There’s a unique way to enjoy live music this year as part of the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival and that is aboard The Blues Tram. Combining two of Bendigo’s best attractions – its historic trams and sublime music talent – this is the perfect way to mix up the weekend activities.
Kicking off at the Central Deborah Goldmine, the tram takes its audience through the heart of Bendigo, featuring up close and personal performances from an array of performers across the weekend, including mesmerising Canadian blues rocker Tennyson King, emerging talent Buddy Knox, breathtaking festival stalwart Hailey Calvert, and the beard growing one-man band Stringybark McDowell. After taking a pit stop at the Joss House, the tram then turns back towards the mine.
One performance we recommend jumping aboard for is Aboriginal blues master Buddy Knox, who will perform his Blues Tram (and Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival) debut with the 50 year music veteran Jo Jo Smith on Saturday 10 November.
“It will be great to play my songs on the tram rolling around the streets, with other people. I’m really looking forward to being there,” he smiles.
Performing his funky Blues with lightning speed licks alongside a subtle infusion of traditional Aboriginal elements of drone and rhythm, Buddy promises his show will “smoke ya boots”, and having notched his Blues belt with some of the biggest music festivals in Australia (and has been described as Australia’s own BB King), we can attest to that.
First picking up a guitar at just ten years of age and practising on a guitar that was missing a string, Buddy persisted with his passion for music, perfecting his guitar ability to an outstanding standard, now spanning nearly three decades. Despite his skills in the music realm, Buddy admits performing aboard a moving vehicle is one that pushes him outside his comfort zone.
“I was on the Blues Train in Queenscliff and was a bit nervous, but it went away quick. It took about a song before I got my ‘sea legs’,” he laughs. “I think it will be different [to a regular stage]. I like that intimate thing; we are just going to have a little bit of fun!”
With influences spanning Freddie King, Albert King, Albert Collins, Robert Johnson, Delbert McLinton and BB King, a lifetime of guitar touring experiences, a deep passion for the blues and a brand new EP (Big City), you can trust Buddy will present blues with great respect to the genre in a unique setting.
Incredible blues music matched with a gorgeous historic tram, you’ll just wish it lasted longer!
Buddy Knox will perform on the Blues Tram on Saturday 10 November 2-4:30pm as part of The Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival (which runs from November 8 – 11).
Visit www.bendigobluesandroots.com.au