Artist Profiles

Scottish Gaelic Society Ceilidh, Saturday at 5:00 pm
The Ceilidh(pronounced kaylee) is a relaxed event where people share their culture in song, word and dance. This tradition has been part of Scottish life for centuries.

Scottish Gaelic Society's Choir's Concert, Sunday at 10:00 am
Through a range of Scottish Gaelic songs, the choir will illustrate some of the history of life in Scotland.

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Bhán tré
Driven by a desire to play the traditional celtic music they loved and respected and seeking an oportunity to perform their original tunes and songs geraldine davis, sue foley and rebecca humpfreys formed a band in 1998 calling themselves bhán tré (gaelic for three women –pron. Ban-tree).

Together the girls create a band which is dedicated to passionate performances with a focus on harmonies and entertainment.  Such is their appeal that they have supported international touring artists finbar furey & lunasa.

Bhán tré has made regular appearances at victorias major folk festivals including port fairy, maldon, beechworth and even making a foray into queensland during the woodford folk festival in 1999. In july 2000 the girls toured ireland, receiving a very generous welcome at the venues in which they performed and hope to return there in the future.

Bhán tré will be performing at the nicholas hotel as a part of the beechworth celtic festival sat 8th november 8.30pm – 12pm and again on sunday 9th nov from 2pm-5pm.  It is an oportunity for the whole family to come and enjoy the fun and passion that is the music of bhán tré.

Geraldine davis: vocals, guitar, bodhran, songwriting
Born ireland, now living in melbourne
Sue foley: vocals, bodhran, tin whistle, songwriting
Born bendigo, now living in melbourne
Rebecca humphreys: vocals, fiddle, tunewriting
Born albury, now living in melbourne

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Leanne Murphy
Singer-songwriter-pianist Leanne Murphy has recently settled in Beechworth with her husband, poet Frank Prem.  In folk-ballad style, her songs reflect on experiences of migration and the search for love and belonging, delivered always with warmth and good humour.  In 2003, Leanne released her debut album Portal, and since then has performed at numerous festivals and events around Victoria and NSW. 

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Colin MacLeod
A native Scottish fiddler, officially emigrated from Scotland to Australia in 2004. He has now made Victoria his home and regularly appears at festivals in Victoria and beyond. With a fiddle style which has its roots steeped in both classical and Scottish music, Colin brings a warmth of tone and sparkle of energy to the Festival.

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Schroedingers Cat
Christine Morphett and Peter Franche are Schroedingers Cat.  Interweaving an interesting blend of old and new melodies with dexterous harp playing and sensitive bouzouki/guitar arrangements. Performing with an obvious passion for the music, they draw on traditional Irish, Scottish and Breton as well as contemporary music for their inspiration. They have performed at the Fleurieu Folk Festival, Frances and Maldon Folk Festivals. 

Christine Morphett – plays both pedal and lever harp and has completed her study of music at University of Adelaide in 2007, where she obtained a distinction for her practical playing of the pedal harp.  She performed in the Adelaide Youth Orchestra in 2007 and previously at Flinders Street School of Music Orchestra.  Christine won a harp scholarship to attend New Zealand's first harp festival in Wellington in  February 2004.  Christine has recently presented a Breton harp workshop at the Australian Harp Festival held in Canberra, September 2008.

Christine currently plays at Irish music sessions and performs at folk festivals around Australia.  She has supported various people including Kevin Burke and Maria Foorde, and performed at the World Police Fire Games 2007 on St Patrick’s day.  

Peter Franche -  has performed at numerous festivals overseas, including Sidmouth International Folk Festival (UK), Skagen Music Festival (Denmark), Brest Maritime Festival (Brittany) to name a few.  Performing on a range of instruments, including accordion, guitar, Irish bouzouki and fiddle, Peter is a highly accomplished instrumentalist playing a wide variety of musical styles. 

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Braemar
Based in Melbourne, Braemar, consisting of Eddie Lewis and Marc de Rijk, is undoubtedly one of Australia’s best Celtic duos delighting audiences around the country with an impressive performance resumé of classic Scottish and Irish songs.  The duo is renowned for lavish harmonies and for its “passionate commitment  …..   to continuing the tradition of the Celtic diaspora”.

At the Beechworth Celtic Festival in November 2007, Braemar mesmerised full houses at the Town Hall for two performances of **‘Lochaber No More’, a history of the Jacobite rebellions and the aftermath told in narrative and song.  Reflecting the outstanding performance, the show received a standing ovation on each occasion and there ‘was hardly a dry eye in the house’ such was the stirring of patriotic raw emotion.  The Scottish Australian Heritage Council is eager to support a performance of the show in Sydney in the near future and Braemar anticipates **‘Lochaber No More’ will be performed at Folk and Celtic festivals throughout the nation in 2008/9.

The duo prides itself that Braemar was approached to support the City of Glasgow’s bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and provided entertainment at numerous civic occasions – the bid was successful and even the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Liz Cameron, might agree that Braemar had some small part to play in Glasgow’s victory!

