Byron Bay Bluesfest 2012
Cold Chisel, John Fogerty, Crosby Stills and Nash, Earth Wind and Fire, The Pogues, John Butler Trio, G3 feat. Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Steve Lukather, Yes, Buddy Guy, Maceo Parker, My Morning Jacket, Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot @ Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm

Thursday 5 Apr 2012

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Festival Name:	Byron Bay Bluesfest 2012

Artists:	Cold Chisel, John Fogerty, Crosby Stills and Nash, Earth Wind and Fire, The Pogues, John Butler Trio, G3 feat. Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Steve Lukather, Yes, Buddy Guy, Maceo Parker, My Morning Jacket, Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot
Supporting Artists:	The Specials, Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, Donavan, Angelique Kidjo, Seasick Steve, Keb Mo, Nick Lowe, Rosie Ledet, Seth Lakeman, Harry Manx, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Alabama Three, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, Yann Tiersen, Bettye Lavette, Steve Earle, Justin Townes Earle, Trombone Shorty, Great Big Sea, The Jayhawks, Sublime, Zappa Plays Zappa, Dawes, James Vincent McMorrow, Josh Pyke, Blue King Brown, Eileen Jewell, 1814, Busby Marou, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Ziggy Marley, Candi Staton, David Bromberg Band, Canned Heat, Vusi Mahlasela, Richard Clapton, Blitzen Trapper, The Audreys, Backsliders, Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges, Ray Beadle, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Hat Fitz And Cara, Tribali, Watussi, Eagle And The Worm, Mat Mchugh (The Beautiful Girls), Dubmarine, Mama Kin, Tijuana Cartel, Benjalu, Carus Thompson, Kim Churchill, Dallas Frasca, Marshall And The Fro, Ashleigh Mannix, Ollie Brown, Kooii, Lachlan Bryan
Date:	Thu, 5 Apr 2012 to Mon, 9 Apr 2012
Venue:	Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm Black Rock Rd (Cnr Preston Ln) Tyagarah, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481

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Price:	$45 - $405
Tickets:	http://www.bluesfest.com.au
Under 18s:	Yes
Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Chugg Entertainment and Bluesfest Touring today announced that Roger Daltrey’s upcoming tour of Australia, including an appearance at Bluesfest on Monday 9 April, will regrettably be cancelled. Mr Daltrey is sorry to disappoint his fans and hopes to reschedule tour dates in the near future. BLUESFEST REFUND If you wish to refund your single day Festival ticket for Monday 9 April you can arrange this for a limited time by calling the Bluesfest office on 02 6685 8310. JOHN FOGERTY plays Creedence Clearwater Revival: It took Bob Dylan AND George Harrison’s constant cajoling to get JOHN FOGERTY to start playing Creedence Clearwater revival songs again. He started to do a few in his set in 1997 – 25 years after the band broke up. Well, we can thank the Gods because for the first time in 40 years we are going to hear, live on stage at Bluesfest, one of the all time greats perform the music that he has written and only he can sing. JOHN FOGERTY is going to perform in full one of 2 classic Creedence albums, which is either his favourite Creedence album ‘ Green River’ or Creedence’s biggest hit album ‘Cosmo’s Factory’. Then, to top it off, after he has performed the album from start to finish, he is going to play all the Creedence Clearwater hits for the first time since the band split, in a special 2 hour show featuring multimedia presentations. It will be a revelation to hear the classic “Swamp Pop” performed again by the main man of Creedence Clearwater Revival, the band that took over from the Beatles as the biggest band in the world. The Creedence Clearwater Revival hit list includes: Proud Mary + Hey Tonight + Down On The Corner + Long As I Can See The Light + Bad Moon Rising + Have You Ever Seen The Rain + Looking Out My Back Door + Who’ll Stop The Rain + Run Through The Jungle + Lodi + Midnight Special and there’s so many more! ZIGGY MARLEY This is Roots – This is Rock – This is Reggae!! - THIS IS ZIGGY MARLEY. The five-time Grammy Award-winning musician, actor, artist, activist and humanitarian, ZIGGY MARLEY returns to Bluesfest after a five year absence. He’ll be featuring songs from his latest album, Wild and Free as well as all the favourites from his 3 other solo albums and those of the Melody Makers. ZIGGY MARLEY, the son of the legendary Bob Marley is, to many, the embodiment of his father. It is almost eerie to see the similarity, and with his Roots-Rock-Reggae style, ZIGGY is the Keeper of the Flame. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, ZIGGY MARLEY joined with his sisters Sharon and Cedella and brother Stephen to become Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers, allowing him to craft his own soulful sound which blends blues, R&B, hip-hop and roots reggae After two decades as the driving creative force behind The Melody Makers, ZIGGY MARLEY’s first solo tour came in summer 2002. The following year saw the release of his debut solo album, Dragonfly, followed by 2006’s Grammy Award-winning Love Is My Religion, Recently, ZIGGY MARLEY won his fifth Grammy Award, in the category “Best Musical Album for Children,” for Family Time, a 2009 collection of reggae-inflected, family-oriented songs, featuring family and friends including; Rita Marley, Cedella Marley, Judah Marley, Jack Johnson, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Laurie Berkner, Elizabeth Mitchell and Jamie Lee Curtis. ZIGGY MARLEY also continues to head Tuff Gong Worldwide, in honor of his father’s own music label Tuff Gong Records, and is involved with a breadth of charities. ZIGGY MARLEY leads his own charity, URGE (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a non-profit organization that benefits efforts in Jamaica, Ethiopia and other developing nations. The charity’s missions range from building new schools to operating health clinics to supporting charities like Mary’s Child, a center for abused and neglected girls. ZIGGY MARLEY is one special person – a very special performer – and one we are glad to say WELCOME BACK TO BLUESFEST – ZIGGY MARLEY CANDI STATON The Queen of Southern Soul “…Staton deserves to be right up there alongside Aretha and Gladys in the soul pantheon. An album worth selling your soul for…” -Mojo Magazine, London “…Every single track here says more in its allotted two minutes-40 than most artists manage in a lifetime.” -Time Out London The legendary First Lady of Southern Soul and erstwhile dance music queen CANDI STATON is making her BLUESFEST debut this year. We are delighted to have the Sweetheart of Soul heading our way and can’t wait to sing along to all her disco hits including Young Hearts Run Free, You’ve Got The Love (recently covered by Florence & The Machine) and her remake of Tammy Wynette's Stand By Your Man. There are southern soul voices and there are southern soul voices. Raw and ravaged, CANDI STATON's (CANZETTA MARIA STATON) is one of the signature sounds of the genre. In 2008, after a break from the scene, CANDI STATON performed a rousing hour-long set in front of 50,000 screaming fans at London’s GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL…in short the sing-along with the Sweetheart of Soul at BLUESFEST is going to be huge! DAVID BROMBERG BAND “The reason man created stringed instruments. David touched them with a lover’s fingers and they moaned that true love right back to him. Wood and wire and flesh spoke.” – Jerry Jeff Walker He’s played with everyone, he’s toured everywhere, he can lead a raucous big band or hold an audience silent with a solo acoustic blues and now he’s heading our way! DAVID picked up a guitar at 13 and has since become a first-call “hired gun” guitarist for recording sessions, intimately playing on hundreds of records by artists including BOB DYLAN ( New Morning, Self Portrait, Dylan ), LINK WRAY, THE EAGLES, RINGO STARR, WILLIE NELSON and CARLY SIMON. It wasn’t long before his solo work took off as a multi instrumentalist and grew into the DAVID BROMBERG BIG BAND. 2011 saw the release his latest album Use Me which has re-affirmed his place amongst the greats. The album collaborating with and being produced by friends like fellow BLUESFEST artists, JOHN HIATT & KEB’ MO’ as well as LEVON HELM, LOS LOBOS, TIM O’BRIEN, VINCE GILL, WIDESPREAD PANIC, DR. JOHN and LINDA RONSTADT. CANNED HEAT Blues n Boogie .. Some say they invented this genre that made them a global phenomenon 40+ years ago. Now into their 6th decade of their seemingly endless WORLD BOOGIE TOUR ... the HEAT have turned it up again ... and are bringing their unique blend of roadhouse electric blues, rock and boogie back to the BLUESFEST stage. CANNED HEAT gained international attention and secured their niche in the pages of rock ‘n roll history with their performances at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival (along with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and The Who) and the headlining slot at the original Woodstock Festival in 1969. Their Top-40 country-blues-rock songs, “On The Road Again,” “Let’s Work Together,” and “Going Up The Country,” became rock anthems throughout the world with the latter being adopted as the unofficial theme song for the film Woodstock. They have toured endlessly appeared at all the major Festivals and venues – even London’s Royal Albert Hall, and playing more biker festivals and charity events than any other band in the world. Anchored throughout by the steady hand of drummer/band leader Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra (a member since 1967) and reunited with longtime manager/producer, Skip Taylor, Canned Heat is well on track to carry the boogie-blues it made famous, well into the 21st century with reunion concerts throughout the world featuring original Woodstock era members Larry ‘The Mole’ Taylor and Harvey ‘The Snake’ Mandel. CANNED HEAT is ‘on it’ big time – and BLUESFEST is proud to welcome them back to grace our ‘field of blues’. VUSI MAHLASELA He is simply known as 'The Voice' in his home country, South Africa, celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics. We are overjoyed to announce this voice will be showcased at BLUESFEST this year. Vusi will be touring Australia for the first time with his South African band. “His performances are optimistic and soulful, delivered with an intensity that captures the attention and embraces the heart.” – Los Angeles Times. Raised in the Mamelodi Township, where he still resides, VUSI has become South Africa’s premier male recording artist and his new album Say Africa is filled with songs of freedom, of revolution, of love and of life. TAJ Mahal came on and produced Say Africa and lends vocals and banjo on the recording. Other BLUESFEST artist Angelique Kidjo