[News] BLUE MOUNTAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FIRST LINEUP FOR 2014

The nineteenth BLUE MOUNTAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL, FOLK, ROOTS AND BLUES brings together an extraordinary line-up of talent in 2014. Taking place in the evocative mountain atmosphere of Katoomba, the festival runs over three jam-packed days of music on 14-16 March, 2014.

Headlining the weekend are a couple of Australia’s unique and internationally acclaimed artists, Lior and Xavier Rudd. These musicians are exceptional performers who bring their love of original music to the stage with contrasting styles. Lior with his exquisite touch has just finished an incredible season at the Sydney Opera house where he brought the amazing compositions of Nigel Westlake into a new dimension.

Xavier Rudd has emerged to become one of the most iconic new voices in Australian music. Sitting barefoot on the stage flanked by his array of guitars, didgeridoos, stomp boxes and percussion, he produces great tunes and his message of positive social change in the new millennium. He has had an immense impact in the US and Canada this past year and also knocked them for six at Glastonbury in the UK.

Also headlining this year is the incredible Ash Grunwald who is at the forefront of original Blues music in this country. His Delta blues style combined with hip-hop fusion is music way beyond his years.

When it comes to hard hitting songwriting you can’t go past Eric Bogle and Eleanor McEvoy who will be returning to the festival by popular request.

Sharing the top of the bill with these amazing musicians are two very different acts. Firstly London born singer-songwriter Rory McLeod returns with his very quirky upbeat dance inducing songs and stories. He brings tap shoes, accappella, harmonica, guitar, trombone, spoons, finger cymbals, bandorea, djembe and much more to his one-man soulband shows. Also coming to spin us out is the most energetic band to ever come out of mainland China… Hanggai! They are a lively 6 piece world music band who have taken Australia by storm with their stunning introduction at Womad in 2012.

American bluegrass legend Peter Rowan returns to the Blue Mountains Music Festival in 2014. No stranger to Australia, the much-loved musician brings with him two of the best ever Bluegrass performers in mandolin expert Chris Henry and virtuoso Richard Greene on fiddle.

Two of Australia finest guitarists, Slava & Leonard Grigoryan will be here to share their exquisite virtuosity in 2014. They bring a musical ability to the BMMF stage that is almost beyond comprehension.

The Good Lovelies are coming from Canada and they are not your run-of-the-mill “all girl” band. At a time when too many of us are affected by gloom, doom and recovering from recession these three women are the perfect antidote. These Juno award winners are sharp, sassy, funny and building a following across North America.

Another Canadian woman making waves is Rose Cousins, also a Juno winner and also performing at the 19th Blue Mountains Music festival.

When you come, look out for England’s newest folk singer-songwriter sensation, Blair Dunlop, who is making his first appearance at BMFF. Blair, son of Fairport Convention’s Ashley Hutchings has a pure pedigree in English folk circles.

There will be a strong Blues showing in 2014 with New Zealand duo Swamp Thing, Jesse Valach & Blues Mountain, Jeff Lang & Band, Benny Walker, Hat Fitz & Cara and a return visit from Japanese blues buffs George and Noriko.

Ticket prices for the 2014 Festival are being held at the same level as the previous three years. So get in early.

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT