Spring is upon us and where else would you want to be other than Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, 18-20 October.
In the heart of the village, surrounded by bushland and views of the escarpment, this year’s festival at the Kangaroo Valley Showground promises to bring another great line-up of performers, activities and stalls.
With a showcase of over 50 international, national & local acts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy…..folk, bush, old-time country, bluegrass, traditional, blues, jazz, world, poetry, dancing, sessions, workshops….the list goes on!
Programmed artists include Alan Reid, Ashlee Watkins & Andrew Small, Fred Smith, The Bushwackers, The Weeping Willows, Kejafi, Kiki & Pascal, Penelope Swales & the Stranded Assets, Miss Eileen & King Lear, The Royal Hi Jinx, The Inadequates, Tim Scanlan & Mana Okubo, Sparrowgrass, Daniel J Townsend, Robyn Martin Band, Mal Webb & Kylie Morrigan, Sarah Humphreys, Bonnie Kay & the Sweet Patooties, Antipodeans, Bec Taylor & The Lyrebirds, The Librarian Action Dolls, The Wild Women of Anywhere Beach, Casuarina Light Phenomenon, Carmen & Miranda, Ash Morse, Bush Angels and The Other Noonan’s.
Michael Waugh, Mudjingaal Yangamba, Lucy Wise, Alanna & Alicia, George Mann and Alana Conway will all be there promoting their upcoming or newly released albums.
There are some themed shows that we can look forward to. The Times They Are a-Changin’ with Maurie Mulheron & a Small Circle of Friends a re-imagining of Bob Dylan’s early album. Trilogy will present a Seekers Singalong concert that the audience are invited to join in with and the Carefree Road Band will perform the songs of Simon and Garfunkel.
The Koori camp is set to have some terrific local indigenous performers including Pirritu, Ron Callaghan, Mudjingaal Yangamba, Daniel Aaron, Jocean and The Djaarmby Band.
Singing groups that will be performing include A Few Good Spooky Men, Shanty Club, Ecopella and the Wollongong Welsh Choir.
The Kids’ Festival will have crafts and performers. A Scandinavian Tipi Tent called the Happy Nest will be onsite for youth and blackboard performances. Make sure your kids bring their instruments and take part in the Saplings workshops (8 -18 years) where they can learn some collected Aussie bush tunes & songs from our expert tutors. Music will be provided or they can learn by ear. Mishmash the Clown, Maypole with Molly and Speranza Starburner will also be there to entertain the young and young at heart.
Dancing builds resilience and is great for your mental health. We couldn’t agree more so we encourage you to bring your dancing shoes and head to the hall to take part in one (or all) of the many dances that are scheduled. Styles include Swing, Bush, Irish, Scottish Country, Flamenco and English Folk. Be on the lookout for the Morris dancing & Bellydancing displays as well which are always entertaining.
If the excitement gets too much, festival folk can relax in our famous session bar with craft beer on tap and a million dollar view, enjoy a coffee or browse the food and market stalls.
Get your Earlybird season tickets for just $135 until 30 September. After that season tickets at the gate are $160 or online for just $150. Day and evening tickets are also available.
For tickets and full details, visit www.kangaroovalleyfolkfestival.com.au
Stuart Leslie