Performers for 2026, so far, at least. There can also be surprises…
(Click on any image for a larger view)
The Runaway Strings
The Runaway Strings are an Ararat based trio formed from a chance encounter on Halloween, 2023.
They play a raucous mix of country, folk and blues, with lush harmonies and plenty of 5 string, tenor and ukulele banjo.
Their debut album “Blackwood” was released in June this year and was described as “stunning” in a review by AAA Backstage. Make sure you don’t miss these guys!
The Open Back Banjo Gathering (The Open Backs)
A gathering of local open back banjo players presents an entertaining set of music showcasing various playing styles.
Jonathan Ashley (Coordinator)
Dave Gittus
Trevor Phillips
Richard MacEwen
Gerry McDonald
Ian White
Jan Wositzky
The Loudshirts
Based in Central Victoria, The Loud Shirts are a group of acoustic musicians whose roots are based in Bluegrass and Folk traditions.
Their lively tunes and harmonies embrace a repertoire ranging from traditional songs to acoustic covers of rock classics.
The Bluegrass Remnants
The Bluegrass Remnants bring tradition to life with a timeless blend of hard-driving rhythm, rich harmonies, and spirited picking.
Featuring Jim Golding on banjo, Heath Joyce on mandolin, Andrea Calwell on bass, and Chris Leidy on guitar, this four-piece outfit plays traditional bluegrass with heart and grit – seasoned with the occasional “jazzgrass” twist.
Whether it’s a well-loved standard or a playful reimagining, The Bluegrass Remnants deliver an engaging, toe-tapping sound that honours the roots while exploring fresh territory.
Saltgrass String Band
Saltgrass String Band make music from the edges rooted on Dja Dja Wurrung Djandak Country surrounding Castlemaine in central Victoria.
The band draws from old-time, bluegrass, and the restless currents of newgrass to build a sound that reflects their unique journeys through music. Mostly instrumental, their compositions are less interested in genre as destination than in the charged space where traditions confluence.
Oh Suzannah
Oh Suzannah is a vibrant Australian folk and bluegrass act delivering high-energy performances with rich harmonies, driving banjo, fiddle, guitar and bass.
Blending traditional favourites with contemporary acoustic arrangements the band creates an engaging and entertaining experience. Oh Suzannah brings authenticity, warmth and fun to every performance. Their original songs shine a light on women’s stories, both from pioneering days and in more recent times.
Lily and Tom
Hailing from Sydney and London, Lily and Tom began playing together in Sydney’s Old Time music scene before making the move to Melbourne in early 2026.
Their music is characterised by a deep appreciation and love of traditional folk and Old Time, coupled with an ambition to take these genres into new territory through their sensitive interpretations and atmospheric instrumentation.
Hillbilly Radio
Dave Diprose & Hillbilly Radio perform original material deeply rooted in bluegrass, folk, & the Texas songwriters.
Sometimes described as Steve Earle meets Flatt & Scruggs, Dave’s songs bring a sense of place, exploring rural Australian themes and bygone days.
Hillbilly Radio also features Mark Pottenger on Mandolin and vocals, Andrew Barcham on bass (both former Nine Mile Creek alumni), and Peter Somerville (Uncle Bill, Rank Strangers, Burning Bridges) on banjo & vocals.
Family Farm Band
Family Farm Band is a much-loved Americana and roots music group based in Daylesford, Victoria.
Formed 21 years ago by Stacy Kilpatrick and Steve Douglas, they have since performed thousands of shows across Australia and Japan.
Their sound blends alt-country, bluegrass, southern soul, folk, and New Orleans-inspired grooves, delivered with 4-part vocal harmonies, spirited musicianship, and audience engagement.
Family Farm always presents an exciting experience filled with storytelling and foot-stomping music.
Endangered Species
Endangered Species don’t get together that often these days. We are good friends who have played a lot of music together over the years so whenever we get the chance to find our way back to this warm and cozy ensemble we jump at it.
Banjo, harmonica, guitar, bass and vocals celebrate a diverse repertoire from blues to bluegrass and back again.
Emmy Ryan
Emmy Ryan’s songs carry truth like a heartbeat — stories of love, loss, and the land that holds us.
Emmy sings with fierce tenderness about what it means to find home, face history, and stay open-hearted in hard times.
With songs that have earnt recognition in the International Songwriting Competition, the Northern Territory Music Awards, the Listen Up Music Songwriting Competition, plus the Australian Bluegrass and Old Time Music Songwriting Prize, Emmy invites you in — not just to listen, but to feel.
Beyond the Sea
Beyond the Sea play a joyful blend of bluegrass, folk and country songs, featuring rich delicate melodies and weaving harmonies.
At the heart of the band are Belinda Gibson on Uke and vocals, Michelle Lewis on guitar and vocals, Andrew Barcham on double bass and banjo and Mark Pottenger on mandolin. They are thrilled to be joined by Mark Wardle on banjo and Amy Cecil on fiddle and vocals for the Guildford Banjo Jamboree.
An infectious toe tapping set not to be missed!
Banjo Joe
One banjo is fun, 3 banjos are fantastic and four times the fun.
Throw in the occasional harp and other assorted steely instruments and there you have Banjo Joe.
Band without Borders
Band Without Borders is a polished outfit, drawn together by a love for the music from the Middle East, Scandinavia, the Balkans and more.
With relentless passion and enthusiasm they fill any room with energetic rhythms that make you want to dance.
Appealing to all ages, their music is timeless, accessible and contagious.
Backyard Utopia
Backyard Utopia present an engaging repertoire of globally inspired folk music. Traditional songs, upbeat ballads and hypnotic instrumental interludes – something both new and deeply rooted in tradition. Bec and Jamie’s music draws connections between the ancient west African instruments Kora and Kamelngoni, and one of their modern counterparts — the banjo.
Recent shows: Guildford Banjo Jamboree, Castlemaine Fringe, Cresfest, Bar Open, Kilderkin, Upendo Foundation Fundraiser, The Main Bar, Ballarat Trades Hall, Leadbeater Hotel.
Appalachian Heaven String Band
Southern Appalachian old timey mountain and modern Americana music played with gusto and authenticity, learnt directly from the masters during visits to USA festivals and band camps.
Appalachian Heaven String Band perform driving and sensitive fiddle tunes, dance tunes with curly toes, cheeky songs and disarmingly touching ballads, delighting audiences young and young-at-heart!
Alluvium
An Old Time guitar and autoharp player, an Irish fiddler and a Bluegrass banjo player walked into a Central Victorian bar… and Alluvium was born!
Graeme Fletcher (guitar, autoharp, vocals), Amy Cecil (fiddle, vocals) and Mick Harrison (banjo) draw together musical threads from a patchwork of Old Time, Bluegrass and Irish tunes, embroidered with original songs bearing an Old Time and Country Folk feel. Alluvium brings something for everyone!