Artists 2023
Call it retro, hillbilly, bluegrass or rockabilly, the group strives for something Kody simply calls “dern good entertainment”.
Deeply rooted in North American folk music Norris has crafted a performance that harkens back and tips a hat to the traditions created by Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin’s showmanship, the Stanley Brothers’ harmonies, performances of the Grand Ole Opry and a bit of Vaudeville. Top notch picking is center stage, but humour and visual flash are part of the entertaining package. The band is traditional, clean cut, acoustic and always entertaining.
The Kody Norris Show (USA)
Our friends from the west formed their band in 1987 and have not only stayed together but have been going strong ever since! They were all set to come to Mountaingrass 2020 when we had to cancel, so we are looking forward to seeing them at Mountaingrass this year. Their current lineup is Paul and Maria Duff, Wayne Perry, Mick O'Neill and Michael Patrick.
Bluegrass Parkway (WA)
The Foghorn String Band is the gold standard for real-deal hard-hitting genuine old-time American string band music, with nine albums, thousands of shows, over 15 years of touring and an entirely new generation of roots musicians following their lead. American roots music is a diverse and never-ending well of inspiration, and Foghorn Stringband continually and obsessively draws from old-time, bluegrass, classic country, and Cajun music traditions in an ongoing quest to present a broad span of American historical music with an unparalleled youthful energy, joy, and virtuosity.
Foghorn Stringband (USA)
Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones are old-time musicians and inspired tunesmiths from Galax, Virginia. Southern song-duets and powerful fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo tunes comprise their diverse sets. While rooted in the traditional sounds of older players, this duo stays true to their own muse by composing new, tradition-rooted music.
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Erynn Marshall & Carl Jones (USA)
Sam and Laurence Frango-Rhodes who came to Mountaingrass in 2018 with their family band Rhodeworks are back with their very own band: You, Me, Everybody.
You, Me, Everyone has recently gained world-wide recognition by having one of their songs selected as the backing track for a scene in the hit Netflix series, Sweet Tooth.
Sam and Laurence are joined by Nat Torkington on banjo, Kim Bonnington, song writer, guitarist and vocalist. For this tour they are joined by Rob Henderson on bass.
You, Me, Everybody (NZ)
The band is Donal Baylor, Jacqueline Bradley, Matt Nightingale, Kevin Bradley and Pablo Shopen, continuing the revival of Pablo’s father’s band of the same name from the 1970s.
Black Mountain String Band
The Pipis play a blend of contemporary and traditional hard driving bluegrass with solid instrumental chops and an engaging performance style that puts a smile on everyone’s face and infuses even the most dreadful of murder ballads with a sense of joy and energy. The Pipis bring a love of the genre and a desire to share that love with as many people as possible. Nat Torkington is New Zealand’s best 5-string Scruggs-style banjo player, and is ably supported by his father Barry on guitar, Garry Bigwood on mandolin, and wife Jenine Abarbanel on double bass and vocals.
The Pipi Pickers (NZ)
The Quarry Hillbillies are Chris Jacobs and Pete Fidler. They are two members of the Bluegrass band, Bluestone Junction. Stalwarts of the Bluegrass scene, Chris and Pete often pair up as the Quarry Hillbillies duo.
From old school bluegrass duets and Western Swing numbers to alt. County, Singer/songwriter material, Chris and Pete are bound to captivate their audiences with tight vocal harmonies and excellent musicianship with guitars, mandolins, dobro and more!
Quarry Hillbillies
The Cartwheels are Golden Guitar winners Wendy Phypers and Dave Patterson. They are joined by multi-instrumentalist Pete Fidler, guitarist Jacob McGuffie and renowned fiddler Pete Denahy.
The Cartwheels recorded their fifth album 'The Cartwheels' in 2019. This album was a finalist in the 2020 Music Victoria Awards for Country Album of the Year.
The Cartwheels were such at hit at Mountaingrass 2022 that we just had to have them back and on the program for this year!
The Cartwheels
Formed in 2011, the Sonoran Dogs have exploded upon the Arizona bluegrass scene, performing at the Sedona, Wickenburg, and Green Valley bluegrass festivals. The group is made up of seasoned veterans who have come together to enjoy bluegrass music and friendship. They play a collection of traditional bluegrass standards, new-grass, and original compositions. Every concert is different, as they often improvise the set to follow the mood of their audience. It makes for a fun and dynamic show. For their Australian Tour in 2023 they will be joined by Bruce Packard on bass.
The Sonoran Dogs (US)
The High Street Drifters are an Australian bluegrass quartet spanning the roads between Victoria and South Australia.
The High Street Drifters
With over 15 years of performing at festivals and events around Australia and overseas, Cat & Clint are like a well-oiled music machine! The duo play Old Time and Vintage Country, including traditional and contemporary tunes from Australia and America, as well as original songs, traditional ballads, breakdowns, hoedowns and more. Cat & Clint continue to present this music with the authenticity and respect that it demands while inviting others into the experience with lots of fun and frivolity. Make sure you bring your dancin' shoes!
Cat & Clint
Meridian traces a line back to the old time country blues and brother duos of the twenties, thirties and forties. Their rich vocal harmonies and warm acoustic tones on mandolin, banjo, guitar and fiddle weave together to create music that is both intimate and timeless. Like some long lost radio broadcast their music echoes the spirit the Louvin Brothers, Hank Williams, The Delmore Brothers and even the father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe.
Meridian is Steve Vassallo - Mandolin, Mark Ballesi - banjo and guitar, Wen Tjen Lim - fiddle,
Quentin Fraser - Bass
Meridian
John's involvement with old-time country music and bluegrass began in Melbourne in the late 1960's when the folk music revival was in full swing. Since then, he has remained true to the spirit of old-time music as a performer and teacher. John plays clawhammer banjo and guitar. Apart from performing in Australia, he has performed in both England and the USA. He has been greatly influenced by Clarence 'Tom' Ashley, The New Lost City Ramblers, The Carter Family and The Delmore Brothers.
John Boothroyd
StompKats are Marcel Chaloupka (BoWeavil Kat) and Steve Vassallo.
StompKats
We are very pleased to have Jose Garcia returning this year to work his magic with beginners who want to start playing with others, and with more experienced players who are ready to start performing on stage.
Jose will lead a welcome jam on Friday afternoon before running two Performance Skills workshops on Saturday and Sunday morning , culminating in a short stage performance on Sunday with those who attended his workshops.
Feel free to join him as he can show you the way with jam etiquette and help you to get comfortable with playing with others.
Jose and the Amigos
Dave Diprose performs original material deeply rooted in bluegrass, with folk, blues & Texas songwriter elements. Sometimes described as Steve Earle meets Flatt & Scruggs his songs talk of a sense of place and explore rural Australian themes. He is a multi-award-winning songwriter. At Mountaingrass this year Dave will be giving a song writing workshop, as well as performing with Hillbilly Radio featuring Mark Pottenger on Mandolin & vocals; Andrew Barcham on bass); Peter Somerville on banjo & vocals; and Greg Hunt on Fiddle.
Dave Diprose (and Hillbilly Radio)
Rod and Judy Jones are woven into the fabric of the old-time string band and bluegrass music scene in Australia. They have been running the Sydney Bluegrass and Traditional Country Music get-togethers for over 40 years, inspiring many to play this music. They were part of the Harrietville Convention organising committee and helped to deliver that festival for a quarter of a century.
Rod and Judy return to Mountaingrass in 2023 to play in the Chapel acoustic concert and are expected to be joined by Lindsay Mar to bring some of their renowned My-T-Fine stringband sound to Mountaingrass.
Rod and Judy Jones
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