Folk Festival makes January comeback

Fans both ardent and casual will be thrilled. Not just because the Illawarra Folk Festival has announced its 2023 line-up, but that the event which has got our toes tapping for nearly 40 years is happening at all.

As with much in the artistic world, the bash has been in mothballs since 2020, and audiences are expected to raise the roof with whoops of delight that will be just that little more heartfelt.

“Relief is what I’ve been hearing, giving way to excitement,” said new festival director Cody Munro Moore.

Rekindling the event has taken a mighty push, Cody said.

“It is a volunteer-run festival, meaning thousands of hours have to be put in to even get it this far. I am immensely proud of this year’s line-up and I think people are going to have an amazing time.”

Sixty-four acts will light up five stages across three days from January 20, and Illawarra artists are again a major focal point and drawcard for local supporters, while acts from elsewhere also play a large part in creating the festival’s sense of occasion.

The line-up again reinforces what followers have long known – that folk is an incredibly broad spectrum of musical expression, with shades including world, indie, roots, Celtic, Balkan and bluegrass among those to get an airing.

Illawarra acts include Luke Spook and his psychedelia-flavoured sounds, and high-achievers Shining Bird who, having honed their craft for a decade and supported rock legends such as Midnight Oil, will be among the bigger drawcards.

The harmony-laden Dear Violet – a Wollongong trio whose roots go back to their high school days and who list The Andrew Sisters and Dixie Chicks among their influences – graduate from the 2020 youth program to the main listing.

Festival and school fete stalwarts Cinnamon Twist Belly Dance will bring traditional sounds and moves of the Middle East to Bulli Showground.

Thirroul singer-songwriter Kay Proudlove has brought her growing experience to the organising table, which she has shared with long-time director David De Santi.

Some of the international acts will be fresh from Queensland’s Woodford Folk Festival, De Santi said.

“We also have acts from throughout Australia – from Ajak Kwai from Melbourne (via Sudan), Tasmania’s Wallaby Track Bush Band to The Papercollar Pickers from WA and fabulous Queensland band Cigany Weaver,” he said.

The full list of local acts also includes Az-I-Am, Black Joak Morris, Carefree Road Band, Combined Union Choirs, Curious Rendition Orchestra, Dru Yoga,  Fiddledance, Friends of Steve, Gobsmacked!, Kenny Bartley and the Midnight Feast, Mally Moo’s Music, Maurie Mulheron & Pat Craigie, Maypole with Molly, Meridian, Mother Banshee, Nikriann, Peter Mace, Peter Willey, Robyn Sykes, Rusty & The Saint, Sapling Sessions Bush Music Club, Steampunk Vagabonds, Stonybroke, Storybeats, Super Kenny, The Con Artists, The Femme Fatales, The Other Noonans, The Swingaleles, Tribal Jewels Dance Co and Zlatkos Balkan Cabaret.

The 36th Illawarra Folk Festival is scheduled for 20-22 January 2023.

The full program and information on volunteering and tickets can be viewed at www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au