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QUEEN'S FEST 2026
Aliza Francis
Aliza Ruth is an emerging folk singer-songwriter based in Yeppoon, Queensland, known for her lyrical depth and emotional honesty.
Aliza first turned her hand to songwriting in 2021, when she began to learn the guitar at age 35. Aliza wanted to use music as a way to connect with her creativity and self expression. What began as a personal pursuit quickly developed into a focused artistic practice. A former high school English teacher with a foundation in creative written expression, she brings poetic nuance and narrative strength to her songs.
Her music is inspired by nature, love, family, and personal growth. Through songwriting and performance, Aliza channels lived experience into reflective, folk-driven compositions that are both intimate and relatable.
She is accompanied by guitarist Daryl Smith, whose contributions add texture and depth to her original work.
With an expanding catalogue of original material, Aliza continues to develop her own unique expression through music.
Aliza first turned her hand to songwriting in 2021, when she began to learn the guitar at age 35. Aliza wanted to use music as a way to connect with her creativity and self expression. What began as a personal pursuit quickly developed into a focused artistic practice. A former high school English teacher with a foundation in creative written expression, she brings poetic nuance and narrative strength to her songs.
Her music is inspired by nature, love, family, and personal growth. Through songwriting and performance, Aliza channels lived experience into reflective, folk-driven compositions that are both intimate and relatable.
She is accompanied by guitarist Daryl Smith, whose contributions add texture and depth to her original work.
With an expanding catalogue of original material, Aliza continues to develop her own unique expression through music.
Kate Mahood
Blending folk stylings and country storytelling, Kate Mahood's songs portray an honesty and vulnerability that resonate deeply with her listeners. Heartfelt and often haunting lyrics coupled with stirring vocals and beautifully crafted guitar melodies, give Mahood a unique and original sound that is truly her own.
Growing up with artists like Neil Young, Gillian Welch and Paul Kelly on high rotation, this self-taught guitarist & songwriter refined her craft for over ten years before ever taking to the stage. Best known for her captivating and intimate live shows, Mahood has made regular appearances at festivals such as Agnes Blues and Roots Festival, Rockhampton River Festival and Wintermoon Folk Festival and and opened for artists including Busby Marou, Harry Manx, The Whitlams, Alex Lloyd and Josh Cunningham (The Waifs).
Mahood’s debut EP ‘Once You Were A Mountain’ (2024) was met with acclaim for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty, following the success of singles like ‘Changeling’ a lush alt-country ballad based on the true story of a young Irish woman and ‘Little Finch’ an ode to the beauty of nature and humanity’s impact upon it, which was shortlisted for the 2025 Environmental Music Prize.
Mahood is currently based and writing from Central Queensland, with a new EP on the horizon for 2026.
Growing up with artists like Neil Young, Gillian Welch and Paul Kelly on high rotation, this self-taught guitarist & songwriter refined her craft for over ten years before ever taking to the stage. Best known for her captivating and intimate live shows, Mahood has made regular appearances at festivals such as Agnes Blues and Roots Festival, Rockhampton River Festival and Wintermoon Folk Festival and and opened for artists including Busby Marou, Harry Manx, The Whitlams, Alex Lloyd and Josh Cunningham (The Waifs).
Mahood’s debut EP ‘Once You Were A Mountain’ (2024) was met with acclaim for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty, following the success of singles like ‘Changeling’ a lush alt-country ballad based on the true story of a young Irish woman and ‘Little Finch’ an ode to the beauty of nature and humanity’s impact upon it, which was shortlisted for the 2025 Environmental Music Prize.
Mahood is currently based and writing from Central Queensland, with a new EP on the horizon for 2026.
Out of Abingdon
Out of Abingdon are favourites on the festival circuit and in intimate lounges alike.
From Jazz clubs in Edinburgh, Berlin and Paris to beloved Australian festivals and venues, building a devoted following wherever their wanderlust takes them.
Expect warm grooves, soulful interplay and melodies that linger long after the last note fades.
Joining them on this occasion will be Victorian drummer John Parry. JP is well known on the Australian blues and swing circuits having played with all the best!!
OoA are lucky enough to have him join them to make a smokin’ trio when paths cross and the stars align.
From Jazz clubs in Edinburgh, Berlin and Paris to beloved Australian festivals and venues, building a devoted following wherever their wanderlust takes them.
Expect warm grooves, soulful interplay and melodies that linger long after the last note fades.
Joining them on this occasion will be Victorian drummer John Parry. JP is well known on the Australian blues and swing circuits having played with all the best!!
OoA are lucky enough to have him join them to make a smokin’ trio when paths cross and the stars align.
Jesse Morris Band
Infamous roots & reggae troubadours based on Bundjalung country in the Australian Northern Rivers Byron Bay hinterland. African rhythms and Caribbean grooves. A collection of rebel songs celebrating community & culture
Alchemunk
Alchemunk bring a fresh, sophisticated take on funk — a tight, groove-driven live act blending classic pocket with modern polish. Their sets fuse rhythmic precision, rich harmonies and infectious stage energy, creating a dance-floor atmosphere that translates perfectly to outdoor festival settings.
Fern Band
Fern is an indie band from Yeppoon,
Queensland. Our original music has
hints of soul, reggae, blues, psychedelic
and surf rock inspired by the
Queensland coast.
Our members Sunny Nelson, Zac Nelson
and Callum Murphy come together to
create our distinctive sound.
Queensland. Our original music has
hints of soul, reggae, blues, psychedelic
and surf rock inspired by the
Queensland coast.
Our members Sunny Nelson, Zac Nelson
and Callum Murphy come together to
create our distinctive sound.
Scream Azov
"Herding Cats"describes the inner workings of this band of local troubadours improvising original tunes with gay abandon. We are the genuine sound of Yeppoon, with a hint of Vodka and a large serving of Borscht. If You are expecting Unicorns or sparkle paintings, you`ll be sadly disappointed. We are local, We are original....We are SCREAM AZOV!!
Jason Rigby Band
The Jason Rigby Band, led by Central Queensland local Jason Rigby, offers a captivating blend of Rock, Acoustic, and Country Rock music. With deep roots in the heart of Queensland, the band embodies the region's spirit. Their live performances are electric, taking audiences on a journey through diverse musical landscapes.
Queen's Fest Program
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