Lamine Sonko & The African Intelligence

Lamine Band PhotoThis Internationally famous Band is fronted by the charismatic, ‘Lamine Sonko’, one of Australia’s most celebrated African Artists

Praised for his compelling melodies and distinct percussive blend of the traditional and contemporary, Lamine is modernising West African music whist maintaining the essence of ancient sounds and stories.  Through the ‘African Intelligence Band’, Lamine  brings together different styes of Afro-Beat, Afro-Classical Soul, Reggae and Funk. They are Festival favourites Internationally.
“The terrific Lamine Sonko and The African Intelligence have become firm favourites in the festival-cum-party scene and the reception for their first set at WOMAD this year was little short of ecstatic, with an enormous crowd at the usually-intimate Stage 3 rising as one to their feet for a foot-stomping hour of fun” – THE ADVERTISER.
“A performance brimming with optimism and conviction.” – THE UPSIDE NEWS
“talking drum and virtuosic electric guitar playing…these folks really deliver something special and present it as a circus of dance, song, social comment and superb playing” – BROADWAY WORLD

The Seduceaphones

The SeduceaphonesThe raw energy of Balkan gipsy clubbing

Half a decade ago The Seduceaphones emerged from the Central Victorian bush, going on to hit Melbourne with a show that has never failed to move their crowd in new and unusual ways. Described as ‘wholesome clubbing’ the 9-piece Balkan brass band grapple both the old and new, fusing age-old Yugoslavian trumpet melodies with progressive funk grooves.
The band has been shaking festival stages since 2014, with Moomba Festival, Falls Festival, Rainbow Serpent Festival, Castlemaine State Festival and Bendigo Blues ‘n’ Roots Festival being among the highlights. Their regular dives include some of Melbourne’s biggest venues, from the Night Cat to the Gasometer, the Evelyn Hotel, Bar Open and the Spotted Mallard.

ade ishs & eMotion Band

ade ishs & eMotion BandContemporary jazz pianist ade ishs formed the eMotion Band with the idea of presenting emotive music that speaks directly to the listeners and takes them on a musical journey.

Disgruntled Architect

Disgruntled ArchitectDisgruntled Architect is a band that aims to provide a great time for any audience while delivering unique, modern interpretations of various folk music styles that are as intriguing as they are danceable.

Formed in early 2017, Disgruntled Architect was formed by a few select high school students from Templestowe College in Templestowe Lower, 3107, Melbourne, Victoria, Southern Hemisphere, Earth, the Solar System, Orion Arm, Milky Way Galaxy, Universe 3. The band was a vehicle for extended jams inspired by Indian classical, Afrobeat, Gypsy Jazz, Klezmer, Flamenco and Arabic Folk styles. Eventually, they began to form these jams into compositions that focus on remaining true to the musical traditions of their sonic inspirations while continuing to cultivate their frenetic energy and improvisational quality. One of their first original compositions, Welcome To The Sky was released as a single on April 27, 2018. It perfectly showcases their dedication to an energic and involved performance style, commitment to truthfully conveying the essence of the Flamenco and Arabic styles it took it’s inspiration from, and inherent improvisational and experimental quality.

Sisters and Misters

More details soon.

Jazz Running Wild

More details soon.

Solomon Sisay

Solomon Sisay is a world-class musician who shot to fame after being the chosen saxophone player for Axumite Band, a legendary outfit in Ethiopia. Solomon has since continued his legacy, playing alongside the greats such as Mahmoud Ahmed, Aleymehu Eshete, Ali Bira, Tsegaye Eshetu and with many of the young, up and coming Ethiopian music stars.

In November 2019, Solomon Sisay launched his debut album, Sitota as part of the Due West Arts Festival. The launch was a sell out and the album has become one of the most talked about releases within Ethiopia. Written by Solomon and fellow Ethiopian artist Nhatty Man ናቲ ማን, Sitota (meaning gift in Amharic) is a tribute to the Ethio-Jazz modes endemic to their homeland and is a fitting salute to the saxophone’s role within Ethiopian Jazz.

https://www.facebook.com/solomonsisaysax

https://youtu.be/tVEzFGAyLv4 

https://www.facebook.com/solomonsisaysax/videos/430792784498035/

Geoff Achison Trio

Geoff Achison TrioGeoff Achison is an internationally acclaimed guitarist, vocalist & songwriter from Melbourne AUS.

The group has always had a home in the blues/roots scene but to call it a Blues band or even a Soul outfit (as the name suggests) is a misnomer. Certainly there is blues & soul influence at the core, but like many contemporary roots music acts, the Souldiggers transcend any specific genre.

Sugar Foot Ramblers

Sugar Foot RamblersThe Sugarfoot Ramblers are a group of young musicians from Melbourne who have studied and played contemporary jazz styles, but also share a love of traditional jazz.

After spending time in New Orleans, Travis Woods and Daniel Berry decided to form this band to explore the classic traditional jazz repertoire. The Sugarfoot Ramblers are Travis Woods (trumpet), James Macaulay (trombone), Jon Hunt (clarinet), Matt Hayes (banjo), Jono Brown (bass) and Daniel Berry (drums).

https://www.facebook.com/sugarfootramblers/

The Green Reeds

The Green ReedsThe Green Reeds are a dynamic band with all the energy of a full big band powered by frontline saxes, a killer rhythm section, and vocals by Renee Anderson.

https://www.facebook.com/thegreenreeds/