The Folk by the Sea festival in Kiama has announced a full lineup for its 10th annual event, set to take place from September 20-22. The festival will feature a wide range of performances across the weekend, with many headline acts scheduled for multiple shows.

Leading the lineup is "The Balkan Baritone," Mikelangelo (Michael Simic), who will perform four times throughout the festival. One of the highlights will be his Saturday night tribute to Shane MacGowan, the legendary lead singer and songwriter of The Pogues, renowned for blending traditional Irish music with punk rock. MacGowan, who passed away last November, is celebrated for classics like "Fairytale of New York," "A Rainy Night in Soho," and "Rock’n’Roll Paddy." Mikelangelo's tribute, *Fairytale of Shane MacGowan*, will take place on the main stage at the Kiama Pavilion at 10 p.m. on Saturday. He will also perform on Friday at 9:30 p.m., Saturday at 5:15 p.m., and Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

Canberra-based diplomat-turned-folk singer Fred Smith and his band are scheduled for three performances: Friday at 8:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 1:30 p.m.

Festival Director Neil McCann’s top pick is Indigenous violinist Eric Avery, also known as Murrawuy, who will perform twice: Saturday at noon on the main stage and later that evening at 7 p.m. in the Anglican Church Hall.

Mikelangelo. Photo by Sarah Walker

The festival will also showcase powerhouse vocalist Kelly Brouhaha, whose repertoire spans folk, country, blues, and jazz. She will perform three times, including hosting the traditional Sirens of the Sea concert on Saturday at 3 p.m., featuring several of the festival’s female artists.

With 44 acts and approximately 100 shows across nine venues, McCann emphasized the importance of offering multiple performances for many acts. "It really gives people options. With nine venues, there will inevitably be clashes between popular acts. However, with many of the artists doing more than one show, it gives people a chance to really plan their festival experience, so they don’t miss the acts they really want to see," he said.

Fred Smith. Photo by Geoffrey Dunn

For those unable to attend the entire weekend, a Saturday pass (valid from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.) is available, offering access to most of the headline acts. "This is aimed at those who don’t have the time to commit for the whole weekend or perhaps haven’t visited our festival before and want to see what all the fuss is about," McCann added.

Folk by the Sea will be based at Kiama Showground and nearby venues on Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday until 4:30 p.m., culminating in a finale concert at the Kiama Bowling Club. The closing event, hosted by Nick Rheinberger and Tia Wilson, will feature performances by the Carefree Road Band, Fiddledance, The Go Twos, and The Groove.

For ticket information and additional details, visit. 

www.folkbythesea.com.au