has shared her voice and energy on Nakupenda Africa, which the pair later performed together at the World Cup at FIFA's Kick Off Concert. His ethos is evident in everything he does “musicians have to be like watchdogs, just by seeing and speaking out, directly to the youth as well, because we need some kind of Cultural Revolution to remove ignorance." Come and hear “The Voice”, this truly important voice, “the angelic voice of an angelic man” (Natalie Merchant). RICHARD CLAPTON BLUESFEST stalwarts will remember the euphoria of RICHARD CLAPTON’s 2006 appearance at BLUESFEST. Our own ‘CLAPTON’ nailed the crowd – and we are so stoked to be bringing him back to BLUESFEST this year. RICHARD CLAPTON’s songs chart not only his frame of mind – but that of the nation. With his unique, surfside melodic rock, songs like ‘Deep Water’, Girls On The Avenue’, ‘Capricorn Dancer’, and the anthemic ‘(Down In The) Lucky Country’ and ‘The Best years Of Our Lives’ charted his musings on the social and political landscape and were the soundtrack to the turbulent lives of three generations of Australian youth. He is still heard every day on the radio and RICHARD CLAPTON’s albums are the mainstay in just about every Australian record collection – and a ‘must-have’ for backpackers and ex-pats far from home. ‘Girls On The Avenue’, ‘Goodbye Tiger’, Hearts On The Nightline’, ’Glory Road’, ‘The Great Escape’ and at least half a dozen more have served to cement RICHARD CLAPTON into the very psyche of the Australian music scene. Almost 40 years since he began RICHARD CLAPTON shows no sign of slowing down! And so – “HI BLUESFEST, and welcome to the party that never ends!!”. BLITZEN TRAPPER It’s their first ever BLUESFEST performance and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome these Portland, Oregon natives to the stage this Easter. Genre-straddling has always been a specialty of BLITZEN TRAPPER, who have masterfully blended indie, folk-rock with alt-Country, but at their heart they have a classic Rock and Roll sound that is drenched in warming harmonies. Their live show has always garnered alluring reviews and promised unwavering, passionate energy onstage; “EARLEY’s (Eric Earley - drums/vocals) solo highlighted the folk roots of the band’s music and resembled the soulful crooning of BOB DYLAN… BLITZEN TRAPPER displays a multi-faceted distinctiveness that translates into a truly superb live music experience.” - heyreverb.com “Sent their fans into a fit of delirium, as those in attendance begged and pleaded for more.” -beatsperminute.com These guys know how to write a song. Alongside their acoustic finger picking, bluesy harmonica, and gently clinking tambourine, sit electronic throbbing bass and emphatic stomping that meld beautifully as the backdrop to their clever and engaging lyrics. Come and check out these flawless musicians, and join us for the all-out sing-along that is sure to ensue at BLUESFEST and we will beg and plead for an encore together. THE AUDREYS We are thrilled to have Adelaide’s alt-country five piece THE AUDREYS back for BLUESFEST this year. Since we last saw them they have produced another stunning album and received yet another ARIA award, completing their trifecta of ARIA wins. Three awards for The Best Blues & Roots album for all three albums, Sometimes The Stars (2011), When the Flood Comes (2008) and Between Last Night and Us (2006). Recent praise for Sometimes The Stars has cemented THE AUDREYS as one of Australia’s favourite and highest profile bands. Rolling Stone reviewed it as "Gorgeous", Rhythms Magazine "A triumph", and the Daily Telegraph stating it is "Brilliant, absolutely brilliant". But it’s not just the Australian press who are smitten; Toronto’s Exclaim called it "Bewitching. Beguiling. And that’s just their vocalist! Dark and other-worldly this daring musical adventure is a revelation worth revealing." Stunningly enigmatic front woman Taasha Coates and her hauntingly beautiful voice will have you captivated by the first line and the band’s latest material will have you enthralled for their entire set. Come and celebrate the brilliant blues and roots catalogue THE AUDREYS have rolled out over the last eight years at what is sure to be another enchanting performance. BACKSLIDERS “Without a dispute the best blues band in Australia. Their material is impeccable and their musicianship is a wonder to behold” - Sydney Morning Herald Long-time BLUESFEST favourite, BACKSLIDERS are bringing their 2011 ARIA Blues and Roots nominated and I-Tunes Australian Blues and Roots Album of the Year winning album Starvation Box, with them. The last 25 years have seen the boys playing, touring the festival circuit and recording 13 albums. Slide Guitarist, multi-stringed instrumentalist and vocalist, Dom Turner, and drum and percussion virtuoso Rob Hirst (MIDNIGHT OIL) are at the heart of a sound that melds driving Delta and Mississippi Hill country blues sounds with original 21st Century new blues anthems. Joining Dom and Rob is ARIA award-winning harmonica genius Ian Collard (COLLARD, GREENS & GRAVY) whose distinctively rich tones are revered by blues harp enthusiasts internationally. The achievements, success and reviews over the band’s 25 years tell it all. Constantly dubbed the Best Live Australian Blues Act (Blues on Air Magazine) and winning Band of the Year (Rolling Stone/Australian Blues Music Awards) just to name a few. You know it’s going to be fun, you know it’s going to be a great live show, you know it’s going to be a wall of Delta blues sound ... welcome home to BLUESFEST guys. EUGENE “HIDEAWAY” BRIDGES One of our favourite blues musicians is back! There’s no doubt that singer, songwriter and guitarist EUGENE “HIDEAWAY” BRIDGES has made Australia his second home. This seasoned and versatile performer is a nomadic musician living his life on the road. His home is wherever the next performance takes him. What makes EUGENE unique, apart from his soul drenched vocals and blazing guitar work, is that he is the real deal – a Texas bluesman in the great tradition with a background in soul and gospel that gives his music such a powerful impact. EUGENE is son of the blues guitarist HIDEAWAY SLIM, whom he claims he got his guitar skills from and his mother was from the BULLOCK family (the same as ANNA MAE BULLOCK better known as TINA TURNER) who he says he got his voice from. EUGENE’s 8 record catalogue and constant touring schedule continue to receive rave reviews and countless awards and nominations in the UK, Europe and the US. Returning to BLUESFEST, EUGENE has a brand new album to share “ROCK AND A HARD PLACE” which showcases EUGENE as his best with his big band in toe, staying true to their distinctive southern sound. They album has received three nominations from The Blues Foundation’s 33rd Blues Music Awards for Album of the Year, Soul Blues Album, Soul Blues Male Artist. EUGENE’s music is a brilliant blend of classic Downhome Blues, Southern Soul and Jumping R’n’B. Why does Mojo Magazine call him simply “Eugenius”? Probably for the same reason that Juke Blues says, “He really could be God’s gift to the future of the blues.” EUGENE “HIDEAWAY” BRIDGES is that rare triple threat – an outstanding vocalist, guitarist and songwriter. In concert, EUGENE whips up a storm wherever he goes with his distinctive southern blues sound. Welcome back home to BLUESFEST EUGENE. RAY BEADLE RAY BEADLE ripped it up at BLUESFEST in 2010 & 2011. We just had to ask him back. Just ask ABC’s Bill Brown “RAY BEADLE … didn’t hold back. He is a musician who lifts several notches when the music is hot and at Byron he went ballistic!!’ Proof of the power of performance was the overflow of people trying to get into the tent in previous years to witness his power-packed, guitar-slinging music. He is constantly ‘on the road’ here and has played a residency at B.B King's Club in Memphis and Buddy Guy’s Blues Club in Chicago as well as several Southern Blues festivals. With a new album, ‘Spellbound’, and a bucket of accolades in toe including Australian Blues Music Performer of the Year from the Sydney Blues Society and Best Male Artist in the Australian Blues Music Awards. Blues great Chris Cain takes us back to our beginning describing RAY BEADLE “unquestionably one of the finest musicians I have come across …. Let’s just say this cat is VERY dangerous.”RAY’s music comes deep from the heart and soul, rich with a deep history of the Blues from 20 years of performing nationally and internationally. 2012 will be no exception, catch this dangerous cat in 2012! JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR After blowing us all away in 2010 we couldn’t wait to invite her back to BLUESFEST and over the past two years JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR has gone from a promising young blues talent to a bona fide force on the international music scene. She has taken home Best Female Vocalist at the British Blues Awards, supported tours by JOE BONAMASSA and ERIC SARDINAS and impressed legions of fans in the US, UK and Europe with her high-energy attack. Hailing from the British Midlands, and raised amidst the coal mines of Britain’s Black Country, JOANNE picked up a guitar and got turned on to the blues as a very young teenager. DAVE STEWART of the Eurythmics discovered her when he saw her play at the tender age of 16. He described Joanne’s blues guitar playing as “so deep and passionate it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end!" He asked her to join his supergroup D.U.P. to tour Europe in 2002. Still just 25, JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR is one hot young talent but unlike many other young phenoms, JOANNE has quickly developed a resume to back up the hype. She combines fiery guitar playing, sultry vocals and something beyond the blues... a soulful mix of roots and pop influences sung in a haunting smoky voice. “There are a lot of great guitarists and singers in the blues today. What I see in JOANNE that sets her apart from the rest is the ability to write a great song. Not only is she a killer guitarist and singer, but find yourself walking away from her shows singing her songs as well.” -JOE BONAMASSA Come and see why we just had to have her back, JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR is the real deal! HAT FITZ & CARA Perennial BLUESFEST favourite and dynamic duo HAT FITZ & CARA ROBINSON are bringing their truly unique old times Blues and Celtic sound back to the BLUESFEST stage. Each of these artists is in their own amazing musicians but together they have carved out their own style that combines trans-continental delta Blues with an Irish Folk twist. Hailing from Queensland, the ‘wild man’ of Australian blues, HAT FITZ plays guitar, stomps his foot and sings the blues with a physical presence and power that reminds listeners of past Blues greats like Son House and Charley Patton. Alongside him on stage is