Performers
Here is a taste of the entertainment programme which will run from 4pm on Friday until late Sunday afternoon in the beautiful valley under the Great Western Tiers.
Click Here for Full Programme of Stage Performances, Children’s Activities, Walks and Workshops.
Diana Anaid – NSW 
An absolutely dynamic performer and songwriter, Diana has been touring Australia, America and Europe for years.
A unique sound made Diana Anaid a darling with community radio and the triple j network, who made her debut single “I Go Off” a alt-rock smash. But singles from “I Don’t Think I’m Pregnant” (1999) and “Beautiful Obscene” (2004) crossed her over to mainstream radio as well. Her last single, “Last Thing” also broke her into the Top 30 of Hot Adult Contemporary formats in the United States. It got her an invitation to showcase at the International Folk Alliance in Memphis and a run of clubs in California.
Rather than build up her career even further, she took a break for a few years. She looked after her father as he slowly died from cancer. She watched her son grow into a strong independent teenager. She tried to trace her family tree: she lost touch with her mother’s clan after she died when Diana was a year old. She set up a studio in her home, and learned how to use every aspect of it. She grew her spiritual soul through ideas in self-help books.
As a result, she has made her most radio-friendly record to date. True, that fiery spirit that pervaded “ I Go Off” and struck a chord with a whole generation of pissed-off girls is still as strong on the new record. The opening track “Make Me Change My Name” rails at both her father for being absent during her growing up days and to the music industry for trying to manipulate her. “The drugs and the sex that you fed to me. Made me old too soon/ So I buried myself in music…” goes the song. ( Christie Eliezer-POLLSTAR MAG). www.myspace.com/dianaanaid
The Barons of Tang – Vic 
Leaving a trail of battered dance floors in their blazing wake, The Barons of Tang have earned a reputation as one of Melbourne’s hardest working bands. With lashing Tango, Rockabilly, Metal, Latin and Gypsy with breaks, hard hitting guitar riffs, double kick blast beats and massive horn arrangements The Barons of Tang serve up their self described gypsy ‘deathcore’. Blending sounds from Eastern Europe and indeed the rest of the world, The Barons take traditional feels and bend them to absolute breaking point.
“Tuba on the floor, shirts off, death metal punk Gypsy..
Hardcore. Dance, dance, dance” – Andrew Galan 2009 The Pheonix
“Had Frank Zappa jumped aboard the gypsy bandwagon he might have made music something like Melbourne’s Barons of Tang. – John Shand Sydney Morning Herald EP Review 18/12/08 http://www.myspace.com/thebaronsoftang
Holycow – Vic 
Victorian based Holycow band have been flat chat with 8 EAST COAST TOURS in the last 5 years. During this time they’ve honed & performed their unique “shake it and see” mix of melodic, electro-acoustic, coastal-cruise, roots-rock-raga to perfection! It’s a combo of wonderful male/female vocal harmonies and eclectic instruments including; nine and six string acoustic guitars, mandolin, Dobro resonator, guitar synthesiser, funky bass, and syncopated rhythms. The songs are beautiful and bittersweet views of life, luck, rusted cars, space junk, environmental political activism, third world rip offs, surf-travelling, love, money, demons, & survival. www.myspace.com/iantreesholycow
The Gin Talking – Vic 
The Gin Talking was founded five thousand years ago by Dionysus after he discovered the culture of the vine and the mode of extracting its precious juice; but Hera struck him with madness, and drove him forth a wanderer through various parts of the earth. Now, in 2009, and several line-up changes later, The Gin Talking steps forward again. And what do they sound like after 5000 years of development? Buoyant, psychedelic 1960s rock n’ roll, from a time that was awake to the world and its infinite possibilities. Take off your suit. Walk towards the horizon. www.myspace.com/thegintalking
Andrew McSweeney – Vic 
Andrew is a singer/songwriter, bass player, guitarist and pianist and has been performing and recording his music for over 20 years. Andrew has produced and released 5 CDs of his material and has been the bass player with the Kutcha Edwards Band since 1998. Andrew’s songs have been recorded and released by Daryl Braithwaite and Kutcha Edwards, as well as various film and television projects. Due to release a new ablum in late 2009, Andrew’ songs trace his personal journey to the heart of matters which connect all that is valuable in life and love. Andrew has made a commitment to use music in supporting the process of healing and recovery whether it is for himself, for others, or for the community, through his business Living Music. http://www.myspace.com/andrewmcsweeney
