In the lead up to the return of the Port Fairy Folk Festival in March 2022, the festival has announced acclaimed Mutti Mutti man, singer and songwriter Kutcha Edwards as its Artist of the Year, the festival’s greatest honour in partnership with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Maton Guitars.

Kutcha Edwards said he was honoured to be the Port Fairy Folk Festival Artist of the Year.

‘I have had the privilege to perform at Port Fairy Folk Festival over the years and have met many incredible artists and performers who have become great friends within this beautiful landscape of music.

‘Music has become somewhat one of my closest friends, apart from my loved ones. It comforts me in my darkest moments and protects me when needed; it creates great joy and brings people together.

‘I have a lot of family on Country down in South West Victoria and treasure my time visiting as much as I can. We have all missed sharing and performing our music together. This year is going to be extra special and I can’t wait to perform my new album Circling Time for all at this year’s Port Fairy Folk Festival,’ said Kutcha.

 Standing alongside the great bluesman, the Port Fairy Folk Festival announced lo-fi folk soul star Kee’ahn as its Emerging Artist of the Year, supported by Just Guitars.

In accepting the award, Kee’ahn said: “I have been excitedly waiting to experience the magic of Port Fairy Folk festival and am so thrilled to be able do so this year.  To perform next month at the Festival on Gunditjmara country, and to be honoured with the 2022 Emerging Artist of the Year is so incredibly wonderful.

‘I am very grateful and privileged for the support and recognition. Koeyma esso, thank you so much to everyone involved. I feel so blessed.’

Celebrating its 45th anniversary across the March long weekend in 2022, the Port Fairy Folk Festival sees the township of Port Fairy come alive with music, arts and culture.

Port Fairy Folk Festival Program Director Justin Rudge said: “I’m so happy that two of my favourite artists have been selected for these special awards. We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful performers, and to win these awards is great for Kutcha and Kee’ahn. I can’t wait to see them on stage in next month!”

Kutcha Edwards and Kee’ahn will both perform at the 45th Port Fairy Folk Festival on the March long weekend, bringing audiences closer to their musical storytelling and folk-style.

The 45th Port Fairy Folk Festival runs from 11-14 March 2022 alongside the mighty Southern Ocean in the quaint seaside village of Port Fairy, Victoria. To view the line-up, access accommodation options and book tickets visit portfairyfolkfestival.com

The Artist of the Year is proudly supported by TAC – the Festival’s road safety partner and Maton Guitars. TAC will be encouraging festival-goers to pull over and recharge on their journey to and from the event to help curb driver fatigue.

The Emerging Artist of the Year is proudly supported by Just Guitars.