Kitty and the Bobcats are a three-piece band based in Canberra and Melbourne that play traditional and original songs and tunes predominantly in the style of Old Time American music, with the odd foray into bluegrass and the blues. Rob Mahony (fiddle), Peggy Daroesman (guitar and vocals) and Bob Hefner (banjo and vocals) bring many years of playing with other bands, past and present, to the mix. They aim for a high-energy synthesis of the styles they enjoy, and the result is a lively, toe-tapping and listener-friendly experience, leavened at times by poignant ballads featuring beautiful vocal and instrumental harmonies.
The prestigious Melbourne newspaper, “The Age”, has declared Nick Charles as “Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic roots guitar” and Artstreams Magazine states emphatically he is “the best picker on the scene”. His musical influences are many and varied and include the seminal blues of Big Bill Broonzy and Blind Blake, the countrified picking of Doc Watson and Merle Travis and the infectious swing and melody of Django. Nick has been a performing and touring acoustic musician for over 25 years on the Australian and international acoustic music scene. Averaging over 200 shows a year from Perth to Sydney and LA to Kansas City - including many major guitar, folk, blues and jazz festivals - the eclectic nature of Nick’s music continues to delight and captivate his audiences .
Zoe Elliot is a young singer songwriter who is becoming a regular appearance at venues across Sydney (and now Canberra). Her fresh, charismatic and emotional performances have already built her a loyal following. As a solo artist she plays acoustic guitar and her music ranges from fun and rhythmic to soulful, reflective, and at times, quirky. Her voice has a unique, melting tone which is known to quieten the local pub. However, there is plenty of voice for her bigger bluesy songs. She has the ability to get the crowd clapping and singing along, yet also able to captivate them with heart reaching story telling through songs that are melodic, insightful and full of imagery.
Green Mohair Suits – Born from a love for sweet harmony and miserable lyrics, The Green Mohair Suits have grown from a duo into a six piece ensemble over the past four years. In the tradition of old time mountain string bands the current line-up includes Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Lapsteel, Upright Bass, and Accordian. While influenced by bluegrass, folk, and country, The Green Mohair Suits have developed their own brand of Australiana. Gram Parsons once described his songs as “Cosmic American Music”, and in a nod to their name-sake The Green Mohair Suits give you Cosmic Australian Music. Their debut album “A Heathen Hymn Book” was released in April 2009. 12 Tales of love, woe and drinking. Of course. The current members of the band Brian Campeau, Richie Cuthbert, Mikey Floyd, Jason Mannell, Ben Romalis, Elana Stone.
Phil Bracken – Like him, Phillip Brackens music is nomadic in spirit. An obvious dreamer, he expresses a curious nature within his tunes. With a unique and warm voice and rhythms that are calm yet intense and hypnotic at the same time, his music is at once powerful and absorbing.
Gilbert Whyte – Gilbert Whyte is a Scottish songwriter who has drawn a performance style out of both traditional and contemporary folk and blues. Fingerpicking his way about Australia with a guitar in one hand and a banjo in the other, Gilbert is a relentless travelling musician. His rambling storytelling songs are earning him a reputation for musicianship and heartfelt performance wherever he goes.