

some testimonials:

from JUDY SMALL: "Martin Pearson writes songs that tickle your funny bone and your fancy but hit a nerve every time. We like him because he makes us laugh, but also because he makes us think"

from BERNARD BOLAN "Martin Pearson has built up an enormous following of people in the places, and they are many, that he has lived in and visited around Australia. But let us not dwell on his creditors. Here we have a fine singer and musician, to be sure; commentator, indeed; but splendidly, most of all we have a consummate comic performer with touch and timing of the very highest order."

Website: http://www.7thdimension.com.au/index.cfm?artist_details=4

Alex Legg

Bio:

Website: www.alexlegg.com

The Beez (Germany)

Bio: Completely and utterly entertaining. From the ribald to the tribal, traditional to contemporary. Four part harmonies a unique take on the most sacred of modern day classics and a wild exuberaant presentation of European folk standards. The Beez please!

Performers: Deta Hess - vocals and accordion, Roby Rayner - vocals and guitars, Charlotte Giulimi - vocals and bass guitar, Georg's Sassnowski

Website: www.thebeez.de

Act name: Mihirangi

Bio: Mihirangi performs contemporary Maori originals and soulful world roots with a rare performance style, creating innovative and powerful songs layering her vocals with traditional and non-traditional instruments with dance. "Mihirangi sings with extraordinary range, power and expression." Dieter Bajzek FAA. Ex-member of Akasa and Stiff Gins, her political convictions give a refresshing perspective of contemporary culture.

Performers: Mihirangi - vocals, guitar, traditional poi, koauau (flute), percussion (beat boxing and vocal), loop foot pedal.

Website: www.mihirangi.com

Rae Spoon

Bio: Rae Spoon proudly follows in the tradition of social commentary singers like Guthrie and Hank Williams, adding a youthful perspective and some outlaw-country tway and attitude. Rae's touring in support of the sophomore album "Your Trailer Door"

Performers: Rae Spoon - banjo, acoustic guitar, vocals.

Website: www.raespoon.com

Paul Monk and Matiss Schubert

Bio: With a natural chemnistry and energy which comes from years of playing together as a duo and in bands such as Mongolian Fishmongers, Paul and Matiss play a range of mostly original songs and tunes which are fresh and catch though firmly based on a mutual love and knowledge of traditional and modern folk music.

Performers: Paul Monk - vocals and guitar, Matiss Schubert - fiddle, mandolin and accordian.

The Audreys

Bio: The Audreys are up at the folksy end of rock, the classy end of country and the bluesy end of, well, blues…..Take Taasha's fallen angel voice and fondness fortoy store instrumentation, add brothers Tristan and Cam on banjos, acoustic and reso-phonic guitars and mandocello, throw in Mikey G on the fiddle, plenty of wistful harmonies, songs that swing from the foot stomping to the beguiling…and you've got The Audreys. Yee-ha!

Performers: Taasha Coates - vocals, melodica, harmonica, glockenspiel, baby accordion, cowgirl boots, Tristan Goodall - hational resophonic guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo, hat; Cam Goodall - banjo, 12 string acoustic guitar, vocal harmonies, banjolin, mandocello, blue suede shoes; Mikey G - fiddle, mandolin, vocal harmonies, devilish grin.

Website: www.theaudreys.com

Kez Leonard

Bio: Leonard & Co is Kez Leonard on Vocals and acoustic guitar with a selection of surprise artists. Kez ‘s songs are emotional and bold. Kez herself is bursting with the need to release her inner rock chick and will sing her greatest hits including "She's glowing & he's got a job".

Performers: Kez Leonard - vocals, acoustic guitar.

The Little Stevies

Bio: The Litlle Stevies are three singer/songwriter/musicians, who are not backward in coming forward to show what they can produce on a musical level. Determined not to be pigeon holed, their original music touches on folk, blues, jazz, reggae and pop. The Little Stevies are big on talent and a bright light on the Australian music horizon.

Performers: Bethany Stephen - vocals and guitar; Robin Geradts-Gill - vocals, guitar and bass; Sibylla Stephen - vocals, percussion and harmonica.

Website: www.thelittlestevies.com

One Night Jam

Bio: One Night Jam is a folk trio with a contemporary edge, combining satirical themes with emotional song writing. Blending jazz, gypsy and ballad influences, One Night Jam will make you laugh, make you cry and paly some great music in between.

