Folk By The Sea, Kiama’s three day festival of music at the Kiama Showground precinct on September 22-24, promises so many highlights that it is hard to know where to start. So we asked insider Nick Hartgerink to give us his top five selections. He says they are in no particular order:

SIRENS OF THE SEA

Last year festival organisers introduced this popular addition to the program – bringing together some of the top female performers at the festival to provide a small selection of their best work. This year the performers are Lisa Lazuli, Liz Frencham, Lizzie Flynn, Jane Thompson and Whoa Mule. It will be the only chance to hear the very talented Liz Frencham performing solo, rather than part of the Fred Smith Band.

Saturday 3.30-5pm at the Anglican Church Hall.

JAN PRESTON’S BOOGIE CIRCUS

Jan had to pull out of last year’s festival when she broke both her wrists – not helpful to a boogie piano player! But she is back better than ever and is determined to make up for last year’s no-show. Definitely one of the stars of this year’s festival line-up.

Friday 6-6.45pm in the Norfolk Room and Saturday 8.30-9.30pm at the Anglican Church Hall.

FRED SMITH BAND

If you haven’t heard the witty, laconic and immensely talented Smith, make sure you don’t miss him at Folk By The Sea. Smith, who mixes a career as an Australian diplomat with life as a folk singer, has a rich mine of material for his songs – from his time in Afghanistan with the Australian Defence Force to periods spent in the Solomon Islands and the US.

Friday 7.15-8pm and Saturday 6.30-7.30pm in the Norfolk Room.

HILLBILLY GOATS

The Goats rocked the festival off its foundations with their infectious brand of punk/folk when they played here two years ago, and expect more of the same this year.

Friday 8.15-9pm in the Norfolk Room and Saturday 7.30-8.30pm at the Rugby Club.

LUKE O’SHEA

Seven Golden Guitars at the Tamworth Country Music Festival says it all really. Luke O’Shea is a consummate musician and songwriter and one of the festival’s headline acts. Don’t miss him.

Fri 8.15-9.15pm at the Rugby Club. Sat 3.30-4.30pm in the Norfolk Room.

Festival details: Ticketed event September 22-23, Kiama Pavilion precinct.
Free concerts September 24, at Hindmarsh Park and at Kiama Bowling Club.

Earlybird season tickets at $60 (a saving of $15 until September 20) available at www.folkbythesea.com.au