FRIDAY - 8.00pm - Big Wheel Stage

Victorian five piece Epicure have been quiet of late, locked away in the studio brewing a new sound for their third LP, Postcards From A Ghost, due in store 2008. Cobra Kisses is the first single to be taken off this forthcoming album, a quirky rocking track featuring the unmistakable luscious vocals of lead singer Juan Alban, and introducing new band member, guitarist Michael Hubbard (Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea). 

2007 saw Epicure supporting  Evermore, Powderfinger and Silverchair on their Across The Great Divide Tour  and  mammoth run of national dates mixing headline shows with supports for Blues n Roots darling Mia Dyson on her Struck Down album tour.

website: www.epicuretheband.com

SATURDAY - 4.30pm - Big Wheel Stage

With his eloquent guitar, sweet voice and plainspoken yet sensitive approach to the original and traditional source material, Jeff Lang is expanding the boundaries of traditional folk, country and blues to create a new brand of nontraditional music which is undeniably and deeply steeped in tradition, yet with its imagination set on future horizons.

Inspired by a diverse set of influences, from John Fahey and Richard Thompson to Chris Whitley and Devendra Banhart, from Dock Boggs and Skip James to Dylan and AC/DC, Jeff Lang has created a contemporary classic.

website:  www.jefflang.com.au

FRIDAY - 10.00pm - Big Wheel Stage

Ska to rocksteady to dance hall and beyond...

KINGTIDE...

The mighty kings of rebel music are back for yet another Electrifying live show.

King Tide have earned their fan base on the live scene - renowned for their brilliant high energy live shows. Reggae is the compass guiding King Tide to new & wonderful musical lands. Bon voyage!”

website: www.myspace.com/kingtidesydney 

Saturday - 10.00pm - Big Wheel Stage

Endorphin (aka Eric Chapus) has
had a prodigious and highly creative career to date.

Since leaving his homeland France in 1984, he has travelled and lived in Morocco, India and the USA, eventually taking roots in Australia. Coming into the musical spotlight after being unearthed by the National Youth Broadcaster JJJ in 1996, Endorphin has delivered six stunning albums, won numerous Industry awards and toured with the biggest names in the Music Industry.

Endorphin has excelled in composing emotive music and music soundscapes designed for a wide range of commercial media. Branching out in all areas of music production and placement, Endorphin has worked as a recording Artist, for the film and TV industry and as a Live Performer.

Website: www.endorphinmusic.com

SATURDAY - 6.15pm - Big Wheel Stage
FRIDAY - 11.00pm - The Scarlet Bar

CHRIS WILSON has been an essential part of blues and rock music in Australia since taking the stage with the Sole Twisters twenty years ago. Stints with Harum Scarum and Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls followed, and the end of the 80s saw Wilson as one of our finest vocalists, harmonica players and songwriters, fronting the superb Crown of Thorns.

His instrumental gifts have oft been utilised on recordings by the likes of James Reyne, Hunters and Collectors, Vika and Linda, Renee Geyer, Archie Roach, X, Deb Conway and Ross Hannaford's Dianna Kiss. Chris has enjoyed the company of Australia's best musicians on stage and in the studio when realising his own visions in song.Chris has performed in the U.S. at SXSW and two Folk Alliance Conferences.

website:  www.chriswilson.com.au

SATURDAY - 8.00pm - Big Wheel Stage

When you go to see Afro Moses doing his thing...you can expect passion, colour, energy, powerful messages, dancing and a sense that you’ve just witnessed something deeply special....

Born in Ghana, Afro Moses hit the charts as a teenager and is labelled as “The African James Brown”. Later, he was taken to Denmark and had the Danes lapping up his infectious music. From there, he started touring the world and has stunned audiences right across the globe.

website:  www.afromoses.com 

SUNDAY - 1.30pm - Big Wheel Stage
SATURDAY - 7.30pm - The Scarlet Bar

Grant Walmsley is the founder, songwriter/guitarist of the legendary Screaming Jets.

The Newcastle born and bred surfers latest quest sees him returning to his roots as singer/songwriter/guitar player, fronting his new band 'Grant Walmsley's Agents of Peace'.

They have just released the much anticipated debut album. 'Agents of Peace' are now touring Australia.

website: www.grantwalmsley.com

FRIDAY - 7.45pm - The Scarlet Bar

With a professional career spanning 40 years, Kevin Borich has done it all. 