Belfast’s very own CARA ROBINSON on drums, vocals, washboard, flute and tin whistle. The blending of pre war hill country and delta blues with traditional Celtic and early Australian folk has had audiences addicted...It’s raw, its raucous and full of frenzied, almost-out-of-control crescendos that you can’t help but dance along to. Their latest release Beauty and the Beast is filled with ample reasons to give these guys a listen and it has enhanced their reputation as one of the most interesting and musically appealing combinations. “ROBINSON has not tried to tame the savage beast. He still roars like a lion and is the perfect foil for her Bonnie Raitt-like vocal tones. The duo’s shared lead vocals and rich harmonies transcend the boundaries of blues, rags, folk and bluegrass. FITZY would have to be Australia’s foremost purveyor of authentic pre war blues.” – Blues Matters Magazine, UKCome and have a listen and a dance as this mesmerising duo stomp out these new tracks and a bunch of our favourites for us. TRIBALI BLUESFEST get ready for some serious fun. After blowing us all away in 2010, we are thrilled to announce TRIBALI will be back on our stages in 2012. Maltese natives, TRIBALI are a group of musicians who came together to celebrate their love of world music, bringing it to the masses across the globe. Whilst placing great emphasis on ethnic rhythms, Tribali incorporate the beauty and pathos of music from the orient. Their diverse use of instruments embraces percussion, flute, didgeridoo, guitar and sitar to name a few, whilst the accompanying vocals complete the whole sonic vibe. A powerful stage presence is further energised by their use of visuals thus dramatically stimulating the audience which has resulted in them consistently selling out shows and becoming a festival favourite. They released their self-titled debut album in May 2006 and secured their position as Malta's leading artists by charting and sustaining the number one position for several months. Tribali release their second album The Elephants of Lanka in April 2009. It was reviewed in Songlines magazine in June 2009, and received four stars. WATUSSI Are you ready to get those feet tapping, hands clapping and your body grooving…WATUSSI are returning to BLUESFEST! Once described as ‘Rage Against The Machine with horns’ WATUSSI are an eight-piece Afro-Colombian Rock and Roots outfit with a knack for getting the crowds moving to their blustering horns, party-fuelled rhythms and rocking roots bass-lines. Sydney based WATUSSI are led by the charismatic frontman Oscar Jimenez, who is joined by the Simon Olsen (Lead guitar), Jared Kneale (drums), Vicente Sebastian (percussion), Pat Harris (bass) and Michael Brown (tenor sax and flute) and Simon Ferenci (trumpet and trombone). In 2011, WATUSSI toured nationally with SANTANA and released their 1000% handsome EP which was recorded and produced by Brooklyn producer Joel Hamilton, who has worked with the likes of THE BLACK KEYS, TOM WAITS , ELVIS COSTELLO and TALIB KWELI, just to name a few. So come along and join the party at WATUSSI’s BLUESFEST performance this Easter. EAGLE AND THE WORM Hailing from Melbourne, but spreading their gospel far and wide; EAGLE AND THE WORM are on their way to BLUESFEST! 2011 was a big year for this octet, it saw them release their debut album Good Times – and it’s just that…10 tracks of utterly contagious good times. And the critics can’t help but agree: “The joy is formidable...Futureman and All I Know ratchet things up, the latter doing that rare thing only great aural architects can do - capturing the sound of a bandroom erupting like a Chilean volcano by putting the listener deep in the mouth of the beast. Seriously, grab some headphones and love the lava.” 4 ½ Stars Herald Sun Their three national tours has honed their truly unique sound which encapsulates the iconic 60's and 70's spotlighting post-stardust Bowie, David Byrne, The Band, The E Street Band, and the great pop bands of the era. Live, their vintage, brilliant horn section and inspired harmonies has gained them a national identity and growing audience…there is plenty to get excited about here…don’t take our word for it, come and have a listen. MAT. McHUGH (THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS) Solo & Acoustic The frontman and creative force behind Australian musical success THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS, is returning to the BLUESFEST stages for the first time as a solo artist. MAT has decided to simplify things and in an era of auto-tuning, his new sound is refreshing. Nothing but guitar, bass and drums, his new approach is about being transparent. Simple. Honest. Intimate. MAT.’s solo EP Go Don’t Stop hit stores in June 2011 and the full studio album is set for release this year. The result is a roots record in every sense of the word, and of course that unmistakable voice that takes you straight to the beach, surfboard in hand. Part of MAT.’s inspiration for his solo work is the music he has grown up with “My favourite records, whether they’re Johnny Cash or Nick Drake sound like they could have been made in 2011 or 1960. There’s nothing added, it’s a simple formula. They’re just a little statement of what the people who created them believed to be inherent truths and that’s all I’m trying to do on this record.”So whether you are a die-hard THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS fan or are just a little curious- make sure you don’t miss out on MAT. MCHUGH this Easter at BLUESFEST. DUBMARINE Sound the alarm! Australia’s high-powered, high energy, Dub, Dancehall, Reggae, DnB, sub bass vessel DUBMARINE are making their BLUESFEST debut! Lead by the vocal gymnastics of indigenous superstar and Gangulu man D-Kazman, DUBMARINE have a mission; to produce bass crunching, rhythm pounding, hip shaking modern music fusing elements of music from all around the world. The last 2 years have been huge for DUBMARINE. 2010 saw the release of their first full length album, Depth of Sound, which features their trademark bass-driven foundations, twin trombone blasts and thunderous synth explosions, the band can’t help but rock deep dancehall, reggae and dub. This launched their highly successful European tour taking in shows in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and The Czech Republic. Live this band shines, their double trombones are simply earth shattering, their relentless high-energy stage show is just infectious and after rocking stages across the globe it’s finally our turn...and we just can’t wait. MAMA KIN WA soulstress MAMA KIN is a force to be reckoned with and 2012 will see her bringing her soaring bittersweet melodies back to Byron Bay for BLUESFEST. With her unique blend of New Orleans foot-stomping soul and heart-wrenching ballads, MAMA KIN is part raconteur and all-out entertainer. As mischievous as she is charming, MAMA KIN has wooed audiences from the Ottawa Blues Festival to WOMADelaide, Port Fairy and Woodford Folk Festivals. This sassy femme fatale draws on her experiences of love, life and heartache to create stunning songs with stomping piano and swampy beats, all the while traversing the riotous, the raw and the intimate. Her debut album Beat and Holler has garnered widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike; “really special, totally smouldering...sure to set your soul on fire” -The Sun-Herald But it is in the live arena where MAMA KIN’s honky tonk rhythms and stirring ballads truly shine. FasterLouder called her “a giddy joy to watch” and The West Australian "...a highly impressive, soulful outing channelling Latin passion and feminine power...excellent, soulful and feisty." - MAMA KIN takes audiences on a journey of storytelling, laughter and alchemy which has earned her a reputation for live sets and ensures she is always a festival standout. TIJUANA CARTEL Being the top pick for many at BLUESFEST in the past, the funky flamenco dance tunes of the Gold Coast’s own TIJUANA CARTEL have made a name for themselves as the ultimate live party act. Their multi-layered grooves mix touches of slide and flamenco guitar, splashes of Middle Eastern vocals lilting Moby-esque soundscapes, trumpet and Afro Cuban percussion with some hardened electronic elements to create a unique and exhilarating experience all randomly supported by poetic social commentary and song courtesy of MC Regan Hoskins. The boys have spent the better part of this year touring their proverbials off, so much so that they’ve named their latest album after the M1 – the arterial road connecting the country that they’ve spent so much of their time hurtling down this year. This energetic live act brings their musical energy and unrestrained delivery each time they get on stage. Fast becoming a festival favourite all over Australia and other parts of the world – you are sure to get a good dance in to the crazy Mexican flavours and mashed up beats of the TIJUANA CARTEL at BLUESFEST! BENJALU Treat yourself at BLUESFEST this Easter and check out BENJALU. These four lads hailing from Newcastle, NSW, have a knack for writing catchy rock grooves, warm bass lines and memorable melodies. In the past few years the band has toured extensively taking the ‘old school’ approach to promote their music which has resulted in an incredibly tight set. If the sing-alongs at the BENJALU gigs, are anything to go by, these guys are making waves both nationally and Internationally. BENJALU’S BLUESFEST performance is sure to be packed with good vibes and good times, which seem to run though the blood of these boys. Go and see for yourself how Chinese whispers is helping the constant growth of the cult following this band has. “Just infectious and hard not to get involved with their clever grooves and good feel” -Jam Magazine CARUS THOMPSON No stranger to the BLUESFEST stage, CARUS THOMPSON is returning this Easter with a new album Caravan, and a whole lot of international experience, after recording the album between studios in England, Germany and Australia and touring extensively overseas. Following the footsteps of fellow 2012 BLUESFEST artist JOHN BUTLER, CARUS THOMPSON is a WA success story- both hailing from Fremantle and both achieving international success, whilst remaining independent musicians. CARUS THOMPSON begun writing songs aged 12. By the time he was old enough to play in bars he was making a living playing the Perth pub circuit. A nomadic lifestyle from the beginning saw CARUS call many places home, including the outback Aboriginal community of Peppimenarti, where he spent an influential and formative four years as a child. Although CARUS doesn’t describe his latest album as a ‘road album’ it sure has been one hell of a journey for him. CARUS has been writing songs for 22 years and throwing himself hard into touring over the past 12 years. All of his hard work has paid off; worldwide CARUS has sold over 30,000 CD’s independently and supported the likes of DAVE MATTHEWS, DAMIEN RICE, JACK JOHNSON and fellow WA musicians THE WAIFS and JOHN BUTLER. Celebrate CARUS’S journey this Easter at BLUESFEST and come and see this exciting singer-songwriter in his element. KIM CHURCHILL BLUESFEST, get ready to welcome back the explosive style of KIM CHURCHILL for the launch of his latest album Detail of Distance at this year’s festival! KIM’s style is unstoppable, with intricate finger picking, percussive beats on the body of the guitar, and two-handed tapping intertwined with an earthy stomp box, powerful blues harmonica melodies and a soulful voice. It’s the whole package. We are sure you have caught his unique sound at past BLUESFEST’s as this young guitarist is hard to miss, impossible to walk past and an awe-worthy performer. His songwriting reflects his coastal lifestyle – growing up on the NSW South Coast with the surf at his front door, and now his nomadic life on the road. The last few years has seen KIM gigging and stomping his way around the globe. 