Festival of Balmain

Meet the Artists

Euan Hart Band

Euan Hart is a Sydney-born artist raised in Balmain with close family ties to Ireland, blending rich storytelling with modern alt-folk, country, and indie rock influences. Inspired by artists like Wilco, Andy Shauf, The War on Drugs, and Father John Misty, his music shifts between intimate acoustic moments and full-band energy. With strong ties to Ireland, where he lived and performed for over a year, Euan has built a growing international presence. In the past year, he completed a seven-date European tour, played Electric Picnic, and sold out multiple headline shows in Sydney and Dublin. His versatile live show adapts to any setting, whether a stripped-back acoustic performance or a high-energy full-band set.

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Stiff Gins

Stiff Gins, featuring Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta woman Kaleena Briggs and Yuwaalaraay woman Nardi Simpson, are Australia's longest-performing Indigenous female group. With more than two decades of music, they share their culture and language, inspire emerging First Nations artists, and blend cultural depth with connection and creative evolution.

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Paula Baxter

London born multi-faceted vocalist, songwriter and AAMA Award (The African Australian Music Awards) winner Paula Baxter started her musical journey at the age of 15. Paula's original music is a blend of soul, funk, disco, house and pop, which she delivers with a unique style that is sultry, soulful, powerful and distinctive. She knows how to engage any crowd and has fun doing so.

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The Morrisons

The Morrisons are a seven-piece folk, bluegrass and country band renowned for their exceptional musicianship, rich harmonies and deep roots in both Australian and American musical traditions. They have supported artists including Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Marlon Williams, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis and Lake Street Dive; earned a Golden Guitar nomination; won an Australian Songwriters Award; and performed at major festivals including Port Fairy Folk Festival, Woodford Folk Festival and the Blue Mountains Music Festival.

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Metin Yilmaz Quartet

A journey between compositions, improvisations and traditions. The music of the Metin Yilmaz Quartet unfurls like a breath from the mountains, carried by the mystical voice of the Bilûr/Kaval, the ancient flute of Metin's homeland. Joined by piano, double bass and drums, the Metin Yilmaz Quartet weaves quartertones/microtonal scales and Kurdish Anatolian modes into intricate rhythmic landscapes where contemporary sensibilities meet timeless tradition.

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NIVEN

NIVEN is a dynamic alternative rock band that pushes the boundaries of sound and emotion. NIVEN crafts a unique blend of powerful riffs, introspective lyrics, and captivating melodies that resonate with the complexities of modern life. With eclectic influences and a passion for storytelling, the band invites listeners on a sonic journey that is both raw and refined. Whether through anthemic choruses or hauntingly beautiful ballads, NIVEN offers a fresh and authentic voice that lingers long after the last note fades.

Festival note: More artists to be announced for this stage!

Meet the Artists

Balmain Rozelle Unchoir

Vijay Solanki founded the Balmain Rozelle Unchoir in May 2019. Inspired by his complicated relationship with singing, he wanted singing to be easier, friendlier and more accessible. What began as Solanki's vision to challenge the conventional boundaries of choral singing evolved into a beacon of inclusivity and shared joy in Sydney’s musical landscape. The Unchoir dismisses traditional barriers like auditions and sheet music, instead promoting the ethos that “everyone can sing.” Under choir lead Leah Rosalky’s expert guidance, members gather every Wednesday at Balmain's London Hotel to learn multi-part harmony songs and enjoy jukebox sessions. Leah demystifies music for its members, from seasoned vocalists to those who typically sing only in the shower. The choir performs at Christmas singalongs, community events and festivals including last year's Festival of Balmain. At its heart, the Unchoir is "group therapy with harmonies" — this diverse group builds connection, confidence, teamwork and self-expression.

Emma Dean Singing School

Emma Deans Sings is an award-winning singing school based in Sydney, dedicated to inspiring confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of music. Founded by professional singer and vocal coach Emma Deans, the school provides high-quality vocal training for children, teenagers and adults of all experience levels. With a strong focus on technique, performance and individual expression, students regularly perform at community festivals, concerts, theatre productions and professional recording sessions. Emma Deans Sings is known for its supportive, family-like community, where students are encouraged to grow not only as performers but as confident individuals.

