Artists

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.

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

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

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.

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’.

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.

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

Dave Robertson takes you on a journey through different types of microphones, explaining their properties and use cases for both studio and live. The good news is you don’t necessarily need an expensive microphone, but you do need to know how to wield what you’ve got! Packed with insights, the workshop will suit anyone from beginners to audio geeks.

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

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.

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