“Songs and stories from the goldfields - history sung back to life”
Tim Ireland is an Australian folk-blues-roots songwriter and storyteller from Victoria. Performing with Captain Ian Green on harmonica and ukulele, their signature show Ghost of Castlemaine brings to life the voices of Tim’s ancestors Tam Rattray and Isa, poets of the 1850s Victorian goldfields. Blending original songs with Victorian-era verse, they weave a performance that bridges history and contemporary folk tradition. Tim is also the author of The Poetry of Tam Rattray and Isa, preserving a remarkable family legacy in print.
If you’d like to have me, or me and The Captain (Ian Green), perform at your next event, we’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s a private party, local venue, RSL, folk club, community gathering, or a historical society event, we can tailor our set to suit the occasion. From goldfields storytelling and original folk songs to lively acoustic tunes, we bring a warm, engaging performance wherever we go. Use the contact form at the bottom of this page to get in touch and start a conversation about your event.
Tim Ireland & the Captain Ian Green Duo
Tim Ireland and Captain Ian Green have been performing together for over a decade, blending folk, blues, and roots influences with a distinctly Australian storytelling tradition. Their repertoire combines original compositions with reimagined works from Tim’s ancestors -renowned 19th-century Goldfield poets Tam Rattray and Isa, bringing historical narratives to life through song.
Tim’s guitar work is deeply rooted in the blues, drawing from country, folk, and fingerstyle guitar traditions. His songwriting continues his family’s legacy, crafting evocative lyrics that connect past and present. Captain Ian Green adds a dynamic edge with harmonica, using both traditional blues styles and cross-harp techniques, while also incorporating ukulele to enhance the duo’s rich sound.
Alongside their original material, Tim and the Captain perform a diverse range of blues and contemporary covers, putting their own stamp on classics and lesser-known gems. Their interpretations highlight the emotional depth of the songs while staying true to their storytelling approach.
Beyond performing, they are passionate music facilitators, leading the All-Stars Choir project, a program that enables people with disabilities to experience the joy of making music in a live band setting. This spirit of inclusion and shared music-making carries through into their live shows, creating an engaging and heartfelt experience for audiences.
During the mid-1800s, people travelled from around the world to Australia, hoping to strike it rich in the goldfields of Victoria. This poetry collection, The Poetry of Tam Rattray & Isa,brings to life the hardship, hope and stories of Castlemaine and early Australia.
Tim Ireland, a musician and storyteller, celebrates his family’s heritage through poetry and live performances. Tim keeps their voices alive by honoring Tam and Isa, preserving them as a treasured part of Australia’s rich history.
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TRI Publishing
Tim and the Captain supply their own onstage amplification.
General Requirements:
2 Vocal Mics and Stands
2 DI to Desk from Fishman Acoustic Amps
1 DI to Desk from Stompbox
1 DI from Harmonica Amp