This column we’re continuing with the theme of blues festivals that are coming up soon, and featuring the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival.
The family-friendly and community-focused environment, historic scenery and atmospheric charm of the main concert always attracts a range of music lovers, with a welcoming atmosphere for families and fans of all ages and social backgrounds.
It’s a predominantly free, grass-roots, community event that gives music fans and community members the opportunity to enjoy world-class music, with a focus on local and independent talent from the blues and roots genres.
Over four days from the 9th to the 12th of November there will be more than 140 artists from all over Australia (as well as some internationals) – conducted in over 30 venues throughout Bendigo and some surrounding areas.
The centrepiece of the program will be an all-day, free-entry, family-friendly concert featuring over a dozen great acts in Bendigo’s Rosalind Park on Saturday 11 November 2017. The main aim of the festival is to showcase local talent, and draw people to experience the Bendigo Arts Precinct, local music community and local businesses.
It’s also a vehicle for attracting high quality performers from outside the region. There’s a few Geelong local players performing – Alister Turrill, Marisa Quigley (yes, I know she’s moved away, but we’ll still claim her!), Mojo Corner, Rory Ellis, Sweet Felicia and the Honeytones, Tim Hulsman Trio and Wayne Jury.
From other parts of Victoria, Aaron Pollock, Amigo Trios, Andrea Marr, Animal Time, The Bean Project, Ben J Carter, Bill Barber & the Revelators, Byron Siren, and further afield The Barren Spinsters, Blue Child Collective, The Brouhaha and many more.
Chris Jager and Charlie Hart from the UK will be appearing. Chris has actually appeared on stage with Pierce Brosnan – nothing to do with the music, just interesting trivia. The Hollands! are a touring family based in the USA, but are pretty much nomadic and travel the world.
One of the more quirky attractions is the Blues Tram which runs between the Central Deborah Goldmine and the Joss House with blues music all the way.
This year’s Lazenby Young Blues Guitarist Award will be presented at the festival. Phil Lazenby was one of Bendigo’s most loved and respected community figures. He was an accomplished musician and passed away in 2013 and the Award honours his memory. The aim of the Award is to encourage young artists interested in playing blues music.
Now, something a little off the beaten track. On the 15th November Pistol Pete’s will be hosting Lady Fox. Lady Fox’s repertoire has quite a range from burlesque through to musical shows, and it is the musical end which has attracted Pate Raimundo. The show she is bringing to Geelong is “With Love from Ella” which features the music of Ella Fitzgerald. Lady Fox is also a supporter of “Do It In A Dress,” the now well known charity publicised by Cory Bernardi.
Find out more about the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival at www.bendigobluesandroots.com.au
When and where: 9th to the 12th November Bendigo