Performers: Vorn Doolette - lead vocals, song writer; Sam King - guitar and harmonies; Emma Kelly - violin and harmonies

Website: www.onenightjam.com

Tom Richardson

Bio: After winning the 2005 Individual Junior Busking Championships at the Mortlake Buskers Festival and the 2005 Port Fairy Rhapsody in June Competition, youg Blues and Toots multiinstrumentalist, tom Richarson, is spreading his weings,. His mixture of old and new blues rhythms cature audiences' attention with his hands budsy on the slide guitar, both feet occupied by a stomp box and tambourine, while his mouth controls the microphone or occasionally a bit of harmonica. Described by Marcia Howard as a young performer going places.

Performers: Tom Richardson - 12 string slide guitar, 6 string acoustic guitar, lap steel guitar, stombox, foot percussion and vocals.

Website: www.tomrichardson.com.au

Etienne & Rene

Bio: From Greece to Congo to Australia, traditional to contemporary: Etienne Dinanga And Rene Sephton bring together their diverse backgrounds to create a rich and unique blend of music. Singing songs in English, French, Lingala and Greek, their music explores the universality of human suffering at the same time possessing a quality rich with hope.

Performers: Etienne Dinanga- vocals, guitar; Rene Sephton- vocals, guitar.

Website: www.etienneandrene.com

Heidi Hibberd

Bio: 24 year old singer/songwriter singing about my suburbian life, annoying neighbours, being a housewife, Pollution in my street, social issues, growing up in the bush, my primary school dramas and even more diverse topics in a passionate and personal way!

Performers: Heidi Hibberd- Vocals, accoustic guitar.

Moira Tyers

Bio: We are a group who share a love for Folk/Blues/Country music. I write original music appealing to an eclectic mix of sounds ranging from wistful, bluesy dittys about getting older to soft thought provoking songs about current issues and the world, to downright silly songs that make you laugh. We love a relaxed café style performance with lots of banter, good songs that evoke a warm response.

Performers: Moira Tyers- Guitar; Nick Servinis- Bass; Stephen Sharpe- Lead Guitar, Keyboard.

Anita George Band

Bio: Described by the Sydney Morning Heral as "Hobarts purveyors of sultyr blues - folk", the Anita George Band are an independent four piece band making headlines across the country with their unique fusion of blues harp, cello, percussion and guitra fronted by the powerful, yet melodic Anita George.

Performers: Anita George- Vocals, Harmonica, Guitar; Jed Rowe - lapsteel guitar, Tristan Heron- Percussion; Daniel McCracken Hewson - Cello.

Website: www.anitageorge.com.au

Chris While & Julie Matthews (UK)

Bio: Chris While and Julie Matthews are breathtaking singers, songwriters, musicians and performers whose dedication their craft and audience holds no bounds. They are internationally acclaimed and continue to be a leading force in the UK's acoustic/roots arts circuit. Their songs are covered by many revered singers but it is While and Matthews' musical partnership and their obvious joy of performing together that really brings their songs to life. Their audiences leave their concerts having been through every emotion possible.

Performers: Julie Mattews - guitar and keyboard; Chris While - guitar.

Website: www.whileandmatthews.co.uk

Liz Stringer

Bio: Liz Stringer is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has a fundamental love for music and an innate talent for it. Now teaming up with percussionist Adam May, Liz’s live shows are about generosity of spirit, having fun and performing the absolute shit out of the great songs that she writes. Both Liz and Adam are passionate supporters of independent music and a love for live performance that is obvious to audiences wherever they play.

Performers: Liz Stringer: Vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo, blues harp Adam May: Percussion (snare, symbols, stomp and other percussion instruments…).

Website: www.lizstringer.com

Rosie Haden & The Slidewinders

Bio: A Yackandandah local, Rosie's country-blues flavoured songs have been described as full of lust, desire and shady pasts - sung with a sultry and passionate voice. Rosie is performing with her band The Slidewinders, John Fairbridge, guitar, Brian Dwyer, drums and Chris Mangan, double bass. Maldon Folk Festival(2004) stated that Rosie "has a voice that will have you trembling at the knees."

Performers: Rosie Haden: vocals, rhythm guitar, John Fairbridge: slide and lead guitar, Brian Dwyer: drums, Chris Mangan - double bass and vocals.

