While Bluesfest is one of the festival highlights of the year, shining a light on local, national and international legends when it comes to blues, roots, soul and rock not everyone can make their way to the Byron Bay event.
Luckily for those who can’t make it to Byron Bay, there’s still a chance to see some of the impressive acts hitting our shores. We put together a little bit of a list of which sideshows we’d be seeing and the acts generally heading to Melbourne.
Ray LaMontagne
Grammy winner and singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne is making his long-awaited return Down Under after a 10-year hiatus and will perform with John Stirratt, the bass player and founding member of the Grammy Award-winning band, Wilco. The pair will treat Melbourne and Sydney audiences to an intimate show, captivating crowds with a soft, delicate voice that can be as powerful as an instrument.
Palais Theatre, Melbourne – Saturday April 27.
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic will be ensuring that all Aussie fans have one last chance to see the founding father of Funk perform live in Australia this April as he plays both a Melbourne and Sydney for his Funk-a-thon farewell. The man often referred to as a ‘musical genius’ who revolutionised R&B during the ‘70s is set to retire in May next year so this performance is sure to see him ‘Tear The Roof Off’’ with his Funk-melodies which still have a major influence and inspiration for today’s Hip-Hop and RnB artists.
The Forum, Melbourne – Thursday April 25
Nahko and Medicine for the People
Best known for their realistic lyrics and influential messaging through catchy melodies, Portland, Oregon based musical collective Nahko And Medicine For The People primary goal is to bridge cultural gaps and unify diversity with their music. Nahko Bear and his Medicine for the People are known for their high energy, powerful performances of conscious tribal anthems, often raising the roof of the Bluesfest tent and soon to do the same in Melbourne.
170 Russell, Melbourne – Sunday April 21
Arlo Guthrie
With a distinguished and varied career spanning almost sixty years, the American folk singer-songwriter is best known for singing songs of protest against social injustice and storytelling through song. Guthrie’s humorous persona and his musical mixture of folk, rock, country, blues and gospel styles in songs almost equally divided between his own originals and well-chosen cover tunes are sure to entertain audiences across Australia.
Recital Centre, Melbourne – Tuesday April 23
I’m With Her
Multi-Grammy Award winners I’m With Her are Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan, who between them have released nine solo efforts, co-founded two seminal bands and released their debut album ‘See You Around’ earlier this year. The threesome who have individually made their names in the male-dominated field of American Roots-and-Country music will be a must see performance next year.
Recital Centre, Melbourne – Thursday April 18
Photo by Shervin Lainez
Alongside these great acts, you’ll also find sideshows from four-time Grammy winner and Blues influenced talent Keb Mo’ at the Recital Centre, Melbourne on Monday April 15; South Carolina Roots and Reggae artist Trevor Hall at The Corner, Melbourne on Thursday April 18; self-branded” Trouble-Makers” Vintage Trouble at The Corner, Melbourne on Thursday April 25; American Blues-Rockers Larkin Poe at The Howler, Melbourne on Wednesday April 24; and Bluesfest favourites The California Honeydrops at The Corner, Melbourne on Wednesday April 24.
Bluesfest Touring kicks off on April 13 2019, tickets available now via BluesfestTouring.com.au
