Artists

Melbourne-based Anouk Ely is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter whose music combines delicate acoustic textures with heartfelt lyricism.

Drawing inspiration from her Japanese heritage and artists such as Beabadoobee, Bon Iver, Sally Seltmann, First Aid Kit and Elliott Smith. Anouk teaches choir and gives singing lessons when she’s not performing. She recently released her debut album ‘433’.

She has been writing music all her life with her dad, Ben Ely (Regurgitator) and little sister, Dee Dee Ely. In her childhood home she says songwriting was the same as breathing.

Anouk Ely will be performing at Women in Song Wednesday 15th April, 7:30pm at Gemco Theatre, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald.

Ash Naylor’s musical career commenced in 1987 at the age of seventeen, when he played guitar for indie rock band The Swarm.

In 1994 he formed EVEN with Matthew Cotter, whom he had played with in The Swarm, and bass player Wally Kempton of The Meanies.

In addition to his work in EVEN, Ashley has been involved as Musical Director for the recent Bob Dylan Night series and the ARIA award-winning Triple J Tribute to Paul Kelly ‘Before Too Long’. He has performed alongside Tex Perkins in the Johnny Cash musical ‘Man In Black’ and Claire Bowditch in ‘Tales from the Life of Eva Cassidy’.

Ashley’s talents have seen him touring with the RocKwiz Orkestra, an integral member of the Countdown Spectacular (2006) house band, member of The Bull Sisters’ (Vika and Linda) band, and more recently with Thee Marshmallow Overcoat celebrating sixties classics and of course lead guitarist for the past decade or so for one of our national musical treasures, Paul Kelly.

Ash’s band, Spaceship performed the Jimi Hendrix Experience album “Are You Experienced” at PAVED last year, to rave review. Ash is bringing his Spaceship to Emerald on Thursday 16th April 2026 to perform his favourite Jimi Hendrix’s tracks.

Ash will be joined by Lachlan O’Kane on drums and Richard Bradbeer on bass. A powerhouse performance is guaranteed.

Beck Sian loves Kookaburras, dragonflies and cloud-watching. She is an award-winning singer and songwriter, and is a musician, gardener and artist. Now back home permanently in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges after ten years in the U.K., Beck is so happy to be part of the very special Women in Song concert 2026.

“Some singers have only to utter a note and instantly, you’re transfixed. They’ve reached out, touched your soul. Beck Sian has that rare quality. In Beck, you sense she’s on a journey and, for a short while at least, you’re a traveling companion. With a soprano voice to die for, her approach is highly individual, the ambiance emotional and utterly entrancing. She’s charismatic, convivial and funny on stage – in short, a real show-stopper! It’s mystical, magical music, spiritual and enchanting. There are touches redolent of Kate Bush, to whom Beck is related, but these are mere brush-strokes of influence. Overall, it’s as distinctive as it’s original. Unmissable.” (Julian Badcock – Wheaton Aston Folk Festival, U.K. 2007)

Website:

https://becksian.com/home

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/BeckSianMusic

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@becksian9897

Benoit is a singer-songwriter hailing from the eastern hills of Victoria, Australia. The music of Benoit is melodic and reflective, with soulful lyrics. Benoit provokes his audience to consider another perspective and think deeply about the everyday things of life. In relating to the human condition and the issues of the day, Benoit seeks to present another narrative, one full of beauty, love and life.

After performing Bob Dylan’s classic Freewheelin’ album in 2026, Benoit returns to PAVED to launch his own album.

Dave Diprose and Darryl Thompson have been performing together for an incredible fifty years, cultivating a deep musical chemistry and an innate understanding of each other’s playing. Dave is a gifted storyteller and multi-award-winning songwriter whose evocative songs paint vivid scenes of rural landscapes and transport listeners to the nostalgic world of a bygone era. Darryl, a superb multi-instrumentalist, enhances their performances with his harmony vocals, guitar, and Dobro, adding the perfect texture and colour to their material.

Their music seamlessly weaves together the rich traditions of Bluegrass, Folk, and Singer-Songwriter genres, with distinctive touches of Australiana. Fans often describe it as a captivating blend of Steve Earle meets Norman Blake, with touches of The Dingoes thrown in.

With decades of experience and a reputation for professionalism, Dave and Darryl have graced festivals and clubs across the nation, earning the admiration of audiences everywhere. Dave Diprose and Darryl Thompson bring great songs, great stories, and great musicianship. 

Dave and Darryl will perform on the FunFest Main Stage on Sunday 12th April at 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald.

Duplicity – the unstoppable force fusing jazz, blues, rock, and pop into one mesmerizing experience!

Since taking home the crown for Best Group at the Dandenong Ranges Ukulele Festival (DRUKE) back in 2017, they’ve been on fire, pushing the boundaries of what ukuleles can do.

Led by the dynamic duo of Sue Kidd on vocals, ukulele, and percussion, and Brendan Canty on ukulele, guitar, bass, and vocals, Duplicity brings a fresh vibe to the Melbourne music scene. From soulful vocals to ingenious arrangements, they’re not just a band – they’re a sonic adventure.

Duplicity Live – Hive Wine Bar – Thursday 16th April 8pm

folkTrain is a band based in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. The band performs an Australian/Celtic blend of tradition and original songs. Since forming in 2010 folkTrain has performed at clubs, pubs and festivals in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. Audience participation is always encouraged! The folkTrain line up is Heather Allan (accordion, keyboard and vocals), Gerry Breukers (banjo, mandolin, harmonica and bodhran) and Chris Stack (guitar, octave mandolin, harmonica and vocals).

folkTrain perform live on the main stage at Emerald FunFest Sunday 12th April.

G&T Jazz was started by Gill (vocalist/songwriter) and Tiina (pianist) in 2016. The band is now a 6- or 7-piece, bursting with great musicians and a big sound. They have played all over Melbourne and Victoria including Port Fairy Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival and Merimbula Jazz Festival, as well as the Basin Music Festival and many other individual performances. This is their first time at PAVED and we are delighted to have them re-energise the space at Emersleigh Winery for the jazz enthusiasts. “When The Cats Come Out To Play…” is their first album – a celebration of the band’s musical highlights and a record of some of the finest jazz songs that Gill has written for them.

They’ll be performing at Jazz at Emersleigh Estate winery on Thursday 16 April, 7:30pm