The Water Runners

The Water Runners Hailing from Kiama on the NSW South Coast (Dharawal Country), The Water Runners are an intergenerational, award-winning band blending bluegrass, country, and traditional folk into a uniquely Australian sound. Combining the experience of John Littrich (guitar, vocals) and Neil McCann (banjo, mandolin) with the youthful energy of Danita Harris (violin, vocals) and James Turk (double bass), the band delivers performances full of infectious energy, heartfelt storytelling, and engaging melodies. The Water Runners have earned recognition nationally, including Best Band at the 2020 Australian Busking Championships, Runners-Up in the 2025 People’s Choice Award at the Australian Folk Music Awards, and three major honours at Tamworth 2026: Country Blues Award, National Songwriter of the Year, and a Music Excellence Award for their video Shelter. They have captivated audiences at Kiama, Dorrigo, Majors Creek, Illawarra, and Woodford Folk Festivals, bringing Australian stories, landscapes, and history to life through music. With four albums, including their latest Shelter, The Water Runners connect audiences through songs that are memorable, meaningful, and impossible not to sing along with. So, if you’re looking for a band that will feel like old friends, packed with talent and stories that stay with you, grab your friends, come along to a show, and let the music take you on a journey you won’t forget! Web: https://thewaterrunners.com/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewaterrunners Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewaterrunnersau/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1IEM4k8eKSpAmdUX0DHcdV

• 2020 – Finalist in Tamworth Songwriters Awards Bluegrass Section.
• 2020 – Best Band and 2nd place in Open Category Australian National Busking Championships.
• 2022 – 2022 Renaissance Artists and Writers Association (International) Finalist in the Songs for Social Change 2022 song contest with Water From The Well
• 2024 – ASA Top 10 "Murrumbidgee"
• 2025 – Runners Up Peoples Choice Award Folk Alliance Australia
• 2025 – Country Blues Award from the Tamworth Songwriters Association for their song ‘Viking’
• 2025 – National Songwriter of the Year from the Capital Country Music Association for ‘Last Train from Central’
• 2025 – Music Excellence Award from the Australian Bush Balladeers Association for the video of their song ‘Shelter’.

Kiama NSW 2533

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