The Little Cubas – Tas
The Little Cubas formed in early 2009, and played their first gig a week later. Since then they have been in high demand, madly playing their asses off around the state, and recording their debut ep in a haunted house on a full-moon. They are a high energy, rock, hoedown, roots based two-piece, consisting of J. Thomas on main vox, guitar and kick-drum, and Kylie Souter on vox, congas and kit. They are well known for their incendiary and high-powered live shows, and have played alongside national bands on tour in Tasmania including Wagons and Sine, as well as a knock-out set at Tasmania’s very first Listen festival at Golconda. Delivering a large and formidable sound for a two-piece, they are guaranteed to get the party started with their highly danceable and hook laden indie rock n’ roll. http://www.myspace.com/thelittlecubas
Daniel Brauchli and Kate Case – Tas
Alaskan born Daniel Brauchli is a singer/multi-instrumentalist who has performed and recorded with many bands since moving to Australia in the 70s, but is best known for playing violin and lead guitar with Celtic rock band ‘Wild Zinnias’ in the 90s. Having moved to Tasmania to make guitars in 2001, he performs on original instruments, including unique slide guitars.
Tasmanian singer Kate Case joins Daniel performing original and classic songs that cross boundaries between country, blues and jazz. Rich vocal harmonies combine with guitar and slide virtuosity to create a powerful musical experience.
Samuel Bester – Tas 
Samuel Bester, troubadour, a singer-songwriter with roots influences. His lyrics speak of the human condition, political, personal and other stories from life. Often daring to delve into the deep, yet carrying an underlying positive message. A message that reflects Samuel’s own determination for better living. His influences are varied but as an indication, if you think of the folk/pop sensibilities of Cat Stevens, lyrical life observations of Bob Dylan, the fresh roots sound of Donavon Frankenreiter and compositional diversity of Ben Harper, then you’re getting warm. http://www.myspace.com/samuelbestermusic
Combat Wombat – Melb
Combat Wombat are a political hip-hop crew based in Melbourne. Renowned for taking bass bins hostage and blasting political fire in these unsettling times MC Elf Tranzporter, Izzy, Monkeymarc and DJ Wasabi will take you on an unforgettable ride of truth and rights mixed with dub heavy bass.
Combat Wombat are a political hip-hop crew based in Melbourne. Renowned for taking bass bins hostage and blasting political fire in these unsettling times MC Elf Tranzporter, Izzy, Monkeymarc and DJ Wasabi will take you on an unforgettable ride of truth and rights mixed with dub heavy bass. http://www.myspace.com/combatwombatforpresident
Debra Manskey – Tas
Debra Manskey is an ARIA award-winning singer/songwriter who’s been performing since childhood. Described by UK’s Rock’N’Reel magazine as “one of the finest female voices imaginable” Debra was original lead singer with 80’s band Wild Pumpkins at Midnight, who have graced the stage at previous Forest Festivals. Now as a solo performer, Debra is also an inspiring and sought-after workshop facilitator and teacher. http://www.myspace.com/debramanskey
Pete Cornelius – Tas 
Pete Cornelius and the DeVilles est. 1999, have set the pace for many Aussie rhythm & blues bands. They’ve released 5 full length albums - Live@Narooma which was recorded at the 1999 Great Southern Blues and Rockabilly Fest when Pete was just 15 years old, Gotta’ Live released in 2001, Creatures of the Night 2004, Suburban Hell 2008 which has received many rave reviews, national awards and international airplay, and Live At The Lakes 2008 when the original DeVilles line-up met up for a 1-off show and recorded it. As for Pete’s solo acoustic career, he’s been playing a stack of shows all around Australia and he has also spent time touring in the UK, Europe and the US. He released Gonna’ Burn in late 2005, which is a blues and roots feast featuring quirky covers and matching originals. His live shows consist of many styles, but all come together with foot stompin’, slide guitar infused, feel good delta blues. Pete is endorsed by Fender Australia, Pure Tone Strings & Tonerider Pickups. http://www.myspace.com/petecorneliusandthedevilles
Nellie Degrassi – Tas
Tasmania’s own Funk Jazz Gypsy, Best known as the leading lady in THE FAT
BAND and PURPLE SHAG. Nell finally returns to the stage with her newest collection
of songs and infectious grooves, backed by Hamish Mathieson on percussion.
