[News] AS NSW OPENS BLUESFEST ANNOUNCES MORE ARTISTS

As NSW opens, Bluesfest is excited to announce another EIGHT AWESOME ARTISTS to the already amazing lineup. Bluesfest have now announced 82 artists who, between them, will perform over 130 shows across the days. And hold tight …. There’s more … their special THURSDAY artist announcement is coming next!

AMY SHARK is a super talent who is exploding across the world. She’s a multi-award winner (8 ARIA’s from 22 nominations, 4 APRA Awards from 10 nominations and the AWMA Breakthrough Artist Award) and a formidable songwriter. Amy’s latest album, ‘Cry Forever’, sees her teaming up with blink-182’s Travis Barker on the gold-accredited single ‘C’MON’ and global superstar Ed Sheeran to co-write platinum single ‘Love Songs Ain’t For Us’ featuring Grammy award winning artist Keith Urban. Welcome to Bluesfest, Amy.

Australia’s newest country-rock superstar, CASEY BARNES, also makes his Bluesfest debut next Easter. His undeniable talent, paired with iconic foot-stomping performances, and his happy-go-lucky attitude have all attributed to his ongoing success in Australia and abroad. His latest country energetic single ‘Come Turn Me On’ awarded him his fourth consecutive single within the last 8 months to hit #1 on both the Global Country Music Network Charts and the Air 100% Independent Singles Charts. He’s a powerhouse and his high-octane live show is not to be missed.

15 years ago, a young STAN WALKER played Bluesfest as part of our High School Showcase. Now the Trans-Tasman pop R&B star returns for the first time in his own right. He says it all: “I grew up in Byron, a wonderful heaven on earth. Every year mum and dad would go to Bluesfest. We love soul and blues. First year I went I was gob-smacked; this was musical heaven on earth. Mum poked me and said: “Son – forget Billboard – forget Grammy’s – I will know you have made it as an artist when you are on the Bluesfest stage”. Dream big right! I knew that as a boy from the wrong end of town that was unlikely. Well Mum you are my plus one for April 15th”. He’s a multi-award winner (7 wins from 25 nominations) and this week added 2 more Waiata Māori Music Awards!

KEVIN BORICH has been thrilling audiences with his dynamic Rock, Blues and Funk … and blistering boogie, ever since he came over the Tasman with the La De Das and their anthemic ‘Gonna See My Baby Tonight’. He has been lauded globally for his guitar virtuosity and has shared the stage with the greats: Santana, Bo Diddley, Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Ron Wood (Rolling Stones), Joe Walsh, John Mayall, Taj Mahal, and has opened shows for Elton John, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy and Peter Frampton. Together with his ‘A Team’ Express, Jon Carson (drums, vocals) and Chris Gilbert (bass, vocals), the KEVIN BORICH EXPRESS leave audiences wondering just how 3 performers can create such inescapable sounds, mixing Rock, Blues & Funk. You’d better see for yourself at Easter.

LACHY DOLEY is omni-present at Bluesfest: he is the go-to keyboard wizard for many top Australian artists. In between touring and sessions for others he fronts The Lachy Doley Group. His latest album ‘Studios 301 Sessions’ debuted at #1 on the ARIA Jazz & Blues Albums Chart. This time at Bluesfest Lachy Doley has taken his festival-adored Hammond Organ power trio THE LACHY DOLEY GROUP and supercharged it with an electric 4-piece horn section, 2 amazing backing singers and some screaming blues guitar to create … LACHY DOLEY AND THE HORNS OF CONVICTION. All the soul and energy of the power trio but with whole lot more class, more excitement, and more power.

LISA HUNT is one of our ‘almost’ local stars with an incredible loyal following. Former Byron Bay and now Gold Coast resident, New York born Lisa Hunt has sold over a million records and shared stages with the likes of Pavarotti, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, James Brown, Miles Davis, Dionne Warwick and Zucchero, with whom she worked as featured vocalist for many years. Lisa Hunt’s Forever Soul, a Rhythm and Blues Retrospective, comes to Bluesfest next Easter.

For the real traditional Blues lover, you can’t go past GEOFF ACHISON AND THE SOUL-DIGGERS. Geoff and his top-shelf band have been dishing out the Blues across the globe for the last 30 or so years and we are happy to have him back playing Bluesfest.

Classed as Convict Rhythm and Roots, HAT FITZ & CARA are among Australia’s most talented roots music artists; with Fitzy’s weathered vocals and soaring, blues-soaked guitar combined with Cara’s pounding drums and soulful honey coated voice. Fitz has played at more than half our total Bluesfests and with his powerhouse drummer, vocalist (and wife) Cara they have rocked our stages several times in this past decade. They are a real treat to see – don’t miss this ‘dynamic duo’.

