Popular Queensland troubadour Hat Fitz is to play his 20th consecutive Bluesfest next Easter, and Melbourne’s sprawling the Cat Empire will play their seventh.
They’re just two of a galaxy of Australian names old and new to be revealed in the most recent Bluesfest artist announcement released today.
‘Festival favourites Fat Freddy’s Drop, Xavier Rudd and RockWiz Live (with four shows) will be doing Welcome Back performances,’ said Bluesfest director Peter Noble.
They will play alongside ‘newcomers Karise Eden – truly The Voice, The Beards, Saskwatch and Grey Ghost, who I believe is going to blow everyone away. I have presented some amazing Aussie artists in their early years who became huge, so watch out for this performer Grey Ghost – he has got it in spades’.
Then there is the Haight Ashbury Stage Show, which features a cast of incredible hippies and great musicians, such as former Canned Heat lead vocalist James T. This show will enthral you over four nights with their authentic ‘journey back in time’ to those days of peace love and bean sprouts – don’t miss this one – it’s a play, it’s a concert, it’s psychedelic, it’s a light show, it’s authentic and it’s a knockout – direct from Nimbin.’
Other Australasians appearing on the bill are The Break (featuring members of Midnight Oil), Violent Femmes, Hunters & Collectors, Beasts of Bourbon, The Bamboos, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, The Snowdroppers – King Cannons, Busby Marou, Saskwatch, The Wilson Pickers, Round Mountain Girls, Mason Rack Band, Lil’ Fi & The Dirty Rascals and Wards Xpress.