Beginning with the LA- DE- DA’S in New Zealand, writing the classic hit ‘Gonna See My Baby Tonight’, to his KEVIN BORICH EXPRESS and The PARTY BOYS, Kevin has performed at some of the biggest Rock events Australia has seen. 

website: www.kevinborich.com.au  

SATURDAY - 11.00pm - The Scarlet Bar

Hailing from Tauranga in New Zealand, this four piece folk, funk, roots band has spent the last 20 months playing shows around Australia. After playing over 360 shows since their arrival in May 2006 they have cemented their place as one of Australia hardest working groups.

BONJAH have followed their acoustic roots and share a deep genuine love for playing music. Having already gathered a legion of fans in Melbourne and around Australia by playing and touring relentlessly, their reputation as an amazing live act is fast continuing to grow. There is a serious word of mouth buzz surrounding the band.

website: www.myspace.com/bonjahband

SATURDAY - 5.45pm - The Scarlet Bar

John and Rick Brewster are founding members and the major songwriters of thelegendary Angels, one of Australia’s most successful rock bands with “smash” attendancerecords wherever they play. They have produced the band’s classic multi-platinum albums and they remain one of Australia’s most loved and respected bands.

In 1998 The Angels were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.A few years ago Rick and John started a new break-away project performing acoustically as ‘The Brewster Brothers’, creating an elusive new musical style that reflects Rick’searly classical piano training and John’s teenage years as a folk and acoustic performer.

website: www.brewsterbrothers.com

FRIDAY - 5.30pm - Big Wheel Stage
SATURDAY - 11.00pm - Creative Nations
SUNDAY - 4.30pm - Big Wheel Stage

Deeply rooted in their laid back coastal lifestyle, their unique world class sound has earned Australian group OKA a reputation as a ‘ stand out ' live act.

With their energetic and musically diverse performances, their huge underground following has been attributed to their fusion of eclectic world sounds: roots, dub, reggae, jazz and organic electronica.

website: www.okamusic.com

SATURDAY - 9.15pm - The Scarlet bar

Chase The Sun is a soulful hard rockin' acoustic three-piece formed in late 2006 around blues guitar star on the rise Jan Rynsaddt. Jan has earned himself a reputation amoung the Sydney blues fraternity. In 2003 Jan formed his own band Freeway bringing his hard-rock blues to Sydney audiences. Freeway toured right around Australia and shared stages with Jeff Lang, Ian Moss and John Butler Trio.

In Chase the Sun, Jan is joined by Ryan Van Gennip on bass and Jon "Howler" Howell on drums.

Both sides of the beast - soft and loud; sensitive and fiery - get an airing during the band's ridiculously well received live set, coming to east coast venues as spring hots up.

website: www.myspace.com/chasethesunband

SUNDAY - 2.45pm - The Scarlet Bar

Over the past few years Paul Greene has been given the thumbs up by John Butler, The Waifs & Ani DiFranco, hi-jacked by Midnight Oil’s Rob Hirst and served as the inspiration behind Ben Harper’s ‘Diamonds On The Inside’.

He has sold nearly 30,000 albums; however, you won’t see his name on any charts, as Greene has taken a staunchly independent path which has led him on a journey through countless festivals, bar rooms and concert halls across Australia.

website:  www.myspace.com/paulgreene

SATURDAY - 9.00pm - Creative Nations

With members from Romania, Hungary and Brazil, hi-octane Aussie band Lolo Lovina claim influences from Eastern European Gypsy music, French Chanson & Tango.

Only forming 2007, this electrifying and technically impressive Sydney-based group brings together some very exciting individual talents. Rromani Gypsy singer Sarah Bedak-Rockliffe, whirlwind violinist Jess Randall of Crooked Fiddle fame, Romanian accordion virtuoso Leon Beshlei, conservatorium trained guitarist David Carr & Brazils' own Rodrigo Salgado on Bass.  

website: www.myspace.com/lololovinamusic

SUNDAY - 12.00noon - Big Wheel Stage

Mic Conway takes the stage with Robbie Long playing unusual and idiosyncratic tunes that will make your jaw drop and toes tap. In a circus of comedy, magic and music they will delight with old and new material. Stripped back, irreverant and shameless.