Peter Noble OAM comments: “How good is this announcement? How great are these artists? This Bluesfest lineup keeps building and building – the quality and talent next Easter Long Weekend, Thursday 14th April – Monday 18th April 2022, is amazing and unparalleled! It is THE BEST Aussie & Kiwi lineup – EVER, and guess what – we still have one or two surprises left up our sleeves!! We have always believed the day would come when we will be coming together to attend music festivals again. We have never given up on that and, although it’s been quite a difficult time, we feel that, for our beloved music industry, the musicians, the crews, everyone who works in it and especially the fans, it is our responsibility to be there to present the music we love, just as soon as we can. Thank you for sticking with us in what has been an epic journey … it’s not too long now.”

“HOLD ON TO YOUR TICKETS BLUESFESTERS – I STILL HAVE SOME AMAZING HEADLINERS TO ANNOUNCE.”

Easter Long Weekend
Friday 15th April – Monday 18th April 2022

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22 September 2021

“The quality and talent on the Bluesfest lineup next Easter Long Weekend, Friday 15th April – Monday 18th April 2022, is incomparable and unmatched. It is THE BEST Aussie & Kiwi lineup – EVER, and guess what… we ain’t finished !!” Festival Director, Peter Noble OAM said today. Seven more artists have been addred to the 2022 Bluefest lineup.

SIX60 | HOODOO GURUS | BAKER BOY
RENEE GEYER | SAM TESKEY | KARA GRAINGER
JEFF MARTIN PLAYS THE SONGS OF LED ZEPPELIN

Easter Long Weekend
Friday 15th April – Monday 18th April 2022

“SIX60, who helped us celebrate our 30th anniversary back in 2019 and were one of the highlights of that great year are coming back, and have they EVER gone up in the world since they last graced us with their presence. They are simply one of the world’s great, and greatest grossing bands. In February 2019, they drew 50,000 people to their show in Auckland at Western Springs Stadium. That puts them up there with the largest drawing bands … well, this year they did it again … and drew another 50,000 in Auckland at Eden Park. What can you say other than this is a phenomenon !! They will be playing the same stage and the same day as L.A.B, on Good Friday 15th April … what a concert that will be!”

“ARIA Hall of Famers (2007), HOODOO GURUS, with their 40+ year history, and anthemic songbook to match, are going to enthral Bluesfest attendees with the songs from their 16 albums (9 top twenty) and 37 singles, including ‘My Girl’, ‘Bittersweet’, ‘Like WOW – Wipeout’, ‘What’s My Scene’ and so many more. Simply they are unique and are one of the most inventive, lyrically smart and exciting” bands to have come from Australia. We can’t wait to hear their Bluesfest debut.”

“Also playing Good Friday is Yolngu artist, BAKER BOY, the Young Australian of the Year in 2019, who is releasing his first album Gela in October, after numerous award wins and nominations since exploding onto the music scene in 2018 with two ARIA Gold Singles, ‘Mr La Di Da Di’ and then in 2019 the fantastic ‘Cool As Hell’.”

“Blues and Soul legend and ARIA Hall Of Famer (2005), RENEE GEYER is regarded as “one of Australia’s finest exponents of Soul & R&B music.” Renee’s hit recording career dates from 1973, and includes 25 albums, one boxed set, 38 singles including her hits ‘It’s a Man’s World’, ‘Heading in the Right Direction’, ‘Stares and Whispers’, ‘Say I Love You’ and many more…. It’s going to be a great celebration when Renee Geyer returns to Bluesfest… we can’t wait.”

“SAM TESKEY, who has been to Bluesfest before as part of the globally-successful TESKEY BROTHERS, calls himself “an Australian Blues Musician”, will be performing his solo set with his band. Sam is an in demand guitar player, songwriter, arranger, engineer .. he won “Engineer of the Year”, at the 2019 ARIA Awards, plus the ARIA Award for, “Most Performed R&B/ Soul Work”, ‘Rain’, with the rest of the Teskeys at the 2021 ARIA’s. Sam will release his first solo album, Cycles, October 2021. It’s going to be a Teskey kind of Bluesfest in 2022, with both Sam and Josh Teskey showing their individual styles over different days of the festival, , and then the incredible Teskey Brothers blowing the roof off the tent on Easter Monday.”

“KARA GRAINGER first came to Bluesfest as a member of the superb and fondly remembered Papa Lips in the 1990’s , before re-locating permanently to the USA in 2006. Since moving to first Los Angeles, and then to Nashville, Kara has released four superb albums in the Blues, Roots Music genres, and charted in the Americana Charts for 38 weeks straight for her album Grand and Green River. Kara will be playing in Australia at Bluesfest, on one of her all too rare homecoming shows. She is a don’t miss for the real Blues & Roots fans.”

“JEFF MARTIN, guitarist and frontman of Canada’s The Tea Party, now lives in our local shire. A Led Zeppelin fan, he has always wanted to bring their songs to life and well , we talked… and now it’s happening – Jeff Martin plays the songs of Led Zeppelin on the Bluesfest stage – I cant wait!”

