SPECIAL EVENTS

Special Events at Port Fairy Folk Festival 2025 coming soon. Read about Special Events at Port Fairy Folk Festival 2024 below.

The Guitarists

The Guitarists concert is traditionally one of the Festival’s most much-loved special events. Hosted by the enigmatic Nick Charles, this year’s event will be a stellar showcase of some of the world’s leading players. Expect the best with a selection of the finest guitarists on the Festival program including George Boomsma, Julz Parker, Lachlan Bryan, Nigel Wearne and Shannon Bourne and experience stories, conversations and magical solo performances and maybe a collaboration or two.

Blues and the devil with author matt frederick

Join Matt Frederick for a conversation about his recent book A Meeting at The Crossroads: Robert Johnson and The Devil exploring the myth of Robert Johnson and his supposed deal with the devil, from the Mississippi Delta to the crossroads gods of ancient times.

The linda ronstadt show featuring ella hooper

Celebrate one of the greatest and diverse singers of all time, LINDA RONSTADT, as we pay tribute to the halcyon days of Linda’s iconic seventies sounds with Violet Town country cowgirl ELLA HOOPER out the front of an all-star backing band. Experience the classics, the hits and the stories of Linda Ronstadt in this ultimate celebration of the American singer who reached the stars from simple dreams. A dynamic musical encounter created for the fans of the classics, by the fans of the immortal songs and sounds of Linda Ronstadt.

The Sunday Singout

Folk legend Rick E Vengeance, assisted by his wife Leanne launched the Sunday Singout around 1997. The two would guide the crowd at the Guinness Tent (now the Shebeen) on a journey of classic and often tongue-in-cheek songs then include members of the audience on stage for what Rick called ‘Live Karaoke’. The shows were intended to be ‘just for fun’ and were an instant hit with festival goers. Jimi Hocking (Jimi the human, Screaming Jets) joined the Sunday Singout as Rick’s sideman in 1999 whilst also appearing at solo at Port Fairy Folk Festival. Jimi has been a regular at the Festival playing electric blues, solo acoustic and mandolin shows, and has shared a long friendship with Rick. The two continued the Sunday tradition together for the next 18 years.

In 2018, the irreplaceable Rick E Vengeance passed away. It was Rick’s wishes that Jimi would continue the Singalong and bequeathed to him his black Maton workhorse guitar. Over the years the Singout had acquired the talents of Mark Aspland on (Woodskin) Cajon, and Claymore frontman/legend William Hutton. More recently, talented vocalist Catherine Rutten (Mother) stepped in to assist with the Live Karaoke so that tradition may continue for years to come.

FIND YOUR VOICE COLLECTIVE

Returning to the Port Fairy Folk Festival once again is the magnificent Find Your Voice Collective. A high-end, life-affirming, mood-lifting, ethereal, almost spiritual community choir welcoming all ages, genders, abilities, ethnicities, religions and backgrounds. The Warrnambool-based Find Your Voice Collective is run by community for the community and in 2024, the major event on the Festival calendar will feature guest appearances from across the Festival program. This special event is an annual must-see for Festival goers. Secure your spot nice and early and get ready to sing your heart out!

FUTURE FOLK

There must be something in the water in South West Victoria with the quality of musicians and artists emerging from the region. Now in its third year, Future Folk is a celebration of young artists aged 12-25 from regional Victoria who are supported by the Festival and Moyne Shire to take their careers to the next level. The Future Folk program provides a platform for musicians from South West Victoria for career-enhancing mentoring sessions with renowned artists and an opportunity to share the stage with established artists from around the world.

Discover new and exciting artists this year with Jorja Cate, Sam Curtis, Etta Lane, Joseph Lim, Zoe Borthwick, Jasmin Adria, Hundo Milli, LJ Parks and bands My Giddy Aunt and Out of Hand gearing up to take on the Port Fairy Folk Festival stages.

Port Fairy Quiz Image - Nightlife Challenge 1

abc nightlife live broadcast

The Playlist: Live

Join Grammy award winning Guatemalan singer songwriter Gaby Moreno as she takes the audience on a musical journey through the songs that have influenced her the most. From Edith Piaf to Nat King Cole, from David Bowie to The Beatles to Tracy Chapman, Gaby will perform a set of her favourite songs and tell the stories about their role in her life to ABC Radio’s Suzanne Hill as part of ABC Radio’s live broadcast of the Nightlife programme.

