THE artists
2026 FESTIVAL LINE UP
THE ROYAL HIGH JINX
Melbourne's mesmerising contemporary world music band ‘The Royal High Jinx’ have burst onto Australian festival stages with originality, virtuosity & theatricality. Their songs & tunes are inspired by European traditions, peppered with Gypsy Jazz, Balkan & Swing grooves, with a pinch of Folk Cabaret. The Royal High Jinx have performed at major festivals across Australia and internationally. Having released 3 exciting albums, The Royal High Jinx have been described as the "Balkan Abba" for their catchy songs and glamorous show. Join a world of celebration and thrills as you sing along to and dance to Melbourne's most colourful festival band at this year’s festival.
A Poet and A One Man Band
Bruce Penn is a folk poet, performer, cartoonist and artist, living at Low Head.
and Rob Van Der Elst is an architect, singer/songwriter/guitarist living in Deloraine.They have known each other for years, but have only performed together as A Poet and A One-man Band three times
JOY AND MICHAEL
Ever wanted to learn the recorder?! Don’t laugh, the recorder is the perfect instrument for the beginner! I’ve been teaching recorder for 15 years and by the time we’re finished, you’ll know 3-4 notes and be playing along to simple tunes. 0pen for 8-80 year olds. Recorders provided. Come and learn something new!
Michael played at the very first Tamar Valley Festival and is a multi-instrumentalist, with a fascination for fret-less, Persian instruments as well as banjo, mandolin and fiddle. Joy is a singer who has been appearing in different guises for about 20 years. The nicest feedback they have ever received, was last year, when long time festival friend called their set “pure folk, no bullshit”.
We Mavericks
Masters in the art of connection, Victoria Vigenser (NZ) and Lindsay Martin (AU) interweave soulful harmonies, effortless strings and driving rhythms to form a singular music voice. Their sound has been contemp-folk, alt-country and acoustic-pop, but no words capture the deeply heartfelt way they relate to their audiences. With rave reviews across the globe, expect laughter, tears and soul stirring songs with a worldly appeal.
Nick Charles
Nick Charles, known for decades as Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic roots and blues has released more than twenty albums worldwide, toured the USA thirteen times and in early 2025 was awarded “best solo guitarist” at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN. Come along on a spellbinding journey of dazzling fingerstyle guitar, incisive lyricism and a lifetime’s stories and songs from the world’s musical highways.
VELVET SLEDGEHAMMER
Velvet voices...hardcore folk! After a five-year hiatus, inter-generational trio Velvet Sledgehammer are reuniting this summer to sing to Tasmanian audiences. The powerfully mellifluous vocal blend of the legendary Kerrie Maguire with "velvet boys" Jesse McCormack and Matthew Dames is a must-hear for anyone who enjoys singing in harmony.
GREG WELLS & THE BLACKWATER BAND
Greg Wells & The Blackwater Band are a Hobart, Tasmania based band. Our music loves to tell you a story about inspiring people & places with social and political comment, a bit of humour and a touch of sadness, a bit like life, and the occasional sea shanty.
The ChOOks
Wendy Ealey and Moira Tyers pop up allover the place entertaining audiences as they celebrate their liberation from high heels and contraception. Festival appearances include Yass Celtic Festival, Folk by the Sea Kiama, Maldon, Fleurieu, Kangaroo Valley and Bundanoon ! The ChOOks compliment each other vocally and instrumentally with tight harmonies and a huge emotional and musical range. They are so glad they found each other all those years ago, and they hope you’ll be glad you found them too!
SUZETTE HERFT
Suzette Herft is a contemporary troubadour and award winning songwriter with a sublime voice. She shines with a natural grace and presence that lights up any stage. Her live performances captivate the audience and she has been described as 'charismatic... with her heart in tune with her world' (The Australian Songwriter - Australian Songwriters' Association). Suzette will present a Concert this year, a tribute show to Joan Baez.
TONY NEWPORT & SEMAPHORE SINGERS
Tony is best known for his west coast songs and stories. A collection of which can found under the title West Coast Songbook in the State Library. He is also known for his social commentary combining letters to newspapers and songs in a well-received satirical and provocative concert, Letters To The Editor, performed at TVFF in 2023. This year in a Short History of 20th Century OZ he will lead the Semaphore singers in a tribute to well-known and some less celebrated, but worthy, Australian poets and songwriters.
NEW HOLLAND HONEY EATERS
Steve, Stan, Jane and Rebecca The New Holland Honey Eaters (Stan & Rebecca from Launceston and Steve & Jane from Cygnet) was formed in 1988 and specialises in traditional music from the south eastern United States – their repertoire includes Anglo-Celtic and Afro-American traditional music, minstrelsy, ragtime, Tin Pan Alley tunes and songs, rural hymnody, Cajun music, gospel, jug band music, faux-Hawaiian music, cowboy music, western swing and blues. Calling themselves ‘the string band behind the times’, they bring the folk music and folkways of the American southeast alive through performance.
DJUKER HART
Ya (Hello) my name is Djuker Willis Hart from Hart Cultural Connections, my cultural ties come from the Wakka-Wakka, Ku-Ku-Yalangi and Butchula lines frome QLD.
