Rounding out what is already a bumper selection of acts for the 2013 Bluesfest are two polar opposites: folk icon Paul Simon and gay heartthrob Rufus Wainwright.
Thirteen-time Grammy winner Paul Simon needs no introduction: it is 47 years since The Sounds of Silence went to number one on the US pop charts. The 71-year-old will take to the Bluesfest stage as part of his tour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Graceland.
Rufus Wainwright was just 10 when Graceland was released. Rufus is the prodigal son of celebrated Canadian singers Loudon Wainwright and Kate McGarrigle. His first (self-titled) debut album was released in 1998 to huge acclaim, recognised by both Rolling Stone and the Gay and Lesbian American Music Awards.
Both Simon and Wainwright play on Monday night, making it likely to be one of the most interesting and diverse nights of the festival, at least according to the acts announced so far.
But there are more yet to come.
Director Peter Noble said yesterday, ‘So many incredible artists are going to perform at Bluesfest, it really is every festival director’s dream come true’.
He added, ‘this is going to be the best Bluesfest of all time and there are at least another four announcements to come featuring major artists’.
Hi, I’m wondering why the need to say that Rufus Wainwright is a “gay” heartthrob in the first paragraph? Surely it’s his music which is important when discussing the line up for Bluesfest. It is offensive and unnecessary.