24/07/2026
đź“Ł FIRST LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT
We are so thrilled to share with you our first round of incredible performing artists for The River Folk Festival 2026!
StiffGins
The acclaimed duo of Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta woman Kaleena Briggs and Yuwaalaraay woman Nardi Simpson are Stiff Gins. With more than two decades of music making they are Australia’s longest performing Indigenous female group and stand as matriarchal pioneers in the Australian Blak music scene.
Homebru
Siblings from lutruwita/Tasmania, Homebru are known for their intricate compositions, fiery improvisation, driving rhythm and infectious spirit. A unique blend of contemporary celtic folk, Homebru are rising stars of the Australia folk music scene.
Noriko Tadano
Award-winning virtuoso of the Japanese shamisen and traditional Japanese vocalist, Noriko Tadano regularly performs internationally. A culturally diverse female musician and performer, Noriko strives to empower and encourage women by making art that inspires and connects, while also showcasing the beauty of difference.
Ernest Aines
Ernest Aines is a multi-award-winning Australian singer-songwriter whose songs blend folk, indie and alternative influences with poetic lyricism, intricate guitar work and a voice that has been known to make rooms fall completely silent — in the best possible way.
Calabash
Calabash is a dynamic ensemble of four exceptional West African musicians from Mali, Gambia and Ghana, bringing together centuries of musical tradition in a vibrant and deeply rhythmic performance. Blending the soaring melodies of the kora, the earthy pulse of the guitar, the shimmering tones of the balafon and the driving heartbeat of the calabash drum, the group creates music that is both ancient and contemporary.
The Lost Clog
Award winning act The Lost Clog are a ten-piece folk ensemble made up of the offspring of WW2 refugees. Featured on TV, festivals, feature films, and concerts around Australia and three tours of Lithuania, they sing Lithuanian folk music passed through families. Songs celebrating harvest, the joy of beer, disappointment of marriage, geese, lazy cows, beautiful lakes, inconvenient streams, drunken sparrows and grandma’s pancakes.
Saije
Saije is an award-winning, indie-folk duo whose soulful harmonies, dynamic guitar-lines and driving foot-drums breathe life into heartfelt stories. Their songwriting is crafted from the depths and through multitasking-techniques, the pair create an epic, full-bodied sound enriched by flavours from their worldwide travels.
Felicity Dowd Music
A modern-day troubadour and storyteller, Felicity Dowd, is Australia’s most captivating emerging singer-songwriter making waves throughout the Folk and Americana music scenes! She has become renowned for her award-winning songwriting, meaningful performances and incredible musicality.
Corn Nut Creek
Corn Nut Creek are storytellers crafting moving songs that weave Appalachian traditions with a distinctive chamber-folk sound. Rich vocal harmonies, clawhammer banjo, and lilting fiddle underpin songs that honour sisterhood and deep connections to the natural world.
We'll also be welcoming back the spectacle of Stringmania camp Orchestra, as well as another show-stopping edition of River Folk Restrung with Mickey & Michelle - but we'll save those details for another day!
BOOK NOW: Last minute Early Bird Tickets
https://yarraranges.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/165176