Something new, something old, something in between. Audiences may know Mic from Captain Matchbox, Circus Oz and the National Junk Band. Robbie Long has appeared with a diverse range of festival favourites and is the current Australian Flat Pick Guitar Champion.

website: www.micconway.com  

FRIDAY - 9.15pm - The Scarlet Bar

Aussie rockin' blues with just enough funk.

4 piece band. Vocals guitar and harmonica, bass guitar, keyboards and drums and 4 piece harmonies.

Winners of multiple awards inc. 3 chain awards, 3 bluestar awards and an ABC Newcastle music award for their first album "The sweetest and most perfect things". They have been busy touring the festival circuit including performing at the 2007 East Coast Blues and Roots Festival in Byron Bay.

website: www.enterthebluezone.com

Stomping away on her homemade stompbox Rosie's rootsy, folky and often bluesy style is original and engaging.  

website: www.rosieburgess.com

Every now and then a band comes along that grabs you by the ears and just makes you listen.
One that doesn't sound like just anyone.
A band that changes people perceptions.
A band that- changes music.

These guys are coming to CoastFest all the way from Canada and a special competition will be run in conjunction with CoastFest… read more to find out and download 2 free tracks. 

website: www.thejudesmusic.com
myspace: www.myspace.com/thejudesmusic 

An acoutic/folk/60's pop inspired singer/songwriter from the Central Coast. Released " Ghost On The Roof" EP in 2006 and new album "Teapot Trees + Love Birds" this year through MGM.

Currently touring + promoting the new album across Australia and loved my spot on the Trad Stage at the last festival. Thanks!! 

website: www.myspace.com/sarahhumphreys

Beguiling, orchestral and lush, The Wishing Well evoke a gamut of emotions.

A cacophony of three part harmonies, wistful violin and majestic rhythms all melded to achingly strong and haunting vocals produce a rich tapestry of mesmerizing folk, pop and rock.

The Wishing Well evoke an extraordinary gamut of emotions with their compelling and awe- inspiring arrangements spun around magnificently poetic lyrics.
The song’s greatest strength lies within the poetry of the lyrics.  

website: www.thewishingwellband.com

The Go Set - big favourites at Coastfest in 2006.

When singer/songwriter J. Keenan and bassist Mark Moran formed The Go Set in 2003, it seemed only natural to combine the elements of the music they had grown up on. Having both been brought up on everything from traditional celtic and folk music, to early seventies punk rock, and with a voice for political perspective and social conscience, The Go Set embarked on a unique musical journey.

Combining the folk elements of the bagpipes, accordion, and mandolin, with distorted punk guitars and a rock n roll ethos, The Go Set created a sound and direction all its own...

website: www.thegoset.com.au

A delightfully unusual find, Alice Springs-based cellist/songstress Mei Lai Swan released her stunning debut EP The Morning Tree in 2007, hitting the airwaves as a Triple J Unearthed winner.

With an all female line-up on cello/vocals, drums, and keys, she puts her dextrous genre-crossing on show and delivers a compelling live performance.

website: www.myspace.com/meilaiswan

Rose Turtle Ertler is one of Australia's most well known ukulele players, playing her original pop-folk songs both acoustically as well as sometimes through various effects pedals.

Nothing like Tiny Tim, Rose aims to change the image of the ukulele, commonly thought as an untunable toy. Rose has been performing her solo ukulele act since 2000 and was a featured performer at the New York Uke Festival 2008.  

website: www.myspace.com/roseturtleertler

Benjalu mix it up, with their own blend of Roots, Folk, Rock.

Their show is a mash of these styles and more, incorporationg a variety of different instrumentation. Get ready for a full-on  set of original Benjalu music. 

website: www.benjalu.net.au

West African drum and dance

Experience the rich culture of West Africa with professional senegalese artists Fode Mane & Yacou Mbdye as they present their energetic, exhilarating and uplifting rhythms & dances. Explosive, inspirational & infectious rhythms. Get up and dance. 

website: www.jamojamoarts.com.au

The (Temperamental) Pocket is a modern acoustic performer from the Central Coast of NSW. Nathan Martin AKA “The (temperamental) Pocket” has had a vast range of experience for his age, having been on the musical stage for the past 5 years and played in a variety of bands.

The (temperamental) Pocket is a project that takes a step back from his punk roots and delves into the song writing that can only be achieved from an acoustic, storytelling style.