We Got Company

We Got Company are a modern jazz funk quartet bringing youthful flair to classic numbers. They're known for their genre-crossing gigs comprising of classic jazz with a youthful vibe, Funky and Latin grooves with a touch of Japanese jazz. Improvisation is key to these experienced musicians who study at the Conservatorium of Music, Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, UNSW and Jazz Workshop Australia.

Meet the Artists

High Sierra

Comprising three acclaimed Australian singer-songwriters: Gracie Jean, Isobel Knight, and Abigail Wighton, High Sierra are the freshest folk sweethearts to hit the Sydney music community. Weaving lush three-part harmonies around Gracie Jean’s vulnerable Americana songwriting, High Sierra explore fears of being alone, the deep joys of community, and the plights of modern dating. Their folk-country style captures honesty and vulnerability that sticks long after the drive home. 

Miau

Miau is an innovative, independent trio based in Sydney’s Inner West, known for their atmospheric, experimental sound. Trumpet, bass and drums weave together mesmeric grooves, cinematic textures, creating an irresistible sense of movement. Having collectively explored musical worlds as diverse as punk, lounge, and indie, the trio has arrived at a distinctive and unique space that draws on their varied influences and experiences. Their largely instrumental compositions are threaded with moments of spoken word, adding a layer of intrigue to their immersive performances. Recent highlights include appearances at Port Fairy Jazz Festival (2025 and 2026), Newcastle Jazz Festival, performances in Paris (2023 and 2025) and collaborations with contemporary dance artists. They have also recently returned from acclaimed performances at St Albans Folk Festival and a tour through Puglia, Italy, in May 2026. Miau has released two recordings, Emerald and Awash, a third album will be released in November 

John James

John James is an Australian singer-songwriter crafting intimate folk songs that blend quiet reflection with cinematic atmosphere. Rooted in fingerpicked guitar, warm acoustic textures, and an understated vocal style, his music explores memory, longing, love, and the landscapes that shape us. Whether performing solo or with a full band, John creates an immersive live experience where the songs are given space to breathe. Honest, unhurried, and emotionally resonant, his performances invite listeners into moments of stillness in an increasingly noisy world. her sleeve, Carmon’s performances leave audiences with emotions that linger long after the final note. 

Carmon

Carmon is an acoustic neurodivergent indie-folk-pop artist who blends smooth melodies with heartfelt lyrics, exploring themes of self discovery and mental health. She performs in venues across NSW and has released her debut album All My Life. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, Carmon’s performances leave audiences with emotions that linger long after the final note.

Outback Traitors

The Outback Traitors play alt-country inspired originals written and performed with heart and authenticity. Ben Nightingale on guitar and vocals grew up in Balmain and he’s stoked to be back in the hood performing with Kevin Thomas (guitar and vocals), Anthony Johnson (drums and vocals), Luke Pearce (bass and vocals) and Chris Gibson (lapsteel and pedalsteel guitar and banjo). Their influences range from bluegrass and classic country through to artists like Wilco, Son Volt, Neil Young and Jason Isbell.

Vincenzo Padolfi

Founding member of the Italian Band Quel Pazzo Mondo (Dischi Durium) With QPM they recorded 3 singles and participated in various television events in Italy, Germany and the Old Yugoslavia. Born in Italy he moved to Balmain in 1974 with his wife Elaine. Their love story was featured in the ABC popular TV show The Piano, Series one where Vincenzo was one of the performers at the Final Concert.

Toby Falkner and Friends

From busking on the streets and performing at music festivals and open mic nights to rocking out at his first pub gig at The Merton Hotel, 10-year-old Toby is quickly making a name for himself on the local music scene. Mentored by recording artists from the music industry, the young guitarist is already developing a growing repertoire of crowd favourites, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every performance. He showcases a versatility beyond his years including covers of classic rock, pop and folk songs that we all know and love! Keep an eye out for Toby on stage — he’s young, talented and definitely one to watch!