Introduction by Russell Hannah

Last year we asked you to discover the world of folk music with us. This year we are saying come along and celebrate twenty years 'a folkin' at Jamberoo. This is our fourth CD to showcase the music, song and verse that makes up the Illawarra Folk Festival at Jamberoo. It's fitting therefore that having grown up and having reached twenty we are no longer a teenager, we should present a double CD. The CDs contain songs, music and verse from the performers who will once again make the five days of the festival so memorable.

We have divided our two CDs into two categories - 'new friends' and 'old friends'. Our new friends largely comprise our performers who are making their first appearance at Jamberoo (though it must be said some have been before and are in new incarnations). And our old friends - well if you are a Jamberoo regular you really don't have to ask why they are called that.

Our sincere thanks go to all the performers who have provided their work to make this double CD the representative sample of not only the twentieth Illawarra Folk Festival, but also Australian Folk Music in its diverse and living form.

A friend recently asked who were the stars of this year’s festival. The answer of course, is that everyone is. In their own genres and styles they are top notch which makes this recording of particularly high quality.

Folk music is different, it is challenging and you won't hear it on commercial radio- and these days, fairly meaningless orthodoxy.

For this reason most of the material on these CDs has been recorded independently. If you particularly like any of the music here then please support the artists by buying their recordings. That way we keep the music alive.

Enjoy the Festival, enjoy the music and poetry and enjoy this collection of great and rare talent.

Russell Hannah President, Illawarra Folk Club