Nothing says ‘summer’ quite like music festivals. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the warm weather: hanging with friends and loved ones outside, and listening to some amazing jams… and they’re an even better way to bring in the New Year!
If you’re keen to do the countdown with beers and amazing live music, but you’re looking for more of a laid back, down-to-earth, “good timey” festival where you’re not waiting in three-hour-long traffic jams just to get in, camping with thousands of 20-year-olds, traversing hundred of acres of festival ground on foot and waiting far too long in line to use portaloos, then The Bluestone Blues Festival has you covered.
Hosted annually by Geelong’s own Sleepy Hollow Blues Club, this well-loved two-day festival is one of the friendliest going around, bringing quality blues musicians from across the country to our own back door – a door only 20km out of Geelong!
Set up in the beautiful and vibrant Murgheboluc Reserve the community atmosphere of the festival is one of its biggest draw-cards, boasting a relaxed, happy-go-lucky vibe, making it the perfect backdrop for blues lovers wanting to celebrate New Year’s with like-minded party people, their friends, and their families.
Featuring an impressive lineup of classic and original blues music from some Australian legends and emerging artists, this year’s festival is headlined by one of Oz’s elite blues acts: Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers. A muso that needs no introduction, his scorching style is reminiscent of Eric Clapton, Gary Moore, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, invoking the spirit of classic blues and soul to create superb and exciting original music. If you look at the best Australian blues guitarists of all time, Geoff Achison is without a doubt on the list.
Four other acts complete an awesome NYE lineup; Brian Fraser and Dave the Bastard, Jump Cats, Nathan Beretta Band and The Detonators, in what promises to be an evening of nothing but soul, intensity and damn fine blues music.
Midnight will bring a traditional New Year countdown and celebration, followed by overnight camping with a night under the stars if you wish! There’s no pressure to stay, but camping is free so there’s no harm in packing your supplies, just in case.
If you did decide to pitch a tent, New Year’s Day is all about enjoying the ‘Recovery Day’, where there’s plenty of coffee, bacon and eggs, some sore heads, and four more sensational acts to take the Bluestone stage. Ease into your recovery with the talented Dog Gone South and Amnesia Blues Band. As the day progresses into the afternoon be prepared to want to have a beer and dance for the always fabulous Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine. Bringing in the end of the festival is the Shane Pacey Trio, the national superstar and Bondi Cigars’ frontman will no doubt leave you with a smile on your face and the perfect way to end your new year’s celebrations.
Alongside the music, the good vibes, and the great company, there will be a range of hot and cold food, and plenty of beer, spirits and soft drinks to cater to all tastes.
Hold off on the New Year’s resolutions for a few moments, as your main priority should be bringing in 2020 with friends, family and live music at one of the longest-running blues festivals in Victoria!
Keep up to date with all the news leading up to the event www.facebook.com/BluestoneBluesFest/ and secure your ticket ASAP via Trybooking.com. If you’re looking for even more deets, head to www.sleepyhollowbluesclub.org.au/
