| The Cygnet Folk Festival, one of Australia’s most iconic folk music festivals, has been running since 1982, and continues to be a highly sought-after event for performers and festival-goers alike. Known for its eclectic blend of music, dance, poetry, film, and arts, the Festival showcases both local and international talent. Set in the breathtaking Huon Valley in Tasmania, it attracts thousands of visitors each year, offering a rich cultural experience with music, food, wine, and local crafts. The Festival also serves as a platform for young musicians and local businesses, creating a community event that fosters new friendships and opportunities. Clarence City Council is proud to once again be partnering with the Cygnet Folk Festival to offer a very special run of concerts in Rosny Barn with a curated lineup of interstate and international folk festival performers: Austral – 9 January @ 7pm Winners of the Traditional Folk Album of the Year at the Australian Folk Music Awards for their debut album ‘Thylacine’ and nominated for a Music Victoria Award, Austral are a fully-charged, four-piece Australian tunes band combining didgeridoo, Irish pipes, high energy fiddling, journeying songs and energetic foot percussion. Shark and Fox – 10 January @ 7pm Propelled by accordion pumping through the subs, twanging gourd banjo licks on a fretless children’s Stratocaster, vintage synths controlled by a violin, and an Argentinian Bombo fashioned into a drum kit, “Shark & Fox” hide their toughest questions inside a pile of murder ballads, moving sideways through traditions, in search of the shortcut to your heart. Mimi O’Bonsawin – 13 January @ 6.30pm Mimi O’Bonsawin is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter born in Northeastern Ontario and is mixed French Canadian & Abénaki,a member of Odanak First-Nation. Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi’s music embraces the beauty of The Land. The ethereal quality of her music whisks you away with uplifting melodies and introspective lyrics that weave pop sensibilities with acoustic instruments. The layers of percussion and surprising harmonies make you feel the music, rather than just hear it. Stiff Gins – 14 January @ 7pm Stiff Gins, the dynamic musical duo comprising the talents of Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta woman Kaleena Briggs and Yuwaalaraay woman Nardi Simpson, are marking a significant milestone in 2025 as they celebrate twenty-five years of harmonious and culturally resonant music-making. Renowned as Australia’s foremost and longest-performing all-Indigenous female group, Stiff Gins have transcended borders and captivated audiences on a global scale, from the vibrant stages of the US, Canada, UK, Asia, to the heart of Africa. |
