2025 Performers
Coming to Mountaingrass in 2025 are The Tone Rangers, Toronto’s preeminent bluegrass band. The members of this group of bluegrass, old-time, and string band vets are well-established in the Canadian bluegrass and acoustic scene and have individual bios that fill many pages.
Andrew Collins (mandolin) and Chris Quinn (banjo) (previously of The Foggy Hogtown Boys and Creaking Tree String Quartet) — are synonymous with Canadian bluegrass and bluegrass-adjacent music going back decades. James McEleney (bass) (also of The Unseen Strangers, Sarah Jane Scouten, The Andrew Collins Trio and The Sondheim Jazz Project) is an acclaimed bass player & multi-instrumentalist. Ben Plotnik (fiddle) is a renowned virtuoso Nashville based Canadian fiddle player who has toured the world and played as a session musician on more than a hundred albums. Together they form this band of troubadours whose songs echo across vast plains and dusty trails.
Saddle up and join The Tone Rangers, a ragtag band of troubadours whose songs echo across the vast plains and dusty trails. From campfire ballads to saloon showdowns, this eclectic posse serenades the frontier with tales of adventure, heartache, and redemption.
The Tone Rangers (CAN)
Individually, Laura Boosinger and Mike Compton are all-stars in the Old-time/Bluegrass world of music but performing together as the Knackered Ramblers, they are unmatched. Flawless playing with a musical connection that is undeniable.
If you want to learn more about these outstanding musicians head to their invidual websites.
An Amazing duet… Laura and Mike bring their love and respect of American traditional music together, preserving and sharing it for us all to enjoy! I wish I could go to every show!” ~Bryan Sutton, Grammy Award Winning Guitar Player
“The collaboration of Bluegrass Royalty Mike Compton and Laura Boosinger - “The Knackered Ramblers”, was nothing short of breath-taking. Flawless playing....the musical connection was on full display.” ~Laura Scoble, Brewgrass 2025
Mike Compton & Laura Boosinger (USA) - The Knackered Ramblers
Australia's favourite bluegrass band, Bluegrass Parkway hold true to the origins of this exciting musical genre, capturing the magic of the golden years of bluegrass. Bluegrass Parkway remains faithful to the 1940s by playing to a single microphone and incorporating strong three and four part harmonies. Whether it be the traditional sounds of Monroe and the Stanley Brothers or material closer to the 'cutting edge', Bluegrass Parkway will thrill you with great picking, strong harmonies and fancy footwork!
Nearly four decades of touring, along with countless concert performances have combined to strengthen the band’s reputation as Australia’s most highly credentialed and experienced bluegrass band. What sets the band apart is the priority they place upon presenting bluegrass music in its most authentic form.
Bluegrass Parkway
The Borough return to Mountaingrass in 2025. The band has an energy and drive that will carry you along from the first note to the last and restore your faith in fun, live, and purely acoustic music.
The Borough describe themselves as a four piece bluegrass band from Brisbane who play Bluegrass. You read that right – Bluegrass, not “bluegrass” where traditional instruments are relegated to fashion accessory. Bluegrass with a capital ‘B’ is played as it was meant , with banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass fiddle and four voices around a single microphone. They regard The Borough as their happy place - so there's no newgrass, altgrass or anything else non blue, and if there's a line they would be going straight down it.
The band: Paul Henderson - banjo (Estampa, The Shining Hour). Marcus Church - guitar, vocals (The Inadequates, Haystack Mountain Hermits), Markus Karlsen - bass (Present Company, The Company, CO2), Innes Campbell - mandolin, vocals (Present Company, Zumpa). Lucy Kammerman (fiddle) from SA will appear with The Borough as a special treat for Mountaingrass audiences!
The Borough
Craig Woodward is a Melbourne-based multi instrumentalist and American ‘Southern’ roots music specialist. Craig is an old-time fiddler, banjoist, Cajun accordionist, singer and front man of ‘Flying Engine Stringband’, Old-time and Country Blues duo ‘Woodward & Rough’,and The ‘Johnny Can’t Dance’ Cajun Band.
Craig performs regularly in Melbourne and has been running old time jams at many venues for 2 decades (currently held the first Friday at the Red Hill Hotel Chewton). He has fostered and inspired many old-time and cajun musicians. A show with Craig is a journey into the travels he has undertaken studying clawhammer banjo tunes, fiddlin’ n singin’, mountain blues and ballads, Cajun 2-steps, waltzes and stomps form the swamps!
