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SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

As always, the renowned Session Bar will be a hive of organic folk activity throughout the Festival, where anyone can start a jam or join in. Additionally, programmed sessions offer folks a time to converge to discover a diverse range of musical traditions and play with Festival artists. Read on below for some highlights of the 2025 Festival session program, or click here to look at the full program grid and check out the events in the Session Bar all day and the Terrace in the evenings.

  • Bring your instrument and join the SessionHedz, led by Sue Hobson, for an introductory session if you’re new to music jams or want some extra pointers. 

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  • Join David de Santi with Good Tunes, and Mike Martin and the Kameruka Bush Orchestra for some post-colonial Australian tunes.

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  • Learn some traditional Tassie tunes with young guns Homebru, featuring Ziah Cooper, winner of the Norm Merrigan Award at the 2024 Festival. 

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  • Discover tunes written by First Nation musician Val McGuiness, led by Ian and Chris Hayden. 

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  • Explore the rich diversity of Australian and international music through sessions led by João Almeida, Canberra Eurosessions, Zumpa, Pining for the Fjords and the Scruffy Scandi Band, and many more. 

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  • Dive into the world of shanty songs with the Redfern Shanty Club, or immerse yourself in Celtic traditions with the Celtic Piping Club and Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers. 

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  • Enjoy Old Time and Bluegrass sessions with Hunter & Suzy Owens, The High Street Drifters, and the West End Bluegrass Jam, plus tunes from New Orleans with Kid Hank and his Ockerstra. 

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  • Explore Balinese vocal music and percussion with Gamelan DanUnda, or get in the groove with Latin American percussion from Pachamama. 

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  • Join Miguel Heatwole (of Ecopella fame) and The Other Noonans for evening singing sessions in the Terrace.   

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