The 2006 Festival was another outstanding success. In its fourth year we experienced a steady growth in numbers as the reputation of the event spread throughout Western Australia. It is now well established as one of the state's top annual music festivals.

The "Spooky Men of the West" stole the limelight as the most popular performing group. They enthralled audiences with their repertoire of male testosterone drenched songs. Although they had been exceptional in 2005, in 2006 they rose to a new standard.

It was great to have Akasa back after their first appearance in our first 2003 festival. Their mesmerising vocal harmonies intertwined with percussion, created the sound that we remembered.

Valanga Khosa brought life to the festival with his captivating songs and stories. Although primarily a singer and musician, Valanga was also a most inspirational storyteller. His performances were highly theatrical and very entertaining. He managed to impart the rhythmic vitality of African music that never failed to captivate the audience.

Indegenous performer Peter Brandy added an authentic flavour to this year's festival. Apart from being a stunning songwriter and singer Peter combined well with storytellers like Valanga to captivate audiences. His songs and stories are presented with typical outback humour and capture the spirit of the Kimberleys where he grew up.

Our traditional Big Sing was appreciated as much as ever. The participants of Akasa's morning workshops crammed the stage to produce yet another memorable finale to the festival.