The Pocket takes on issues from the eyes of a youthful performer, the problems he sees and the issues he faces with having to grow up at such a young age. 

website: www.myspace.com/thetemperamentalpocket

If you like the sounds of.....The Band, Crowded House, Gomez, The Beatles, Ryan Adams, Jeff Buckley, Pete Murray, John Mayer, Paul Simon & Jack Johnson...then u will love the sounds that are uniquely Rocwater.

website:  www.rocwater.com

Living in their Rhythms is a creature born of the Mother Africa, spiced with ambamerica!

Playing high energy percussive dance grooves, The Drop take you on a trance inducing journey. They combine contemporary didgeridoo with chants and rhythms inspired by African, Cuban & Brazilian music.

Performed at numerous events and Festivals including, Peats Ridge, Surry Hills Festivals, CoastFest 2006, and Riddim Fest.

A sensational, entertaining group delivering sizzling grooves, poignant lyrics and haunting melody with a bright, joyful vibe that transfers immediately to the audience.

Pete Healy is an award winning songwriter, poet and actor has shared the stage with some of Australia’s finest blues & roots musicians,  including Phil Emmanuel, Matt Corcoran and Phil Manning.

Peter will also host the Poets Breakfast on Sunday morning in the Scarlet Bar.

website: www.peterhealy.com

JAYWALKER is a group of five Central Coast guys who have performed sold out shows both in Sydney and around their home town.

They released their single "You Live You Learn" in July 2007 on the back of their self titled EP in 2006 and have grown a brilliant fan base.

This fan base helped them achieve 2nd position in the Peoples Choice category of the Music Oz Awards and a sold out show at the Vanguard in Sydney. The sound is groove based, pop rock which will get the crowd on their feet, focusing on harmony vocals.

website:  www.myspace.com/jaywalkerband

"Combining the heavier moments of Something for Kate with the reflective acoustic leanings of Jen Cloher...to dramatic effect." (MySpace)

"Check them out if you're a fan of Nada Surf of Bluebottle Kiss" (Reverb Streetpress) 

website: www.myspace.com/oftheredsea

Tim McMillan is an eccentric guitarist/singer whose fusion of acoustic guitar syles have created a unique brand of "power folk". He has recently released his debut album "Afterparty" in Europe and has spent the last year based in Berlin and touring regularly with his trusty sidekick, percussionist Shane Evans. A feast for the ears! 

website: www.myspace.com/timmcmillanguitar

Michael Peter is a natural singer songwriter. His soulful,acoustic songs are written with sincerity, each revealing personal and deeply thoughtful lyrics. He has hundreds of compositions to his name and has worked closely recording songs with members from bands INXS and Something For Kate.

Michaels played countless live shows across Austraila, including support slots for artists such as Darryl Braithwaite and Billy Thorpe. His raw and passionate display of originality and intensity brings open-hearted stories wrapped in carefully crafted melodies and rhythmic phrasing mixed with folk style honesty.

website: www.myspace.com/Michaelpetermusic

Affiliated with Soundlounge Music Co-op. 

website: www.myspace.com/KylePhillipson

The Rhythm Hunters fuse together the thunder of Japanese Taiko Drumming with the Indigenous music from Indonesia.

Expect to see Taiko drums, frame drums, djembe, log drums, saxaphone, didgeridoo and harmonium interwined into a dramatic musical performance and choreographed visual spectacle.

website: www.therhythmhunters.com

Imagine what the hybrid child of a guitar-strumming Arab man and a singing Celtic woman would sound like, raised on classical music and her big brother's collection of metal, hip-hop and jazz. Add to this a strong element of female magic and groove, and you have the music of Vanessa Alia.

With highly rhythmic  electrified acoustic guitar and strong vocals with an Eastern influence, her lyrics don't beat around the bush when it comes to honesty and power. Appearances include Peats Ridge Festival and Knockengorrach, one of Scotland's largest annual underground folk festivals, with gigs in Sydney including The Kirk and The Metro. She is currently recording her second album.

From funk loaded jazz fusion to ambient solo pieces, Chris' music has a spirit and groove that will resonate with everyone. At the beginning of 2008 Chris released his debut album at a sold out launch at Lizottes, on the Central Coast of NSW.

website: www.myspace.com/chriskoelma  

Hurdy gurdy, medieval pipes, harp, percussion and jaw harp serve to brew up a musical feast to tantalise and stimulate the senses.

