WOMI – World of Music Ipswich

* Schedule is subject to change

* Schedule is subject to change

A virtuosic, eight-piece ensemble bringing the drama and passion of Argentine tango to life. Led by double bassist Chloe Ann Williamson, this Brisbane-based group blends strings, woodwinds, piano and bass to transform traditional Argentine tango with a fresh, modern twist.  Expect driving rhythms, lush melodies and the unmistakable pulse of tango, performed with heart, precision and a spark that’s hard to resist.

Ellinikes Fones is a community choir based in Brisbane, Australia. Who are passionate about preserving the Hellenic language and culture through music. Established in 2022, Ellinikes Fones was founded by choir conductor and musician Christina Xydi-Lignou, musicologist and music producer George Lignos, and music therapist and singer Katerini Manolatos, with the support of the Chairman Tom Drakopoulos, under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Community of St. George, Brisbane. In 2023, the choir expanded to include Ellinikes Fones Junior—a choir for children aged 6 to 16 years.

Estampa is a World/Folk quartet based in Brisbane, Australia. This ensemble includes a unique blend of violin, viola, vocals, nyckelharpa (Rebecca Karlen), button accordion (John Reeves), guitar, banjo (Paul Henderson) and double-bass (Samuel Vincent). 

These well established musicians come from diverse musical backgrounds and together perform an eclectic mix of music, including Gypsy Jazz, Brazilian vocal and instrumental music, Scandinavian and other World Folk music. Evoking visions of Parisian laneways, South American sensuality, and the unbridled joy of European folk-music, this group of fiery musicians is sure to appeal to a diverse and eager-to-dance audience. Expect an eclectic experience that will leave you feeling like you’ve entered a 1930’s Parisian jazz club or the streets of São Paulo.

Sebastian Flynn and Martin Reese, both originally from England, have performed together in various groups in Australia for over 30 years. Sebastian and Martin were joined 6 years ago by singer, bouzouki and banjo player Christian Rizzalli. The group plays traditional music as well as original pieces infused with a range of influences including Irish, English, Scottish, European, American and Jewish Klezmer.

Girl From Greece is a Greco Retro Jazz project led by vocalists Mel Lathouras and Katerini Manolatos. Blending beloved Greek hits with soul, jazz, and lush harmonies, their music celebrates culture, connection, and community. Backed by a stellar band featuring bouzouki, piano accordion, and rhythm section, their performances are heartfelt, joy-filled, and groove-packed. From sold-out shows at QPAC to festivals across Queensland, Girl From Greece brings a unique cross-cultural sound that uplifts and unites. Expect powerhouse vocals, cheeky storytelling, and rhythms that get you moving.

Award-winning Indian-Australian singer Menaka draws on her heritage to write songs that seamlessly blend traditional Indian vocals with contemporary influences. Together with accomplished instrumentalists, Menaka weaves a tapestry of sounds at the intersection of East and West, lending her incredible voice to music that seeks to connect, inspire and unite.

Argentinian singer-guitarist Javi and Ipswich based vocalist Milly bring their shared devotion to Latin American folk music to this duo. With a shared background in jazz and popular Latin music training, the two come together to pay homage to the canon of poetic genres that narrated and defined 20th Century Latin American social history: written by troubadors, rock stars and songstresses alike, Milly y Javi dive into a repertoire that narrates the stories of lovers, poets, peasants, and exiled artists alike. Join the duo as they navigate Zamba, música Criolla, Nueva Canción, música Llanera and more, and explore the works of the storytellers who defined the Latin American folk genres.

Shanasheel is a distinctive ensemble in the Australian World Music scene, specialising in classical and folk music from Iraq, Egypt, Syria, and other Middle Eastern regions. Established by Nawres Alfreh, an Iraqi-born violinist, Arabic fiddle, and Joza player, aGer relocating to Australia from Jordan. The ensemble’s members have a long history of playing together in different groups and have performed at prestigious events like the WOMAD Festival and Woodford Folk Festival. United by their love for music that embodies the depth and richness of Arabic musical traditions, Shanasheel showcases a unique blend of talent and cultural heritage in their performances.

Shugorei is a sparkling, invigorating, highly adventurous music duo featuring live percussion and electronics, with key performers Nozomi Omote and Thomas Green, often augmented by a selection of classical instruments and guests. Combining unusually diverse influence including IDM and classical music, Shugorei is uniquely, distinctly vivacious. Vibraphone, digital samples, analogue synthesis, drums and bricolage come together in painstakingly composed and improvised instrumental works. Additionally, Shugorei has a cross-cultural aspect; Nozomi Omote explores a melding of Western musicianship with her Japanese background. Likewise, Thomas Green’s music draws on a globe-spanning array of influence.

Sons of Garcia is a new ensemble featuring virtuoso jazz trumpeter Gabriel Garcia and renowned guitarist/composer Anthony Garcia. This father-son duo pay homage to their Mexican/American heritage and shared passion for improvisation, stylistic experimentation, and world fusion.
Through a body of original music, unique arrangements and free improvisation the artists explore the nexus between Jazz, Classical, Latin and World genres.
Gabriel Garcia, born in Merida, Mexico and raised in Australia, received the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship in 2017 and graduated in 2024 from Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, most recently, touring throughout Australia as lead trumpeter for The Sunshine Club.
Anthony Garcia is an acclaimed guitarist and composer who has recorded, toured and performed across Australia and internationally.

Tenzin Choegyal, Tibetan-Australian artist, composer and Grammy-nominee, channels the wisdom and traditions of his nomadic ancestors through his extraordinary vocal performances and mastery of the lingbu (bamboo flute) and dranyen (3-stringed lute). His unique style embraces meditative mantras, joyful folk tunes and spoken word, infused with the essence of Tibetan wisdom and a sound as expansive as the Himalayas. 

Tenzin is joined by Robert Davidson, accomplished double bass and keyboard performer and prolific writer/composer, and Katherine Philp, Brisbane-based cellist, improviser and arranger. Together they bring traditional sounds into a very contemporary setting in a special performance of song, sound and spirit.

The Yugara Dancers are a local Aboriginal dance group based in Ipswich, Brisbane and Lockyer Valley regions. Established in 2010, our group’s main purpose is to share Yagara language and culture through song and dance.

Let Zumpa whisk you away to enchanting Italian fishing villages, moonlit olive groves, and the vibrant essence of peasant life under the Mediterranean sun. Immerse yourself in their spirited fusion of folk and Italian world music, creating an authentic experience that’s as rich and satisfying as a delectable plate of spaghetti and meatballs.