Craig Woodward
Like summer wind’s last ride through falls first turn, Moranz & Fremlin are harbingers of a time on the verge. A dynamic Canadiana and bluegrass duo, multi-instrumentalist Ryland Moranz and mandolin aficionado Dan Fremlin champion the love and spirit of the Bluegrass tradition. Evoking a simpler ethos of string and timber; smoke and dew, joy, sorrow and the remembrance of all we hold most dear.
Ryland Moranz is an internationally touring singer-songwriter whose 2021 album XO, 1945 was nominated for Canadian folk music associations contemporary album of the year. In his spare time Ryland plays with Leeroy Stagger, Barney Bentall, John Wort Hannam, JJ Shiplett and more. Dan Fremlin is a nationally recognized and accomplished bluegrass mandolin player and songwriter who performs as an integral member of the Blue Wranglers as well as Barney Bentall’s Caribou Express. Formed in 2023, Moranz & Fremlin are in the process of recording their debut album and are set to tour Australia for the first time in the Spring of 2025.
Moranz and Fremlin (CAN)
Cielle Montgomery and James Church are multi Golden Guitar and Australian Folk Award finalists, Montgomery Church. A blend of acoustic folk, americana and bluegrass influences, grown and distilled in the Snowy Mountain ranges of NSW. With their organic union of dobro, guitar and harmony vocals, this magnetising duo and their band of brilliant musicians will captivate your soul through their thoughtful storytelling, longing harmonies and carefully intertwined instrumentation. They will appear at Mountaingrass with Hunter Beasley (mandolin) & Brennan Fell (bass).
'Montgomery Church are like the Australian version of Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, but if Gillian was the daughter of Allison Krauss...sitting on a porch, with tea not whiskey...I'm a tad obsessed...' - Fanny Lumsden (Golden Guitar & ARIA Award Winner).
August 2021 saw Montgomery Church release their highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Where The Quiet Can Hide’ - produced by 7 x GRAMMY nominated Producer and Engineer, Erick Jaskowiak (I'm With Her, Della Mae, Darrell Scott). ‘ The album earned the duo a string of accolades.
Montgomery Church
Fiddle We Must' from Adelaide, SA, grew out of a pandemic bubble when Ashley Turner and John Yerxa continue to meet up to explore fiddle/banjo duets. They were joined later by fiddler Geoffrey Bridgland, and more recently Stephen Loss.
Fiddler Ashley Turner is one of the most in-demand side musicians in South Australia, performing and recording with Western Swing, Old-time, Jazz, Rock, and Folk performers.
Geoffrey Bridgland has been a stalwart of South Australia’s (indeed, Australia’s) Bluegrass scene for 50 years, playing banjo and fiddle with the long-running band Bluegrass Junction.
Stephen Loss got his first guitar at age 13, and soon discovered Bluegrass. He plays bass with Bluegrass Junction.
John Yerxa grew up musically in the old-time revival scene on the US West Coast in the 70’s, playing guitar, banjo and bass in a variety of Old-time performing and square dance bands.
Fiddle We Must
Multi instrumentalist women of the folk world, Grace Honeywell (USA) and Jeri Foreman (AUS) offer dynamic interpretations of country classics, contemporary bluegrass, and beautiful originals to create a joyful audience experience. Blending original and traditional music, storytelling, and multi-genre influences, they share tales of life on the road, adventure, and connection.
Jeri and Grace take listeners along on a journey - following a tale of life on the road, adventure, exploration and connection. With their fresh interpretations of country classics, showcase of contemporary bluegrass songs and blend of beautiful originals, they create a unique and joyful experience for any audience.
Grace Honeywell (US) & Jeri Foreman (AUS)
Charley Castle and the Boys in the Well offer an old-is-new brand of bluegrass connecting elements of bygone country and folk with modern sensibilities. A fast-paced, infectious dynamic and equally catchy songs make for a holler-inducing live show. In the classic string band-style, Charley leads the Boys on acoustic guitar, double bass and mandolin, with harmonies galore.
The quartet recently took out First Place in Tamworth Country Music Festival’s ‘Best of the Buskers’ Competition, which saw them play Tamworth’s biggest stage to record crowds in January 2025. Charley was a student at the CMAA Academy of Country Music 2023, the winner of the Australian National Busking Championships Best Vocals Award 2023 and was twice shortlisted for the ASA Australian Songwriting Contest in 2020.
