St Lucia Serenades

Adam James is a recording artist who defies easy categorisation, standing out in the music industry with his vast and versatile talent. Integrating his indigenous heritage, country origins, and a deep love for blues, James has crafted a sound that is distinctly his own. Renowned in Australia for his notable debut in the country music scene, James has expanded his repertoire to embrace blues and jazz. James’s musical journey began in Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and rural New South Wales and Queensland, eventually leading him to prestigious award stages and the esteemed blues scene in Nashville. Themes of truth and storytelling are central to his work, and his live performances offer a powerful connection with his audience, revealing an artist deeply committed to his own authenticity. James’s first studio album, Messages and Memories (2007), paid homage to the Australian country sound and the landscapes of his northern NSW upbringing. Success followed with The Country Singer (2008) and Children of the Sunrise (2012), leading to performances at major festivals such as Woodford Folk Festival, The Dreaming Festival, and Tamworth Country Music Festival. In 2015, he was recognised as TSA’s best Alt-Country-Blues artist. With his third studio album, Russian Blue, James embraced his blues influences, recording in Nashville’s The Sound Emporium with longtime producer Stuie French and a talented backing band. The album blends James’s sincere storytelling with a deeper, soul-inspired sound, exploring profound human experiences and truths. As a man of Quandamooka Country heritage, James maintains a strong connection to the Australian community. He serves as a Board Director for the non-profit charity Uncle Jimmy Thumbs Up, which promotes good nutrition and positive life choices through music. James also holds First Nations board memberships with BlakDance and Sobah Beverages, furthering his commitment to his culture and community.

Jungaji is a First Nations songman, visual artist, playwright, and activist who has been renowned in the Australian music industry for three decades. First appearing on the scene as a teenager with Aim4More in the 90s, he has now embarked on a new creative path fusing Soul and R&B to create a unique and authentic sound that showcases his cultural roots.

Formerly known as Troy Brady, Jungaji has undergone a deep cultural transformation and found a profound understanding of his identity and is dedicated to sharing his authentic voice and artistic testimony with the world. One of only a small group of fluent Gugu Yalanji speakers left today, maintaining his ancient songlines & stories is of utmost importance in terms of coexistence between two sovereignties.

Layla Havana is a First Nations singer / songwriter who lives on Gubbi Gubbi country at Peregian Beach, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Winner of the ‘Gill Rees – Promising Young Musician Award 2022’ National Folk Festival, Canberra.

Layla Havana is young artist with an old spirit. Her style of song writing comes from her heart and soul. Layla’s voice has a truly unique sound. Paired with the honesty of her lyrics, she can move her audience emotionally, even at such a young age.

Layla Havana has performed with a diverse range of artists including Archie Roach, Katie Noonan, Isaac Hurren, Melinda Schneider, Abby Dobson, Clare Bowditch, Sahara Beck, Asha Jefferies, Mark Moroney, Ben Hauptmann, Zoe Hauptmann, James Hauptmann, Declan Kelly, Oj Newcomb, Steele Chabau, Sarah King, Louise King, Andrea Kirwin & Dexter Hurren.