Performers and teachers
Our members include many talented singers, musicians, teachers and providers of other musical services.
Want to get listed here? Find out how. (Current NFFC members only.)
The Angelicats
The Angelicats are a group of fun-lovin' local women who play urban folk. With a diverse range of songs, incorporating a range of instruments and vocal harmonies, they will simply leave you feeling good.
The Angelicats formed following a one-off, impromptu song at a Folk Club Night several years ago. Since then they have appeared at The Newport Folk Festival, Williamstown Festival and the Yarraville Gardens Christmas Carols. Regular performances include Folk Club nights, Substation Markets and other local community events.
The Angelicats are available for private functions.
Contact Chris on 0418 290 795 or via facebook.
A Band of Rain
After being scientifically matched by an internet dating service, Katrina and Stuart formed ‘A Band of Rain’ to annoy Katrina’s children. Led Zeppelin formed for a similar reason. Apparently.
Think Nickelback. Then think the opposite. Original songs about love, loss and trying to get your kids to tidy the kitchen.
Acoustic-based folk music with strong pop melodies, drawn from everyday life experiences. Original songs straight from the Newport delta (and the odd cover with a twist). Acoustic guitars, mandolins, harmonicas and harmonies. As for dancing – expect twerking. Maybe.
Contact: Katrina Nolan via email
Clive Teaches Bass
Clive has been playing bass since 1984, when his friends bought him a bass guitar to stop him playing flute.
After playing in loud rock bands for a couple of decades, Clive took up double bass and is often seen on stage at Folk Club events around the Western suburbs.
He is now teaching bass ukulele, bass guitar & double bass at the Westend Music Hub in Laverton. Other more suitable locations can also be arranged.
Please contact him at 0422 121 838, klive.bourne@gmail.com, or just say hello when you see him.
Dave Davies
From Ironbark to Dandaloo, Dave has been bringing us poems and stories of the bush for many years now.
In 2013 Dave launched his CD The Man From Ironbark and other Australian Poems and Stories. The CD showcases Dave's extensive repertoire, including C.J. Dennis' The Play, Banjo Paterson's How Gilbert Died and Henry Lawson's The Lights of Cobb and Co.
Dave is available for brief performances only.
Contact Dave via email .
Drongo and the Crow
Come away on a musical tour of Australia’s bush traditions and colonial past. With a keen eye for rural history and city stories, our music celebrates Australia’s shearers, larrikins, miners, drovers and sailors and the communities that they lived in.
We regularly perform at hotels and markets around the central highlands and are experienced with local government and corporate work.
Contact Leon on 0418 525 372 or via email
Duplicity
Based in the Dandenong Rages, Duplicity comprises Sue Kidd (vocals, ukulele and percussion) and Brendan Canty (vocals, guitar, ukulele and bass). Duplicity captivates audiences by combing beautiful vocals with clever arrangements. Playing a mix of covers and originals, ranging from Jazz and blues to folk, pop and country, Duplicity offers something for everyone. Duplicity performs at restaurants, clubs, pubs and private functions. In addition to regular gigging, Duplicity is active on the Australian and New Zealand festival circuit. They launched their first CD, The Arcadia Sessions, in January 2020 at the Girgarre Moosic Muster. For bookings contact Brendan: 0490 892 764 or via email.
Ellen Mary Fish
Ellen Mary Fish is a contemporary folk artist, guitarist who performs and connects to audiences with her poignant, cheery original songs which tell local stories, and evoke personal landscapes.
Ellen traverses an eclectic range of folk, country, blues, spiritual, and traditional styles and this diversity informs covers of music that she plays at her gigs. Ellen performs at various Melbourne venues, the Basin Music Festival, and at open stages at the National, Port Fairy, Maldon Folk and National Celtic Festivals.
Ellen sings songs from her album The Only Colour, her EP Supermoon and her traditional music album Fruits of Love.
Contact Ellen via email
Footscray Gypsy Orchestra
Footscray Gypsies are a world music community orchestra based in Footscray in the western suburbs of Melbourne, with a repertoire of Klezmer, Gypsy and Balkan music and an occasional foray into other genres. You are likely to be treated to a labryinth of singing, strumming, blowing, banging and shaking. When performing we offer a large stage presence coupled with a big sound into the Middle Eastern and European musical traditions. Oh, I forgot to mention that we also like people to dance. Don’t be surprised if some of the band invades the audience and brings them to their feet.
