Once again nestling in the picturesque surrounds of Warburton in Victoria's Yarra Valley, The River Folk Festival returns for its fourth instalment early December.
A gathering of some of Australia's finest jazz, roots, country and folk artists and bands, The River Folk Festival will be staged at various venues headlined by folk sister duo The Maes, who have graced stages at Edmonton Folk Festival in Canada as well as Woodford Folk Festival and WOMADelaide. They have also won Best Folk/Roots Album Of The Year multiple times at Music Victoria Awards.The recipient of the MAV Diaspora Award at the 2022 Music Victoria Awards, Melbourne-based Solomon Islands singer and musician Charles Maimarosia joins the River Folk bill as does folk-Americana singer-songwriter John Flanagan, whose 2023 album 'Manhood Method Actor' has been shortlisted for the Grammy Awards (Best Americana Album) thanks to Folk Alliance International.
"Can't wait to play The River Folk Festival in December," shares Flanagan. "I'll be there with my four-piece band. Nice surprise to see The Maes [on the line-up]. I don't think we've been on the same festival bill since pre-COVID. Can't wait."
Self-described as West Preston's best dressed dance band, Gusto Gusto are a seven-piece group who play loud, happy music as showcased on their recently released second EP 'Secret Dance Party' – Gusto Gusto were also a finalist for 2023 Australian Folk Music Awards' Artist Of The Year.
A band whose music has been described as 'chamber-folk-meets-post-rock', The Good Behaviours are led by jazz musician and clawhammer aficionado Nick Henderson. The band return to Warburton after playing the 2022 River Folk event.
A harp-violin duo, Mickey & Michelle blend contemporary folk and jazz tones with original Celtic music to create a 'chamber-folk tapestry'. Great Aunt are starting to generate a buzz thanks to their music that combines Americana, folk, bluegrass and gospel – you'll feel like you've entered a speakeasy or landed in a southern church.
A member of River Folk alumni Cigany Weaver, Jo Davie joins the line-up having supported ARIA-winning artist Katie Noonan as well as playing Sydney Festival, Darwin Festival and Bleach Festival earlier this year.
The rest of the bill features award-winning, indie folk duo Saije (who are fresh from a 43-date Europe-UK tour), emerging artist Isabel Rumble (who was nominated for Contemporary Folk Album Of The Year at Folk Alliance Australia's 2023 awards), and Emily-Rose Sarkova an ARIA-nominated artist who is a member of The Good Behaviours (as well as Chaika).
Tickets are on sale.
The River Folk Festival takes place at various locations in Warburton (Yarra Valley) 1-3 December.
The River Folk Festival 2023 Line-up
The MaesCharles Maimarosia
John Flanagan
Gusto Gusto
The Good Behaviours
Mickey & Michelle
Great Aunt
Jo Davie
Emily-Rose Sarkova
Saije
Apolline
Isabel Rumble
The River Folk Festival 2023 is made possible by the generous support of Yarra Ranges Council, the Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction, and numerous Yarra Valley local business sponsors.
