There’s nothing wrong with having the blues this Easter, so hop to it!
The Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival’s Easter Blues Bender is taking over the city centre from Good Friday through to Easter Sunday.
More than 20 acts will perform across seven venues, starting on Friday, April 19, and wrapping up on Sunday, April 21.
A host of popular festival stalwarts, from Grim Fawkner to Bill Barber, Sherri Parry to Steph Bitter, and Funk Junkies to Midweek Blues, will spread their talents across the various stages. A host of out-of-towners will also be in action, including Charlie Bedford, Victor Cripes, Matt Katsis, Jess Parker & the Troubled Waters, and Wilson & White.
Venues on board at this year’s event include Handle Bar, ROCKS Underground, The Basement Bar, Rosalind Park (across two stages), El Gordo, and the Bendigo Art Gallery – along with the newbie Entree Music Bar (formerly the McIvor Hotel).
“One of the most exciting things about this year’s program is that it coincides with the launch of Entree Music Bar,” Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival director Colin Thompson says. “We’re stoked to have them on the program for Easter Blues Bender. We think a dedicated music venue, presenting a genuinely eclectic array of bands, will be a crucial addition to the local music scene.”
As usual, the blues aren’t limited to just one event during the next fortnight.
Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival regular Jimmy Davis is back in town on Friday, April 12, at The Old Church On The Hill. Davis, a Queensland singer-songwriter-guitarist who incorporates finger-style, blues and folk influences into his music, will be supported by local favourites Grim Fawkner and Sherri Parry. From 7pm; tickets $10 (at venue).
Former Australian Idol winner, singer-songwriter Damien Leith, will be revisiting favourites from his back catalogue, accompanied by a string quartet, at The Capital on Friday, April 12. From 7.30pm. Tickets $45; www.bendigoregion.com.au
Melbourne-based Americana exponents Paper Jane bring their rootsy vibes to the Golden Vine on Friday, April 12. Support from local bluesman Rhyley McGrath. From 9pm; $5 entry.
Jump on board the monthly Blues Tram on Saturday, April 13. This month’s featured artists are Jimmy Davis, fresh from his appearance at The Old Church On The Hill the previous night, and local blues/jazz/soul duo Jon and Bel, making their Blues Tram debut. From 2-4.30pm; entry $35; tickets from www.bendigotourism.com
American indie-folk singer-songwriter Mimi Gilbert, now based in Melbourne, brings her harmony-driven rhythms to Handle Bar on Saturday, April 13. Support from fellow American indie-folk rocker Reddenhollow (Taylor Moses). From 7pm; free entry.
Alt-rock, indie pop, Americana … Steve Lane and The Autocrats have done it all and more. And these local legends are doing it at the Golden Vine on Saturday, April 13. Support from local folk-pop duo Anchor & the Butterfly. From 8.30pm.
Written by Lynette Walker. Contact: [email protected]