The small community of Nowa Nowa is building a reputation for hosting unique live music events that bring people together in
natural settings.
This month, the town will welcome
a line-up of folk artists to the SolarFolk Music Festival, an event powered entirely by a solar sound system and set at the Nowa Nowa Recreation Reserve.
Behind the festival is Nowa Nowa Live, a group that grew out of the Nowa Nowa Futures Project, a local initiative funded through DEECA that is exploring how arts, culture and nature can support community life and strengthen the town’s future.
The focus is on creating experiences that feel true to Nowa Nowa — intimate, sustainable and welcoming.
“It’s about bringing live music and contemporary artists to Nowa Nowa and creating relaxed, family friendly events and showcasing our beautiful outdoor spaces,” Kristen, one of the organisers said.
Interest in the event has already
been strong, with more than 250 tickets sold.
To preserve the atmosphere, organisers have capped attendance at 400 people.
Rather than aiming for big crowds, the focus is on creating a close-knit, memorable experience for both artists and audiences.
Music will flow from afternoon into evening, powered by solar energy.
Alongside the performances, there will be food trucks, local stalls, and options for camping or bus transport, creating a relaxed festival atmosphere without losing its community heart.
For Nowa Nowa, SolarFolk is part of a bigger picture.
The Futures Project has been exploring how the town’s environment, culture and creative spirit can shape its future.
Festivals like SolarFolk give that vision a tangible form — one where visitors and locals alike can sit under the trees, enjoy music by firelight, and see how a small town can lead by example.
SolarFolk marks Nowa Nowa Live’s debut festival and will showcase an incredible line-up: Steph Strings, The McCredie Brothers, Sunday Lemonade, JC & the Tree, Harry Hook is Real, and Jack Raymond.
More information and tickets are available online at nowanowa.org.au/events
MEET THE ARTISTS
STEPH STRINGS
Hailing from Melbourne, Steph is a dynamic singer-songwriter and guitarist whose music merges fingerstyle excellence with storytelling steeped in nature, emotion and adventure. Steph’s music is a blend of blues, Celtic and folk with a touch of percussive flair, reflecting influences such as John Butler, Kim Churchill and Ziggy Alberts – yet remains entirely her own. With a combined social media audience size of 1.1 million and sold-out shows across the world, Steph’s journey from sharing acoustic
videos online to becoming a world-touring artist is a testament to her talent and tenacity.
THE MCCREDIE BROTHERS
After captivating audiences busking in Byron Bay over the past two summers, the McCredie Brothers are a folk/pop singer-song writing duo that will blow you away with their catchy melodies and busking personalities. Prepare to be swept away by their enchanting harmonies, heartfelt storytelling and the undeniable magic that happens with the two unite – they are certainly a due to keep an eye on.
SUNDAY LEMONADE
Named the ‘People’s Choice’ at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2024, infectious indie folk and roots duo Sunday Lemonade have definitely created a fizz among audiences across Australia. With a splash of heartfelt folk, powerful rock and a squeeze of roots, the bubbly pair are the refreshing drink you never knew you needed. In the past 12 months, the duo has relocated to the far south coast of New South Wales, supported Australian favourites such as
The Rubens, Sons of the East and The Little Quirks amid multiple nation-wide tours.
JC & THE TREE
The award-winning folk fusion duo write about the mountains to the sea and everything in between, with fans describing their style as intricate yet accessible, incorporating violin, vocal harmonies, keyboard and self hand-made acoustic guitars. JC & The Tree take audiences on a journey through genres including folk and rock with touches of gypsy and funk. Previous festival appearances include Woodford, Airlie Beach Festival, Caloundra Music Festival and many more, with founding member JC also having a rich touring history around the world, playing at festivals such as Glastonbury, WOMAD and Bluesfest.
HARRY HOOK IS REAL
Harry has opened for some of the greatest, toured the world, lived in Nashville, been nominated for an ARIA and lives here in Gippsland. Rooted in powerful storytelling, his music is characterised by brutally honest, introspective lyrics that explore themes of life, love, and hardship. His emotive, gravelly vocal delivery and stripped-back musical style create a sound that is both poignant and deeply moving. A captivating live performer, Harry Hook connects powerfully with audiences, whether in an intimate solo acoustic setting
or with the dynamic energy of his full band. He is celebrated throughout the region as a true, no-frills artist and an essential
voice in East Gippsland’s vibrant musical landscape.
JACK RAYMOND
Hailing from Harrietville, Victoria, this man of the mountains has travelled the coastline and settled by the ocean in Noosa, Queensland. His style is “mountain roots” – rugged, raw and grounded in blues with an easy folk undertone. Raymond is a foot stomping storyteller, drawing inspiration from his travels and the characters he’s met along the way. He’s performed at a number of festivals, including the Rocky River Festival, Buskers by the Lake and the Agnes Blues, Roots and Rock Festival.
TOM HARRINGTON
Tom Harrington is an indie-folk artist who grew up on a rural Victorian farm before falling in love with life on the coast. He uses live vocal looping to create a larger-than-life sound while still remaining present and flowing, to a level unseen in other indie-folk artists. His rural upbringing sees him bringing flavours of country in his captivating and raw storytelling, combined with the musicality of emotive folk music.
