Bendigo Au Go Go #21
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Bendigo Au Go Go #21

It’s time for the biggest musical drawcard on Bendigo’s calendar – the annual Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival.

The ninth edition features more than 130 acts, around 40 of whom are festival debutants, and several new venues have been added to the mix. The program kicks off this morning (Thursday, November 7), with the various acts playing across 42 venues until midnight on Sunday, November 10.

“It’ll be another weekend full of discoveries, even for festival veterans, so I suggest everyone take advantage of as much music as they can wrap their ears around,” says festival director Colin Thompson.

As usual, festival-goers can see some of their local favourites proudly flying the flag for their hometown. In addition to his own gigs, festival stalwart Grim Fawkner will be chief support for The Waifs at Ulumbarra. Fellow singer/guitarist Sherri Parry, also a long-time festival veteran, is chief support for John Butler (also at Ulumbarra), as well as performing solo and fronting her funk band Groove Juice. Former Melburnian Matt Katsis, the latest official festival ambassador, will perform solo, having previously played at the festival as part of his duo Timbakat. Bill Barber, a powerhouse of the local music scene since moving here several years ago, also runs the Youth Stages – the acoustic stage in St Paul’s Cathedral on the Friday, and the electric stage in Library Gardens on the Saturday afternoon.

“They are a great vehicle for young artists (under 25) to showcase their abilities to a wider audience, meet other young performers, and work with a supportive and professional crew,” Thompson says.

Thompson also highlighted the festival’s ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of working musicians as Wayne Jury and his team oversee the Blues Boot Camp, with the support of Capital Venues and Events and local music teachers lending a hand.

In addition to the regular hosting venues around town, patrons are encouraged to venture outside the CBD to The Hibernian (Golden Square), Barr & Wells (Kangaroo Flat), D’Arcy’s Bakery (Eaglehawk), and further afield to Ravenswood Homestead, The Maldon Hotel, Tooborac Hotel and Brewery, and Cornella’s Shiraz Republic.

As part of the festival, The Old Church On The Hill (in Quarry Hill) will again host the traditional Gospel Choir Sing-along on Sunday morning, led by Carl Pannuzzo and the Gorgeous Voices Choir. The venue will also host two evenings of bands and a Saturday afternoon workshop teaching improvisation for beginners, run by festival partner the Bendigo Jazz Club.

Pick up a copy of the program guide at various venues around town, download the official app (App Store and Google Play), and visit the website at www.bendigobluesandroots.com.au for more information and to download the program.

Written by Lynette Walker. Contact: [email protected]

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