Across The Sea: The Spirit of Shane MacGowan

Join us in a heartfelt tribute concert celebrating Irish Legend Shane MacGowan, featuring Port Fairy’s own Southern Ocean Sea Band as the house band and special guests from the festival lineup. Hosted by Suzanne Hill, the event unites local and international Irish musicians in a memorable showcase. Can’t make it? Tune in for the live broadcast ABC radio’s Nightlife programme and immerse yourself in the magic of this one-of-a-kind musical homage.

‘The Mighty Challenge’

Fancy trying your hand at Australia’s most iconic late night radio quiz? ABC Radio Nightlife’s Suzanne Hill will be at the Port Fairy Folk festival hosting a live quiz, specially tweaked for the folkie audience, and broadcasting on ABC Radio across the country at midnight. Get involved and see if you can take home a much sought after fridge magnet!

ON THE COUCH WITH BRIAN NANKERVIS

Join Brian Nankervis (Rockwiz, ABC radio) as he invites specially selected festival performers to join him for live songs and stories. On The Couch sessions feature revealing, thoughtful and playful interviews with a series of guests and stripped back, intimate performances of their songs. Audiences can expect great music, true confessions, entertaining anecdotes, laughter, tears … and a little music quizzing!

two is better than one

The musical landscape is littered with duos. From Simon and Garfunkel through to The Milk Carton Kids & First Aid Kit, the folk world has had its fair share of amazing twosomes. But what makes a duo special and how does the creative process unfold between two? Is working together better than going out on the road on your own, or with a band? What do you do when you’re at the end of your tether with your partner in music? Join Dobe Newton from Australia’s most iconic duo The Bushwackers as he tackles this topic with a line-up of fantastic duos performing at the Festival in 2024 including Good Habits, Oceanique, Quote The Raven and Teho.

SONGS, STORIES AND CELEBRATION: SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE REARDON – THE BOITE AT PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL

On Saturday evening The Reardon ceiling will soar with stunning music, sounds and stories from cultures across the world in a very special collaboration between The Boite and Port Fairy Folk Festival.

Featuring four artists – Gamelan DanAnda, Jarabi Band, Queen of Hearts and Langue de Chat – this new event captures the unique cultural diversity of Victoria and Melbourne in a joyful and fulfilling celebration of music.

troubadours of the world

Ever wondered what life would be like on the road, traveling the highways and byways and finding inspiration along the way? Many artists have traveled this road, from Woody Guthrie to Bob Dylan, Jim Croce and Karen Dalton, they all had well-traveled experiences to sing about. Meet the troubadours of today in this event that captures the life of a wandering spirit through the stories, the routes, the roads, the journeys. Hosted by festival founder Jamie McKew and featuring a diverse range of guests from around the world, get set for a session of tales of colourful adventures and fantastic voyages.

JUKEJOINT (PBS106.7FM) LIVE TO AIR RECORDING

Join us for a very special concert as we make radio live on stage. Featuring Port Fairy favourite Jimi Hocking, the award winning Damon Smith and Melbourne roots supergroup Opelousas, the three acts will perform individually and finish proceedings with a collaborative jam. Hosted by PBS DJ Matt Frederick, the concert will be recorded for broadcast on The Juke Joint on PBS 106.7fm and available for streaming online at pbsfm.org.au.

ABC RADIO BROADCAST: LIVE FROM PORT FAIRY

Join ABC Radio presenters Jeremy Lee and Fiona Parker in this vibrant live program of song and storytelling with Port Fairy Folk Festival artists. Featuring Fanny Lumsden, Oceanique, Lorraine Nash, Queenie, Gnoss, Daoiri Farrell, Charles Jenkins and Billy Barker, this special event is broadcast right across Victoria live from the Port Fairy Folk Festival arena. Secure a seat on site or tune in live to your local ABC..

WOMEN OUT LOUD: Hosted by Sarah Carroll

Almost 30 years ago, Port Fairy Folk Festival’s Founding Director Jamie McKew debuted what is now one of the great traditions of the festival – the Women Out Loud concert.

Witness the brilliance of the Women Out Loud event on Sunday morning featuring an extraordinary line-up of international and local female-identifying musicians from across the Festival program.

The annual must-see concert has seen the likes of Ani Di Franco, Kavisha Mazella, Judy Small, Margret RoadKnight, Judy Jacques, Chris While, Julie Matthews, Kerrianne Cox, Vika & Linda Bull, Mary Black, Janis Ian, Clare Bowditch, Christine Anu, YolanDa Brown and so many more share the stage in one big moment of singing glory.

Be uplifted in 2024 when Women Out Loud brings you the awe-inspiring Alice Skye, Cat Clyde, Catherine Britt, Fiona Boyes, GK, and Katherine Priddy together on the one stage with host Sarah Carroll.