THE artists
2025 FESTIVAL LINE UP
The Gathering Irish Band
The Gathering, headed by Mick McHugh, brings together some great contemporary Irish -Australian musicianship to put their unique stamp on Irish music. They have recorded to ABC Music, toured Internationally and entertained at major Festival such as port Fairy Fairy Folk Fest and Australian Celtic Festival. Bringing people together and having a great time. The Gathering will put on a Celtic Kids show at this years Festival.
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.
STEVE TURNER (UK)
Steve Turner is known as a pioneer of highly sophisticated English concertina song accompaniments, stretching the boundaries of traditional forms, with one of the best voices in the business. He is a multi-instrumentalist, who also accompanies himself on the cittern, and plays mandolin and banjo.
Steve’s 5th album “The Whirligig of Time” was long listed for the BBC folk awards in 2008. His 6th album “Rim of The Wheel” was released in spring 2012 – David Kidman in N.E. Folk Roundabout called it “sheer genius a sure contender for one of my folk albums of 2012”. His new 8th album released in 2019 has received excellent reviews.
In the F/Roots August/September 2014 edition Nancy Kerr in her “Rocket Launcher” interview when asked “what was the best gig you ever saw?” – answered “… Steve Turner …” F’Roots “A shining example of what the British folk scene is capable of producing”.
ANGE BOXALL
Ange resides on Tasmania's East Coast and has performed, written, recorded and released albums throughout the USA, UK Europe and Australia. For over a decade, Ange was based between London and Nashville. Ange performed her amazing Joni Mitchell tribute concert at Tamar in 2023. Welcome back Ange.
THE BAD DAD ORCHESTRA
A simple idea born of fatherhood, friendship and music has flourished and taken shape. THE BAD DAD ORCHESTRA, formed in mid-2015 from a concept devised by the bands late guitarist Liam Guthrie, evolved quickly into a powerhouse combination of some of Tasmania's premiere contemporary musicians.
ANNETTE HIGGS
Annette Higgs is a writer living in Sydney, Australia. She was born and grew up in George Town, Tasmania, leaving on her 18th birthday to study literature and law at the Australian National University in Canberra. She has lived, worked and studied in Sydney, London and Italy, and holds a Doctor of Arts from the University of Sydney. A Pushcart nominee, her short work has appeared in literary journals and anthologies in Australia, the USA, the UK and India. Her novel On a Bright Hillside in Paradise won the 2022 Penguin Literary Prize and was published by Penguin in 2023 to critical acclaim.
Annette Higgs a writer living in Sydney, Australia. She was born and grew up in George Town, Tasmania. Her short work has been published in international and Australian literary journals and her novel On a Bright Hillside in Paradise, set in Tasmania, won the Penguin Literary Prize 2022 and was published in 2023 to critical acclaim.
THE CLEMENTINES
Hailing from southern Tasmania, The Clementines are a vibrant trio of singer- songwriters. From intricate acapella arrangements of folk classics, to original songs about womanhood, family, place and belonging, The Clementines are all about harmonies.
FORTé
Educator and Performer, Forte' will facilitate two workshops this year enabling us to reset, unwind and connect. A skilled Mindful Communication Educator and one of the Festivals roaming performers, Forte' will provide a warm gathering designed to leave you relaxed and connected with yourself.
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.
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.
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 on Australian Bush Ballads and Tunes.
NEW HOLLAND HONEY EATERS
The New Holland Honey Eaters are as nimble around their strings as their namesakes around their flowers; the vibrant unity with which these two Tasmanian couples play comes from over 35 years of experience performing old-time music together. You’ll be treated to music from the broad Southern tradition, from rural string bands, minstrelsy, ballads, ragtime, shape-note hymns, to Cajun, jug bands, Jubilee and Gospel quartets, western swing, country blues and more. They set their music firmly in its social context, and whether you’re watching a concert, or one of their “on-stage documentaries”, you’re sure to leave both entertained and informed.
ROSIE HAYDEN'S UNDER THE RADAR
"Rosie possesses an incredible voice and, together with Greg's rhythmic grooves and Linda's empathic harmonies, her songs are executed with an edginess that really sets them apart." (Dom McAlinden - Mountain Mojo, Mt Roland Folk Festival)
"Beautifully crafted songs delivered with integrity, finesse and power." (Matt Fell, award-winning producer - Fanny Lumsden, Sara Storer)and Greg moved to Tasmania in the covid spring of 2020. Their pathos driven, dark bluesy folk and intense rhythmic grooves accompany melodies inspired by TV noir, poets of old and observations on modern life. Linda Pittard joined the duo in April 2022 adding her unique talents on vocals, percussion and ukulele - thus Under the Radar was born.
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.
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.
VINCE BROPHY
Tamar Valley International singer-songwriter Vince Brophy.
Fresh from touring UK/Scotland/Ireland and Victoria Australia, Vince graces the stage with a bunch of new songs and tunes.
"I'm pleased to bring my new material particularly about the Kanamaluka River to a wider audience especially after winning Folk Federation of Tasmania songwriting award for 2024, The Tamar River Men".
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.
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).
LITTLE PINE
Musical storytellers Lilly Sideris and Greer Mackay draw upon an array of early Bluegrass and folk styles. Combining Mandolin licks, fiddle drones, guitar and colourful harmonies, they intertwine fiddle tune instrumentals with their original songs, aiming to unite listeners lyrically though shared experience.
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”.
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
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.
POETS – COLIN BERRY & BRUCE PENN
Colin Berry is currently President of the Tasmanian Poetry Festival. Colin has lived most of his life in Tasmania, a couple of years travelling in Africa. He has worked as a teacher, in a paper mill, and in a pharmaceutical plant. He currently works with his wife Cathy in her café. Colin is an occasional writer. His writing has been published in anthologies, in Island magazine, the Age, Famous Reporter and on ABC radio. He has been a finalist in the Australian national poetry slam.
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.
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.
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.
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 accompany Michael Manhire in a concert of Australian Bush Ballads and tunes.
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, Classic Queens of Country. A tribute show to the the Greats of Country music, including Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells and Loretta Lyn.
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.
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.
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.
