Illawarra Folk Club presents RayFest a Tribute to Ray Marshall

RAY FEST- a Tribute to Ray Marshall

Join us for an afternoon of fine music celebrating the life of local bluegrass legend and long time Folk Club member Ray Marshall.

The featured acts, The Dempsey Brothers, AZ-I-AM, Mark Ballesi & Quentin Fraser are all long time friends of Ray and look forward to celebrating Ray's life by playing the music that he loved. All proceeds, after costs, will go to the Australian Heart Foundation.

The Dempsey Brothers

Formed in mid-2023, The Dempsey Brothers quickly became bluegrass festival favourites, performing at Illawarra Folk, Mountaingrass and Dorrigo. The band is powered by the vocals and guitar of Jim Dempsey with the legendary Bruce Fumini on banjo. Highly regarded fiddler Wen-Tjen Lim divides his exquisite playing between The Brothers and Illawarra’s Steel City Strings. With regular mandolinist George Teasdell on other duties, special guest Brother Dave Harman gets to display his prodigious mandolin and vocal skills. Paul Abrahams drives the band with his superb bass playing, having arrived in bluegrass after an illustrious career in pop music which included being a founding member of iconic Australian band The Reels. The Brothers play straight ahead contemporary bluegrass with close harmonies. Expect a high energy show with a few surprises.

AZ-I-AM formed in 2007 and have been performing for 18 years. For 16 years, they were a trio, with Chris Wilson on lead vocals and guitar, Johnny Spillane, whistles, harmonica & vocals, and Ray Marshall on Dobro and vocals.

In 2023 they changed from trio to a quartet and welcomed Wolfgang Kloger, a classically trained, multi-instrumentalist, playing bass, flute and aerophone.

With Ray sadly passing away in March 2025 Az-I-Am were once again a trio.

Az-I-Am play an eclectic mix of adapted classic covers and Chris Wilson’s original works, crossing contemporary and traditional genres with ease, including crossovers of Celtic, Country (with a touch of Jazz) and Medieval blues.

Mark Ballesi & Quentin Fraser

Mark Ballesi and Quentin Fraser have been friends and musical collaborators for over three decades. Across a variety of musical projects, they have played everywhere from cafés and festivals to weddings and bar mitzvas. With a relaxed onstage rapport that reflects their long and enduring friendship Mark and Quentin will take you on a musical journey featuring original songs alongside old-time and bluegrass classics .

Entry is by donation

Tickets will be limited. To be assured of entry, purchase a General Admission ticket online.

Type in Donation amount, then click "-" or "+" for how many tickets you are purchasing.

Suggested min donation per person $20. Thank you

Doors open 4.00pm

Show starts 4.30pm

Free Supper provided : Tea , Coffee, cakes and savories