Australia's premiere destination for all things folk for more than half a century, the National Folk Festival have released a teaser of their 2019 line-up today revealing six acts who'll be part of the event's 52nd edition (which also makes it the longest running festival of its kind in Australia).
Set to return to Canberra over the Easter long weekend, 18-22 April, folk aficionados can expect to hear the wonderful sounds of Irish born Canadian Irish Mythen, who is fast becoming an adopted Aussie, Scottish Celtic-rockers Manran, and third-generation singer-songwriter Lucy Wise.
Australiana favourites for over 20 years Penny Davies & Roger Ilott are also part of the first teaser of acts, as are the 'best a cappella comic trio in the country' The Ballpoint Penguins and popular Canberran bluegrass outfit Black Mountain String Band.
Penny Davies & Roger Ilott
"We are very excited to launch 2019's programme with these phenomenal festival favourites," National Folk Festival director, Pam Merrigan says.
"The National is a world-class event where performers, music lovers and volunteers come together year-on-year to discover, share and engage in the exciting world of folk."
The 2019 event will feature 750 shows throughout 20 venues over its 5 days, plus a kids festival, themed bars, food and market stalls, roving entertainment and an engaging, multi-discipline arts programme.
There's little wonder why the National Folk Festival is such a success story. "Folk culture is so much more than what people often think it to be," adds Pam.
"Folk music touches on a full spectrum of genres from roots, acoustic and world to bluegrass, trad, country, rock and blues.
"The arts component has people engaged in spoken word, dancing, craft, music workshops and inspiring installations.
"And combined with the relaxed, community-minded atmosphere, folk festivals are such a positive, enriching alternative to mainstream music culture. That's why they're more popular than ever."
