Presenting our players and makers for 2026 (listed alphabetically)!
ANDREW ELLIS (AUS)
Andrew Ellis is a master luthier and musician based in Perth, Western Australia. As the founder of Ellis Guitars, Andrew has built instruments for some of rock’s biggest names, including Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Steve Morse (Deep Purple), and Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) – earning him a global reputation for his creations that push the boundaries of traditional guitar making.
With a waitlist stretching years, and guitars shipped to over 50 countries – Ellis Guitars has become synonymous with uncompromising craftsmanship and sonic excellence.
AXIS THREE TRIO (AUS)
The Axis Three Trio comprises Glenn Rogers, Don Candy, and Brendan Biddiss. Three Australian guitarists united by a curiosity for harmony, texture, and expression. Their music inhabits the space where classical precision meets the spontaneity of jazz. Through subtle interplay and open improvisation, they create soundscapes that are at once contemplative and rhythmically alive.
BASSET (CANADA)
Toronto-based folk duo Basset, are full of timeless heart, with deeply human lyrics and stunning duo harmonies reminiscent of the early folk revival. Yasmine Shelton has one of those instantly recognizable voices that can dive, dip and soar all in a single phrase, while Sam Clark brings nuanced and tasteful support on guitar and other acoustic instruments.
“If you’re a lover of great close harmonies, like Simon and Garfunkel or Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, I think you’re going to love this” – Tom Power, CBC Radio
THE COUNTRY BLUES, RAGTIME AND VINTAGE JAZZ ROADSHOW (AUS)
Join The Ragtones and Dave’s Dobro Dream Hour as they traverse muddy Mississippi Delta and Piedmont hill country blues, the back streets of New Orleans and the ink-stained corners of Tin Pan Alley on an historic journey through the interwar music styles that defined 1920s, 30s and 40s America.
Performed with genuine vintage instruments and microphones, the sounds have a rich, authentic texture, taking audiences on a dreamy trip back into the glory days of parlour music, speakeasies and jook joints. Uplifting, toe tapping and redolent with the stories of some beloved and long-lost artists, come ready to dance, swoon and revel with some of WA’s finest exponents of this music.
DAISY TEMPEST (UK/AUS)
Daisy Tempest is a British luthier based in the quiet Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia. She builds one-of-a-kind acoustic guitars under her company, Tempest Guitars, which she founded in 2021 after two luthier taught apprenticeships. Daisy prioritises traditional craftsmanship and holds materials, storytelling, and client experience at the heart of her work.
Her guitars have been featured internationally and acquired by players and collectors around the world. Through her YouTube channel and social media, she shares the craft of lutherie with hundreds of thousands of people, aiming to connect more deeply with others and highlight the extraordinary beauty of making something by hand in an increasingly mechanised age.
“Tempest’s handcrafted instruments are each a work of art” – Financial Times
DANIEL DRIEBERG (AUS)
Daniel Drieberg is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist whose playing spans jazz, classical, folk, world and contemporary styles. A WAAPA graduate and Golden Fiddle Award winner, he brings together violin, mandolin, guitar and voice with a passion for improvisation and cultural exchange. Whether on stage or in the studio, Daniel’s sound is dynamic, collaborative and full of energy.
“Daniel’s versatility and passion for cultural exchange through music has found him to be sought after as a session musician…” – X-Press Magazine
DIALOGIC (AUS)
Dialogic is the collaboration of Zimbabwe-born guitarist Ilan Zagoria and Western Australian reed player and instrument maker Mark Cain. Their music traverses southern African traditions and jazz, creating a sound that is both grounded and exploratory.
Ilan’s intricate guitar and mbira playing reflect his roots in Zimbabwe and South Africa, alongside decades of experience performing with ensembles such as Sundiata Marimba Band and Shangara Jive. Mark Cain brings a lifetime of musical curiosity, shaped by his work with acclaimed groups including Eastwinds, Daramad, and the Praashekh Quartet. Together, Dialogic offers audiences a vibrant, cross-cultural journey – a meeting of rhythm, melody, and improvisation.
DONNY GOODMAN (AUS)
WAM’s 2025 Guitarist of the Year, Donny Goodman (AKA Dan Garner), grew up in the Wheatbelt town of Wyalkatchem before making his home in Perth. A WAAPA‑trained guitarist with a gift for collaboration, he has become a valued presence across the WA scene, performing and recording with ensembles such as the Gemma Farrell Quintet, Queency, and The Artemis Orchestra. At Playmakers, he showcases the expressive, detailed guitar work that has made him one of WA’s standout players.
EDDY & JOSEPHINE JAY (AUS)
Virtuoso accordion player and instrument maker extraordinaire, Eddy Jay, brings storytelling fiddler and film maker, Josephine Jay to the spotlight, celebrating their life less ordinary with a palette of moving music to open hearts and minds. Journey with them through England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, across the globe to a hive of newly-wedded creativity in Western Australia. Soak up a world of sound, as witty medleys of trad and original tunes weave together with heartfelt narrative, to celebrate the personal and universal theme of ‘arrivals’.
FINN PEARSON (AUS)
Finn Pearson is a West Australian singer‑songwriter known for blending heartfelt storytelling with a dynamic mix of folk and indie‑rock. A natural multi‑instrumentalist and energetic performer, he has built a strong presence across WA through constant touring and a growing catalogue of emotionally honest songs. His music explores vulnerability, connection, and the messy parts of growing up, all delivered with a raw sincerity that has become his signature.