2011 alone saw him stage-hopping from festival to festival, including SXSW, Montreal Jazz Festival, Hillside Festival, Ottawa Folk Festival, Quebec Festival d’Ete, Falls Festival, Lorne and a bunch of support slots with the likes of Michael Franti and tons of others. Make sure you take a look at this up-and-coming talent at BLUESFEST – the future is undoubtedly bright for KIM CHURCHILL DALLAS FRASCA “The modern day Janis Joplin” -TRIPLE J DALLAS FRASCA doesn’t take any shit…she is one very loud woman who stands out from the rest both musically and vocally and her performance at BLUESFEST isn’t going to be any different! Her husky vocals and dirty roots-rock tunes will have everyone dancing and the tent thumping in no time at all. 2012 is going to be a big year for DALLAS FRASCA and her band. They have just returned from New York where they have recorded their entire new album live. Set for release this year, it is titled Sound Painter and in true DALLAS FRASCA form; expect slabs of guitar riff-age, skin slamming drums and heavy, soulful vocals. Raw, energetic and unrestrained- DALLAS brings 110% to every live performance…come and see this force to be reckoned with at BLUESFEST this Easter. MARSHALL & THE FRO You might remember Lennox Heads MARSHALL & THE FRO as the winners of our 2007 BLUESFEST Busker's Competition - and their career has really taken off since then. MARSHALL & THE FRO create music that feels so natural and so comfortable it's like slipping into your favorite pair of double pluggers and heading down to the pub for a coldie. MARSHALL & THE FRO’s self-titled debut album was released in 2008 but their latest album Friends For Life has just hit the streets. Roots based, and 100% original, the band's music moves through the rich, raw and dirty, to the sweet and melodic. The Band have toured hard, playing 200 shows in 2009 alone and have quickly become festival favorites. Marshall O'Kell's Delta-edged vocals and filthy slide guitar are underpinned by massive driving rhythms from Nick Ohlson on bass and Jacob Mann on drums, the band has an appeal beyond conscious control. From the first sound audiences are invariably drawn in ...heads turn, feet tap, body's sweat, endorphins flow. Before you know it you will be totally absorbed in the MARSHALL & THE FRO experience, described by Richard Porteous of ABC Radio National as "a rip-roaring blues set that went off." Come along for what’s sure to be one helluva ride at BLUESFEST. ASHLEIGH MANNIX It only takes a few minutes into a performance by ASHLEIGH MANNIX to realise you have come across something special. This young woman is a modern day medley of Steve Nicks, Janis Joplin and Stevie Wonder and will blow you away with her uncompromising talent and the truthful approach she has to her music. It’s this approach that is perhaps part of ASHLEIGH’S appeal- there is no ego here – she even says herself “I just want to sing dammit!” Armed with her guitar, ASHLEIGH’S boundless sound floats somewhere in the realm of folk, rockabilly and blues fusion. Among other adventures, ASHLEIGH as had the privilege of playing with esteemed musicians such as Michael Franti at Melbourne’s The Prince of Wales Hotel , Luka Bloom at a sold out Enmore Theatre and The Rolling Stone Magazine Launch at The Hordon Pavilion with Powderfinger and The Living End and has also supported other BLUESFEST act Mat McHugh on his recent tour. For a girl of her early twenties ASHLEIGH MANNIX sure has achieved a lot… come and see a star in the making at BLUESFEST this Easter. OLLIE BROWN We are simply chuffed to present 21-year-old OLLIE BROWN on our BLUESFEST lineup this year. It’s been almost 4 years since OLLIE swapped a cumbersome tuba and a uni degree for a six-string guitar, a notepad and a pen. The 6 foot 6 Australian owned the classic singer-songwriter image as he scribbled, hummed, strummed and busked his way across the States for 6 months. Upon returning home he enlisted the talent of friend and producer Sean Carey (THIRSTY MERC) to record 8 raw and intimate acoustic tracks for his self funded debut EP release, aptly titled Moving On. Brown, recently voted Australia's Best Busker by mX Newspaper & VOX Magazine, has performed tales of his travels at landmarks all over Australia and North America, from Vancouver to L.A to San Francisco, even being moved on by the NYPD for busking in central park and Times Square. OLLIE released his self funded debut E.P Moving On in August 2011. It is filled with unforgettable melodies, well strummed acoustic guitars, folk sounding fiddle and rich, soaring falsettos reminiscent of a young CHRIS MARTIN. You'll hear echoes of RYAN ADAMS and JAMES TAYLOR at a crossroads where DAVID GRAY meets JOHN MAYER. Come and catch a glimpse of how the next scene plays out for this promising, soulful young musician at BLUESFEST. KOOII If you haven’t, its time you checked out the boundary-pushing music of Brisbane’s very own KOOII. Their compelling fusion of Afrobeat, reggae and world rhythms is superbly crafted through the much celebrated and distinguishable song-writing of singer and trumpeter, Peter Hunt. It’s his soulful voice, hovering above the dynamic and atmospheric rhythm section made up of a tight group of creative heavyweights which sets KOOII’s music apart. Rising out of the fertile soil of Brisbane's West End, KOOII has nurtured a uniquely local sound that weaves musical influences from around the world that’s best heard live. KOOII’s song One Step recently took out ‘Song of the Year’ in the Blues/Roots category of Qmusic’s annual awards. The song is taken from the album In This Life, a stunning studio album that follows their landmark debut Beads On A String. And we are thrilled to have this dynamic live act at BLUESFEST as they delve from the hypnotic depths of reggae rhythms into the pulsating groove of Afrobeat via some Malian desert blues. The intrinsic understanding shared between these talented musicians allows for colourful and tasteful improvisation. Come and have a dance with us to this free-flowing, uplifting, heart-warming music and will leave you relishing every last drop. LACHLAN BRYAN “Lachlan Bryan reminds me of my favourite songwriters” Bill Chambers LACHLAN BRYAN is one of this year’s BLUESFEST discoveries. A unique Australian songwriter and storyteller, he’s a young man with an old soul. He follows in the tradition of those whom he describes as ‘the real guys’ – the Steve Earles, Townes van Zandts and Gordon Lightfoots of this world, blending a wicked ‘noire’ humour into his tall tales (and maybe true !!) – a troubadour rough blend of country, Americana and folk. His songs have characters, back-stories, sometimes even plots. His records have body counts. LACHLAN’s protagonists are neck-deep in (and out) of love, they’re lovers, sinners, criminals and religious zealots. In 2009 LACHLAN BRYAN put out the critically-acclaimed album Ballad of a Young Married Man with his band, alt-country darlings The Wildes. LACHLAN BRYAN’s debut solo album, Shadow of the Gun has characters vividly drawn and include a duet with KASEY CHAMBERS. LACHLAN BRYAN’s live shows are at once unique and compelling. He’s an entertainer in the old-school sense of the word. His between-song-stories are highly fictionalised (you’ll never hear the same one twice) as he blends moments of stand-up comedy with flashes of philosophy and downright surrealism. He is the alt-country, americana singer-songwriter for this decade. BLUESFEST just loves giving exposure to exciting new talent – LACHLAN BRYAN –step up - your mic and stage is waiting! Bluesfest is excited to announce that COLD CHISEL will headline the 2012 event, with the legendary Australian band's exclusive festival appearance closing the main stage on Thursday 5th of April 2012. It will be the first time that an Australian artist has ever headlined this iconic musical event. Bluesfest’s announcement is testament to the special place Cold Chisel’s music has come to occupy in Australian hearts and minds. The band’s record breaking Light The Nitro tour is currently drawing to a close, with a final gig scheduled for Brisbane next Tuesday night. The tour has been the biggest ever by an Australian-based band; drawing nearly 300,000 fans across 36 huge shows. It’s also been unanimously hailed by critics and fans alike across Australasia. Kathy McCabe of Sydney's Daily Telegraph said, 'Cold Chisel restore your musical soul on their Light The Nitro tour and reaffirm the power of music to not only define a culture but unify a nation's identity.' Cameron Adams of Melbourne's Herald Sun agreed: 'Cold Chisel remind you of the life-affirming power of a truly great live band. Last night, Rod Laver Arena was wall-to-wall smiling faces, beaming with sheer joy.' Meanwhile, Graham Reid of the New Zealand Herald wrote 'Cold Chisel make raucous bar-room rock'n'roll translate into an arena with thrilling emotional impact.' In addition to performing classics like ‘Forever Now’, ‘Khe Sanh’ and ‘When The War Is Over’, this special Bluesfest appearance will also see Cold Chisel premiere new songs from their forthcoming album. The as yet untitled collection of new tunes was recorded over the last 2 years – partly with original drummer Steve Prestwich and partly with new drummer Charley Drayton. “Most of us have played Bluesfest solo over the years, but it feels great to be playing there for the first time as Cold Chisel and also be the first Australian band to ever headline the whole Festival,” said frontman Jimmy Barnes. “We’ve all had an amazing 2011 and this should be a great way to kick off an even bigger 2012.” The second announcement for 2012 includes: Crosby Stills & Nash "It's been a long time coming" sing CS&N - and it has but finally CROSBY, STILLS & NASH, the world's first supergroup, still going strong 40+ years on, make it to Bluesfest . "'I've Seen Crosby, Stills and Nash burnin' ass,' Jimi Hendrix declared. Hendrix knew what he was talking about."