Alan Blackshaw - 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 being 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. A much travelled and well respected performer we are proud to have back with us this year.

Big Erle - Big Erle is a 3 piece blues /folk based outfit that rocks, bringing old world blues into the 21st century. Big Erle loves to jam and will often enlist the help of the audience and local musos to create spontaneous, improvised and unique sounds that feed the soul. The rough sawn bunch, as they are known, is a collection of vagrants and itinerants found usually by the side of abandoned highways and byroads. Big Erle takes them in, feeds ‘em up and gives them an instrument to play. Big Erle formed and grew in the northern burbs of Wollongong between the escarpment and the sea. The lyrical content reflects life in these parts and the continuing efforts to find a path through this life that respects; people, the environment, the community and the soul. Big Erle writes original music laced with love. May the sun shine on you always.

Damn Fine Gentlemen is a blues-based band incorporating various styles including boogie, swing, rockabilly, rock, swamp and a few surprises. Damn Fine Gentlemen play their own blues originals with a few ‘Damn Fine’ traditional and standards thrown in. The Damn Fine Gentlemen are – Bruce Greenfeld (Guitars and Lead Vox), Tim Dennis (Bass/Vox) and Danny Glasgow(Drums/Vox). Damn Fine Gentlemen came together in October 2009 and is based in the Illawarra.

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

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.

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.

Hollerin’ Matt Southon and his Veranda Blues is inspired by THE passion and fire of old style bluesman the likes of Son House and Charlie Patton. With a beat up slide guitar and a hollering singing style, Matt can’t hide the fact that his love of the old blues has combined with a love of harder stuff like the Ramones or the Dead Kennedy’s, and modern legends like Jeff Lang and Geoff Achison; resulting in a 100 mile an hour crash or crash through performance style.

Living on a bush property at Wyndham near Bega, Australia; Matt’s verandah has played home to much of his raucous stomping about, with his style developing through absolutely no need to turn it down! Matt has performed at the Bruthen, Narooma and Goulburn Blues Festivals and supported the likes of Glenn Terry and the Blues Bombers and Lloyd Spiegel.

Leah Cheeseman Leah’s fine voice will captivate you.

Railjam - 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. They won the 2010 Aamplify Competition in Moruya.

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. The boys are special guests supporting The Black Sorrows in Batemans Bay on September 25th

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.

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.

The Last Train Home These men from the Blue Mountains play their unique blend of rock/blues/ reggae. The line up includes Ian Collins (guitar/vocals), Glen Davidson (bass/vocals), Bruno ‘Wild Man’ Brun (guitar) and Will Gray (drums). Their repertoire is mainly original songs written by Ian or Glen. Their sound ranges from rocking blues to at times quite ethereal and atmospheric. They also include some interestingly reinterpreted cover songs, such as ‘Stranded’ by The Saints. “We’ve all experienced the last train home. The music’s pretty dark and midnight”