World Folk Music

Jugularity Bush Band -Melbourne

Jugularity are a riving roaming or dance bush band, that will have your audience toe tapping all night. Dance callers available.

View Jugularity song list

Claymore Scottish duo-band-Melbourne

Claymore Is recognised as Australia’s premier “Celtic” rock band.

The rapport Claymore 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 Claymore is performing next. Due to this demand from their followers an Internet database has been set up so fans know Claymore's every move.

Claymore's reputation as outstanding entertainers has led them to perform at Festival Interceltique De Lorient France a number of times over the past few years. Claymore 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 Claymore are one of Australia’s most popular festival acts.

listen to Claymore Scottish band

listen to Claymore Scottish Band 2

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

costumed

South Pacific Island-Dancers-Qld

South Pacific Island Dancers cover Tahitian, Cook Island, Samoa, Hawaiian and New Zealand, accompanied by drummers.

Male fire Dancer available as optional extra.

cook Islands

Tahitian

Hawaiian

Wiradjuri Echoes-NSW

Wiradjuri Echoes is an Aboriginal dance display group from Albury.

Mamma Mountains Jug band-Melbourne

Foot-tapping, body-swaying music and banter, that leaves a smile on your face - music your Mama sung to you.
The Jug band with no jug, and no Mama. A 3 piece band, featuring 12 instruments multi-part harmonies, and a good-time feel.

Mama’s Mountain Jug Band plays a mixture of back to roots music, old Hillbilly songs, Jug band gems, Hokum, Jazz, Blues, and that dash of Barbershop Harmonies.

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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

Ron Sudden-Melbourne

Ron Sudden has been entertaining and playing keyboard for many years and with his Scottish background is sought after for Scottish functions. He can also play all the new vogue dances.

Playing organ and keys Ron Sudden sings all your favorite sing a long tunes from War years up to the ditty jingles of today with a touch of comedy thrown in.

Captain Darling-Melbourne

Captain Darling perform choice traditional and Contemporary original Celtic music with a fresh and creative approach.using Funk, dance and ambient tools. Instruments featured are flutes, whistles, bodhran, violin, tenor sax, guitar.

Listen to Captain Darling

Bobsy Die-Bush-Melbourne

Bobsy-Die originated in the late 1970's formed by Graeme Akers as a fun Good Time Folk Music, 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. Bobsy Die 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.

Ukrainian Cossack Dancers-Melbourne

Verchovyna 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

Verchovyna 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.

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Kalinka Russian Dancers-Melbourne

Kalinka delights Australian audiences with vibrant and exhilarating performances of russian dance. Our repertoire includes dances from Russia and also from the republics of the former Soviet Union. The group performs at many festivals, private functions and cultural events throughout the year.

Sporting Paddy-Melbourne

Sporting Paddy is a lively Celtic trio playing Irish, Scottish and contemporary songs and tunes. Great easy listening or dancing music.

Listen to Sporting Paddy

Listen to sporting paddy

Paddy O'Dowd-Melbourne

Paddy O'Dowd sings and plays his variety of music. Celtic songs, Jigs, Theatre hits and floor shows. Paddy O'Dowd plays a variety of instruments Clarinet, sax, keyboards, guitar, tin whistle, flute and Bodhran.

Listen to Paddy Odowd

Shenanigans Bush Band-Melbourne

Shenannigans Bush band can play all your favourite bush songs and dances and call them as well.

For variety Shenannigans can also play cover music.

View Shenannigans cover songlist

Listen to shenanigans

Listen to Shenanigans Bush band

Listen to cover music

Aloha Polynesia-Qld

Aloha Polynesia cover Cook Island, hawaiian, and Tahitian. Can have drummers, ukele and bass also Fire Dancers optional.

BAVARIAN KABARET FEST-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 RILEY (who acquired the Irish name from her Australian marriage). Showcasing Marlene Dietrich and German drinking songs.
The ENZIAN DANCERS (6 DANCERS), enthralling you with their hilarious slap dancing, and wood chopping routines.
ROSS MAIO, 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

The Kush Cabaret-NSW

The Kush cabaret show 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.

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Bossa Negra-Brazilian-Melbourne

Since its formation in 2006 and with numerous Australian and International appearances, Bossa Negra has now expanded to a 20 piece format complete with Brazilian dancers and a samba school (Brazilian percussion ensemble).
 
With this new line up, Bossa Negra can tailor its performances to suit every occasion from a full on fast paced dance band & floorshow suitable for concerts, festivals or dance venues. In addition to the full blast dance format, they can also supply a sublime unobtrusive background over which any corporate function or event can flow.  
 
Made up of the best musicians in Australia and abroad, “Bossa Negra” draws emphasis on repertoire diversity within the boundaries of the many musical styles of Brazil.
 
Bossa Negra are available in the following formats:

20 Piece band with Brazilian dancers & percussion ensemble
Vocals, Saxophone, Bass, Drums, Guitar, piano, Brazilian percussion x 2
1 or more dancers
12 piece samba school (percussion ensemble) - expandable on request

8 Piece with vocals
Vocals, Saxophone, Bass, Drums, Guitar, piano, Brazilian percussion x 2
 
7 Piece with vocals
Vocals, Saxophone, Bass, Drums, Guitar, percussion x 2

Sextet with vocals
Vocals, drums, bass, guitar, saxophone, percussion

Quintet with vocals
Vocals, drums, bass, guitar, saxophone
 
Quartet (Vocals/Instrumental)
Drums, bass, guitar, saxophone or vocals
 
Trio (Vocals/Instrumental)
Vocals/Saxophone, Bass, Guitar/Piano or Drums, Bass & Piano
 
Duo (Vocals/Instrumental)
Guitar, saxophone or vocals
 
ROAMING Duo & Trio (Instrumental)
Duo - Guitar, saxophone / Trio - Brazilian Tambourine, Guitar, saxophone

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Belle Musette-French-Melbourne

TAKE A TRIP through the golden age of French musette, swing jazz and chanson with the Melbourne based trio Belle Musette, 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

Cyril and Andy-duo-Melbourne

Cyril Moran and Andy Cooper 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 Cooper 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 to Cyril and Andy

Listen to Andy fiddle

View Cyril and Andys cover song list

The Bush Remnants-Melbourne

Sing along to the songs that everyone knows. Bush ballads, shearing songs, convict tunes, sea shanties, gold rush favourites and swaggies songs.

Leo  Dale  -  Baritone Saxophone
Andy Reid - Vocals and Washboard
Dave Evans - Accordion and Vocals

Donegal Express-Melbourne

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

Listen to Donegal Express

Listen to Donegal Express-2

The Beguinness-Melbourne

Beguinness 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 somewhat infectious to the ear and feet.

Beat Around The Bush band-Melbourne

Beat Around The Bush can be up to a 6 piece band with music ranging from Celtic tunes to Aussie bush ballads and bush Dances.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Flirting Mazurkas-Gypsy-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.

Jugularity-Melbourne

Bohemian Nights-roaming musicians-Melbourne

Bohemian Nights 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.

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

Filippo- Italian-French- roaming singer-Melbourne

Filippo plays fisarmonica(accordian) and sings canzones and plays the dances of Italy. Filippo roves through the crowd getting people to join in and also has a rhythm backing and amplifier for dancing etc.

Stiletto Sisters-Melbourne

Ernie Gruner-roaming Fiddler-Melbourne

Ernie will roam you cafe, Bistro or function playing Fiddle with pseudo-vocal.