- Rolling Stone DAVID CROSBY played with folk-rock group, The Byrds, STEPHEN STILLS with Buffalo Springfield and GRAHAM NASH sang with the outspoken political group, The Hollies. Three lifelong friends, from a sing-along in either Joni Mitchell or Mama Cass Elliot's kitchen (the guys differ on this point!) to a debut gig at Woodstock in front of 500,000 plus, have delivered countless hits with their timeless harmonies and melodic folk-rock. Despite the turbulent times in which they existed as well as the often volatile climate of their own inner-workings and personal lives they continue to make music that connects with fans around the world. Chart-topping hits like: 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes', 'Marrakesh Express', 'Wooden Ships' and 'Guinevere','Teach Your Children', 'Carry On', 'Our House', 'Long Time Gone' and two magnificent anthems of the Woodstock generation - 'Helpless' and 'Woodstock' have helped list 2 of their albums in Rolling Stones' 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, score them a Grammy Award... and see them inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame - TWICE !!! As outspoken today as they ever were... their political activism has never been a secret and is openly reflected in their songs and their association with political causes. Remember Woodstock....Remember CROSBY, STILLS & NASH ... Remember this BLUESFEST !! The Specials Are you ready for that rocksteady beat .. the ska band that puts energy in your feet ... the punk band that brings focus and political stance to the dancehall... then BLUESFEST 2012... you're ready for the greatest rocksteady band of all ...THE SPECIALS When THE SPECIALS kicked off the first night of their sold out 30th Anniversary tour in April 2009 nobody could have realised just how incredible these live shows would be, and the utterly amazing reaction of fans around the world. The audiences were packed with music lovers who had waited since 1981 to revisit this stunning band alongside SPECIALS 'virgins' who had never had the chance to see them live. When the curtains dropped and Terry Hall, Lynval Golding, Neville Staple, Roddy Byers, Horace Panter and John Bradbury exploded on stage to Do The Dog dancehalls across Europe erupted with young and old stomping as if their lives depended on it. Nothing's changed for 2012...yes maybe it's a new show...but expect all the classics we know and love; Do The Dog, Too Much Too Young, A Message To You Rudy, Ghost Town, Gangsters, and that great Toots Hibbert cover, Monkey Man for sure will all be there. BLUESFEST is busy ironing the rude boy suit.... brushing down the porkpie hat and polishing the rude boy dancing boots - ready to lay at the dancing feet of the greatest Two-Tone, Black & White Unite rocksteady dancehall band of all ...THE SPECIALS. Lucinda Williams 'America's finest songwriter' (Time magazine) LUCINDA WILLIAMS is returning to BLUESFEST with a swag of new songs off her latest work Blessed and we can't wait. LUCINDA has been writing since the age of 6, playing guitar since she was 12 and has been performing for the last 37 years. It's fair to say she has perfected the art of creating intriguing, gritty lyrics to match her distinctive, haunting voice during this time. Blessed is no exception. This alt-country songstress had Elvis Costello among the guest musicians featured on her latest album, playing some scorching electric guitar that only offset the strength of her spine-tingling voice. Born in Louisiana of a poet and a pianist, LUCINDA WILLIAMS won the first of her 3 Grammy Awards in 1988 for her single Passionate Kisses from the album LUCINDA WILLIAMS. Following which came a long pause punctuated by one album and various guest appearances, until ten years on in 1998 she hit the road running with Car Wheels On a Gravel Road which not only went gold but won another Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Three years on, in 2001, she earned her third Grammy Award, this time for Best Female Rock Performance for the single Get Right With God, an up-tempo gospel rock song from an otherwise low-key ESSENCE. With this catalogue of gorgeous albums and truly-unique songs, we are the Blessed ones to feature Lucinda Williams' sultry songs in this year's Blues Festival. John Hiatt & The Combo We're thrilled to have one of the most requested and talked about acts of 2008 back at BLUESFEST with his all star band THE COMBO this Easter. The legendary rock guitarist, piano player, singer and songwriter JOHN HIATT will be bringing his seminal, highly acclaimed new album Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns with him. HIATT hit the ground running as an 18- year old songwriter in Nashville for artists like the Neville Brothers and Bonnie Raitt. His own highly respected solo career began in 1974 and over the next decade ran through a number of different styles from rock 'n' roll to new wave pop before he finally settled on a rootsy fusion of rock 'n' roll, country, blues and folk with his 1987 breakthrough album Bring the Family. That's not to say only the rock and roll generation can appreciate Hiatt's cleverness, idiomatic versatility, distinctive gruff and endearing voice, or slashing guitar skills. But when everyone from Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Rodney Crowell and Willie Nelson to Buddy Guy, Flaco Jimenez and Ry Cooder have covered his tunes, it's quite clear that those who appreciate great songwriting and savor a keen wit, narrative flair and refusal to pen a sloppy or sappy line, eagerly embrace John Hiatt's tunes. And we're certain you will too. Donovan We are thrilled to announce legendary folk-rock-pop troubadour DONOVAN'S exclusive BLUESFEST performance. Beginning his career as an itinerant folk musician in the mid 60's, DONOVAN soon became known for his rich-poetic and emotive songs like Catch The Wind and Colours and his version of Buffy Sainte Marie's protest anthem Universal Soldier. He then partook in the transformation of the pop music landscape with a series of enigmatic and wondrous pop masterpieces that have stood the test of time and are used continuously on radio, television and film. This transition resulted in a phenomenal string of 11 Top 40 hits, including Mellow Yellow, Sunshine Superman, Epistle To Dippy, There Is A Mountain, Wear Your Love Like Heaven, Hurdy Gurdy Man, Jennifer Juniper, Lalena, Atlantis, and Riki Tiki Tavi. Don't think twice about catching this celebrated poet and sing along to all your favorite tunes at his only Australian performance beneath the stars at BLUESFEST. Angelique Kidjo "Her spirit is irrepressible, and she brings life to everything she touches" - Peter Gabriel BLUESFESTERS will be pleased to see ANGELIQUE KIDJO return. Grammy Award winner, amazing songstress and storyteller: her booming voice and infectious, joyous stage presence make it impossible to stand still. She is one of the greatest forces in African music: Time Magazine calls her"Africa's premier diva": she is listed in The Guardian (UK) newspaper in their Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in the World and she is a fiery advocate of humanitarianism and women's rights. But it's onstage where this singer/song-writer favourite of ours really shines. Her rich and resonating voice coupled with her powerful mastery of language, results in a unique sound that Mojo Magazine has praised as "a wildly intoxicating musical brew". BLUESFEST - go wild and dance crazy with the inspirational ANGELIQUE KIDJO. Seasick Steve SEASICK STEVE is back!! - With a new album - and even perhaps a new direction!!! His new UK Top 10 album ; You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks showcases not only SEASICK STEVE'S signature array of classic blues styles - but also previously unheard styles of Steve's; from Appalachian mountains and down home Kentucky Bluegrass to Nashville country gospel via Greenwich Village coffee house folk balladry. Given the aural evidence of his back catalogue, classifying Steve as a blues artist is pretty understandable, but it does do him a slight disservice. His material, like his life, is drawn from a long rich history of experience and a broad palette of influences. "I got so many damned songs, it's like a big old train and only part of them get into the station," Steve affirms. "The rest of them are just waiting for the next station." And it took a while for that train to reach the first station! After nearly half a century spent in obscurity, SEASICK STEVE -- with one electrifying performance on Jools Holland's Hootenanny, New Years Eve 2007 -- burst on to the UK scene. As far as we can figure, this hasn't ever really happened before -- a guy, way past his apparent sell-by date, who has never been famous, suddenly garnering so much attention and success, not just with the older crowds, but equally as much with the young hip festival and concert goers -- this is history. Welcome Back to BLUESFEST Steve!! Keb Mo Anyone who has seen KEB MO before will remember his mesmerising performance, his rich, distinctive, smoky voice which spins emotive & passionate stories. This multi Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter/guitarist is bringing with him his highly-anticipated album The Reflection. The Reflection was written and recorded over a period of three years, and is his first release since 2006. Self-produced, the 12-song set features duets with India Arie and Vince Gill, as well as performances by Dave Koz, Marcus Miller, Mindi Abair and world-renowned studio musician David T. Walker. His music has long been regarded as a living link to the seminal Delta blues, and though his roots are in the Deep South, his success has spread worldwide. KEB MO is one of those performers who have taken the blues beyond its traditional audience, with his wide-ranging, appealing music and infectious performances it's no wonder he is a BLUESFEST favourite, this performance will stay with you long after the festival is over. Nick Lowe "As you get older, it's more fun to sing the blues. It cheers you up." Enduring musician, master songwriter, band-leader-come-solo-artist and seminal producer...NICK LOWE makes his BLUESFEST début in 2012. He supported Ry Cooder here in 2009 ... and won over a legion of new fans with his mature approach to re-inventing himself. Not that he forgets his roots..... with UK band Brinsley Schwartz, in-house producer for Stiff Records (the first 5 Elvis Costello albums, The Damned's debut album and The Pretenders 'Stop Your Sobbing' amongst others), and his solo albums and singles (" I love The Sound Of Breaking Glass, Cruel To Be Kind" and "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding") stand testament to Nick Lowe's lasting impact on the development of the punk scene. He brings a new album - The Old Magic - and superlative musicians in the form of drummer Robert Trehern, keyboardist Geraint Watkins, guitarist Johnny Scott and Matt Radford on upright bass to make what will undoubtedly be an indelible mark on Bluesfest this Easter. Rosie Ledet ROSIE LEDET & THE ZYDECO PLAYBOYS have quickly become the act to watch on the Zydeco circuit. Brimming with coy sensuality, ROSIE'S music is fresh and daring while still retaining its links to its bayou Creole heritage. ROSIE has a rare combination of talent, not only in the Zydeco world, but in any musical genre. Over the last 18 years and eight albums, ROSIE has gained a name for herself as both a brilliant recording artist and an amazing front woman and live performer. ROSIE'S sultry presence, brilliant accordion playing and sensual delivery alongside THE ZYDECO PLAYBOYS, has lured and seduced audiences around the globe. Her signature rich lyrically-textured stories, layered with simple, rhythmic accordion riffs and undeniably danceable tempos have coined ROSIE as 'The Zydeco Sweetheart'. "Today's premier female artist is ROSIE LEDET, whose soulful voice kicks her male counterparts' right out of the club."