Eddie Tuleja and the Breen’s – Tas
Eddie Tuleja and Damian Breen are local performers who have played at every one of the Forest Festival’s. Eddie is a highly accomplished, New Jersey born, guitarist and singer who was a founding member of the 60’s band King Harvest. Eddie has made a life from music and has become an icon of the music industry as both a teacher and performer. Damian has similarly worked as a music teacher and performer for many years and is pleased to be singing this year with his daughter Maeve. The Breens will be performing a mix of originals and favourites drawn from a wide variety of genres.
Lucie Thorne - NSW 
Described as “Australia’s PJ Harvey… possessing the punch of Cat power and the wise words of Joni Mitchell” (Courier Mail), Lucie Thorne has earned her place as one of the most striking lyricists and voices of Australian contemporary song. Her latest release, Black Across The Field, has garnered extraordinary attention from the country’s leading critics, being hailed as “diverse, profound, breathtaking” (Rhythms), “intelligent… gorgeous” (****The Australian), “spellbinding” (J-Mag) and as one of the finest albums of the year.
“This is music that can be tender and taut, full of the subtle nuances of real life as opposed to the black-and white world of simple pop. There’s tough guitar and autumnal shades, haunting slow-mo rock, Neil Young-esque guitar lines… And right up front is a voice with a quality that keeps drawing the listener in.” (Noel Mengel, Courier Mail) http://www.myspace.com/luciethornemusic
The Stoics 
- Tas
The Stoics have independently recorded and released three Ep’s in the three years they have been together. Their shoulders have grown tired from shrugging in interviews when journalists ask them to describe their style. Comparisons have been drawn to other artists like: The Decemberists, Augie March, The Panics, and Gomez, yet perhaps their style is best defined as sounding like The Stoics.
A five piece band formed and currently living in the arctic island of Tasmania. Their latest Ep , Death Machine was recorded in the coastal capital Hobart with Melbourne engineer Rob Long (Faker, Magic Dirt) and mastered at Birdland Studios. Three vocalists in the band combine to create beautiful harmonies that elevate the lead singers intelligently crafted lyrics. The band also has two drummers, whilst one spends most of her time stretching her fingers behind the piano, their live show frequently features explosive and driving dual percussion from the male and female drum team. They have supported some of the best bands around across a myriad of genres; The Cat Empire, The New Pornographers (Canada) , The Getaway Plan, Cut Copy, and Clare Bowditch. Triple J has also recognised their efforts by awarding them Next Crop status amongst the nations most promising unsigned artists. Their music has been played and welcomed nationally through Triple J and they plan to be making music for a long time to come. http://www.myspace.com/stoics
Nathan Wheldon and the Two Timers - Tas
Nathan Wheldon & the Two Timers are a pop driven acoustic/roots act based in Tasmania. At 23, Nathan’s writing boasts that rare ability to draw an audience into an intimate and immersive experience, directly connecting to listeners with relatable and emotive stories of love, loss and the lessons of growing up. The band have achieved a lot in their time together, most notably playing at The Falls Festival 2 years running, 2007/2008. You can grab their latest EP, 10 to 83 online or at Mojo Music (Launceston). http://www.myspace.com/nathanwheldonandthetwotimers
Kasper – Tas
Stemming from the blues/folk/rock phenomenon which has crept over Launceston, Kasper has spent the last 12 months defining their own original sound that has secured them a dedicated following of listeners whenever they perform. To feel the music of Kasper you must first immerse yourself in the soundscape of sweet honey vocals dripping over a warm acoustic guitar which vibrates with driving percussion and rounding bass only then to be woven together with the emotive melodies of a Huon Pine violin. Combine all these ingredients together with the soulful, grungy, true heart felt lyrics and the haunting vocal ability of lead singer Tess and you are now beginning to imagine the sonic embrace of Kasper. http://www.myspace.com/kasperband
