Byron Bay Bluesfest has revealed the Australian and New Zealand artists on the bill for the Easter long weekend festival next year.
The Cat Empire, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Xavier Rudd, Rockwiz Live, The Break (surf rock band featuring members of Midnight Oil, Violent Femmes and Hunters & Collectors), Beasts of Bourbon, The Bamboos and more have been announced as part of the Strayan and Kiwi musical contingent.
These homegrown legends and up-and-comers join already announced international superstars Paul Simon, Robert Plant(presenting Sensational Space Shifters), Santana, Ben Harper, Iggy & the Stooges, Steve Miller Band, Status Quo, Madness, Chris Isaak, Bonnie Raitt, Wilco, Rodriguez, Rufus Wainwright, Jimmy Cliff, Dropkick Murphys and about a million other huge artists.
When I received the embarogoed press release about the Australian and New Zealand line-up announcement, I was trying to work out what Bluesfest was trying to tell me because the bill seemed sufficiently chockers - and then I realised it was 100% jam-packed with non-Ozzie/Kiwi acts only. Holy cowbell, Bluesfest - you have gone above, beyond and into space with the effort you've put into next year's event.
The incredibly well curated, exciting, talented, superstar and nostalgic local and international line-up is a total buzz - and Bluesfest reckon they have even more golden nuggets up their sleeve.
After all the killer announcements, I cannot even fathom what they've got left to impress us with, but you can bet it's a corker.
The full Australian and New Zealand line-up includes:
- The Cat Empire
- Fat Freddy’s Drop
- Xavier Rudd
- Rockwiz Live
- The Break
- Beasts of Bourbon
- Karise Eden
- The Bamboos
- The Beards
- Melbourne Ska Orchestra
- The Snowdroppers
- King Cannons
- Grey Ghost
- Busby Marou
- Saskwatch
- The Wilson Pickers
- Round Mountain Girls
- Hat Fitz & Cara
- Mason Rack Band
- The Songs of the Haight Ashbury Stage Show
- Lil Fi & the Dirty Rascals
- Wards Xpress
Tickets are onsale now.
- Amy Robinson