Be it lamenting love songs of the Troubadours and Minnesingers set to the dulcit sounds of the harp, or be it raucous drinking songs accompanied by pipes and percussion - whatever your musical taste, Wayward is certain to give you a taste of times of yore and leave you wanting for more.  

"Jeffrey Schollar...what can i say? He is an awkward man to say the very least.

After being questioned on why he writes such degrading songs about his own life, he replied " I make fun of myself because i've got a low self esteem... I also dislike my girlfriend". Jeffrey Schollar writes songs about his own troubles ( or lack thereof), may they be about unfortunate social life, paronoia about his own self worth, or his seemingly awful girlfriend. He is a singer/song writer that you will either love... or inevitably hate. I am currently yet to decide." 

website: www.myspace.com/jeffreyschollar

Dr. Goodvibe is emerging as an original voice in contemporary music

With influences derived from a multiplicity of musical styles - they create upbeat, colourful music that draws on the rhythms of the world.

website: www.doctorgoodvibe.com

Mark Cashin & The Lil Hussey's are a contemporary rock outfit, who will be performing Mark's new album "Bed Of light".

Mark is a rock front man with charisma and adrenalin, creating emotion through crowd connection and superb rock dynamics. Teamed with his first class band The Lil Hussy's they deliver the songs with great emotion, power and a professional stage performance.

website: www.myspace.com/markcashinband

With acoustic guitar, brilliant vocals, looping & sense of fun, Bob performs beautifully crafted folk, pop & country tunes. An essential if you want to see the future of the Aussie singer/songwriter.

website: www.myspace.com/bobcorbett

An acoustic folk, sweet pop hybrid. Lyrically charming with a hint of Jazz.

"With sugar-coated vocals and a powerful belt, Sam is one of the sweetest songbirds around. She sings tales of heartache and love and has the whole audience swooning as she giggles and croons"  

website: www.myspace.com/sambuckinghammusic

Okapi Guitars play African guitar pop The music is rhythmically and melodically engaging, and highly danceable.

The band uses electric guitars, bass and drumkit, and performs songs from Kenya, Guinea, Zimbabwe ans Sierra Leone, as well as original tunes in African styles.

Workshop: African guitar songs
We’ll demonstrate some of the guitar playing techniques used in popular African music, and teach a few songs. Bring your guitar and a capo.

website: www.okapiguitars.com

Formed to embellish Chontia's virtuosity in song writing, guitar and "Powerhouse Vocals", The New Colours are the ensemble transcending the next plane.

Chontia, guitar and vocals, Matty Page, drums, Darryl Balks bass. They are delivering a fresh unique listening experience, up beat that makes you want to dance. A new pallete of colours.  
website: www.myspace.com/chontiaandthenewcolours

Four-piece contemporary folk/pop group, with a hint of country here and there. Tales of love, its frustrations, and epic folk legends, be they true, traditional or completely made up!

JDSS have been together for 4 yrs, and have played a number of notable shows since their album release in 2007, including the National Folk Festival, support for Kate Miller-Heiake, and were billed to play at the rained out Peats Ridge Music Festival over New Years.

2008 sees the band traveling interstate to play far and wide to as many audiences as possible, now getting airplay on triple j , so keep an ear out for the sirens call!!

With influences from a wide range of music genres and styles, BARREL HOUSE are blending fast bluegrass finger picking guitar and funk slap bass over racy electro/jazz drum beats! When the boys get fired up their music takes off like some kind of possessed  runaway steam train!

website: www.myspace.com/dwainecameron

Their gigs take you on a train ride over terrains from cut back duets on the xylophone and banjo to 5 piece rock 'n' roll alt-country tracks.  

website: www.myspace.com/salkimber

Australian duo formed by coast dwellers Lenore Bower and Kaleah Balcomb.  Their unique blend of vocals, experience and instrumental skill results in a musical diversity ranging from folk to acoustic to soft blues, creating an unforgettably honest sound. A startling intensity and depth from both Lenore and Kaleah shines through in their performance; melding a combined passion for singing/songwriting with their desire to deliver a polished end result.

Let Ocea’s Meld take you on a harmonious journey in sight, song and sound.

South African born Abrie (Aah-Bree) is an original singer/songwriter/guitarist from the Central Coast of New South Wales. Abrie has been writing songs for over 10 years concentrating on the many facets and complexities of life and its issues. He has performed in many venues in and around Sydney, both as a solo artist and as frontman in the rock band Timeslave.

website: www.abrie.net