Last month Bluesfest consolidated the news that it would return and provided more juicy stuff in revealing that they’d already locked in 60 artists for next year.
Today they’ve made good on their promise for the 2021 festival, announcing the largest first artist announcement in Byron Bay Bluesfest’s 32 years.
The highly anticipated release includes many of the artists intended for this year’s event, including Patti Smith and Her Band, George Benson, John Butler, Xavier Rudd, The Marcus King Band, Larkin Poe and Walter Trout among others, and features a total of 50 artists including the Bluesfest Busking Competition and the debut appearance of The Australian Americana Music Honours.
New additions to the top end of the bill for next year’s festival include international folk-stars Bon Iver, the god of Aussie rock Jimmy Barnes, festival favourite Michael Franti & Spearhead, and steaming hot off their No.1 debut on the ARIA album chart last May with “Live At The Forum is none other than one of this country’s fastest rising stars The Teskey Brothers.
The Black Sorrows, Melbourne Ska Orchestra and an exclusive performance by Weddings Parties Anything; their first show since 2012, are also new top notch additions to this first announcement.
“When Bluesfest 2020 was ordered by the Government to shut-down 2020 we immediately put our noses to the grindstone within days of the cancellation and got on with 2021,” Festival Director Peter Noble OAM said.
“This artist announce is a testament to that fortitude. As this country’s most highly awarded music festival, we are working with Government to find the best possible outcomes for Bluesfest 2021. We want to present another great event, one that is safe and with best-practise protocols implemented on every level. We need it, the music industry needs it and the greater community needs it. Together we will find the most prudent pathway to revive the live music industry, an industry that is aching to get back to work ASAP.
This announcement follows last week’s strong start to Early Bird ticket sales, clearly demonstrating people are thirsty for live music. The 2021 Bluesfest promises to be a safe and full festival experience running across five stages and including all the trimmings from camping to rainbow tipis, market stalls, the busking competition, great food and the perennial warm good vibes that is Byron Bay Bluesfest.
“It’s a long way to next Easter and by that time travel restrictions are sure to be different,” he continues.
“In the case of no international travel, I’ve programmed a damn good line up of locals and a vibrant festival experience so people can come out and play. Last week’s early bird ticket sales proved to me that people are keen for next year’s Bluesfest. Yes the future is uncertain for everyone, but humans need enjoyment, a place they can feel comfortable and trust they are in good hands, and Bluesfest is, and has always been that.”
A second artist announcement is expected to follow in Spring. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.