Braemar’s albums, Beirt Leaids (2004) and Eire and Alba, Songs of the Gael (2006) were exceptionally well received by fans and critics alike.  The pair plans to launch there 3rd album Lochaber No More’ at the 2008 Beechworth celtic festival

**‘Lochaber No More’ was performed at La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus in Melbourne in October 2007 and at the Beechworth Celtic Festival in November 2007
“Highlight for us, and judging by the crowds in the hall and their standing ovation, the highlight for many others as well, was “Lochaber No More …….”

“Excellent.  Well done!!  Wonderful production of a very sad time for us Scots!  NORMA McPHERSON, RADIO PORT PHILLIP (3RPP)
“Opening sequence was haunting and fantastic – you guys seem to be in perfect harmony to me – great to listen to.  Acoustic guitars sounded great as did all other instruments.  Singing was also great, narration was perfect – clear and meaningful.  TONY BURROWS.

Read more about 'Lochaber No More'>>

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Sibin
Sibin (pronounced Shibeen) is an Irish Folk/Cover band based in Mildura, Victoria.  They play a broad collection of Irish / Celtic and Australian Folk that incites unstoppable toe-tapping to lively tunes led by melodies played on an equally broad array of instruments including tin whistle, mandolin, flute, guitar and even banjo.

Sibin are also extremely well versed in popular and classic covers including Van Morrison, U2, The Beatles, The HooDoo Gurus, The Proclaimers, Powderfinger, Blink 182, Green Paul Kelly and many more.
 Sibin have earned a reputation as a class act supplying boundless, energetic entertainment that leaves the audience begging for more.  They play a variety of social functions, including weddings and birthdays, throughout North West Victoria as well as South Australia and New South Wales.
 
Sibin are:
Mark Jenkins – Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin
Corey Barbary – Banjo, Guitar, Vocals
Luke McCarthy – Drums, Vocals
Charles Hendy – Tin Whistle, Flute, Vocals
Tim Williams – Base Guitar, Guitar, Vocals

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Robyn Hammans
Robyn is 11 years old and is a pupil at Wodonga Primary school, moved to Australia in July of 2007 from Rhyl in North Wales, where she attended a Welsh Primary School (Ysgol Dewi Sant).

Robyn loves to sing  and until moving to Australia was way too shy to stand up in front of people and sing, but since being here she has sung solo, in duets and trios, wedding ensembles and the choir of Wodonga Primary Schools. Her enthusiastic music teacher Mrs Diana Lewington, help get her to the final of the Wodonga Lounging on High buskers competition and we are all very very proud of what she has achieved in such a short time.

Robyn's accompanying musician is a friend Glyn Davies who is in the Australian Army having transferred in July 2007 and also lives in Wodonga.  Glyn will be playing Electric and maybe acoustic guitar.

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O'Shea-Ryan Irish Dancers
The O’SHEA-RYAN IRISH DANCE GROUP have been in existence for over 50 years with Branches throughout Victoria including Albury-Wodonga, Echuca, Bendigo, Hamilton, Warrnambool, Kilmore, Warragul and Mildura, and during that time many excellent performers have emerged.

Members of the group have performed throughout Australia, Asia and Europe at a variety of events, Concerts, Parades, International Military Tattoos, outdoor and indoor functions, Multicultural events, charitable and corporate functions, Celtic and Folk Festivals.

Ages range from the very young to the ‘young at heart’. They are beautifully attired in costumes with Celtic designs embroidered on them, and their lively energetic dances are performed to the ‘toe-tapping’ music of  traditional Irish Jigs and Reels which are both lively and entertaining, and have always been greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all.

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Red Catz
*Kerry Dawson* Vocals, Bodhran, Acoustic thingies. Kerry has utilised her crystal clear voice with many different line-ups for many years in a variety of genres covering Rock, Jazz, Blues, Celtic, Folk and Eclectic originals. Kerry has performed lead and backup vocals with many bands including, Chance, Rohan Hammit and the Hound Dog Orchestra and Rebecca Barnard. Kerry’s commitment and versatility is what has kept her singing for so long.

*Mike Daley* Vocals, Guitar, Bodhran. Mike is a prolific singer/songwriter with many years of live work behind him, having played around Australia, England, Germany, Ireland and Italy; often crossing paths with, and collaborating with Rob Carroll. Mike has also written and been musical director for two critically acclaimed musicals; ‘The Long Mile’, and ‘Dare to Dream’.

*Rob Carroll* Vocals, Guitar, Banjo. Bodhran. Rob has an extensive history of live performance, jingle writing for TV/radio and session work. Rob has also played with several well known groups performing everything from Celtic to Contemporary. He has played at major Australian festivals including but not limited to, Port Fairy Folk Festival, the National Celtic Festival, National Folk Festival, Maldon Folk Festival, Beechworth Celtic Festival, and Celtica 07.

