Performers
Meet our extraordinary artists, in no particular order…
Goldie
Goldie is a fresh 5-piece funk band from the Bega Valley shire that plays own compositions that will make you jump out of your seat. The band has been making music together for two years and their latest gigs have been as headliner of BRITE NYE festival in Cobargo and as support for The Black Sorrows at the Tilba Winery. Viewers describe Goldie as 'fresh and vibrant funk from the area with a strong female vocalist and empowering lyrics'. Goldie's funk and Latin tunes make the crowd dance and feel good about themselves.
Lillian McVeity
Lillian McVeity is a young singer/songwriter based on the NSW Far South Coast, who has featured on Triple J’s Unearthed. Her musical style include excludes clear folk influences although her first single, “Hearts in December” exhibits a more indie pop oriented sound. Lillian has been performing around her local area since the age of 12, and recently formed the band “Aylagaze” playing rock and dance covers on the pub circuit. However, she is now focusing on her solo career and plans to release her album within the next year. She has also recently moved to Lismore where she is studying a Bachelor of Contemporary Music at SCU. Her guitar playing and vocal harmonies (which she achieves through vocal looping) create a muted and relaxed atmosphere, she strives to achieve a musical experience that is unique and unheard of.
Prodikal-1
Yuin Djiringanj man Prodikal-1 is a powerful First Nations hip hop artist and storyteller. A vibrant and impressive live performer, Prodikal-1 has wowed crowds at festivals including: Yabun, Ngana Birrung, Coastchella, Surflife, has had airplay on triple j, FBI Radio, Koori Radio, ABC radio and has been featured on NITV.
Skink Tank
We are Skink Tank, a whimpy pub rock band who'll get you singing along to passionate life-affirming anthems. We are as daggy as we are cool, and we aren't afraid to make fools of ourselves on stage. Come and rock on with us!
Jonathan Richman Experience
JRE are on a mission to bring the upbeat, party music of Jonathan Richman to audiences of south east. For the festival, JRE will feature many of Jonathan's whimsical and funny songs that kids love including Icecream Man, I'm a Little Airplane and Party in the Woods.
Anam Mana - Journey Jones with Kerrin Dow
"Flowetry" – Playful, powerful original spoken word performance by Gabrielle Journey Jones with a funky soundscape by local musician and singer Kerrin Dow. Be prepared to have all the ordinary things your heart experiences amplified in Journey’s poetry, sampled from her three books published by Ginninderra Press. Find out more https://linktr.ee/gabriellejourney
Theatre Onset
Theatre Onset is a community theatre group based in the Bega Valley, bringing quality theatre to the Bega Valley since 2001. Performing a preview of their new original musical “The Songcrafters”. Also look out for “Shakespeare On Demand”, on the street!
Quaama Chorale
The 2023 incarnation of the Quaama Chorale sees the focus placed on uplifting the audience and imbuing a sense of joy and wonder through the choice and delivery of songs. Quaama Chorale is not your typical choir, we believe in movement, call and answer, and percussive techniques to enhance rhythmic concepts. You can feel the ancient collective energy when the QC performs their signature song - Mother Gulaga, penned by choir member John Black.
Johnny Huckle
A proud Wiradjuri man, Johnny has won awards, travelled the world, had music played on Qantas, performed at the Opera House, and has even had fan mail from the former prime minister, Mr K. Rudd. Most of all he is a joyful caring man with a passion for sharing his music with all Australians and the world over, full of fun and famous for his much loved children’s “Wombat Wobble” song.
Rhys the Trickster
Rhys The Trickster dedicates his life to the weird, whacky and wonderful. His unique off-beat brand of eclectic circus stunts and comedy have landed him appearances at some of the biggest and best festivals around the world, and he cannot wait to come back to Candelo..
Michael Menager
Michael Menager is California born, world–travelling Americana Troubadour who for the last two decades has made his home in Tantawangalo, NSW. Both of Michael’s album releases (Clean Exit, 2014 and Not The Express, 2016) have been produced by local music legend Heath Cullen. In recent times Michael has been performing in both solo and trio formats in venues around the Far South Coast, but will be launching and touring interstate and internationally with a new album in 2023.