Contact us via email.
The Music Playground
Have you always wanted to learn an instrument?
Did you play as a kid and want to get back into it?
We are never ‘too old to learn’ but, like so many things of value, it takes time, and is always easier with expert guidance.
The Music Playground in Challis St Newport provides lessons in flute, classical piano, jazz piano, ukulele, violin, cello and recorder for all ages, as well as group music classes for children.
We value creativity and excellence in technique while teaching in a playful way, because children and adults learn best when they're having fun.
Contact us on 0434 354 360 or via email
Mysterious Mose
A colourful, quirky band drawn from all over Victoria, playing the toe-tapping, good-time music of the 1920's and 30's. Jug, blues, jazz, hokum and swing numbers feature classic jug band instrumentation of strings, washboard, kazoos, jug and singing saw, plus multiple vocals, harmonies and cheeky repartee, all wrapped up in dapper, flapper costumerie. They have performed to acclaim at Newport, Yarraville, Williamstown and Maldon Festivals, The Great Alpine Pick, Dunnolly Blues and Roots, Guildford Banjo Jamboree, Burrinja Arts Centre, and Newstead Live.
Available for private functions. Contact Gaelle: 0481 363 362 or via email
The Newport Craic
The Newport Craic was started in 2017 by a sub-group of Celtic Session players. We meet at least once a month at one of our homes (usually on the second Friday night of the month) to arrange and practice Celtic tune sets and songs for public performance. You can get our current repertoire and more information by contacting Simon Leverton
(0419 887 483). Anyone who enjoys performing this style of music can join us by learning the tunes and arrangements, and practising with us regularly.
Newport Guitar School
Newport Guitar School is operated and run by Rob Broatch. Rob offers private, one on one tuition in a friendly and professional environment, with styles ranging from acoustic fingerpicking to the latest rock techniques.
Lessons are $30/ half hour, at a regular time each week. Rob has studied at the Guitar Institute in London, toured extensively throughout Australia and the UK with everything from rock, blues, country and yes ....cabaret! Current students range in age from age 6 to 81.
Feel free to call with any enquiries: Ph: 93916304 Mob: 0400 919 275 or check out the website.
Newport Gypsy Djangos
The Newport Gypsy Djangos play old jazz standards and gypsy swing tunes in a style inspired by the Master - Django Reinhart. The group formed in 2008 when a group of friends from the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club realised that they shared a love of Django’s music. The group play regularly at the Challis St Cafe Deli in Newport and at local events.
Contact the group on Facebook or
call Michael Stewart on 0414349165.
Paisley and Plaid
Paisley and Plaid is a trio that draws inspiration from around the world and around the corner. They sing about love, justice, beauty and hanging out the washing. They weave their voices together in gorgeous harmonies, sometimes a cappella and sometimes with guitar, ukulele and percussion. Paisley and Plaid is Steph Payne (vocals, ukulele and laughter), Georgie Sinha (vocals, percussion and witty asides) and Alan Davies (vocals, guitar and Dad jokes).
Contact: Alan Davies 0401 357 454.
Queens of the West
Representing almost every suburb in the inner West, the Queens (Gaelle Horsley, Megan Slattery & Steph Payne) focus on rich 3-part harmonies to embellish sultry blues, sweet swing, jaunty jazz, a little hot funk and the occasional well-crafted original, backed by sax (Laurie Savage), guitar (Nicholas Albanis), bass (Clive Bourne), and drums (Sala Kord),
Like all true royals, Queens of the West are not background wallpaper, but strut their stuff high on energy, fun and general hilarity! And did we mention the cheek? Oh yes, lots of cheek!
For coronations, state dinners, palace dances or garden parties, contact Gaelle on 0481 363 362 or Clive on 0422 121 838
The Ricolas
Nicola and Rick's repertoire sits at the quieter end of the Celtic music genre - heartfelt and lyrical their music moves from the Irish tunes of Turlough O'Carolan through to traditional Scottish melodies, with a few session tunes and songs thrown in for good measure.
Contact Rick via email .
Laura Sheridan
Individual cello lessons with a mature, experienced teacher in inner-west Melbourne.
Laura was the Founder and Director of the much-loved string music program Strings West (2013-2020) in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Strings West taught over 200 students, ran music programs in two local schools, and hosted professional development courses for teachers across Melbourne. Laura also taught in the highly regarded Crashendo ensemble program in Laverton.
