Blues News #626

Before we get into it properly, have you been down to Pistol Pete’s Food and Blues recently? The renovations are over, the place is twice the size it used to be, and the blues bands are fitting better than ever with the food service. Don’t miss it!
December is knocking at the door, and it’s time to work out what to do in the lead up to the New Year, and how to recover after. Musicians are probably the people who put in more working time over this part of the year than any other occupation, and the choice we are getting is amazing.
Tomorrow the Queenscliff Music Festival kicks off, and they have a full lineup in the blues area – 19-Twenty are a riff and groove based blues ‘n’ roots act from the east coast of OZ. The band were winners of the Blues at Bridgetown People’s choice award in 2012 and 2013 (the first act to win back to back awards).
Alister Turrill is well known around here and will be there with the Vagabond brothers. Victorian Indigenous singer/songwriter Benny Walker is the real deal. His love songs and epic tales are mixed with passion for the land, the people and laid back grooves, all elements that emanate through his velvety vocals and sensitive delivery.
Blue Eyes Cry are a multi award winning modern blues band that perform at premier music festivals and venues throughout Australia.
Inspired by the likes of Mark Knopfler and Brother Dege, Sean Patrick decided to leave his Metal roots behind, throw an acoustic over his shoulder and carve out his own niche in the blues/folk world. He has quickly become known for his dirty blues, roots guitar and strong vocally driven tunes.
Back in Geelong on Sunday, the Hygeia is re-starting their Blues Cruises, which are always a great afternoon. Just don’t rock the boat or you’ll be asked to leave the premises!
On the 13th Sleepy Hollow Blues Club has their Xmas Party with Hey Gringo at Geelong Trades Hall’s Dance Hall.
Hey Gringo is an eclectic, earthy, funk injected, original jazz, blues ‘n’ roots band who have been delivering unique, irresistible live performances for nearly two decades. Formed by Daryl Roberts (Spectrum/Blackfeather/Jimmy Witherspoon) around 1993 the band has been a fluid lineup of Australian music legends including the likes of Nicky Bomba (John Butler Trio/Bustamento/Melb Ska Orchestra) who engineered and co-produced the first three albums. The list also includes Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool/Mondo Rock), Ross Hannaford (Daddy Cool), Spectrum, Broderick Smith (Dingoes/Carson), Kevin Borich, Neale Johns(Blackfeather) among others. It should be an insane event!
On the 20th Way Out West have their Xmas Party up at Williamstown (yes, it’s a drive, but well worth it!) with Chris Wilson and an all star band.
Finally, don’t forget the Bluestone Blues Festival over the New Year out at Mugheboluc. Check the rest of Forte for details – there are some sensational acts over the two days. Anyhow, we have a feast coming this summer, so get onto it.
Written by John (Dr John) Lamp
Proudly presented by the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club