Charley Castle - lead vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, Reuben Ryan - acoustic guitar, harmonies
Henry Junor - double bass, harmonies and George Teasdell - mandolin, harmonies (ABOTMA Young Performer 2025)
Charley Castle & the Boys in the Well
Step into the heart of traditional & classic country with Rhiannon McArthur (Rhiz) and Pete Daffy, as they bring to life the timeless duets of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Like the songs preserved within the dusty grooves of vintage vinyl hidden in your grandparents' radiogram cupboard, Rhiz & Pete blend acoustic guitars, tight-knit harmonies, and pure old-fashioned entertainment. Their performances channel the spirit of icons like Kitty Wells, Iris Dement, The Louvin Brothers, Dolly & Porter, George & Tammy, Patsy Cline, and Buck Owens.
Together with The Taggin' Along Band—featuring Pete Fidler on dobro and mandolin, Donal Baylor on fiddle, and Ross Sermons on double bass —they offer an unforgettable show from the golden-era of country music. Rhiz & Pete will be launching their self-titled Nashville recorded album, which features 5 original songs and 5 classic country duets. Music styles include: classic country, bluegrass and old-timey songs. They will also throw in the occasional firey bluegrass/old-time tune to spice things up and keep the audience on their toes!
Rhiz, Pete & The Taggin' Along Band
The Louis Family Band present a mix of very traditional style bluegrass songs and tunes, & acoustic country, with some originals as well. Blue Mountains couple Karen Lynne & Martin Louis (Banjo) have been performing Bluegrass and Traditional Country music in various line-ups featuring some of the best musicians in Australian Bluegrass, for over 30 years. It’s also no surprise that after growing up surrounded by this music, their son William - an amazing multi-instrumentalist in his own right - is now sharing the stage with them.
Mountaingrass are pleased to welcome Karen & Martin back after their hiatus raising William to be an award winning musician. The Louis Family Band will once again by sharing their music with the Mountaingrass audience and will be joined by Quentin Fraser on Dobro and Liz Frencham on Double Bass.
The Louis Family Band
The Dempsey Brothers is the culmination of Jim Dempsey's dream of working with a talented group of like-minded musicians to play driving, authentic bluegrass with a nod to such legends as Hot Rize, Country Gentlemen, The Seldom Scene and Blue Highway. Beyond this, Jim's aim is to celebrate the memory of his family's history as horsebreakers and buckjump riders in the Riverina and the high country of NSW and Victoria through song and story.
The Dempsey Brothers Band is powered by the vocals and guitar of Jim Dempsey with Bruce Fumini (banjo), Wen-Tjen Lim (fiddle), George Teasdell (mandolin) [ABOTMA Young Performer 2025] and Paul Abrahams (double bass).
The group features strong harmonies and fine picking. Bruce has been an Australian bluegrass treasure for many years. Wen-Tjen combines a classical background with an incredible feel for bluegrass playing. Mandolin prodigy, George Teasdell has exploded onto the bluegrass scene in the past 18 months gaining much attention and kudos both for his extraordinary playing and his vocal ability. Paul is in demand as a superb bass player across a number of genres and is thebedrock of the band
The Dempsey Brothers
Newbury Fog are Nara and Karina Demasson, an old time duo from the Central Highlands, Victoria. Nara has played in diverse bands and music traditions, focusing here on his love of old time music and fiddle tunes.
Karina has spent many years absorbed by old time music playing banjo and guitar at sessions and festivals whenever she gets the chance. The raw honest energy of old time tunes expresses the deep love of music that they share. Newbury Fog play traditional songs, fiddle tunes, country ballads and rural music.
Newbury Fog
John sings and plays old time songs and tunes using guitar and banjo. Apart from solo performances, he has been a member of several string bands over the years. He has also performed in England and America. Audiences enjoy his varied repertoire, and interesting song introductions. His first solo album 'Still Rollin' On' features a mixture of traditional songs and tunes, and several original banjo and guitar instrumentals.
John's involvement with old-time country music and bluegrass began in Melbourne in the late 1960's when the folk music revival was in full swing. Since then, he has remained true to the spirit of old-time music as a performer and teacher. John plays clawhammer banjo and guitar. Apart from performing in Australia, he has performed in both England and the USA. He has been greatly influenced by Clarence 'Tom' Ashley, The New Lost City Ramblers, The Carter Family and The Delmore Brothers. John will be curating the old-time acoustic concert on Sunday at the Old Bright Courthouse Theatre.
