WATERSIDE TAVERN

Reeba Von Diamond loves to party. Her band of fabulous Jazz players make hot tunes with old favourites. Gymnastic lead breaks, shiny threads and high energy tunes put fun at the centre of their improv. Never the same show twice.

Catch WolfeFolk, led by contemporary violinist Emily Wolfe, as some of Tasmania’s finest musicians cut loose with an eclectic mix of folk, blues and country, fuelled by improvisation, infectious rhythms and a sound that’s anything but predictable.

Enjoy rich harmonies, acoustic guitar and a versatile mix of classic songs and modern hits from Tasmanian duo Stellar, featuring Tony Mak and Samantha James-Radford.

Joe & Olivia Wilson are a brother-sister duo from just outside Hobart. Seasoned multi-instrumentalists who have played together since childhood, they bring an easy musical chemistry to performances that shift from heartfelt and atmospheric to lively and funky.

Experience the lively sound of the Tasmanian Heritage Fiddle Ensemble as traditional and contemporary Tasmanian tunes meet local storytelling, global influences and a modern twist. Led by violinist and musical director Emily Wolfe, the Hobart/nipaluna-based ensemble keeps Tasmania’s musical traditions alive while giving them a fresh contemporary edge.

Billy Whitton, Hobart’s own crooner, brings smooth guitar, classic songs and an easygoing mix of favourites from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

Tas Maloya is a new project led by violinist Emily Sheppard, drawing on the driving rhythms, percussion and communal spirit of Maloya. Expect a vibrant, groove-rich performance with plenty of energy and movement.

Ray Singline & the Trawl Dogs serve up sea shanties with a rough-edged country-rock swagger, laced with local folklore, mischief and plenty of character.

Born of smoke, moss and whiskey in Tasmania’s deep south, a group of burly men gather in the winter dark to sing shanties of work, women, whiskey and lonely seas. Rollicking, roaring and shoving the jug, they lift their voices into the night before slipping back into the known world at dawn.

Captain O'Brien's Craic are a seven-piece Celtic punk band from Launceston, lutruwita/Tasmania. Leaning into Tasmania's convict past, bushranger tradition and their deep Irish roots, they weave rollicking tales of the sea, rebellion and the colonial experience into high-octane folk punk. Many members also bring a background in musical theatre, giving their storytelling real dramatic punch. After hitting the festival circuit in 2023 and releasing two EPs, 2026 sees them dropping new studio tracks that capture the full force of their raucous live show.

The Royal Australian Navy Band Tasmania turns up the volume with a sharp set of 70s rock, modern pop and crowd favourites.

Experience the colour, rhythm and energy of Indonesian culture through a captivating performance of traditional dance.

Up She Rises is a fun, feisty and fierce Hobart women’s choir, first formed for AWBF in 2023 and now back for their third Festival. Directed by Jane Christie-Johnston, they bring foot-stomping shanties, folk ballads, silly songs, serious songs and plenty of personality.

Montz Matsumoto & Voicestrings blend bluegrass with Celtic, Indian and Japanese influences, pairing sparkling banjo, flute and soaring vocals in a sound that moves from the rice fields of Japan to the Appalachian Mountains.

Like the moods of the ocean, Storm Bay bring you sweet tunes and heartfelt ballads, jigs faster than a gale force blow and momentos of stories still fresh on the tide. Cello, violin, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin and hearty vocals are just the ticket to present Tasmania's local salty stories to any motley crew!

Day Star Duo bring a warm, nostalgic soundtrack to the Festival, moving effortlessly through ballads, rock ’n’ roll, country, Australiana and much-loved songs from across the decades.

Tasmania’s premier Yacht Rock tribute band, Baby Come Tack, will have you singing and dancing your boat shoes off to the smoothest hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Enjoy music from Hall and Oates, Toto, America, Little River Band, The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Earth, Wind & Fire, Player, and more!