- WALL STREET JOURNAL "If the Allman Brothers went zydeco they would probably sound like ROSIE LEDET ." - NEW YORK TIMES ROSIE LEDET is best heard live, so make sure your there to dance the night away for her BLUESFEST début. Seth Lakeman A 'New Sensation' is coming to Bluesfest for the very first time - and we are stoked. Multi-instrumentalist, virtuoso fiddler, SETH LAKEMAN has been credited with bringing folk music to a whole new audience since his debut album, Kitty Jay, was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize in 2005. He followed that with 2006's gold selling album Freedom Fields - which saw him branded the 'Poster Boy of Folk' (much to his exasperation) although it won him a heap of new fans. But there's so much more to SETH LAKEMAN than 'poster boy' tag allows. On his latest album , Tales from the Barrel House, SETH has not only written all the songs for the album, but played every musical contribution himself as well as producing and mixing it in its entirety. We can't wait for SETH LAKEMAN and his superbly talented band will bring their own brand of indie-folk and captivating, energetic and undeniably compelling live show to BLUESFEST in 2012. Harry Manx HARRY MANX has been sliding and stomping his way across the globe, picking up inspirations along the way. The result is something truly unique; a combination of ancient eastern musical traditions and contemporary blues. This modern day troubadour manages to create a rich, layered & exotic sound by effortlessly switching between his Mohan Veena, conventional & slide guitars, harmonica, and the banjo, creating musical short stories that wed the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. Over the last 10 years, Harry Manx released 11 Albums and has garnered a room full of awards including, 7 Maple Blues Awards, 6 Juno nominations, the Canadian Folk Award in 2005 for Best Solo Artist and won CBC Radio's "Great Canadian Blues Award" in 2007. It's in the live setting, Manx says, that the bridge between "heavenly" India and "earthy" American blues is most effectively built. " Indian music moves inward," he explains. " It's traditionally used in religious ceremonies and meditation, because it puts you into this whole other place. But Western music has the ability to move out, into celebration and dance. "It's this deadly combination that is hard to resist, easy to digest and that will have you mesmerised and coming back for more. Fabulous Thunderbirds For the last 30 years the W.C. Handy award winning 'Best Blues Band' THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS have been winning audiences over worldwide with their unique blend of Texas blues & harmonica laced swamp sounds. Now it's our turn. This quintessential American band were instrumental in helping kick-start the blues revival scene during the mid-'80s and after showcasing their high energy, distinctive and powerful music on tour with the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton, they won the masses over with hits like Tuff Enuff & Wrap it up. Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation. In addition to Wilson, the current THUNDERBIRDS line-up features Jay Moeller on drums, Johnny Moeller and Mike Keller on guitar, and Randy Bermudes on bass. The late 70's saw THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS release their first self-titled album. Primarily blues influenced, it became a cult classic. In subsequent releases, the band started to incorporate more Cajun, rock 'n roll and soul influences. THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS , and particularly front man Kim Wilson, are revered by many of their peers, including Muddy Waters who has long called Kim his favourite harmonica player & vocalist. "This is a great time for this band," Kim Wilson says. "We're looking forward to the future." And so are we, you won't want to miss these guitar driven sounds this Easter at BLUESFEST. Alabama 3 They are not from Alabama and there are not three of them. There's usually about 10 in fact .... from Brixton in South London, and each is known by an alias. They shot to international fame when producers of hit TV series The Sopranos chose a track on their debut album "Woke Up This Morning" for the show's opening credits. The band became known for a fusion of contradictory styles, lyrics full of ironic intent, outrageous live performances and, of course their aliases : check out Rock Freebase, Harpo Strangelove, The Spirit, Larry Love, Aurora Dawn and LOVEPIPE (well ... perhaps not Lovepipe !!) Alabama 3 describe themselves like this: "a pop band, a punk rock, blues and country techno situationist crypto-Marxist-Leninist electro band". Time Out say: "They swing like the devil's own dick ... Alabama 3 beat a righteous drum and party like bastards." The Guardian simply state : "The best band in the country !" Now Rock, Harpo, Larry and the lovely Aurora Dawn are bringing that drum to beat BLUESFEST around the ears... we cant wait !! Keep watching for more announcements very soon! One look at the star studded array of artists confirms that BLUESFEST 2012 is on track to deliver yet another red-hot Festival. This year the Festival leads off with some massive names in Blues, Rock, Country & Progressive Rock, rounded off with some funk magic and guitar wizardry. ROGER DALTREY performs The WHO’s Tommy & More Roger Daltrey, the iconic lead singer of The WHO, will perform The WHO’s legendary rock opera TOMMY from start to finish. The Who never played the complete TOMMY. Beyond the majesty of TOMMY, each night music fans will also be treated to a variety of WHO’s Classics and more. Employing the use of striking visuals to accompany the music, every show will be an unforgettable concert experience for lifelong fans and newcomers alike. Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductee Roger Daltrey is pulling out all the stops with a full backing band that will bring the rock opera’s wide-ranging sounds and textures to life vibrantly on stage. Roger Daltrey also played the title role of the film Tommy, based on the same name record album. Pete Townshend, commenting on the tour says ''Great to see Roger performing TOMMY with his band. I will be there in spirit, and Roger has my complete and most loving support. The WHO have sold an incredible 100+ million records worldwide including 7 Top 10 Australian albums. Expect to hear a selection of the classics “I Can See For Miles”, “Pictures Of Lily”’ “I’m A Boy”, “Substitute”, “Magic Bus”, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, “Squeezebox”, “Who Are you” as well as the classic “My Generation”. “…Daltrey brings devastating power of ‘Tommy’ to life in great live show…a truly amazing, mind-blowing; over-the-top performance…an audio orgasm backed by subliminal visuals.” - Boston Globe "...and his chops haven't sounded this powerful in years." - The Guardian “…it was...heartening to hear Daltrey…sing his history with grizzled power and heart-on-sleeve sincerity.” -- Newark Star Ledger ROGER DALTREY: rock singer, icon, legend - he is one not to miss at BLUESFEST 2012. EARTH WIND & FIRE Get ready for a real treat. Earth, Wind and Fire, soul-funk superstars & multiple Grammy award winners, took the world of music by storm with their infectious blend of rhythm and blues, rock, and soul—a sound destined to be imitated by many groups, but never successfully duplicated by any. Celebrating over 40 years of global successes, EWF features the sublime Philip Bailey on lead vocals alongside original members, Verdine White (bass) and Ralph Johnson. Hear them perform their hits: “Shining Star”, “That’s The Way Of The World”, “Sing A Song”, “September”, “Boogie Wonderland”, “After The Love Has Gone” and many more. No doubt Earth Wind & Fire’s show at BLUESFEST will have you dancing from start to finish. THE POGUES Lock up your Mothers. The Pogues are coming to town! The Celtic punk, folk punk legends, fronted by Shane MacGowan, were founded in London’s Kings Cross and named their band Pogue Mahone – Gaelic for “Kiss My Arse”. They last toured Australia in 1989. The 23 year wait to see The Pogues perform classic hits like “Dirty Old Town”, “Fairytale Of New York”, “If I Should Fall From Grace With God”, “Love You Till The End” will soon be over. Five years after the band decided to call last drinks they have reconvened with their front man MacGowan refreshed, yet as wild as ever, and this BLUESFEST will bring their own brand of fiery, literate Celtic punk rock to Australia. This BLUESFEST show will be a hell of a lot of fun and extremely entertaining. John Butler Trio John Butler is an absolute Bluesfest favourite! He has become a defining artist at Bluesfest moving from the smaller stages to today, where he headlines Bluesfest’s main stage. He is someone very much at home at Bluesfest. Looking back: In 1998 John Butler was busking solo on the streets of Fremantle, WA. Fast forward 14 years and he has become Australia’s most successful independent artist with his own label, Jarrah Records, scoring a staggering 1 million CD sales. John Butler is also a 3 time ARIA award winner. It’s an immense pleasure to welcome John Butler back to Bluesfest. MY MORNING JACKET My Morning Jacket will make their long-awaited BLUESFEST debut in 2012. MMJ formed at the tail-end of the 1990s: the group took shape, drawing upon their rich knowledge of classic rock, country, soul and psychedelia, and spinning these influences into fresh, life-affirming rock’n’roll and aching, haunting balladry. In the wake of this release of their 6th studio album, Circuital, BLUESFEST is proud to welcome My Morning Jacket on to the field of blues for the very first time. Their live performance will have you in the palm of their hand in no time at all. YES YES have just released their first new album in 10 years “Fly From Here”. They are without doubt the best progressive rock band ever and have not toured Australia for a decade. Rock your memory lane with hits like “Owner Of A Lonely Heart”, “Roundabout”, And You And I”, “Long Distance Runaround”, “I’ve Seen All Good People” and so many more. YES – the worlds’ most quintessential prog-rock band is bringing their surreal musical powerhouse to the spiritual home that is BLUESFEST – for one special appearance. G3 featuring JOE SATRIANI, STEVE VAI AND STEVE LUKATHER G3 (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Steve Lukather) -featuring individual sets by each player and culminating with the, now 'infamous', "G3 jam." Joe Satriani – guitar hero & G3 founder is acknowledged as one of the most technically accomplished and respected players in the history of rock music, with over 10 million record sales and a staggering 14 Grammy nominations to his credit. Steve Vai - guitar virtuoso – Grammy Award winner. He’s a former pupil of Satriani whose breathtaking facility on the guitar is hailed in the rock world as unique, compelling and uplifting. He has over 15 million in sales and over a dozen Grammy nominations to his credit. Their special guest on this G3 tour is Steve Lukather- founder member of TOTO. 30 million plus records sold - 5 Grammy Awards as both artist and producer – he’s been session man on over 1500+ records in all styles of music, from Michael Jackson's Thriller to Miles Davis, Earth Wind and Fire, Cheap Trick, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Don Henley, Alice Cooper, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Larry Carlton (they won a Grammy together in 2001) and so many more. These 3 great guitar virtuosos will be trading licks and wailing solos across the field of Blues this Easter. Let the Blues ROCKKKK !!! – the guitar heroes are coming to BLUESFEST !! BUDDY GUY There are great guitarists ...superstar guitarists...legendary guitarists... and then there is Buddy Guy. A BLUESFEST favourite ... and an absolute legend!!! “Buddy Guy was for me... what Elvis was for others”, said Eric Clapton... and he wasn’t alone in following his ‘mentor’ “Buddy Guy plays from a place that I’ve never heard anyone play” - Stevie Ray Vaughan. Jimi Hendrix once said: “Heaven is lying at BUDDY GUY’s feet while listening to him play guitar”. BLUESFEST ....welcome to heaven ....BUDDY GUY is here! MACEO PARKER Maceo Parker – Legend! His name is synonymous with Funky Music, his pedigree impeccable; his band: the greatest little funk orchestra on earth. He’s played alongside every funk leader, James Brown, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins and Prince. In fact ever since JB coined that phrase: “Maceo – I want you to blow !!” , Maceo Parker has been blowing that famous sax funk sound across the globe, collaborating with the likes of Ray Charles, Dave Matthews Band, James Taylor and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. It’s almost impossible to tell which came first, Maceo or The Funk! We’ve seen him before at BLUESFEST in 2008– so let’s welcome him back - all together now: MACEO – WE WANT YOU TO BLOW!!! BRIAN SETZER’S ROCKABILLY RIOT! The undisputed King of Rockabilly Swing, BRIAN SETZER first rocked us with his 50’s rockabilly revival group, The Stray Cats – with their hits “Stray Cat Strut” & “Rock This Town”. He never lost that feel and passion for all things revivalist and once again knocked the world out with his jazz-oriented big band The Brian Setzer Orchestra. With the rockabilly passions running high he dragged Slim Jim Phantom back into the fold to play with his Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot! outfit. Comb that hair... beehives, quiffs and dancin shoes a must ...It’s rockin... it’s rockabilly ... its gonna be a riot at BLUESFEST! KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD The guitar driven, blues prodigy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd , is coming to BLUESFEST. Kenny Wayne Shepherd was given his first guitar at 3 years old, was playing by 7 and onstage by 13 when he decided to make a career of it. Since then Kenny Wayne has made 6 studio albums, 3 of which are platinum selling. Praise comes thick and fast for this multi-Grammy nominee, who has earned himself a swag of awards. Relish the chance to kick back and experience Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s unique blues infused rock at BLUESFEST this Easter. JONNY LANG Long-time BLUESFESTERS will remember that ‘Jonny Lang moment’ way back in 2000: the wiry young teenager with the voice of a grizzled ole bluesman, growling through seminal blues songs and spitting out wailing solos – a kid far more mature than his years should allow. Finally Jonny is back for BLUESFEST 2012, – and if current track record is anything to go by – then get ready for your 2012 ‘Jonny Lang moment’. YANN TIERSEN Classical composer, virtuoso performer, street entertainer, rock musician – Genius!!?? You’ll have to see him to believe the vast scope that this French avant-garde performer has mastered. Yann Tiersen wrote the soundtrack for the multi awarded film “Amelie”. This classically trained multi-instrumentalist will shock even his most fanatical fans with his live performance and transfix even the most unenthused amongst the crowd. “It was one of those rare moments at a live gig when you realise you've been in the presence of greatness”. - Michael Hubbard, Music OMH With a live review such as this ... how excited are we that Yann Tiersen is heading to BLUESFEST for the very first time?? !! The answer is ...VERY!!! BETTYE LAVETTE The High Priestess of R & B Grammy Award nominee Bettye LaVette is one of the great soul singers. She possesses an expressive voice that one moment will exude a formidable level of strength and intensity and the next will appear vulnerable, reflective, reeking of heartbreak. Coupled to this she possess an innate ability to take a song and wring its heart out with soulful intensity. Bettye revitalizes songs by legendary artists like Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Elton John, Mick Jagger, Stephen Winwood and many more. Her skilful reworkings expose the humanity that makes the tracks not just pop songs, but enduring works. Discovered and signed to the legendary MOTOWN label when she was 16,it hasn’t been an easy ride for Bettye. It took 20 years to get her first album released – and then almost nothing was released until the breakthrough album ‘Souvenirs’ in 2000. Her career has gone only one way since then... up! A WC Handy award for ‘Comeback Blues Album of The Year’ (2003) and a Living Blues critic pick as ‘Best Female Artist in 2004 for starters. Elton John (whose "Talking Old Soldiers" appeared on her Grammy nominated album The Scene Of The Crime) offers this endorsement: "Bettye LaVette has always been a wonderful singer - I have been a huge fan for many years. To my delight and surprise she recorded an amazing version of 'Talking Old Soldiers' - a song that nobody else has covered - and made it her own." Music Industry magazine Pollstar writes: Sometimes it takes a long time for the spotlight to find you. Just ask Bettye LaVette who waited 40 years for her turn – but boy is she making up for lost time now.” A big welcome to Bluesfest BETTYE LAVETTE! STEVE EARLE Singer-songwriter, actor, author, political activist, producer –Steve Earle is one of life’s great troubadours! Steve Earle hasn’t wandered this BLUESFEST way for a number of years. In fact, it’s been three albums and three Grammy Awards -since he graced the BLUESFEST stage with his musical tall tales and true. To go with this new album I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive Steve Earle has embarked on a seemingly endless tour (thankfully for us) ...and we are lucky and proud to have him return to the BLUESFEST stage for 2 performances, which he has fit in between filming his role in the TV series ‘Treme’, which is about New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina and how the people there deal with its aftermath. JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE 29-year-old singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle has some serious musical heritage to live up to. He is the son of a multi-Grammy-winning US country singer, actor, political activist and long-time BLUESFEST favourite Steve Earle (also performing at BLUESFEST). After his standout show at BLUESFEST 2010 he is fast becoming a festival favourite. Be warned, he has the power to seduce an audience with his charismatic storytelling and turn curious listeners into die-hard followers with his live performances. TROMBONE SHORTY Without a doubt the find of BLUESFEST 2011. Trombone Shorty has become the sensation of New Orleans music scene from playing to 20,000 fans at Jazz fest to claiming the No 1 spot on the Billboard Jazz chart. This gumbo of New Orleans – Funk – Jazz – rock is totally unique and many in the music industry pick him as the next big thing. A superstar in the making. Absolutely don’t miss this one. THE GREAT BIG SEA Great Big Sea is a bastard .... by their own admission. Some of Canada’s favourite sons giving Australia their first ever performance. A musical partnership forged in the harsh lands and rowdy pubs of St Johns, Newfoundland – yes NEW-F-F- -F- FOUND-LAND !!. where co-founders Sean McCann and Bob Hallett met while playing traditional folk songs. Now, 17 years and 9 studio albums later – Great Big Sea have won over a global audience for their eclectic mix of traditional Newfoundland folk and original songs. “Our music is of Newfoundland,” explains McCann. “It would be impossible to do what we do if we were from anywhere else. “Our songs come from the sea and the cliffs and the rocks and all the other natural beauties our country provides. Without her we simply couldn’t exist.” But this is no ordinary ‘sea shanty’ band. Their influences range from Bob Marley, The Clash, and Johnny Cash to Fergus O’Byrne and Donal Lunny. Their relentless touring and their raucous live shows have meant an ever growing ‘Great Big Sea’ of fans, all captivated by the obvious and genuine love for the music GBS perform. Let’s welcome this Great Big Sea bastard to BLUESFEST !! THE JAYHAWKS Once described as “Hank Williams on speed” The Jayhawks emerged with full force in the mid 1980’s with their unique brand of American alternative country rock – alt rock style. The group quickly turned into one of the most important bands of the post-punk era, contributing a staggering number of original songs and memorable live shows to the Minneapolis music scene. This is set to be a special show for Jayhawks fans and a memorable performance for a-many future Jayhawks enthusiasts, capturing a rarefied dynamism and fresh take on their unmistakable graceful and bold sounds at BLUESFEST 2012. SUBLIME WITH ROME SUBLIME WITH ROME are reintroducing themselves and SUBLIME’S music to fans across the globe – and their visit to BLUESFEST is one helluv an addition to the already legendary BLUESFEST 2012 line-up. One of the most notable and successful ska-punk bands of all time, Sublime sold over 17 million albums worldwide. Formed in Long Beach in 1988, SUBLIME’S final performance was in the spring of 1996, shortly before co-founder and frontman Bradley Nowell’s untimely death. Rome Ramirez, a 21-year-old northern California native, was introduced to Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson in 2008. A handful of jam sessions led to a few impromptu shows before officially dubbing themselves SUBLIME WITH ROME. “Our shows are full of surprises,” said Bud Gaugh. “Sublime has never used a set list. We are performing songs off every album and mix it up from show to show, never delivering the same set twice. We’ve also been working on some new material and have put together a couple of songs with Rome. We want to celebrate the music and share the experience with our fans.” NB: Bud Gaugh is taking time off to be with his new family … and is more than ably replaced by good friend Josh Freese ( Devo, A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails) … it’s gonna be one sublime party this Easter at BLUESFEST! ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA From a mysterious research facility in California to the stages of theatres and festivals across the globe, ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA is prepared once again to respectfully expose BLUESFEST fans to Frank Zappa’s extraordinary achievements in music! It was back in 2009 when BLUESFEST last got in the groove with ZPZ. It is with enormous pleasure we welcome back DWEEZIL ZAPPA and his ultra-talented ZPZ band to BLUESFEST 2012. Accept no substitutes! DAWES BLUESFESTER’S – a word of advice; go see DAWES – you are in for a real treat. Their folk and country sound, nestled with ringing guitars, soaring harmonies and heartfelt melodies, immediately transports you to the Canyons of California, the home to many famed musicians: Jim Morrison, Buffalo Springfield and Joni Mitchell to name a few. One listen to DAWES’ new album Nothing Is Wrong and you can tell these boys have been on the road- touring non-stop, with tracks such as “My Way Back Home” and “How Far We’ve Come” positively reek of van fumes and road dust, rich with weariness and longing and restive reflection. Their lyrics on “Time Spent In Los Angeles” are another reminder into the bands new lifestyle ‘These days my friends don’t seem to know me without my suitcase in my hand’. This is your chance to see one of the best rural rock, alt-country bands around… be sure to check out DAWES this Easter at BLUESFEST. JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW We’re stoked to announce Ireland’s troubadour JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW is joining our line-up for BLUESFEST 2012. His debut album Early In The Mornin is gaining critical acclaim in Ireland and aboard. And rightly so, this masterfully crafted composition is filled with beguiling and vivid stories, fables that move from a whisper in your ear to a mountainous crescendo in the space of a song. “Sounds both fresh and as if they’ve been in your head forever…McMorrow’s debut deserves its success.”– Q Magazine “A captivating debut… An arresting journey from emotional trials to aural pleasure.”– Uncut Come and marvel at the breathtaking intensity that this man conjures and be swept away with the rest of us at BLUESFEST this Easter. JOSH PYKE It’s about time JOSH PYKE came to BLUESFEST….The man has become one of Australia’s best known singer/songwriters with regular airplay on a wide range of Australian radio stations, a swag of ARIA Awards under his belt and a devoted fan base that seems to be constantly expanding. His recent Australian ‘Fans First Tour’ sold out across the country in a matter of days and it’s no wonder, his incredible knack for storytelling, and an innate ability to weave intelligent lyrics with warm melodies places JOSH PYKE in a league of his own. His breakthrough single was ‘Middle of the Hill’, that struck a chord and catapulted him into the limelight. The track was well received by Triple J’s listening audience and made it to #19 on Triple J’s 2005 Hottest 100 countdown. His latest album was no mean feat but his hard work and risk taking has not gone unnoticed, with reviewers noting the unique direction he has taken with Only Sparrows. Written on the road and in New York, Only Sparrows is said to have been inspired by the striking and drab cityscapes of New York City in winter. The end result has been described as JOSH’S most complete record yet featuring a host of talented musicians on board including Little Birdy’s Katy Steele on ‘Punch In The Heart’. Its JOSH PYKE’s first ever BLUESFEST apperance, be sure to check him out and see what he’s about!!! BLUE KING BROWN “Natalie is a bright light in the world with a vision that extends beyond the stage and together with the rest of the band raise the roof off every show they play. I love em!!!” Michael Franti (Spearhead) “BKB are one of those unique truth-telling outfits in our business that defy time. Amazing musicians with a powerful message.” Serj Tankian (System of a down) There won’t be a person left seated when perennial favourites BLUE KING BROWN return to the BLUESFEST stage this Easter with their adrenaline-pumping performance. The 8 piece is led by the incredible Natalie Pa’apa’a, who continues to wow crowds with her powerful vocal and lyrical delivery and seemingly endless energy. BLUE KING BROWN are known to deliver powerful political messages and get the crowds jumping with their dancehall, roots, afro groove mash-up built on an irrepressible percussive foundation. Since we last saw them at BLUESFEST, BKB have released Worldwize part 1- North and South which has seen the band pushing genre boundaries and cemented the fact… BLUE KING BROWN sure know how to perform. For those of you who still haven’t seen these guys live- Don’t miss out this time at BLUESFEST!!! EILEN JEWELL “If Neko Case, Madeleine Peyroux and Billie Holiday had a baby girl who grew up to front a rockabilly band, she’d probably sound a lot like Eilen Jewell.” -Washington Post On her second trip to Australia, Boston-based singer-songwriter EILEN JEWELL is set to win over many hearts at BLUESFEST with her smouldering voice and dark lyrics. Sea of Tears won over Australians by the bucket load and on her latest album Queen of the Minor Key Eilen and band conjure up dark, often haunted tales that will linger long past the last call. This unforgettable album is fleshed out at points by surf guitar, pedal steel and upright bass, but it’s Eilen’s voice that will stop you in your tracks. But beware, savvy observer. There is more to Eilen Jewell than meets the ear. Do not confuse the singer and her songs. The drama and darkness that give Queen of the Minor Key its gritty texture are in short supply in the Boston-based songwriter's personal life. Come and hang with us at dusk this BLUESFEST and bear witness to this songstress’s uncountable stage presence, tenacity and strength. 1814 1814 started out in 2006 and have since gained a huge reputation for their live shows, full of energy, up-beat grooves, wicked sax and sweet soulful vocals. They play over 200 shows a year selling out in both NZ and Australia and we are thrilled for one of those to be here in Byron Bay for BLUESFEST 2012. Their debut album was released in 2008 reached number 1 on the New Zealand indie charts and making the NZ top 20 album charts. 1814 also received an award at the 2010 Maori Music Awards for their song Whakahonohono mai, being the most played song on Maori radio in 2010. Head over to the stage that 1814 are playing and I’m sure you’ll agree that the soulful music of this talented New Zealand band deserves to be heard everywhere. BUSBY MAROU “Glorious and genuinely original – amalgams of the very best that folk inspired pop can offer. The end result is compelling and beautiful.” 4/5 stars – Sydney Morning Herald “The voices and close harmonies are as clear as Queensland sunshine, and the acoustic guitar playing of both men is both accomplished and expressive.” 4/5 stars – The Australian We are simply chuffed to welcome Rockhampton’s very own duo BUSBY MAROU to BLUESFEST. Their unique blend of folk soaked pop is a shining example of the talent emerging in Australia. And what a big year 2011 has been for BUSBY MAROU. The duo were approached as the only unsigned act to feature on ‘He Will Have His Way Album – Tribute to the Finn Brothers’. Subsequently the duo signed with Warner Music Australia’s indie imprint Footstomp Records, releasing their first self-titled album that went GOLD within a month and debuted at #24 on the Aria Album Chart and took out the 2009 Deadly Award for ‘Most Promising New Talent in Music’. After a stunning response from fans and media they took their music on the road, selling out their first ever headline tour and scored coveted support slots with Birds Of Tokyo, Pete Murray, K.D Lang and Dolly Parton. Mark sure to catch Tom Busby’s cheeky on stage presence and Jeremy Marou’s breathtaking musicianship this Easter. You’re sure to leave wanting more. MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA Due to countless requests and their epic performance at BLUESFEST 2011 we had to ask MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA (MSO) back for 2012. Don’t take our word for it, the tent was packed with BLUESFEST aficionados and staff as well as most of the artists who were not playing elsewhere at the time including Elvis Costello, Los Lobos, Tim Robbins, Raul Malo, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi just to name a few. An institution on the Melbourne music scene, the MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA is a 26 piece ska orchestra first started as a brainchild of PBS FM announcer and Jamaican music historian Mohair Slim and local musical dynamo and John Butler Trio drummer Nicky Bomba in 2003. Conducted and led by the charismatic Nicky in his ad hoc style, the music covers the golden ska period of 1963 (Skatalites/Wailers) through to the British Two Tone craze (Madness , Specials, etc) and anything positive and significant in between. Ranging from anywhere between 25 and 35 participants, the MSO features a who’s who of local Jazz, Reggae and Ska talent including members of Skazz, the Pachuko Playboys, the Trojan Horns, Bustamento, Strange Tenants, Commissioner Gordon, the Moonhops and the Ska Vendors amongst others. Come ska & scat away at one of MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA’s rare shows this BLUESFEST.
Event Type:	Live
Genres:	Pop, Rock, Blues, Country and Acoustic
Web Address:	www.bluesfest.com.au
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