The National Folk Festival is delighted to announce its first major list of artists for the 2017 event with over 20 acts from across Australia and the world, a stunning force majeure celebrating the planet in all its diversity.
With a mesmerising voice like spider-webbed hollows, it’s no wonder Martha Tilston (UK) was nominated for Best Newcomer at the BBC Folk Awards. Described by Time Out as an artist who ‘has the power to draw an audience into her world’, and by the Guardian as ‘engrossing’, Martha is bringing a new look to the English folk scene. Her music will take you on a spellbinding journey as she performs songs from her highly anticipated new album We Make Fire.
Set to be one of the new Festival favourites, Les Poules à Colin is the hot new face of Quebec folk-trad. Self-described road warriors, these exceptional young musicians are inspired by their joint stories of rich folk tradition and take Québécois music to the next level. Mixing sultry vocals with stirring and sparkling arrangements, they create a compelling, addictive sound unlike anything else on the scene right now.
From Denmark, celebrate the joie de vivre that is Himmerland. A melting pot of Danish folk music underpinned with an Afro jazzy feel, Himmerland is a partnership of the country’s finest musicians with leading percussionist Ayi Solomon from Ghana, who has played with Denmark’s top world and jazz names.
The Bridge Project brings together 3 musicians from diverse corners of the world – Israeli, Australian and Turkey, to create a world music mosaic of middle eastern instrumentation, Turkish rhythms, Balkan beats and even a touch of klezmer. Meet them at the crossroads where the love of music and sharing of ideas breaks down borders.
From the USA The Galax Bogtrotters will bring the musically rich traditions of Virginia and Carolina Blue Ridge to Festival audiences. Get ready to hoe down and raise some barns with this award-winning outfit of multi-instrumentalists as they carry old timey trad into the new millennium. Back by popular demand, don’t miss some down and dirty blues with America’s foremost harmonica virtuoso Phil Wiggins, once again joined by The Backslider’s Dom Turner.
Leading the Australian contingent is Fanny Lumsden with her “whole lot of heart” cracking alt-country sound. Touted by Rhythms Magazine as ‘Australia’s answer to Americana’, and nominated for an Aria in 2016 for her Debut record ‘Small Town Big Shot’, Fanny’s star is on the rise. Catch her at the Festival whilst you can!
Get ready to rock Celtic style with Australia’s own Scottish big band, Claymore. One of the most popular festival acts in the country, Claymore will have you up dancing with their high energy sets featuring guitar, mandolin, fiddle, didgeridoo and highland bagpipes.
In an announcement full of new faces and Festival favourites you won’t want to miss The Spooky Men’s Chorale, the always entertaining Ami Williamson, emerging Melbourne based dream-folk sister duo Charm of Finches or the young guns of Irish music in Australia Trioc. Also featured in this stellar lineup are the New Orleans inspired Low Down Riders, the energetic Stray Hens, Desert Child, Rory Faithfield, The Dead Maggies and our featured Northern Territory and South Australian artists Barry Skipsey, Sally Balfour, Loren Kate and Forté
With just 5 months to go until the 51st National Folk Festival don’t miss a moment. With Many new elements for 2017 on a vibrant, reimagined site, the National Folk Festival takes place across five fabulous days in Canberra at Easter, 13-17 April. Discounted Early Bird Tickets are now available. Keep up with all the Festival news, masterclasses and announcements at www.folkfestival.org.au or on our Facebook or Twitter pages. @natfolkfest #ournff #5daysinaperfectworld