[News] IT’S A MAD BLUESFEST ANNOUNCEMENT

Today, Bluesfest Byron Bay, Australia’s iconic and award winning 5 day Easter Festival (13th to 17th of April 2017), which has proudly been nominated once again as ‘Best International Festival’ by the US based Pollstar Awards, adds 12 more incredible artists to its ever-growing Festival bill. In Bluesfest tradition they are an eclectic group, what they share in common however is true artistic vision and talent. This round marks the 6th Announcement for the 2017 Festival, and with more exciting announcements planned for coming weeks Bluesfest really is on a roll.

Added to the Festival line up today are English Ska icons Madness, who will bring their blend of ska, British pop and soul to Bluesfest for the first time coming Easter. Starting out as the North London Invaders in 1976, Madness have remained a British Phenomenon completing the ‘ultimate invasion’ by performing their momentous hit ‘Our House’ on the rooftop of Buckingham Palace at the Queens Diamond Jubilee Concert, as well as bringing down the house at the Closing Ceremony of the London Olympic Games.

Bluesfest is honoured to be bringing the nine member, all-star concert experience Miles Electric Band to Australia for the first time. The band has been created in association with the Miles Davis Estate to bring his music to new generations. The group features Miles Davis alumni including Grammy nominee Robert Irving III, legendary Parliament Funkadelic guitarist Blackbyrd McKnight, Munyungo Jackson and Grammy winner Vince Wilburn, Jr. (Davis’ nephew) on drums. Darryl Jones, recognised for his recordings with Davis, Sting and decades long tour duty for the Rolling Stones provides the bass backbone. Finding a trumpeter to join this illustrious group was no small task, but when the Davis Estate heard Grammy winner Christian Scott play, they knew he was worthy. True Jazz fans won’t want to miss the rare chance to see this collective of Jazz icons playing together.

Patti Smith and her band will grace the Bluesfest audience with a powerful acoustic set on Good Friday 14th of April. This is in addition to the performance on Bluesfest opening night (Thursday 13th of April) when Patti Smith and her band perform Horses. Bluesfest Fans are going to be in for a real treat enjoying the intimacy of this performance which allows Patti Smith to connect with her audience in a way that honours the spirit of her hallowed poetry and music.

Legendary British political songwriter Billy Bragg, who is already performing at Bluesfest on Saturday 15th of April, will be teaming up with American songwriter, singer and producer, as well as Grammy Winner Joe Henry for a celebration of the great American railroad, the songs it inspired, and some favourites from their own classic catalogues on Easter Monday (17th of April).

Slightly Stoopid is a much loved American band based in the Ocean Beach neighbourhood of San Diego, California. ”Slightly Stoopid is known for its groovy blend of funk, reggae, punk, & other styles.” – Rolling Stone. An absolute Bluesfest favourite, this will be their third visit to the Bluesfest stage!

She wowed festival goers with her emotional range and dazzling vocal prowess in 2016, so Bluesfest is thrilled to have Rhiannon Giddens back in 2017. The Grammy Award winning lead singer of African-American folk interpreters Carolina Chocolate Drops, has stepped out on her own, winning over audiences around the world with, “the fervor of a spiritual, the yips of a folk holler, and the sultry insinuation of the blues” according to the New York Times.

Tony Joe White known to fans as The Swamp Fox is one musician who can certainly call Bluesfest his 2nd home, after multiple performances over many years. The American singer-songwriter and guitarist never ceases to please the Bluesfest audience with his swamp rock melodies, combining New Orleans-style rhythm and blues, country and western, and traditional French Louisiana musical influences.

At just 21 years of age singer-songwriter Max Jury from Iowa/ USA will blow Bluesfest audiences minds with his love of great American songwriting from the likes of Bob Dylan, Gram Parsons and Paul Simon, which has helped him hone and craft his own skill. He is on the road to establish himself as an American Great in his own right. To watch a talented singer ply his craft in a setting like Bluesfest will be immensely stirring.

It will be a ‘First to Bluesfest’ for The Record Company, an American rock band formed in Los Angeles. Their music is influenced by blues musicians like John Lee Hooker, early punk bands like The Stooges, and rock bands like The Rolling Stones. The three gentlemen of the band are on the road to stardom and if you like blues rock then The Record Company has your name written on it. Watch them kill it at Bluesfest and become the new discovery band of the Festival.

The Mountain Goats are an American Indie folk band formed by singer-songwriter John Darnielle. Their live performances are described as intense, moving and completely unique. One not to be missed!

The California Honeydrops are an American blues and R&B band, formed in November 2007 playing in the subway stations of Oakland, California, United States and have grown to stardom ever since. These great musicians will deliver fun, high energy music to Bluesfest! The California Honeydrops are another discovery that will astound Australian audiences for the first time in 2017

Trevor Hall is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is inspired with the cultural experience of Hindu and his music is a mix of reggae, acoustic rock, and Sanskrit chanting. His music is a Spiritual and Earthly Journey and what better setting can there be for Trevor than Bluesfest!

Music lovers from across Australia will visit the beautiful Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, just outside of Byron Bay over the Easter long weekend (Thursday 13th to Monday 17th of April 2017) for the 28th Annual Bluesfest. During the Festival they will enjoy 12 hours of music each day on multiple stages, incredible food and market stalls, on site camping in a range of accommodation options and free car parking for those who choose to drive.

THE THIRD 2017 BLUESFEST ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT includes:

2017 ARTISTS ALREADY ANNOUNCED: