World Folk Music

This page contains solos, duos and bands.

Have your pen and paper ready to jot down performers interested in.

World 106 C-irish-covers-solo-Melbourne

World 106 D-irish-covers-Duo-Melbourne

Cyril and Andy have been setting alight many's a pub, club, wedding, and social functions for many years in and around Melbourne. Their brand of upbeat and toe tapping music will have you jumping along through-out the night. Cyril migrated from Ireland in the early '90's and still retains his roots to this day. Andrew is a highly respected fiddler who has been a mainstay in the folk music scene in Melbourne for many years, a close friend of the late great Billy Moran, Andy is a fine exponent of the celtic fiddle. 

Listen

Listen

song list-cover

songlist-irish

cyril-moran

106C

cyril-andy

106D

World Music 108A-Melbourne

Ruth (mandolin, vocals) and Tania (guitar, vocals) play exquisite original pieces and fresh arrangements of music from around the world, particularly from Spanish and South American traditions, Italian etc.

Tania has a deep appreciation for, and understanding of world music (especially Spanish and South American styles).  She uniquely combines her classical and technical discipline with her love of world music for a beautiful and evocative result.  Ruth is a master mandolinist and has played mandolin professionally since a teenager.  Whatever the style or tempo, Ruth will play with a great deal of musicality and with unique style, showing the (often underrated) instrument’s potential.  Ruth is also a capable singer, with a gentle, sweet voice.

Listen.

video

see also Mulicultural page

nougat

World 220F -Italian-French-accordionist-Melbourne

Phil is a superb roving musical entertainer. His repertoire is huge taking any requests and singing in 15 languages. His accordion is perfect for roving as the sound   floats into the   distance. Philippe has a great ability to make people laugh, dance and sing along and create general merriment. With European ,ballads and popular, Phil specialises in French and Italian music. He   has played festivals, restaraunts and shopping centresand many school shows .He has done 5 series on SBS-TV with Gabriel Gate on Tour. Fantastique!

View play list

phillippe-accordionist

phillippe-french-accordionist

 

world 221A -French-Melbourne

TAKE A TRIP through the golden age of French musette, swing jazz and chanson with the Melbourne based trio an ensemble specialising in the music of Paris from the 1920s to 50s.

BE ENCHANTED by the romantic sounds of the accordion, accompanied by a strong rhythmic pulse from the guitar, and anchored by double bass. Vocals are performed mostly in French. From the traditional waltz through to tango, gypsy swing and chanson (popular French song), this is music to inspire dancing and reminiscing

listen

video

belle-musette

Scottish 335A-Melbourne

Recognised as Australia’s premier “Celtic” rock band due to The rapport the band form with any audience and their unquenchable desire to deliver the “traditional” Celtic musical experience, has placed them at the top of the Gaelic music genre in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

This is a powerful band that skilfully ignites the full-force of the Celtic sound.

From the penetrating beats of the bohdrahn in the battle songs of the Jacobite rebellion to the hypnotising drone of the pipes in the evocative love ballads of Scotland and Ireland, the audience is conquered by the most fiery and delicate textures of Celtic music.

This accompanied by the outrageous antics of the band’s frontman sees audiences singing to every chorus and subsequently enquiring as to where they are performing next.

The bands reputation as outstanding entertainers has led them to perform at Festival Interceltique De Lorient France a number of times over the past few years. the band has also performed internationally in New York, Scotland, New Zealand, and locally in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth and Tasmania. The band have been regular guests at Australian showcases like the National Celtic Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Queenscliffe Music Festival, Big Blues Day Out, Perth International Arts Festival, Brunswick Music Festival and have made many live radio and television appearances in Australia and overseas.

With a mixture of traditional Scottish and Irish music and modern self penned celtic rock the band represents the best of new age Folk Music. Through a diverse and unique mix of sound’s featuring guitar, mandolin, fiddle, military snare, the highland bagpipes and even a didgeridoo, it is little wonder the band are one of Australia’s most popular festival acts.

listen

listen

claymore

claymore

 

 

 

 

Country 340AA-Melbourne

Our music is based on Negro music from the 20's and 30's, with influences from the goodtime blues era, early Jazz classics, and Hillbilly music.

3 piece band Multiple instruments With Washboard, Ukulele, Dobro, Mandolin, Harmonica, Bass and Guitars the sound is uplifting and highly rythmic - music to put a smile on your face.

Song list

Listen

Listen

listen

mamas-mountain-jug

World 431C -Melbourne

Australia’s ukulele virtuoso, guitarist and singer A.J. and cellist Jenny perform classic material from the 1920’s and 30’s through to the 21 st century.

or band 431D

The quartet version includes Dave on vocals, guitar, ukulele and Wendy on vocals, accordion, violin and percussion. From the Ukulele Picnic of Hawaii to the inaugural Melbourne Ukulele Festival to corporate events, weddings and wineries, the band has charmed audiences with their evocative and captivating performances.

Listen

Listen

song list

 

 

aj-tropical-lounge431A

431B

world 111E-Gypsy -European-Melbourne

A range of swinging Jazz and latin songs, tantalizing Gypsy melodies and European cafe favorites from a blend of charming vocals, dancing tunes and infectious rhythms.

tunes from Russia, France, Italy, Klezmer and Tango.

world 111F-serenading-European-Melbourne

The group are as experienced at concerts as at the European art form of serenading at tables and taking requests as well as creating an atmosphere in a street festival.

Ernie specializes in Jewish music and Phil specializes in Middle-Eastern music. They have worked together with theatre and dance events for Russian, Armenian, Jewish, Turkish, French and Italian and other productions and communities, as well as parties and weddings.

tunes from Russia, France, Italy, Klezmer, Jazz , Classical,and Tango.

video

World 111G-Jewish-Melbourne

A world music festival & concert band, inspired by Eastern European Jewish traditional celebration and dance music.

The band also creates infectious and soulful fusions of klezmer with gypsy, jazz and eastern music.

World 111H-Greek-Melbourne

An invigorating ensemble whose performances take the audience on an uplifting and mesmerizing journey through Greek and Sephardic traditions

World 111J-Middle Eastern-Melbourne

An exciting 6 piece band bringing the traditional music and dance of the Middle east to life with their own East meets west flavour.

 

 

 

flirting-mazurkas111E

bohemian-nights111F

 

klezmetris 111G

melisma111H

yalla111J

World 285B-folk-dance calling-Melbourne

A Dance & Song group performing traditional and contemporary folk music from around the world. A major part of Bobsy-Die's attraction is the friendly and fun filled approach to their music and especially their dance calling. Teaching traditional folk dancing and getting everyone involved in having a good time. The band have performed for audiences of over 20,000 at the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne to private parties for Mohammad Ali & Madonna, schools, Moomba, Festivals, Royal Melbourne Show, Tourism Victoria, Cultural tours of Bulgaria, corporate functions, exhibitions, clubs almost anything and everywhere imaginable.

bobsy-die

World 460B -NSW

An Aboriginal dance display group from Albury.

Wiradjuri-Echoes

World 468AA-French-Melbourne

Cathryn is also an accomplished piano-accordionist and has spent the last ten years building her improvisational skills in Perth and then in Melbourne, on both piano-accordion and viola.She has spent the last two years studying jazz and improvisation on the accordion and playing with numerous bands - thus becoming immersed in various forms of folk, jazz and rock. french a specialty

 

cathryn-kohn

World 469AA-sea shanties -Melbourne

Violin – Guitar – Percussion.

Melding musical styles from the seven seas, The band deliver an eclectic mix of songs that create an ambience to compliment any oceanic event. Specialising in Celtic music and Sea Shanties, this versatile and visual trio produce a performance that appeals to all generations and nationalities making them suitable for any event or public appearance.

Vocal or Instrumental, Roaming or Stage show, Acoustic or Amplified, In Pirate costume or more refined

An act that can definitely adapt to any clients’ request

Dressed as pirates or for formal occasions attire to suit.

all original music

Listen to audio

three-Fat-pirates

World 470AA-irish-Melbourne

The band blends traditional Irish music with strong dance-beat rhythms to create tunes which get hands clapping and feet dancing. This group is well known in “Irish pubs” around Victoria, and at festivals including Port Fairy, Koroit, Gippsland and Geelong. They’ve also recorded 4 popular CDs.

The distinctive sound is based around the superb fiddle and tin whistle of Emily and Pat , layers of electric and acoustic guitar from Neil and Sheridan and a powerful rhythm section of Graeme (bass) and Alan Sudweeks (drums). Graeme also plays the highland pipes! All this is combined with fine vocal work from the whole band

Listen

Listen to

donegal-express

World 471AA -Melbourne

The band do their own take on traditional celtic folk songs to the more contemporary styles of the progues the boys create an energy that is real and some what infectious to the ear and feet.

the-beguinness

World 472D-German Band-Sydney

A leading group of talented musicians who have played at the famous Fairfield Octoberfest Weekend Celebrations and The Löwenbräu Keller in The Rocks, Sydney.
They capture the authentic and energetic brass sounds of a Munich Octoberfest Oom Pah Pah Band.
.Dressed in Traditional Lederhosen...Bring to you … Famous Drinking songs, marches, polkas, and other international favourites. Fun and gusto brought straight to you, right here in Australia

World 472DD-Oktoberfest Floorshow-NSW

Now you can experience all the fun, music and dancing of a Munich OKTOBERFEST, anytime of the year, right here in Australia.
Featuring: the versatile and exciting voice of German born, Brunie (who acquired the Irish name from her Australian marriage). Showcasing Marlene Dietrich and German drinking songs.
With 6 dancers enthralling you with their hilarious slap dancing, and wood chopping routines.
Ross a brilliant international accordionist. Presenting show-stopping solos. Combining synthesizer and traditional German accordion sounds.
• The OOM - PAH - PAH, is provided by 3 superb musicians,
• Trumpet /Trombone
• Tuba
• Drums

baviarian-kaberet

World 473A -NSW

The floorshow is a scintillating, interactive stage production, suitable for all events, be it corporate, festival or private.

Four beautifully costumed musicians combine dance, circus skills and character performance with virtuoso musical talent, transporting the audience from the intimacy of a Parisian cafe, to a tango dance hall, to a Cairo night club, in a celebration of love, passion and humour.

Nifty costume changes, a bunch of tricks and splendid props, make for a show which is lots of fun. The audience is invited to play!

Meet the sweet and sultry clarinettist who performs dare devil acts of fire eating, fire fakir and fire twirling. The dancing showgirl who flirts with her feather fans and belly dance routines, before joining the band with dynamic drumming. The dashing violinist, playing amongst the crowd, drawing the ladies into the romance behind his bow, and the cool charm of the piano accordionist, driving the music and it's exciting gypsy burlesque sound, with a range of tunes, such as the tango 'Boulevarde of Broken dreams', the exotic 'Miserlou', and the rousing Brahms 'Hungarian Dance'.

Adaptable show length 20 - 40 mins.

view video

 

kush-kabaret

kush-cabaret

kush-kabaret

   
   

Diligaff-Ballarat-Vic

Dilligaff perform Celtic and Irish tunes with some country, Rock N roll and 70-80's covers.

can also perform as a duo

 

 

dillagaff

La Compania-Melbourne

La Compañia is a unique Australian ensemble, performing a rarely-heard repertoire on historically important instruments, to form a consort rich in possibilities.

An instrumental line up of winds, strings, brass and percussion, presented with voice allows for exciting sound combinations reflecting the various instrumental groupings of the period. The group follows the sixteenth century performance practice of ornamentation, diminution and embellishment.

The ensemble comprises leading early music specialists who share a passion for and commitment to music performance. Their vibrant musicianship combined with their improvisatory skills has established La Compañia's reputation with both audiences and critics for presenting innovative programs and dynamic performances.

The 5 piece ensemble consists of cornetto, shawm, sackbuts & percussion

la-compania

la-compania

costumed

 

Takin Time-West Gippsland-Vic

Music for dancing! Music with style! Ballads, Country, Folk and Pop. Takin Time play dinner-concert style music with a mix of well known up-tempo Irish songs and ballads.

Listen to Takin Time

Listen to Takin Time

song list

takin-time

King Marong and Afro Mandinko-Melbourne

8-10 piece contemporary West African dance band

Experience the high energy grooves and funky afro moves of this is world inspired Afrobeat explosion!

Master percussionist King Marong and his band Afro Mandinko deliver a breath of fresh air into the Australian African/World music scene with their original cross genre style and dynamic stage presence. Fusing the centuries old traditions of West Africa with the contemporary sounds of  Western styles, this energetic ensemble create a vibrant blend of irresistible dance music. With elements of Afro beat, funk, reggae and jazz it’s a modern mix, underpinned by the deep roots of the traditional rhythms and melodies of Kings Mandinkan heritage. This is an audio-visual feast that no one should resist! 

King Marong has been working with this group of Melbourne’s premier musicians for some time now playing and arranging the traditional songs of the Gambia with a contemporary feel.  The genre has been described as “afrobeat-jazz-funk-reggae-fusion” and is accompanied by a dancer during live performance to further convey the message of the music and maintain its cultural authenticity.

Listen to King Marong and Afro Mandinka
 

Afro Mandinko are……

King Marong : lead vox and djembe Kuukua Ackua : vox and dance

Michael Havir : keyboard Richie Brain : lead guitar

Conrad Henderson : base guitar Paul Holleman : sax

David Joseph : kit drums Beck Matthews : kora (African harp), kamelngoni (hunters harp) trumpet and vox

King-Marong-Afro-Mandinko

king-marong King Marong

 

Ukrainian Cossack Dancers-Melbourne

has a dedicated design team which devote many hours researching, designing and looking for materials, paying particular attention to the authenticity of the costumes. Since the Ensemble's inception numerous costumes from many different regions of Ukraine (for various age groups) have been designed

to become the largest Ukrainian Folk Dancing Ensemble in Australia, and tour Internationally regulary. The Ensemble developed a rich repertoire of dances from various regions of Ukraine and the variety of costumes that accompany these dances.

View Video

verchovyna

verchovyna

Gonebanda-Melbourne

Gonebanda is a new and unique voice in the Australian music scene. Drawing from the Folk style of Banda, which is a 150 year old Italian tradition encompassing brass music, folk songs and opera. Gonebanda adds to this mix, improvisation, reinterpretations of Italian Classic's and original compositions that celebrate the spirit of community music

Featuring Kavisha Mazzella (vocals, accordion, mandolin, tambourine and guitar) Kavisha is along time exponent of Italian folk music through her choir ” La Voce Della Luna” and as a solo performer at major Australian and international music festivals.

Three of Melbourne’s most experienced and eclectic jazz musicians Gianni Marinucci (trumpet) Howard Cairns (acoustic bass, sousaphone, euphonium) Ronny Ferella (drums, melodica) will play alongside Kavisha to create this wonderful Melbourne ensemble, Gonebanda. The evening will concluded with a series of frenetic tarantellas, Mazzella chastising us for sitting in our chairs “like eggs” inviting us to dance our woes away, as she and her musical tarantati evoked a culture in which music can still heal the body, soothe the soul and put an exuberant spring in one’s step.

gonebanda

Eurotramp-NSW

Eurotramp is a collective of musicians, who draw on a wealth of different musical genres. From French to Italian , from Tangos to Hungarian Csardases , they serve up a musical feast.
World music lovers from all cultural backgrounds will be inspired and impressed.

eurotramp

Melbourne Mandolin Orchestra-Melbourne

The Melbourne Mandolin Orchestra is an ensemble of 25 professional and dedicated amateur musicians who perform an electric array of music for mandolins, mandolas, mandocellos, classical guitars and double bass.

melbourne-mandolin-orchestra

The Woohoo Revue-Melbourne

The Woohoo Revue combine old world charm with new world excitement. Their original take on traditional Gypsy tunes is guarenteed to get any party started and keep it going until the dancers can dance no more. Melodies twirl between the trumpet, sax and violin. Dance inspiring rhythms bound and leap between the drums, electric bass and guitar. With stage presence overflowing with vitality and fun, The Woohoo revue capture hearts and minds and dancing feet wherever they go. The music is undeniably ‘gypsy’, with scorching Balkan melodies played over relentlessly tight and funky rhythms. According to Beat Magazine the sound of the band ‘reflects the unique experience of a ‘gypsy’ band raised on Melbourne dance-floors’.

Listen to Woohoo Revue

view play list

whoohoo-revue

Ellen Hundley Duo-Melbourne

Ellen Hundley and Bill Desailly play music from the old and new worlds, on a variety of instruments. Their repertoire includes many styles including Italian and Spanish Vocals.