The second batch of celebrated international artists for Fairbridge Festival 2017 is upon us. Now totalling 15, it’s officially the highest number of acts from foreign shores to grace Fairbridge.
Also of note, two Fairbridge artists have just received nominations for the prestigious BBC Folk Awards: Irish musician, Daoiri Farrell (pictured), had three noms for Best Singer, Horizon Award for Best Newcomer and Best Traditional Track; and Jarlath Henderson, with two nods for Album of the Year and Best Traditional Track.
OI DIPNOI (Italy)
This charming trio of musicians draw deeply from the wells of tradition while creating a new sound full of personality. Watch them perform alongside Francesca Campione, who accompanies with traditional dances.
HIMMERLAND (Denmark)
Fairbridge Festival favourites, this Danish new roots band are a sensation with their constantly evolving repertoire; fusing an amazing number of influences that have seen them play virtually every corner of the globe.
DAOIRI FARRELL (Ireland)
You can’t say more than this: “Daoirí is one of the most important traditional singers to emerge in the last decade,” says leading Irish musician & producer, Dónal Lunny.
HARPETH RISING (USA)
Chamber musicianship woven into folk, newgrass and rock! Yes, we may even get Stairway to Heaven! Three women on cello, viola and banjo who just happen to sing like angels as well.
PRAASHEKH BOKAR QUARTET (India/Australia)
Praashekh Borkar is part of a family musical dynasty from Puna, India where both his father and brother are renowned virtuosi of the sarod – one of India’s most famous string instruments. Praashekh is regarded as one of India’s leading younger-generation musicians and is joined by three of WA’s hottest world music players.
FROMSEIER HOCKING (Denmark)
Lively, impulsive and playful, this duo of fiddle and guitar is full of virtuosity. Old swingy traditional tunes and songs are combined with their own compositions that have won them a number of awards in Denmark.
NEW MACEDON RANGERS (USA/Australia)
Hailing from North Carolina and New South Wales, The New Macedon Rangers are winners of ribbons in fiddle, banjo and folk song contests from top US fiddlers conventions — as well as the mandolin category at the 2015 Australian National Bluegrass Championships.
DE CUBA SON (Cuba/Australia)
Born in Havana, De Cuba Son bassist and singer, Arvis, grew up listening to the sounds of many iconic bands such as Irakere, Buena Vista Social Club and all the Rumba played around his neighbourhood. Joined by Tara Tiba, Glenn and Julius Rogers, they create a fabulous expression of traditional Cuban music.
JACK HARRIS (UK):
Jack Harris’s songs take a compassionate look at things both common and uncommon, and see them differently. Literate, curious songs, often in character and always intriguing. Jack was the youngest ever winner of the Kerrville Folk Festival’s New Folk Award in 2005 (previous winners include Gillian Welch, Devon Sproule and Anais Mitchell).
FAIRBRIDGE FESTIVAL runs April 21 to 24, 2017 at Fairbridge Village. For all details and the complete line up head to: fairbridgefestival.com.au