John Boothroyd
Watkins & Montgomery have been playing music together for the better part of 15 years. Brought together by their mutual love of bluegrass, old-time, Americana and other folk genres from around the world. Daniel Watkins has long been recognised as one of Australia's premier flat-picking guitarists and singers, Raised on a healthy diet of Blake and Rice, Daniel has his own unmistakeable style. An effortless singer with a guitar that drives anyone where they need to be.
Paddy Montgomery is a multi-instrumentalist who is mostly known for playing traditional Greek music. Though a mandolin player from young, he fell in love with bluegrass in his teens. He'll be 'singing them harmonies for y'all, and play a bit of that there mandolin'.
The two have played in numerous different bands both nationally and internationally. Daniel has played regularly with The Davidson Brothers, One Up, Two Down, The John Flanagan Trio, and is currently playing with The High Street Drifters. Paddy has been seen with Mustered Courage, Oh Pep!, Gallie and Fanny Lumsden.
Watkins & Montgomery
Dave Diprose and Darryl Thompson have been performing music together for an incredible fifty years, cultivating a deep musical chemistry and an innate understanding. Inspired by Norman Blake and Tony Rice’s duo albums they bring traditional flavours to original songs in a flatpicked two-guitar (and Dobro) format.
Dave is twice winner of Bluegrass song of the Year and twice winner Instrumental of the Year. His evocative songs transport listeners to nostalgic bygone days and rural landscapes. Darryl enhances with superbinstrumentals and harmony vocals. Dave Diprose and Darryl Thompson bring great songs, great stories, and great musicianship.
Songwriting: Dave Diprose will also share his knowledge and love of songwriting with the Mountaingrass audience by delivering a songwriting workshop. He and Suzanne will be presenting a curated acoustic concert on Saturday in the Old Bright Courthouse Theatre. The concert provides Mountaingrass performers the opportunity to showcase their original material and songwriting skills in an intimate setting before an appreciative listening audience.
Dave Diprose and Darryl Thompson
The My-T-Fine Trio are Rod and Judy Jones with Lindsay Mar. The name My-T-Fine is known to all who attend the Sydney Bluegrass & Old Time Music Get-Together nights and to regular attendees at the old Harrietville Conventions. They travel to the United States regularly and are well-versed in the traditional sounds, tunes and playing styles of Appalachian string band music.
Rod and Judy started the Sydney Bluegrass and Traditional Country Music get-togethers over 40 years ago, inspiring many to play old time music. They were half of the Harrietville Convention organising committee, delivering that convention for 24 years.
Lindsay Mar has played with Rod & Judy for over 2 decades. His Bluegrass News Column in Trad & Now has been spreading the Bluegrass and Old-Time news as long as Trad & Now has been in existence. In 2025 the My-T-Fine sound will be part of John Boothroyd's curated Sunday acoustic concert: at the Old Bright Courthouse.
My-T-Fine Trio
The Old Crossroads
The Old Crossroads is a five-piece bluegrass band that brings a full and vibrant sound reminiscent of the bluegrass performed by its founders. The group, lead by Ashton Edgley, strives to deliver the classics and deep cuts of the genre across the 50s and 60s inclusive of high paced instrumentals and powerful high and lonesome harmonies.
As a band, The Old Crossroads has put in the time and effort to best research and match the sounds and delivery of straight down the line bluegrass. With seasoned members in Mick Harrison, one of Australia's most renown banjo players, and Bruce Packard holding the band down on bass, they provide a wall of sound. Justin Vilchez, Monroe-mandolin extraordinaire keeping the offbeats well punctuated and the breaks filled with southern flavour, while Jess plays the long-bow fiddle backup and breaks. With a deep love for this traditional style, The Old Crossroads have delighted many audiences across Victoria and share their passion for bluegrass with audience members alike!
Years of mutual admiration between banjoist Elwood Sze and guitarist/singer Tom Kendall have resulted in this long awaited collaboration. Now in their second year of gigging as a quartet, they've added James Taylor and Duncan Stephen into the mix on bass and mandolin respectively.
Taking cues from the second wave of bluegrass in the 80s, the boys take inspiration from the likes of Ronnie Bowman, JD Crowe & The New South, New Grass Revival and The Bluegrass Cardinals. Recent appearances at the Yarra Junction Fiddlers Convention, Big Earles Roadhouse, The Drunken Poet, The Catfish and The Brunswick Artists Bar have seen this new outfit hone their live show in front of a wide range of audiences.
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