Emma Anglesey – Tas 
Emma has just returned to Australia from the US where she performed with The New York Songwriting Circle (John Oats, Pheobe Snow, Tina Shafer). While in New York, Emma began working on her new EP with highly sought after bass player and producer Jeff Hill (Rufus Wainwright, Joan Baez, Joan as Policewoman). Emma’s style is new folk with hints of her celtic ancestors coming through in her striking vocals. Her intense, graceful and cheeky stage presence combined with skillful story telling sets her apart. Add Anita Quayle on cello (Pete Murray, The Waifs, Ice Cream Hands) and you have a show not to be missed! www.myspace.com/emmaanglesey
Bladel – Tas
Representing South Central Hobart, Bladel is one of those all too rare True-School Emcees. A dedicated student of hip hop culture and way of life, he spits a fearless critique of his environment, marrying personal and political. At 13 he set about mastering the craft of rhyme, and 6 years later his flow and delivery are already world class.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnWRp0uKf9s
Lisa Yeates – Tas 
Returning to Tasmania and the Jackeys Marsh Forest Festival … yet again, having performed at most of the festivals from its very beginning, Lisa is a passionate and dynamic, powerful and playful performer, even called an icon of the historic Franklin and Terania protests.
Lisa’s performing career, spanning over 30 years, has been diverse to say the least. Most recently she fronted the Far North Coast NSW Jazz group Skylarks. As the lead singer in the popular Tasmanian band Misters and Sisters she played to up market audiences at Wrest Point Casino, conventions and events. Lisa added the forth part to the accapella cabaret group, Silly Symphony, who opened the ’86 Adelaide Arts Fringe Festival, as well as being backup vocalist and guitarist in bands varying from rock n’ roll to reggae. Her solo musical career stretches from performing at the Adelaide Fringe, Woodford, Cygnet and Lismore Folk Festivals, to singing in front of the bulldozer at the Franklin and other forest protests, and too many festivals, fundraisers, clubs, pubs, rallies, & restaurants up and down the East Coast and around Tasmania to remember. http://www.myspace.com/lisayeates
Vamp – Tas
Vamp is a 3 piece who played together for about 6 years and have played at all the Forest Festivals except for the first one in 1983. They will be playing an eclectic selection of covers and originals. The line up is James “Sqiz’ Squires on guitar, Kim Clark on bass, Ashley Hallam on drums.
Guthrie – Tas 
It began in a swamp. Well, in a Tipi in a swamp, with a telephone attached to an ironbark gum. This is not fiction. This is the cold smoking truth. The bearded man was born. Many years passed to the sounds of Tom Waits, AC/DC, Tim Buckley, The Black Keys, Pantera and Springsteen. Guthrie have been achieving and turning heads all across this deep southern isle. They can be found stomping out their swamp grooves from north to south, east and west. Guthrie was born screaming in a bath of flames and booze and smoke and hair. Give these young men the chance…and they’ll spit fire! http://www.myspace.com/liamguthrie
FATsmalls – Tas
Formed and based on the east coast of Tasmania, the FATsmalls draw influence from both modern and classic soul and funk acts such as Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, and Maceo Parker. FATsmalls is the most booty shakin, hip grindin, soul clappin band to spring forth from the beautiful state of Tasmania for some time. The band’s sound is characterised by tightly arranged irresistible grooves augmented by punchy horns, funky keys and smooth, fresh vocals. The funk is built on the solid foundation of Joel Delphin’s hip dropin’ drum grooves, Simon Holmes’s booty moving bass lines, Robbie Cameron’s funky guitar lines, and the syncopated soul of Pete Cornelius’s keyboard. Perfectly complimenting the unstoppable groove, the band also boasts a killer horn section of Lila Meleisia, Owen ‘Hank’ Hankin, while vocalist Erin Clarke ties it all together with her sweet soul vocals. They are sure to get you dancing in no time!
