The first artists have been revealed for next year’s National Folk Festival.
First artists to be announced for 2015 are:
Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas – one of the most exciting developments in Scottish trad music and representative of the cultural renaissance currently transforming Scotland. Alasdair is recognized as one of the finest fiddler players in Scotland, and his name is synonymous with cutting-edge musical explorations. Natalie Haas is a very talented young cellist from California, and this unique coupling of instruments returns the cello to its historical role at the rhythmic heart of Scottish dance music. Expect infectious melodies and grooves, driving rhythms and the entree into a new celtic sound.
With a distinctive sound that’s gritty, grungy, raucous yet poignant you’ll fall in love with alt-folk singer/songwriter Mark Moldre. Based in the central coast of NSW Moldre spins tales of redemption, death, dreams and bad weather blended with some suitcase percussion, lapslide and banjo. Mark Moldre’s latest album ‘An Ear to the Earth’ reached critical acclaim including being named as the coveted CD of the Week in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hailing from Prince Edward Island, Canada Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys present a genuine old-timey bluegrass show. With exhilarating pomp and spirit and jaw-dropping showmanship get ready for Gordie ‘Crazy Legs’ MacKeeman with his thrilling dance style and supernatural fiddling combined with Peter Cann’s blistering guitar solos, and the multi-instrumental talents of Thomas Webb and Mark Geddes.
Don’t miss that ‘special Fred Smith reverie’ (SMH) when Fred Smith returns to the Festival Stage with Liz Frencham and his new album ‘Home’. Canberra’s favourite son, songwriter and diplomat Fred Smith, has had a remarkable career that has seen him compared to the likes of Australia’s greatest songwriters Eric Bogle, John Schumann and Don Walker. Fred’s new album is a collection of songs about coming home and calming down and follows off the back of his acclaimed Dust of Uruzgan, which was inspired by his time in Afghanistan.
Come on a journey with Chloë and Jason Roweth’s songs and poems of the kitchen, the verandah, the shearer’s huts and the campfire. Chloë and Jason Roweth’s album ‘A Voice That Was Still’ was awarded the National Film and Sound Archive “Best Folk Recording” at the National Folk Festival in 2010. Performing alongside Bill Browne, these firm festival favourites unearth forgotten songs and reinvent Australian folk music, and the yarns that go with them.
And finally, completing this “heady little six pack” contemporary UK folk duo Dark Horses combine the passion of French singer Flossie Malavialle with Keith Donnelly’s remarkable and totally original songs. With plenty of stage presence, charisma and some very particular Geordic/Gallic humour, you may well find your favourite new act of the Festival with Dark Horses.
The 2015 National Folk Festival is one of the biggest, oldest and most iconic festivals in Australia attracting over 50,000 people every year. Presenting over 200 international and national acts, the Festival will run from 2-6 April, 2015 at Exhibition Park, Canberra. Early Bird 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
(Exert from Folk Festival Press Release)
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