Isobelle Carmody was born in 1958 in Victoria and grew up looking after her seven brothers and sisters, whom she kept in line by telling horror stories. She began writing the first book of The Obernewtyn Chronicles when she was just fourteen years old, and then went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree […]
Brian Nankervis stormed the set of “Hey Hey, It’s Saturday” in 1986 with the character of Raymond J Bartholemeuz. He has since continued to perform his verse on TV, radio, with bands, in theatres, comedy venues and schools. Raymond has published a book of poems “Too many Crayfish Not Enough Brains” (McPhee Cribble, Penguin). His […]
Over 40 years Craig has illustrated close to 400 books – picture books, junior novels and many readers – collaborating with many of Australia’s most experienced writers and editors. The writers include Doug MacLeod, Libby Gleeson, Sally Morgan, Duncan Ball, Emily Rodda, Gary Crew, Paul Jennings, Rachel Flynn and Nigel Gray… The books include Billy […]
Gabrielle Wang is an award winning Chinese Australian author and illustrator born in Melbourne. Her maternal great grandfather came to Victoria in 1853 during the Gold Rush. Her father is from Shanghai. Gabrielle’s stories are a diverse blend of eastern and western culture with a touch of fantasy. She has written more than twenty books […]
John Larkin began life as a professional soccer player but was forced to retire at twenty-one due to a serious knee injury and an even more serious bout of apathy. Disillusioned and heartbroken, he backpacked around Europe for a year, and was bitten by the writing bug while sitting in a café in Paris reading […]
Toshinori Sakamoto is a master TAIKO drummer. He has founded RINDO DAIKO in Kyushu as well as several Taiko teams in Melbourne since settling here in ’95. He performs regularly in Festivals and schools throughout Australia and Japan. Anne Norman is a highly acclaimed musician and composer who took up the shakuhachi in 1986 while […]
Toshinori Sakamoto is an experienced and acclaimed Taiko Master. He founded RINDO DAIKO in Kyushu as well as several Taiko teams in Melbourne since settling here in 1995. Noriko Tadano is an exceptional Shamisen player and singer currently gaining national and international recognition for her craft. Toshi & Noriko perform together in Wa-sa-bi, and are […]
VALANGA KHOZA is a consummate storyteller and musician, shaping tales of his life into captivating presentations. Valanga was born in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. He grew up in a traditional setting surrounded by lively singing, drumming and dancing. The Limpopo area is rich in traditional healers, orators and storytellers, highly respected throughout Africa. […]
Driven by Alana’s wild violin, chased by accordion and double bass, Vardos have been performing in Australia and internationally for over ten years. Vardos learnt to play this beautiful music in Hungarian folk music schools and remote Transylvanian villages. They have also learnt irresistible songs and infectious dances which are energetic and fun. Alana tells […]
When the power of percussion meets dazzling vocal harmony in the dance of life. A dynamic fusion of drumming, dance, percussion and soaring vocal harmonies. Three passionate, exuberant and talented performers present audiences with an exciting display of Ghanaian culture. (Two of the three performers will attend.) Odai: To see Wala’s spirited lead-vocalist Odai perform […]