Butch Wilson

Bio: Butch Wilson is a songwriter based in the border district at Wodonga. His songs reflect his love of the region and country life in general, whilst also providing an insight into the hearts and minds of country working folk. Butch is an accomplished guitarist endowed with a fine voice, playing acoustic roots music.

Performers: Butch Wilson, guitar

Vic Jeffries

Bio: Vic Jeffries is a performance poet who presents his own and others works and has appreared as a featured poet and master of ceremonies at every major folk festival in NSW and also at The National Folk Festival Canberra. He has won a number of awards both for his written work and also for his performances. He has been appointed director of peotry for Umina Beach, St Alban's and the upcoming CoastFest festivals.

Performers: Vic Jeffries - poet

Dale Willis

Bio: This young award winning guitar virtuoso/singer/songwriter has wowed and captivated audiences from Australia to the USA and from Canada to New Zealand. Dale unleashes his unique blend of original and covered acoustic folk/funk/blues/ jazz and rock in a dynamic liverwire erformance sure to entertain all.

Performers: Dale Willis - guitar, percussion and vocals

Website: www.dalewillis.com

David Ross MacDonald

Bio: Waifs and Missy Higgins drummer gone songwriting troubadour David Ross Macdonald garnered international acclaim after extensive solo touring across Canada and the USA in 2005 with his Americana fingerstyle guitaring and Nick Drake / Bruce Cockburn likened songs.

His Bruce Cockburn and John Renbourne influenced guitar playing attracted praise from Acoustic Guitar Magazine where he was featured and selected in the publications top releases for 2004.

Meanwhile American Songwriter magazine selected his second release ‘Far From Here’ as a new release of note explaining that “Macdonald is one of those few singer/songwriters like Nick Drake, Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) and Josh Ritter that can captivate his listeners armed only with a voice and guitar.”

‘Far From Here’ went on to make the top 100 playlist on American folk radio programming.

Macdonald is better known in San Francisco’s Bay area than in any Australian cities due to his US touring but this is set to change as he makes Melbourne home for the summer with a new album to be recorded this February and national touring.

Performers: David Ross Macdonald, guitar and vocals

Website: www.davidrossmcdonald.com

Jon Madin

Bio: as performers

Performers: Jon works with instruments, getting kids and community grops to play them. Also making and playing parade instruments. See Website

Website: www.marimbamusic.com.au

Legless Leprechauns

Bio: Mix of contemporary and traditional folk music. Varied world music of Irish, Scottish and Canadian origins. Multi-instrumental duo playing varied tunes.

Performers: Mel Tompkins - vocal, guitar, mandolin, tin whistle, fiddle; Geoff Perrie - vocal, guitar, scottish small pipes, tin whistle

Eliza Ginnivan

Bio: A local folkie with my humble musical beginnings in the Middle Indigo Primary School recorder ensemble. Armed with a semi-acoustic guitar and a powerful, unique voice, I sing songs that are sometimes poignant, sometimes raw but always honest. Drawing on a range of influences from rock to jazz to hip-hop. First time at the festival so come along for the ride!

Performers: Eliza Ginnivan - guitar and vocals

Stephen Taberner

Bio: Stephen Taberner forms a unique duo with his loyal double bass "Beatrice". Better known as conductor of the Melbourne Millenium chorus and the Spooky Men's Chorale, Stephen has also been quietly brewing a clutch of slyly humouress, funky and melancholic songs, which he presents with nonchalent glee.

Performers: Stephen Taberner -double bass

O' Shea- Ryan Irish Dancers

Bio: The O'Shea - Ryan Irish Dancers range in age from very young to adults, and include dancers who have performed extensively, in Australia and overseas. They present solo, group, hard and soft shoe dances in a colourful and lively display of Irish Dancing.

Performers: The O'Shea - Ryan Irish Dancers 20 - 25 performers.

The Wailin' Jennys (Canada)

Bio: Wailin' Jennys are a Winnipeg acoustic roots trio, combining the talents of Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody and Annabelle Chvostek. The thing that makes you go wow about the Hennys is their harmonies, they are just breathtaking.

Performers: Ruth Moody - guitar, bodhran, accordion, Annabelle Chvostek - guitar, violin, mandolin; Nicky Mehta - guitar, percussion.

Website: www.thewailinjennys.com