Claymore
Now recognised as a premier Australian Celtic band in world wide circles, Claymore have a host of impressive album releases under their belt and a long list of festival performances to their name, including headlining position at Australia’s largest folk event and several headlining appearances at the reputed Festival Interceltique De Lorient France. Although many Celtic bands may come and go, each sounding remarkably like the other, the point of difference with Claymore is within the term ‘rock’. They add a current flavour, and interestingly, an inherent Australianness, to their music, bringing ole time traditional themes into the future, and appealing to audiences young and old.
From the liveliness of the instrumentation to the consummate skill of the performers, each of whom sport the ability to play several different instruments, and prove this skill effortlessly, there is something about Claymore that speeds up the heart rate, and settles into the soul of all music lovers.
Craic Hooers
..’ an Irish traditional eclectic 3-piece all girl band from the rain-sodden island that is Ireland. The band have been rehearsing together for donkeys years in their secondhand WW2 soundproofed submarine and now they are ready to launch their original and exciting sound on an unsuspecting world.
The girls have toured extensively throughout Ireland sampling the over-priced alcoholic beverages in the various one-horse town watering-holes, hitching along the hiways and byways with the rain running down their saturated hand knitted aran mini skirts and have been a prominent feature in the booming seedy weedy area of Temple Bar in the dark heart of Dublin.
The band are now heading to Melbourne in Oz hoping to encounter some sunshine, realistically priced Shiraz and small furry creatures.
Pat McKernan
Pat McKernan is a native of Belturbet, County Cavan in Ireland. He came to Australia for 6 months in 1989 then forgot to go home. He has spent much of the past twenty years singing Irish songs at various venues…pausing only for mealbreaks, ablutions and the odd few hours sleep. Pat has established himself in the forefront of the Melbourne entertainment scene.
Boab Three
Boab Three consist of Felix Meager, Cyril Moran (both of Bushwazee fame) and Mal Leather. The trio specialise in performing songs and dances that get their audiences involved. The arrangement of Australian folk songs have parts especially composed so that most people can very easily join in.
Bhan Tre
Bhantre formed in 1997 ( Yes! that is over 10 years ago). We were having a quiet pint at the Celtic Club in Melbourne, and having left the bands that we had been playing in decided that what the world needed was an all female celtic band. So we had a few rehearsals, worked on some tune sets and 3 part harmonies, recorded 3 albums and drank a lot of chardonnay. Over the years we have played at numerous festivals. Some of these were Port Fairy (Vic), Koroit (Vic), Kilmore (Vic), Jambaroo (NSW) and Woodford (QLD) just to name a few. We travelled to Ireland in 2000 to visit some of Geraldines family and go to Ballinagh (the place we named our second album). We love playing music together and plan on continuing to do so for a very long time. Come along to a gig sometime or drop us a line and say hi.
Bhan Tre are a regular at the Koroit Irish Festival. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Maria Forde
Already blessed with an angelic voice, Maria Forde has grown into a masterful interpreter of her own material, able to totally connect the feeling of the music and words to the emotion of the song. This alone sets her apart from so many singer/songwriters. Incorporating the sweet melodies, that are the trademark of the Irish musical heritage, with observations of Australia, along with her personal experiences, Maria has blossomed into one of Australia’s premier performers.
Maria will be one of the judges of the Australian Danny Boy Competition.
Flanagan’s Mob
Flanagan’s Mob are Melbourne based musicians (total of 20) skilled in art of producing ’slow session’ performances.
They will feature in the Commercial Hotel on Sat afternoon (one of there favorite venues) and will host the ‘KIF House Party’ on the Sat night in the Theatre.
Not to be missed. They have a very loyal following.
Cille-Airne
Taking their name from the Celtic spelling of Killarney, ‘Cill-Airne’ is drawn together from a diversity of backgrounds to share a love of traditional Irish tunes.
The Band: Don King from Port Fairy, leading the tunes with the button accordion; Joe Brookes, originally from Koroit, playing rhythm guitar; Brett Holbrook from Warrnambool playing fiddle; Martin Ruane, originally from County Mayo, alternating between guitar and bouzouki and Leamon Chambers , originally from County Antrim, driving the band with bodhran and octave mandolin.
As they play a range of instruments in the Celtic style ‘Cill-Airne’ will set your feet tapping as they evoke scenes of smokey Irish sessions (and perhaps the desire for a ‘Guinness’)
Jigs reels and hornpipes flow and dance between heartfelt ballads of hardship and exile, from the traditional to more contemporary songs.
Shanachie
Shanachie, the 2010 winners of the Paddy O’Neill young group award from the Lake School of Celtic Music at Koroit, featuring Michelle Meehan - vocals/guitar, Rob Hillman - fiddle/vocals, Michaela Hickey - accordion /vocals/keys, Allan Evans - harp/flute/whistles.
An energetic and creative mix of traditional and original music from four very talented young performers destined to go places…new cd release ‘Fourfold’ available at the festival….
Koroit & District ‘Irish/Aussie Bush’ Bands
Fingerboard Road
Rubber Band
Tommy, Tuddy and Mick
Pics of local bands kindly provided by South West Music Archive.
O’Shea-Ryan Irish Dancers
Members of the group have performed throughout Australia, Asia and Europe at a variety of events, Concerts, Parades, International Military Tattoos, outdoor and indoor functions, Multicultural events, charitable and corporate functions, Celtic and Folk Festivals.
The Irish Pipers
Bagpipes - Irish War Pipes. Rod and Tracey are two Irish Pipers who are keen to keep Irish Piping alive and well in Victoria. They appear in the Anzac Day Parade in Melbourne and have now become a regular feature of the Koroit Irish Festival.
