Alan Blackshaw - “Australia’s answer to Gordon Lightfoot. Alan has many tales to tell.” The South Coast Register. Alan Blackshaw is a singer/songwriter who has been writing and performing for over 20 years. His songs come from the heart. His songs reflect a keen eye for observation. They cover a broad subject range revealing that Alan is unafraid to write and sing about the issues he considers to be important. His songs reflect a passionate and thoughtful approach to life and cover such issues as: love, loss, suicide, mental illness, domestic violence, futility of war, celebration of life. He is a performer strongly grounded in the folk tradition of the singer songwriter. In 2008 he recorded and released his first CD- “Maybe This Year”. The album represents a collection of songs written over a number of years. He is currently performing songs from this album, as well as a number of other songs at concerts throughout NSW.

Arctic Sequence Jack McKnight (Guitar/Vocals) Jaime Tulau (Keyboard/Vocals) and Mitch Broadhead (drums) form this fine trio of musos have been jamming like crazy for months now and feel ready to take on the world. www.myspace.com/windyflamingo
Daniel Champagne A dazzling performer characterized by a one-of-a-kind guitar style featuring 2-hand tapping, body percussion and old school finger picking technique, coupled with dynamic vocal work all rolled into each carefully constructed original or reworked traditional number. Daniel Champagne delivers one of the most impressive one man shows out there. He is rising rapidly through the Australian Folk and Blues ranks and winning over crowds at some of the countries leading events including the Woodford, National Folk and Australian Blues Festivals.

 

Daniel Champagne

A dazzling performer characterized by a one-of-a-kind guitar style featuring 2-hand tapping, body percussion and old school finger picking technique, coupled with dynamic vocal work all rolled into each carefully constructed original or reworked traditional number. Daniel Champagne delivers one of the most impressive one man shows out there. He is rising rapidly through the Australian Folk and Blues ranks and winning over crowds at some of the countries leading events including the Woodford, National Folk and Australian Blues Festivals

David Byrne The winner of the 2008 Tuross Head Country Club Talent Quest, as well as performing at the Saturday Variety Concert, he is also the Master of Ceremonies! A superb singing voice, he will transform you back to the time of the crooners.

Euey Collins A man who can play guitar, flute, didgeridoo and probably another dozen instruments, this part time resident of Tuross Head will entertain you one way or another. Hopefully he will bring a few friends along.

Evacuate The Fallen This four piece band featuring Sarah Mackie and Simon Abbotsmith play rock, alternative rock, punk and some hardcore inspired. They will close the Friday Night youth concerts session. www.myspace.com/evacuatethefallen

Exotica Jazz Trio Performing in front of a crowd for the first and maybe only time, this trad jazz crew of Keith Joliffe (Tuross Head) on bass, Bev Long (Tilba Tilba) on banjo and Malcolm Cook (Bergalia) on trombone were named after the exotic places they come from. Sure, it’s a weak excuse for a name, but the hot jazz this trio will play makes up for the bad puns.

Funk Guide & The Edible Proton Four talented musos from the Ulladulla area in Harlen Bernett (vocals) Joshua Johnston (drums) Kyle McNaly (Bass) and Blake Bernett (guitar). They paly funk rock, rock and are talented acoustic players also.

Gary Sandford From Bonang in East Gippsland, Gary has been playing for over twenty years but only the last few years to audiences. Since he was alive in the fifties and sixties, his music comes from those times and will entertain and delight you.

 

My Hearts Dezire

My Hearts Dezire is a contemporary electric folk blues conjured from a melting pot of jazz, Latin, rootsie country and blues. Pennie Lennon’s expressive voice and piano intertwines with Wild Man Brun's passionate guitar playing and dance, riveting your attention to a complex bouquet of narrative and music. They have released their Live 2005 five song CD, with Pennie’s songs, one of which is a co-written piece (Rocks in the Bathroom). In the past few years they have performed at both private functions and in the public domain. One of the absolute star attractions of the Festival.

Home Brewed a three piece outfit mainly from Potato Point, they play a range of tunes and songs ranging from folk to world music.

Humbug

Take a couple of bush musicians, a classical flautist, a 60s rock guitarist and a few community choir singers, actors and conductor and you have Humbug! While recently described as 'Canberra's best Celtic group', Humbug’s repertoire is as varied and eclectic as the backgrounds of its members. Singing both accompanied and acapella - from poignant Scottish, Irish and Australian ballads to rousing singalongs of favourite standards from the 1950s, 60s & 70s - there’s not a lot that Humbug doesn't enjoy bringing to life! Guitars, flute, whistle, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, bass and assorted percussion instruments accompany the group's distinctive original harmonies. The band’s first cd, Celtic Circles, was launched in Canberra in August 2008 and their second is all but finished.