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The To`rags
This band feature some of Tasmania’s finest folk and Celtic Roots musicians. They play a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary folk music. From high energy pub rockin’ Celtic music to full on traditional folk The To`rags deliver with passion and great harmonies.   The To`rags musical influences are reflected in their sets ; The Pogues,  Jezz Lowe, Planxty, Christie Moore, Dougie Maclean, Solas, Flook, The Battlefield band and many more..

The To`rags are :
Tam Meldrum - vocals, bouzouki and whistles
Mike Shegog - vocals, lead guitar
Jeremy Sibson - percussion, bodhran
Mat Wooley - vocals, bouzouki, guitar, mandolin, banjo
Anne Parsell - vocals, keyboards and accordion

“ The Fabulous To - Rags!  The Second Best Fun You Can Have Standing Up: A melting pot of good energy, fine playing, and some very singable favourites you know and love.”  Ian Paulin

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Humbug
Take a couple of bush musicians and 60s rock guitarists, a classical flautist, add a few community choir singers, actors and even a conductor and you have Humbug! The result of a liaison between well-known bush band, Franklyn B Paverty and Sing Australia, Humbug is eight voices singing rich, original harmonies complimented by guitars, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass guitar, flute, whistles and percussion.

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 and Irish ballads to rousing singalongs of favourite standards from the 1950s, 60s & 70s - there’s not a lot that Humbug won’t enjoy bringing to life!  

The band recently launched it's first cd, Celtic Circles, at The Merry Muse in Canberra. The album is a mix of (predominantly) Celtic love songs, rarely heard these days, which evoke the spirit and feel of another time and place.

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Mandy Keating & Helen McLachlan
Melbourne based duet, Mandy Keating & Helen McLachlan have played music together for over a decade.  Originally from Geelong, they have played together in celtic bands and are now playing as a duet.   They have a unique sound, revealing subtle anglo-celtic melodies, moving lyrics, warm and inviting harmonies and rhythmic influences of bluegrass, celtic, folk and gospel.

Mandy and Helen are both talented musicians & songwriters, they play around seven instruments between them.  They refer to their music as contemporary acoustic with a twist of celtic.  In their performances, they have created a unique diverse sound by combining their talents on guitars, banjo, whistle, mandolin, percussion and vocals.

In 1996, Mandy produced a solo CD titled ‘Hide Your Eyes’, which included a bonus track by Helen.  As a duet, they recently finished their first CD titled ‘Our Town’ which contains both traditional and contemporary music, and a couple of originals.

Well known for their harmonies - come along, get comfortable and join in, the girls play some great songs and love a singing audience!

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Not the Wolf
This band consists of Paul Monk and Matiss Schubert playing fiddle, mandolin, guitars, trumpet and singing songs. 16 years of playing together has made them a formidable twosome on stage, a repertoire so deep and unpredictable they are often still surprised themselves... They're at a point where they really need to do some more recording, but the rock'n roll lifestyle keeps them flat out. New songs are sneakily being written whilst they're asleep (including some Latin - chorus in spanish of course)... Hopefully sometime soon they will lay down some more tracks.. Their styles range from Pop Yodeling through to Western Swing, Django Jazz to George Jones Country, Roots and blues, Johnny Cash, Celtic tunes of all descriptions and sometimes you might even feel Carlos Santana is hiding somewhere between the notes… A truly enjoyable duo to behold!

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Ricketty Bridge
A wonderful acoustic five piece folk/worldconcert/dance band. With great vocals, playing mandolin, banjolin,fiddle, recorders, double bass and percussion they are a favourite atfestivals everywhere.Ricketty Bridge will have you dancing and singing along with their exuberant performance.

Celtic music brought us together but we soon found lots of otherflavours, spices and stories bubbling underneath. We let our voices andfingers follow our hearts and now we are world travellers.
We would love to play at your neck of the bush.

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Shirley Power & Colin Mockett
Shirley provides the music, Colin the laughter
Shirley Power is a musician and singer of traditional songs with the voice of an angel. She possesses a pure, clear singing voice as distinctive as her trademark autoharp.  Colin has a devil of a sense of humour. Shirley is as at home singing in the 1,400-seat Costa Hall backed by the Geelong Philharmonic Orchestra as she is accompanying herself at festivals, in folk clubs or acoustic venues. She has a phenomenal repertoire of traditional and vintage songs, she’s as comfortable singing the words of Robert Burns,  Thomas Moore  - or  Edith Piaf… But she is much more frequently seen in partnership with Colin, presenting two-person shows that mix information with great songs. Their show at Beechworth is Archibald’s Legacy. It tells the story of Celtic-heritage J F Archibald, who created the Bulletin Magazine and through it, gave Australia it’s history. This show contains beautiful music from Henry Lawson, Banjo Paterson and a great deal of heritage fun. Watch out for Shirley & Colin in concert, too, with a show that’s  Shirley and Colin, Humour and Fine Music. Shirley plays guitar, Appalachian Dulcimer and keyboard as well as her autoharp, while Colin mixes the odd song into his Celtic stand-up comedy routine.

Our website will be updated regularly to show listings of performers as we get booking confirmations.

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