Jon Doust is a lousy musician and attracted few donations when he busked in York Street to promote the festival. In fact, he probably turned more people away.

But the alleged comedian/writer/facilitator has agreed to be the festival’s master of ceremonies from Friday, May 2, to Sunday, May 4, at the Albany Town Hall.

An impressive line-up of folk and folk fusion musicians and street performances will feature at the festival.

“I’ve become a member of Creative Albany. It’s the first organisation I’ve joined,” Mr Doust said.

“One of the reasons I’ve moved to Albany is that it is so creative here.”

Artistic director Rod Vervest said Harboursound would be another presentation by Creative Albany and had been revived because of public demand after three years.

“This time around it will be held over three days in early May in the Albany Town Hall theatre with events spilling out into the main street,” he said.

“Given the street theatre element to Harboursound, the Town Hall is the perfect venue and of course, is a wonderful performance space.”

Mr Vervest has had to quickly ‘change hats’ after managing the Perth International Arts Festival Great Southern program.

He said Harboursound 2008 would be the start of a long-term plan to bring world music back to the Great Southern as an annual event.

Included in the May program is Mal Webb, a vocal adventurer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Melbourne.

He has been described as being ‘outrageously eclectic, nefariously varied, grittily human and clever and playful.’

Local favourites Andrew Winton and Five Point Turn, gypsy fiddlers Ernie Gruner and Phil Carroll and the zany Zulu-influenced Andy Rigby will entertain.

Winton’s solo career has taken off in recent years with appearances on ABC Radio National’s The Planet, two WAMI nominations and a highly successful nationwide tour.