Performers
Enjoy a stellar live music and performer line-up at Craigieburn Festival
Melbourne Ska Orchestra – Headliner
Headlining Craigieburn Festival, is ARIA award-winning Melbourne Ska Orchestra. Formed in 2003, Nicky Bomba (John Butler Trio) is the director of a collective of Australia's finest musicians and performers that come together to form Melbourne Ska Orchestra.
Performing as a 15-piece orchestra at Craigieburn Festival, Melbourne Ska Orchestra are an experience to behold that resonate with audiences worldwide. Their infectious energy, theatrical flair and storytelling, deliver unforgettable performances where ever they go.
The band’s debut self-titled release resulted in sell-out national shows, multiple major festival appearances, three international tours, and many awards and nominations.
Their sophomore release titled, 'Sierra-Kilo-Alpha', secured the band's first ARIA award in 2016. Never shying from a challenge the band took on the mammoth mission to release a song every week – for an entire year. The resulting 52 songs compiled into a four-album box set titled, 'One Year Of Ska', earned the band a second ARIA award in 2019.
Their latest record, 'The Ballad of Monte Loco,' expands their sound into cinematic Spaghetti Western territory while retaining their ska and reggae core.
Horns of Leroy (featuring Thndo)
Formed in 2013, Melbourne's Horns of Leroy are one of Australia's premier brass bands. Inspired by the sounds of New Orleans and fused with the energy of the Melbourne streets, their grand sounds are a staple on the local and national music circuits.
Horns of Leroy have performed hundreds of shows and graced stages everywhere from the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Marvel Stadium to Splendour in the Grass, Melbourne's iconic White Night and Melbourne's International Jazz Festival.
The band have released their third album, 'Monster in Your Head,' in 2024 and have recently featured on a number of tracks on The Cat Empire's latest album.
AYDAN
Returning to Craigieburn Festival, with soulful vocals, nostalgic pop energy and charm, AYDAN has stepped into his heartbreaker era. As an AACTA-nominated actor, songwriter, performer and rising independent force, he's debut EP is a collection of stories about connection, longing, romance and loud feelings.
AYDAN grew up in Hume and has had appearances on many iconic Australian TV shows including Young Talent Time, Eurovision Australia Decides and Australia’s Got Talent. Kick starting his television career at the ripe old age of 10 – it was AYDAN’s impressive performances on The Voice in 2018 that had the coaches marvelling at his voice and performance skills. Most recently AYDAN has starred in Stan Australia's original series, 'Invisible Boys.'
With new music coming soon, 450,000 followers and over 20 million combined streams, AYDAN has cemented his place in the Australian music scene and has his sights set on the rest of the world!
Chanel Olive – MC
Chanel Olive is a corporate, wedding and event MC. She is also a media presenter and keynote speaker and has recently delivered a global TEDx Talk, 'Striving to Find Belonging,' about her journey of self-acceptance as an Australian-Filipino woman.
The Naach Box
The Naach Box – School of Dance started in 2016 and is run by Karthika and Raphael. With over 20 years of professional experience in various dance forms, Karthika and Raphael have performed and conducted workshops all over the world including India, the United States, Canada and Morocco. This performance will be a sneak peek into different styles of dance mixed with a Bollywood flavour.
Ornina Assyrian Folklore Dance
Ornina Assyrian Folklore Dance is a celebrated cultural troupe known for bringing the ancient rhythms and communal spirit of Assyrian heritage to life through vibrant, traditional performance. Their dance style blends authentic folk movement with synchronized footwork, hand‑holding line formations, and uplifting music that echoes the history of the Assyrian people.
Indigenous Outreach Projects
Indigenous Outreach Projects have been running for over two decades in cities, regional and remote areas. The team have a passion to connect with youth and engage them through music and dance, focusing on the importance of remembering the history of First Nations people. The team continue to work with schools, health organisations, youth services, councils, festivals and more!
Callan Turner
Callan has been performing professionally at festivals, wineries and hotels for over 15 years around Australia. Covering many styles from pop, rock and country.
BITTZI
BITTZI is short for bittersweet. This emerging artist has a strong belief there is something valuable that comes from tackling hurdles in life, it's bittersweet. Presenting this in her music, BITTZI is ready to share some of her stories with you. BITTZI has been a singer, songwriter, producer and performer in the making since 11 years old.
Jasper McDonald Parsons
Jasper McDonald Parsons is an emerging young performer from Gladstone Park, known for his dynamic blend of classic and contemporary rock and pop. With a natural stage presence and a distinctive sound, Jasper brings energy and entertainment to every performance. With experience across live music, musical theatre, and large‑scale events, Jasper continues to entertain audiences of all kinds with his unique style.