Ian Collins The first person to commit to play at the Festival (no matter what !) Ian is a fine songwriter from the Blue Mountains. He’s bringing a few members of his band and promises to deliver a strong performance.

Josh English Josh is just learning how to play guitar .. and does a mean Stevie Ray Vaughn rift ! Probably our youngest performer but don’t let that fool you – this guitar man rocks !

Leah Cheeseman & Matt O’Brien This blending of Leah’s fine voice and the guitar of Matt O’Brien will captivate you.

Lisa & Tony are far from your typical couple –they met at a no wood chipping rally, got married at a blockade and had their honeymoon up a tree sit. Their recent album “Insurgency Is The Mother of Detention” features many local musicians such as Rory McLeod on trombone and Damon Davies. They are presenters on 2 EAR FM. www.lisaandtony.com.au

Michael & Dianne Porter hail from Canberra and love performing ! They offer a little bit of gospel, a little bit of bluegrass and a whole lot of fun! They also sing their own compositions (when they think they are good enough!)

Perla Fefey

Perla Fefay was the founder and member of percussion group Obrobini (currently disbanded) and member of folk groups Zumpa and Big Snore Hammers. She performed with these groups at the National, Port Fairy, Woodford, Cobargo and Illawarra Folk Festivals. At the Tuross Music Festival she is looking at expanding her emerging recognitions as a singer / song writer. Her original songs are from the heart, about the obvious, love, loss and some humour. She also covers songs by artists such as Leonard Cohen, Kristina Olsen. However, the Tuross Music Festival will receive an extra bonus as Perla has agreed to do a percussion (drum) workshop on the Saturday. Anyone wanting to see a class act and get some tips from an expert can come along.

Railjam The youngest band playing on Friday night, Railjam comprises of Carroll College students Matt Jenkins on guitar and vocals, Liam Gray on guitar, Justin Bellchambers on Bass and Joey Facchini on drums. The boys play original songs influenced by bands such as Spiderbait and Foo Fighters.

Sandman Panel Van The only band we wanted to play the last set of the Tuross Music Festival, these four refugees from the seventies have been dubbed the best (only) tribute band of The Party Boys. They’ll have you up and dancing and singing with classic Australian pub rock tunes.

Sly Moose Project Arctic Sequence return but this time as an acoustic duo ! Just to show you how talented they really are.

Steve Benic A local singer songwriter who is simply too modest for his own good. Performing his own original songs, he is what this Festival is about – to allow fine local talent a chance to perform.

Steve Johnston Choir master of the Tuross Head Country Club singers, Steve has many musical irons in the fire, so to speak and a damn fine singing voice to boot.

Sublime David Sparks, Arati George and Paul Anderson are “Sublime”, a folksy singing trio from the Sapphire Coast. David has been actively involved in the music industry for over 30 years and worked with many of the best Australian artists of the generation and has his own recording studio (Pirate Studios) . But this weekend, Sublime are here for the music man, here for the music !

The Normals A band of Congolians (no, not the African ones) and some lost Moruya Headites, The Normals are a seven piece band that play original music covering genres such as ska, reggae, blues to punky folk! They have played at the Moruya River of Art and just love getting about and playing. They’ll have you up and dancing and feeling good !

Tuross Head Country Club Singers In a short space of time the Club Singers have become a much loved part of life in Tuross. They gather for choir practice on Mondays at the Country Club and more members are welcome. Everyone has a voice and these new friends are waiting for you to share yours with them.

Tuross Drummers Circle The Drummers meet on Tuesdays at the Youth & Sports Club and are typical of what makes life in Tuross tick. They play for the fun of the drum and new members are always made welcome. No prior experience needed !

Ukeleus

If Ukeleus isn’t one of the most original and entertaining acts in Australia, then we all need stimulants. For this weekend, Chris Vevers and Charlie Chan, the engine of the band, will entertain us by making the humble ukelule sound like a carnival and pull the odd magic trick out of the proverbial hat. Do not miss them !! www.ukeleus.com and also www.afmagic.com

Val Durrand The lady sings the blues .. and how. We refused to have a Tuross Music Festival without at least a token performance from this diva of the song. She’ll honour us again with a song or two and then back up in the Club Singers. Thanks Val !