Bluesfest say they have released their largest ever first artists announcement.
The total of 50 artists include some that were booked for the (cancelled) 2020 event, including Kool and the Gang, George Benson and Patti Smith and her band. New additions include Bon Iver, Jimmy Barnes, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Teskey Brothers, The Black Sorrows, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, and an exclusive performance by Weddings Parties Anything.
Director Peter Noble OAM said, ‘We want to present another great event, one that is safe and with best-practice 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’.
All ticket types and add-ons are on-sale via www.bluesfest.com.au.
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I hope the overall standard of artists is better than the last 2 or 3 years. Although Noble always trumpets how brilliant each year’s line-up is (always the best ever!), the punters I talk to each year I go, are almost all in agreement that the standard is slipping.
I concur Ross. I went in 2008, 2013 and 2019. The first two had vastly superior lineups to the latter. It’s consistently touted as the best festival and I think, it used to be. The last few years line ups have really been left wanting, for what is meant to be a premier festival. I’m dubious now about ever “pre committing” again.
Love music… but without a Covid 19 vaccinated audience, large festivals like this sound more like a potential disaster…. So at this stage…. no … Byron “doesn’t need it”.
Thanks for your comment, Kieren. Yes, I no longer pre commit to purchasing. As a local, I’ve been going since 1993. I guess the constant “we are the greatest” pitch gets to you after a while. The bang for the buck started reducing about 5 years ago. Better value elsewhere, after this confounded COVID disappears! Stay safe!
The headline says they’ve dropped the lineup. Only for the article to detail the lineup?! Either the facts are confused or editorial practices need a serious overhaul!! Strangely, no public announcements from the ‘Noble’ one about parking fees and respecting locals. How strange. We have long memories, actually..