Specialising in both child and adult, Laura has had overwhelming success in promoting happy, self-motivated learners. Lessons are individualised to suit each learner and exam preparation can be offered if desired.
Stereo Stories
Writers and musicians combine to present personal stories about songs. Stories of humour, pathos and love with doses of country, jazz, pop and rock. Melody and memoir. Narrative and song. Hosted by Williamstown writer Vin Maskell and featuring The Stereo Stories Band of writers and musicians. Spoken-word and music together, in stereo.
Contact: Vin Maskell 03 9397 7809 or via email .
Sunny and Cloudy
Sunny and Cloudy are Greg Jenkins (vocals, harmonica, mandolin and percussion) and Geoff Forbes (vocals and guitar). Their joyful original singalong songs range from blues to bush ballads via Tin Pan Alley and beat poetry, all held together by patter with lashings of ratbag humour.
Their hilarious show explores the chequered past, tragic present and limited future of these two would-be Blues Giants. Their speciality is writing and performing songs appropriate to the venue or occasion. Check out their Facebook page
The Tallboys
Greg (vocals/guitar) and Steve (bass) have been performing their self-penned songs and instrumentals around Newport since they crossed paths via the Newport Bush Orchestra. With the addition of Suanna (violin), their repertoire now ranges from Celtic to Bach, interpreting songs of Cohen/Taylor/Mitchell/Browne, and of course their original material voicing Australian life. The ‘boys’ are available for gigs and events.
Sample them on video and SoundCloud or visit Facebook.
Tues Blues
A motley rabble of blues afficionadoes & other n'er do wells who travel anything from 40 meters to 40 kilometers (literally!) on a Tuesday to jam smooth or belting blues, roots, gospel, soul, R&B & general sad stuff! We also now perform (sometimes there are more of us on stage than in the audience!) providing an eclectic, eccentric & electric energy on stage!
With vocals, harmonies, guitars, slide, ukes, cello, bass, banjolele, harmonica, drums, sax & occasional fiddle, it's a big sound with big heart!
Contact Gaelle on 0481 363 362 or via email .
Ukulele Dolls
Presenting the Ukulele Dolls. This band of vivacious ladies specialise in melodic songs of yesteryear, and rise to the occasion at Christmas time, Australia day and Anzac Day or any other theme, occasion or group. The Ukulele Dolls have been consistently busy since forming in 2010, performing at various events around Hobsons Bay and beyond. The regular gigs at nursing homes and various social organisations keep the band well-tuned and ready for the next occasion.
For bookings contact Alison: 0411 565 807 or Carol: 0419 351 820.
WestEnd Piano Tuning Services
WestEnd Piano Tuning, where all pianos – the old, young, the short and tall, arthritic, even the wan, the dissonant, the hideous…no, not the hideous, the uncongenial – receive professional care and service!
Operating from both Newport and Venus Bay in South Gippsland, WestEnd provides qualified piano tuning and services to Melbourne Metro, Western and Northwest Suburbs, Geelong and South Gippsland customers.
Email or call Jamie Crickmay on 0425 782 542 to improve the sound of your piano.
Please visit, like and share our Facebook page with others.
15% discount for NFFC members.
Wyndukes
The Wyndukes, Wyndham's ukulele collective, meet weekly Thursdays 10-11am at the Old Shire Offices, Werribee. It's a practice group that welcomes people of all levels. It's free, thanks to the City of Wyndham giving us free use of the room and Steph Payne, voluntarily facilitating the group. All you need is a ukulele! We'll master these four strings together or die trying (or laughing).
Contact: Steph Payne, 0409 856 071 or via email
Getting listed on this page
The Performers page offers NFFC members an opportunity to promote themselves as performers, musical groups, music teachers or providers of musical services..
The page is available to financial NFFC members only. In the case of groups, at least one member of the group must be a financial NFFC member.
Performers will be listed in alphabetical order.
To be listed here, you need to submit the following:
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Your name or the name of the group
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Descriptive text of no more than 100 words. (If it's longer, we'll cut it down to 100 words.)
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A photo (at least 330 pixels wide - the version on this page will be 330 x 245 pixels.)
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Your preferred contact details (phone, email or both)
Please send these details to Alan Davies via email .