Val Moogz
Val Moogz is a prolific and passionate songwriter, drawing upon diverse musical influences ranging from Patti Smith’s powerful rock poetry, to Bill Withers’ great songs of soul, to the acoustic surf pop lullabies of Jack Johnson. A self-proclaimed lover of life, nature and people, Val Moogz draws inspiration from their daily encounters and the beautiful surroundings of the South Coast of NSW to create relatable, heartfelt tunes for everyone.
Nikea Brooks-Hayes & Dre Wicks
Nikea & Dre have been playing music and performing together for a number of years and are an exciting young duo emerging in the south coast music scene. They have performed at multiple Festivals (Wanderer Festival/ Giiyong/South Coast Music Festival), Community gatherings along with small gigs. Both live in Eden NSW, and together they share a love for Music connection to Family, Culture and Country.
Guy Alias
Serving 100% 'that guy' - Guy Alias brings you everything your heart desired & never knew it required. Guy is your drag man about the town & beyond, bringing acts ranging from sublimely sexy to downright silly. Hailing from the Canberra scene, he's the producer of the monthly Drag Cabaret, & regularly brings his brand of masc glam to clubs, events & festivals. From Sydney to Melbourne, central coast to rural NSW, Mardi Gras to your lap, he adores bringing suave & glittering times.
Bega Valley Male Voice Choir
The Bega Valley Male Voice Choir formed after the Black Summer fires of 2020-21 by conductor Geoffrey Badger. It has not only become a source of strength, community and connection – it’s also emerged as a truly unique ensemble that celebrates both community and the spirit of song. Filled with rich, deep harmonies, love songs and lullabies, the Bega Valley Men’s Choir is a truly uplifting celebration of life in our community.
Flag Warrior
Flag Warrior-15 foot of walking kinetic theatrical magic. A celebration of Vata, the air element, Flag Warrior, international stilt performer Madhava's latest creation, will debut at Candelo 2023.
Lil Miss Mini
A darling of the dragesque scene, Lil miss mini is a captivating performer, combining a mix of pop culture, tongue in cheek humour and glamour. She’s an absolute pocket rocket and a certified sass pants. They love taking all things geeky and turning them into something even geekier you will not wanna miss out on this powerhouse performance 🎭
bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is an inspiring creative project where young people can develop skills intrinsic to creating large-scale projection and light events.
10 young participants from Cobargo, Tanja, Bega and Candelo will gather images of the local flora and fauna with a focus on Candelos iconic creek to create a site-specific work that will be projected under the Candelo Bridge.
The Bioluminescence project sits at the intersection of art and science and is based on the South Coast of NSW.
The Children of Destiny and the Tiger of Doom
A community theatre project led by Mica Mahani, with music by Tamlyn Magee. With a sizeable cast of adults and children, this play uses music and dance to tell a classic tale of hope and despair, using metaphor and symbolism to suggest deeper meaning. The question is – when crisis strikes, can the Children of Destiny save the day?!
Harper Jessop
Harper Jessop, 12, of Tantawangalo, is an up-and-coming vocalist and has had some amazing opportunities to showcase his vocal ability in some local settings with artists Gary Carson Jones (Mojo).
Harper last year was hand-picked out of 2000+ Public School students from years 5 through to 12 to feature in the School Spectacular. He was 1 of 3 primary-aged students of the 30 featured vocalists to perform in front of 25000 people.
The Jessops have a lineage of musos and are so proud of Harper following his dreams.
Bega Sound Collective
Bega Sound Collective is a dynamic group of DJs from the Bega Valley. Producing their own events and collaborating with community groups and local artists to turn any location into a multi-media dance fest - small town halls, abandoned racecourses, school halls, bowlos, private parties - there is no limit to their desire to move people. You’ll be putting on your dancing shoes or kicking them off to get down to some supa phat tunes.
Ross Knight
Ross Knight is a Baakandji/Kunya man, a singer songwriter and educator. Based in Pambula, he has captivated local audiences with his soulful vocals and authentic songwriting. Drawing on influences from hip hop, coastal rock and acoustic indie, Ross has an original sound that he is looking forward to sharing with the Candelo festival.