Celebrating craft and composition over the years…
Since its inception in 2002, Playmakers flourished for eight highly successful years as part of the Perth International Arts Festival’s Great Southern Program in Albany, Western Australia. A cherished event by the community, Playmakers has brought world-renowned instrument makers and musicians together with passionate local crafters, players, and music enthusiasts. Esteemed alumni of Playmakers include Joe Filisco (USA), Mike Compton (USA), Kristina Olsen (USA), Portico Quartet (UK), and Azo Bell (AUS).
Playmakers Programme Archive
Testimonials
Kristina Olsen (USA)
SONGWRITER, MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST, COMPOSER, MUSIC TEACHER & AUTHOR
“Playmakers is such a vital festival! So needed, so important! Instrument builders toil away, often in isolation creating magical tools that musicians use. We musicians’ interactions with the builders are often brief and rushed, then most communica6on is done through email. At Playmakers we got to really play with the people who created our instruments. Not just the important working dialogue of ‘What do you like about this, what don’t you like about that’ but to actually play together, musically, creatively, and socially. The Playmakers festival that I attended stands out as a high point in my long career.”
November 2024
Joe Filisko (USA)
MASTER HARMONICA PLAYER & LEADER OF THE HOHNER AFFILIATED CUSTOMIZER PROGRAM (HAC)
“I had the unforgettable pleasure and honor to participate in the Playmakers festival with my duo partner Eric Noden. It was a great festival hosted by Rod Vervest. I highly recommend checking it out if you can.”
November 2024
Paul Duff (AUS)
DUFF MANDOLINS & GUITARS
“Engaging with the creators of these tools used by musicians and following the processes required to create specific tonal qualities will provide an entirely new experience for audiences and participants in this festival… I, for one can’t wait to have the opportunity to participate in the experience once again.”
November 2024
Mic Conway (AUS)
ARIA AWARD WINNING MUSICIAN & VAUDEVILLE ENTERTAINER
“The Playmakers festival is both fun and informative. My part in it was workshopping with children and adults, making basic musical instruments out of everyday objects like drinking straw flutes, rubber glove bassoons and tin can banjos. They were fun to play and easy to make and a good time was had by all.“
November 2024
Mike Compton (USA)
MASTER MANDOLINIST & MENTEE OF “THE FATHER OF BLUEGRASS” BILL MUNROE
“The day [at Playmakers] could not have been better spent than in the company of old friends and several of the best luthiers on the planet present and comparing notes on their craft and it’s many facets. The instruction, the company, the music, the day in general was a lovely relaxed time and I enjoyed having a go at a few tunes myself. I’ve become quite fond of this little corner of the planet and go back every chance I get. Save me a spot!”
November 2024
Playmakers Photo Archive