“I pinch myself every time I look at this growing lineup of exceptional talent that will be heading to Bluesfest Easter Long Weekend Friday 15th April – Monday 18th April 2022. This is THE best Aussie and Kiwi lineup – ever ! AND … I’m not finished yet …. so I say to you again… HOLD ON TO YOUR TICKETS BLUESFESTERS – I STILL HAVE SOME AMAZING HEADLINERS TO ANNOUNCE.”

PETER NOBLE OAM
CHAIRMAN BLUESFEST GROUP OF COMPANIES

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31 August 2021

Just two weeks after re-scheduling their dates to the Easter Long Weekend Friday 15th April – Monday 18th April 2022 with most of the scheduled artists announced from the October Event … plus new ones, Bluesfest has added another SIX artists to the already massive lineup.

“We truly intend to continue in a manner of optimism, to present Bluesfest next easter with the very best Aussie and Kiwi artists … and there are many more to come.” Said Bluesfest Director, Peter Noble OAM this morning. “I am so excited !”

“I’m thrilled to welcome back THE TESKEY BROTHERS, and also MISSY HIGGINS and DIESEL. It’s been too long, and I can’t wait to see them here in Byron performing next Easter. Some more friends from NZ join us for the first time, L.A.B, and ask anyone from over the ditch and they will tell you … these guys are huge! 19-TWENTY are guaranteed to become Bluesfest favourites with their punk-rockabilly mayhem and wait until you catch FOOLS – a super huge band fusing Rock & Roll, Blues and Soul into a dynamic live show.”

“HOLD ON TO YOUR TICKETS BLUESFESTERS – I STILL HAVE SOME AMAZING HEADLINERS TO ANNOUNCE.”

“It’s going to be a celebration like no other when we all come together finally, for the greatest healing when Live Music comes back.”

“For those who are concerned about refunds – they will be available from 8th September through Moshtix. However, I can assure you that you can hold on to your tickets safe in the knowledge that, once all the artists have been announced, you will still have plenty of time to decide whether you wish to attend. Trust me though, this is the best lineup of Aussie and Kiwi talent …. EVER!
You won’t be asking for a refund – you’ll be asking for more tickets.”

“TRUST ME – HOLD ON TO THOSE TICKETS.”

PETER NOBLE OAM
CHAIRMAN BLUESFEST GROUP OF COMPANIES

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10 May 2021

ALL-AUSSIE Bluesfest 2021 October Edition line-up

Festival Director, Peter Noble OAM today announced:

Who would have thought after the cancellation of Bluesfest last Easter by a Public Health Order, less than 24 hours before our gates were due to open, due to one local case of transmission, that sent shockwaves through our industry, and traumatised everyone who had been working on presenting Bluesfest at Easter, that six weeks later we would be announcing our re-scheduled festival, and a week later, today our artists.

This October, Bluesfest will be the first major festival to return, since COVID-19 struck, with a multi-day, multi-stage, camping event and almost all the artists due to play at Easter will return to play.

PLUS, I am thrilled to announce that MIDNIGHT OIL have agreed to join our All-Aussie lineup and headline our opening night – FRI 1st OCT 2021 and that PAUL KELLY will co-headline SAT 2nd OCT 2021, alongside TASH SULTANA.

This is so special for me to announce – a moment I have been waiting years to happen. MIDNIGHT OIL headlined Bluesfest in 2001, just before their extended hiatus. It has always been my ambition to once again present the ‘holy grail of Australian artists’ at Bluesfest and have approached them every year, redoubling my efforts since their reformation in 2017. And now, to have MIDNIGHT OIL headline our opening night and launch their new album – it’s a dream come true.

There is so much to look forward to in October:

MIDNIGHT OIL have announced that they will be following up last October’s collaborative album, The Makarrata Project, by launching their first Midnight Oil studio album in nearly 20 years around Bluesfest time…. and will be featuring these new songs plus a greatest hits set.

PAUL KELLY – ARIA Hall of Famer and National Treasure, Paul returns to co-headline Bluesfest for the 8th time. It’s a certainty that Paul, as always, will bring his full band and deliver a unique live set for our Bluesfest audience.

TASH SULTANA will be showcasing their latest album Terra Firma, which gave them their debut #1 on the ARIA album charts and has already spawned 5 singles. Tash, who has never failed to deliver a next-level performance, will be bringing their exciting new band to Bluesfest for the first time.

JIMMY BARNES will ‘Barnestorm’ Bluesfest with an explosive set jam-packed with songs from his new album, Flesh and Blood and his classic hits.

All the headliners will perform their full shows of between 90 and 120 minutes

These, plus so many other great artists, are headlining our October Long Weekend Bluesfest.

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