AlterNate Vibe Tribe – Tas
A collection of local northern jammers combining acoustic simplicity, vocal passion and tribal vibes. We attempt to bring you a rhythm heavy, organic style chill trance. Escape, explore and more…
Toni D Mellow - Vic 
In October 2006 we were all standing in the corner of one of Fitzroy’s most popular watering holes, The Empress Hotel - a heritage establishment for countless Melbourne artist’s. A shy young woman with wild blonde hair, ripped stockings, army boots and a long black dress nervously graced the stage holding a beautifully worn Cole Clark acoustic guitar. We could have been listening to Memphis Mini star crossed with Gillian Welch, and there wasn’t anything strictly blues or folk about it, it was traditional, yet alternative, and most importantly, utterly heartbreaking. Whether she was playing a Nina Simone song or one of her own, her voice wept into the microphone. Toni has a distinct voice, timeless, often bringing grown men to tears. She has played with the likes of Clare Bowditch, Jen Cloher, Renee Geyer, Mia Dyson, Ember Swift, and Serena Ryder to name a few and she has received praise and support among fellow musicians. Toni is also a very talented artist and has been producing striking charcoal and oil pieces for many years now. She is currently piecing together her long awaited album and is in search of management and new shows to play. One thing is for sure, this talented young lady deserves to be noticed. http://www.myspace.com/tonidmellow
Emma Wild – Tas 
Raised in the thick forest heartland of Tasmania and raised on all the greats of the rock and roll, blues, soul, folk and beyond, Emma Wild has been performing from earliest memory and has never been afraid of the stage, and likewise it has never been afraid of her! Emma plays something old, something new, something twisted, something blue. She delivers songs about inticate and barefaced facets of the human disposition with her heart on her sleeve and her tongue in her cheek. http://www.myspace.com/emmawild
Dean Folks – Tas
Mainly an “at home” singer/guitarist, Dean plays blues styles with a particular interest in the early blues music of the 1920′s and 30′s.
He also builds and plays cigar box guitars, an instrument rooted in early American music with connection to African and Asian stringed instruments.
Circus Horrificus – Tas
In the mountains of Northern Tasmania lurks one of the world’s most truly idiotic clown troupes, Circus Horrificus. Samora Squid and Bridget Bridge are renowned for their extreme slapstick and stunt-based physical-comedy skits that truly test the durability of this unique pair of twits’ bodies.
www.myspace.com/bridget_bridge
Bruce Penn – Tas
Local poet Bruce Penn has been performing his delightfully amusing, provocative and insightful poetry at the Forest Festival since it’s inception.
Vamp Bellydance – Tas
VAMP gothic dance company’s unique blend of dance styles and theatre, set to a dark backing track of heavy metal, has made them firm favourites on the cabaret and entertainment scenes throughout Tasmania since VAMP’s inception in late 2007.
Miasma Tribal Bellydance – Tas 
Miasma is a Tribal Style Belly Dance Duo based in Nothern Tasmania. Their performances have been described as ‘mesmerising’, and range from an earthy, gypsy feel, to modern, edgy and intense, drawing on many influences including burlesque, flamenco and gothic/industrial, as well as featuring ‘traditional’ Tribal Style. Angela Gatti and Katrina Bock have been performing as Miasma since late 2005 and have appeared at a range of festivals, parties and fundraisers both in Tasmania and intestate. Angela and Katrina will be performing at Forest Festival with their student troupe, Ekstasis. Ekstasis is a vibrant Tribal Belly Dance troupe based in Launceston. Tribal Belly Dance is a structured improvisational form of dance, the improvsiation adding to the intensity and excitement of this group’s performances. The group connects and communicates with one another when performing and the way dancers interact make their performances energetic, dynamic and full of life.
Johnson and Friends 
- Tas
Johnson and friends are friends. They make a jam session sound like Eric Clapton and Mike Patton’s love child. The guys are loose, and I mean real loose. Please welcome them to the forest. They will make you feel like a big pink elephant.
The Suitcase Sideshow – Tas
The Suitcase Sideshow is a dynamic performance duo who hail from Deloraine. They perform spectacular and breathtaking sideshow stunts, intertwined with witty and heart-warming humour. They are experienced, self-taught youth with a passion for testing the limits and pushing the boundaries. Watching their show will put you on the edge of your seat with a rollercoaster ride of wholesome belly laughs, nail-biting moments and sheer astonishment. The Suitcase Sideshow provides a well polished and highly entertaining show that you will be sure to remember.
Sara Jane and the Enigma Blues 
- Tas
Sara Jane and the Enigma Blues are a funky four piece reflecting on the influences of Eva Cassidy, Missy Higgins, Stevie Wonder. Fronted by the groups sole writer Sara Jane and backed by some of Launceston’s freshest and finest musicians, Sara Jane and the Enigma Blues are fast becoming a highly recognised and called after band in the community. Sara Jane is a singer songwriter born and bred in Launceston. Always musical, she has been singing and performing from a young age in a range of musical styles. Last year saw the release of her debut independent EP Troubled Minds. This year saw Sara Jane’s demo win an amplified award for best contemporary, classical and or jazz artist. With a mix of contemporary jazz, funky reggae grooves, folk like lyrics, and that little element of pop/rock Sara Jane and the Enigma Blues are sure to impress. www.myspace.com/sarajanemusic
Miraj
A trio from the four corners of Deloraine. They play funky feelgood folk. Enjoy the light sounds for your lazy sunday afternoon while they perform small world music with a heartbeat.
Mic Attard & Norman Abdulla on bass- Tas
Mic’s music is a tasty hot soup of Folk, Soul, Reggae and Blues which entwines itself around life’s stories of triumph, love, 
loss and music. The music channels itself through acoustic guitar, stomp box and harmonica and culminates in a sometimes driving, drifting and delirious sound. During his musical journey Mic has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Jeff Lang, Bob Evans, Carus and Rastawookie as well as writing for, and fronting, Tasmanian award winning band The Embers.
Alia Coates – Tas
It’s been ten years since Alia Coates first picked up the acoustic guitar and began playing the powerful earthy roots music she is known for; a sound that suggests it’s been more than just a decade in the making. Described as “powerful and passionate alternative folk/rock,” Alia’s music has all the wisdom and confidence of the girl herself, which is exactly what she’s willing to share with audiences at the upcoming Jackeys Marsh Forest Festival. Comparable to other singer-songwriters such as Ani DiFranco or Adalita Srsen, Alia has shared the stage with local artists Samual Cole, Frankie, the Emma Fair Band and many more. Up next will hopefully be an EP release, as Alia works on getting her recordings out of her home studio and into your home stereo!
Jared Spurr – Tas 
Jared Spurr is a Tasmanian born and educated singer songwriter. When studying at the University of Tasmania he recorded and produced a full album of material, Virgil, Take Me by the Hand. After months of travelling Jared has ended up in Brisbane, where he is working on a bunch of new songs written over the last year. Jared’s musical style is part Australian folk, part 12 bar blues, and part lyrical driven songwriter. His lyrics range amongst themes of Australiana and analytical. He hopes to arrange his new songs into an album to be released independently halfway through 2010.
Patrick Gambles 
- Tas
English born singer songwriter and now resident in Meander Valley, Patricks plays original acoustic songs with contemporary themes and folk roots. Patrick was awarded the Folk Federation of Tasmania song writing winner 1998, 2005 and 2007.
Emelene DeBrito – Tas
Emelene is a singer/song writer from the Tamar valley, Tasmania. “Every soul has a story to tell. My inspiration to write and sing comes from life experiences. It’s been a most awesome adventure and the journey continues!” - Emelene