FIONA REA & BEESWING (AUS)
Beeswing brings together a handpicked ensemble of outstanding musicians to create a lively, Irish‑folk spectacle full of colour and character. Their performances mix exceptional playing, upbeat energy, and a community spirit that WA audiences can’t seem to get enough of. Featuring Fiona Rea, Brett Hardwick, Val Cutler, Riley Murphy and Marcus Perrozzi.
GALLUS (AUS)
Gallus are a lively Perth‑based ceilidh band bringing the joy of Scottish dance traditions to WA. With driving fiddle tunes, rhythmic backing, and callers who guide each dance, they create an atmosphere where everyone is invited to join in. Their shows are full of energy and laughter, performing a mix of traditional tunes and modern ‘bangers.’ At the festival, Gallus will lead a traditional ceilidh, inviting audiences to step onto the floor and share in the spirit of Scottish tradition. Prepare for flying feet and unstoppable grins!
“There is a new ceilidh sensation taking over the dance floors in Perth – and Australian audiences can’t get enough.” – The Scottish Banter
INGRID RIOLLOT (AUS/ FRANCE)
Ingrid Riollot is a French classical guitarist based in Esperance, known for her refined technique, expressive clarity, and distinctive artistic voice. With performances spanning Europe, Australia, and beyond, she has earned praise for her sensitivity, precision, and elegant interpretations. Her work reflects both deep classical training and a thoughtful, contemporary approach to the guitar.
“An engaged musician who takes her audience from Spain to Australia, from Bach to John Williams, with talent recognized worldwide.” – Les Heures Musicales du Brionnais / Gérard Livet, 2024
LOWRY OLAFSON (CANADA)
Lowry Olafson is a Canadian singer-songwriter whose music blends heartfelt lyrics with intricate fingerstyle guitar. Lowry has spent decades crafting songs that resonate deeply with audiences. His performances feel more like gatherings of friends than concerts, offering an experience that is as authentic as it is unforgettable.
With roots in the Perth folk scene of the early 1980s, and after playing events such as Nannup and Fairbridge Festival in the 1990s, Lowry returns to Western Australia to launch his 10th album, Born for This – marking a full-circle moment in his musical journey.
“So long as Lowry Olafson releases a new CD each year, all is right with the world.” – Jurgen Gothe, CBC Radio
PERTH VIOL CONSORT (AUS)
One of WA’s finest early‑music ensembles, the Perth Viol Consort brings the expressive sound world of Renaissance and Baroque viols to life – guided by specialist musicians including Playmakers 2025 alumnus, Andrew Tait. Formed in 2013 by four passionate Viola da Gamba players, they’ve helped revive a repertoire that lay largely untouched since the time of Purcell (1659–1695). This is early music at its most intimate, elegant, and transporting!
RICCARDO TESI & GIUA (ITALY)
With a stellar career, Riccardo is one of the most respected musicians in the world for his amazing musical compositions but also as a teacher and custodian of many Italian folk music styles. Audiences may remember his visit to WA several years ago with Banditaliana. Riccardo returns in duo form with Giua, a stunning female vocalist and guitarist.
“The recognised master of the diatonic accordion alongside one of the most beautiful voices and expressive guitars in Italian music”– Laura Bianchi
SAVANAH SOLOMON (AUS)
Crowned 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year at the WA Country Music Awards, Savanah Solomon is cementing her status as a rising star in the modern country music scene. From rock to country, Savanah writes songs that bring to life her experiences, with a whole world of hope, heartbreak and healing in her music. Savanah’s music is warm and spacious, giving her room to weave her vocal magic and underscoring her lyricism with melodies and beats that evoke far horizons.
STACEY ANN (AUS)
Dazzling with her honeyed vocals and uplifting presence, Boorloo/Perth artist Stacey Ann is known for her anthemic pop‑soul melodies. Her warmth and raw talent has made her a bright force in the WA music scene, drawing listeners in with sincerity and a quietly powerful charm. For the festival, Stacey is joined by guitarist Finn Pearson, whose dynamic playing adds depth and texture to her radiant sound.
SUD (ITALY/ AUS)
SUD blends music from Italy to South America, taking the audience to an exciting musical journey. Emiliano Beltzer (bass, voice and guitar) and Salvatore Rossano (accordion, voice and guitar) have been playing together since their arrival in Australia in 2013, when they formed the Italian folk band Santa Taranta.
TONY MCMANUS (SCOTLAND/ CANADA)
Hailed by John Renbourn as ‘the best Celtic guitarist in the world’ Tony McManus has been listed as one of the 50 transcendental guitarists of all time by Guitar Player Magazine. His fiendishly dexterous, dazzlingly original playing draws on traditions from the entire Celtic diaspora – Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, Galicia, Asturias, Cape Breton, Quebec – along with still further-ranging flavours, such as jazz and east European music.
“Tony’s music is beyond beautiful, it’s perfect” – Tommy Emmanuel
YASO PONNUTHURAI (AUS)
Yaso Ponnuthurai is a Western Australian musician recognised for her deep commitment to Indian classical arts and community. A skilled veena player and dedicated teacher, she has spent many years sharing the beauty of Carnatic music across Perth. Through performance, education, and cultural leadership, Yaso continues to foster connection and creativity within WA’s diverse artistic landscape. Yaso is joined by Bobby on Mridangham, and Pavan Kumar on Ghatam and Kahoon.