Following a tasty little Six-Pack Teaser the National Folk Festival is pleased to announce its first major round of artists for the 2015 Festival. They are:
From Canada comes an artist who’s built a name for himself as one of the country’s most revered folk poets and singers - David Francey. The Scottish-born Canadian carpenter-turned-songwriter has had an astonishing life journey from working across the rail yards and constructions sites in the Yukon to becoming an award-?winning folk troubadour. Three times winner of Canada’s prestigious Juno Award as well as numerous international and songwriting awards David Francey has released 10 albums. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the biggest stars of Canadian folk music.
Heartstring Quartet brings together two of the most important names in Irish music - legendary guitarist Arty McGlynn and virtuoso fiddler Nollaig Casey – who between them have played with every major Irish artist of the last thirty years. Joined by Máire Ní Chathasaigh, the doyenne of Irish harpers, and Britain’s finest flatpicking guitarist Chris Newman, this is traditional music at it’s best – crossing boundaries, genres and lifetimes.
Another high profile name, this time from the UK, the Festival welcomes one of the most enduring duos in the British folk roots scene: Chris While & Julie Matthews. Multi-?instrumentalists, sublime singers and outstanding songwriters, their songs have been covered by some of the scene’s biggest names including Mary Black, Barbara Dickson, Christine Collister and Fairport Convention. They return to woo festival-?goers at The National Folk Festival with a fresh patina of songs from their new studio album ‘Who We Are’.
Celebrate the sounds of the world at this year’s festival with a dazzling smorgasbord of music from Afro beats to Celtic, from klezmer to flamenco. First up there’s the exuberant afro-?celt fusion of Baka Beyond. Going strong now for 20 years, Baka Beyond’s inspiration lies in the music of the Baka Pygmies of the Cameroon rainforest. With the spirit of a global village and an unforgettable live show combining ancient Afro rhythms with a unique Celtic twist, Baka Beyond will have you dancing long into the night. Be transported with Equus playing the traditional songs of Mongolia as you’ve never heard them before. Combining the otherworldly sound of Mongolian throat singer and horse-?head fiddle player Bukhu with the haunting oud, Turkish saz, exotic winds and upright bass, this is a must see Act. From Brisbane there’s the lively neo-?gyspy klezmer ensemble Greshka and, from NSW get ready to saturate the senses with
acclaimed flamenco dance and music ensemble Bandaluzia, led by Aria nominated virtuoso guitarist Damian Wright.
The Festival is also pleased to announce the return of one of the most iconic outfits in Australian folk music, the Flying Emus. This much-?loved band took the Australian music scene by storm during the 1980s, winning 6 golden Guitars and an Aria Award for their unique music inspired by bluegrass, folk, pop and Western Swing. Re-formed for one special year, their performances at the National will be the finale to a remarkable career and are sure to go down in folk history.
Our stellar A-?list of Australian artists continues with All Our Exes Live in Texas – think Martha Wainwright meets Dolly Parton and Gillian Welch with a delicious draft of Sydney musical talent and four-part dark folk heaven. The captivating Lucy Wise Trio with a background in Appalachian and Celtic folk influences will keep you enthralled with masterful storytelling and soulful songs and Alanna & Alicia, the all heart and humour duo with their blend of folk/jazz/roots and sweet sibling harmonies completes the trio.
And, there’s more to this event than just music. In 2015 the National Folk Festival is delighted to present the exciting new theatre show ‘Dead Men Talking’ which will star one of Australia’s most celebrated actors, Max Cullen alongside Australian folk legend Warren Fahey. Based on the life and times of literary legends Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson, Dead Men Talking is an enthralling one-act, two-man show in verse, yarns and bush song.
The National Folk Festival is one of the most accessible and longest running folk festivals in Australia attracting over 50,000 people every year to Canberra. With 18 venues set amongst a vibrant streetscape and, with over 200 international and national acts, the 2015 Festival will run from 2-?6 April at Exhibition Park, Canberra. Early Bird 2 discounted Tickets are now on sale, visit www.folkfestival.org.au.
Keep up with the latest Festival news on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. @natfolkfest #5daysinaperfectworld
(National Folk Festival Media Release)
Loading ...