I will have the pleasure of sharing some of my cultural knowledge and ceremony with you throughout the Tamar Vally Folk Festival. Where I will be performing a cultural dance and acknowledgment ceremony at the beginning of the festival to help set the tone for the event then running a workshop that will have a variety of cultural activities, from things like rope making and fish trap making with lomanda leaves, to dance workshops with kids and painting with ochre.
So please come along and be apart of both the ceremony and the workshops to learn and share with all. Workshops will be all ages welcome and there will be a few items that will be for sale as well if people are interested in taking home a piece of my cultural wood work.
BRUCE PENN
Bruce Penn is a folk poet and an artist, living at Low Head.
Bruce, as a poet has performed at Arts, Folk and Forest Festivals over many years, and at many schools, pubs and other venues. Bruce was born in Botany Bay and escaped to Tasmania in1980.An Artist, Writer, Poet and sometimes a Belly Dance Drummer.
The Poet and a One Man Band
JACOB BOOTE
Jacob Boote AKA ‘Lil Jakey is a passionate and dedicated artist & engaging performer. Dual Specializing in roaring 20’s flavoring of blues/jazz/slide with mastery many instruments, and also very impressively productive with prolific releases of original material, proudly shining influences of Frank Zappa. Also highly capable live audio production, filming and a great asset to live musicians.
David Clements
David Clements is a singer-songwriter from Melbourne. His rich and sometimes quirky lyrics combine with his strong vocals, acoustic guitar & harmonica to tell stories about love, family & the beauty & brevity of life.
SCOTT HAIGH
Launceston based singer/songwriter Scott Haigh grew up in George Town along with the festival and has performed here on many occasions for the last 20 years. His live sets are guaranteed to be filled with energy and passion with his folk rock combo of guitar, stomp box and harmonica. After years of playing festivals and venues all around the state, Scott now regularly per forms for passengers aboard the Spirit of Tasmania. He will release his fourth album of original songs in early 2024.
Sean Roche
Internationally renowned artist, not just ‘another’ Irish singer. Sean has a voice you won’t forget. Born in Cork Ireland, Sean has lived in Perth for 40 years, he returned to live in Ireland for a spell and performed all over Ireland, England and Scotland during that time. Sean is an original member of the Settlers band in WA who have 3 very successful recordings to their credit. Sean also has several solo recordings to his name.
PHIL BECK
English - Australian Singer songwriter. Great to have Phil back this year, all the way from W.A. Phil is a regular at Tamar Valley Folk Festival and we look forward to his performance this year.
COLIN SMILEY
Colin will present a Harmonica workshop this festival. Inspiring, entertaining and highly accomplished, Colin will impart his knowledge. Beginners welcome. Bring along a Harmonica in the key of C, no need to spend more than $20. Colin has also written a Concert which will be performed by himself, Phil Beck, Sean Roche and Kerrie Maguire.
SHIMMANIA
Shimmania World Dancers are a community dance troupe which has been performing for 18 years. We have performed for events such as the Bridport Scallop Fiesta, the Scottsdale Show and Harmony Day concerts.
The Chromosomes
The Chromosomes are a 9 piece, all girl, mini big band. This mix of highly impressive musicians combine swing hits that will have you dancing and singing along, with a bit of jazzy funk, blues, and cheeky original compositions. Perfect for a mixed crowd including outdoor events, functions and festivals.
Bindi Stephens
‘Teddies and Bin, Rhyme & Sing’ is a new work I have written to respond to community demand for more theatrical opportunities for very young children (0 - 7 years). I was energised to create this new childrens work due to the needs raised by my community of my beloved home state Lutruwita, Tasmania. This show is about friendship and was designed to reach a young audience that are often overlooked, and to help support very young children with their social and emotional learning as they develop their understanding of respectful relationships (Aus Curriculum).
MICHAEL MANHIRE
English Folk singer /Musician, Michael is known for his wonderful collection of English, Cornish and Australian Folk tunes and songs. This year Michael will present a themed Concert of Tasmanian songs and Tunes.
MIASMA BELLY DANCE TROUPE
Miasma Belly dance has grown from a duo and now perform and teach in Northern Tasmania. They perform at Festivals and Events throughout the North.
KERRIE MACGUIRE
Singer songwriter, Kerry sings Acapella. Kerry now lives on the mainland after living in various parts of Tasmania, collecting and writing songs about her surroundings. Kerry has been a regular at our Festival for many years
HETTY BINNS
Hetty is one of Tasmania's original Folk Singers from the 60s and brings a wealth of experience, talent and knowledge to the stage. This year Hetty will present a concert on Gordon Lightfoot.
SANDS FAMILY CIRCUS
The Yurtles of Oodlawirra (otherwise known as the Sands family), are a family of circus performers with incredible skills and plenty of Cute Factor to boot. They have a range of acts in their repertoire including the very popular Bbbbeetles- the beautiful balancing and bouncing Bi-pedal beetles, and their original masterpiece the Stilt Insects - a highly visual feast of movement and acrobatics on stilts.
