Byron Bay Bluesfest’s second artist announcement for 2021 is their first ever All-Australian announcement, and something to sing about.
Adding to the already impressive line up are some of Australia’s greatest artists including Tash Sultana and Ziggy Alberts, who are both playing on Easter Saturday, as well as National Treasure Kev Carmody.
Other artists just announced are Ian Moss, Hiatus Kaiyote, Russell Morris, Briggs, Kim Churchill, Mama Kin Spender and All Our Exes Live in Texas.
Bluesfest describes the line-up as a ‘top-shelf’ reflection of Australia’s best.
Artists
Bluesfest will be Tash Sultana’s only East Coast festival in 2021, and this time she’s bringing a band.
‘I’ve got to a point where the music I’ve written is beyond the capabilities of looping so I’ve decided to get a backing band to play the written parts live and I’m looking forward to performing them at Bluesfest next Easter,’ she said.
Ziggy Alberts will be playing all new material he has been creating in lockdown.
‘Stoked to be back at Bluesfest 2021! I love this festival and we had such a great time back in 2018.
‘I’m looking forward to coming out strong after some time away from touring,’ said Ziggy. ‘See ya’ll there!’
Kev Carmody’s new album, ‘Cannot Buy My Soul’ features guest appearances by Jimmy Barnes, Kasey Chambers, John Butler, The Waifs, Tex Perkins, Troy Cassar-Daley and lots more – this could quite a jam!
Blues legends Ian Moss and Russel Morris are set to get the Bluesfest crowd roaring.
Ian Moss is best known as a founding member of Cold Chisel and is now also regarded as one of the best blues guitarists in Australia. He’s scheduled to perform directly before Jimmy Barnes on Easter Sunday.
‘We are going to tear the place apart,’ said Jimmy Barnes. ‘They’ll be a lot of great Australian bands and artists hitting those stages.’
Rock veteran and the original ‘real thing’ Russell Morris spectacularly re-launched his career when he released a trilogy of blues albums. Russell will play tracks from these and his latest album ‘Black and Blue Heart’.
Also on the bill is Yorta Yorta man Briggs, perhaps the most powerful rapper in the country.
Kim Churchill is not only a current triple j favourite, he’s also a Bluesfest Busking competition winner who went on to achieve national recognition.
A different kind of Bluesfest
Festival Director Peter Noble OAM said there are more exciting announcements to come.
‘We are setting ourselves up to put on another great Bluesfest albeit in a brand new way.
‘There will be challenges, and we expect to be presenting a festival with a lower capacity and potentially outdoors in order to have a safe event.
‘It is sad for us to see that a number of festivals will not go ahead,’ said Mr Noble. ‘However, we are working with government to present a safe event and be part of the return of live music in this country.
‘Whilst it is disheartening to hear that Woodford and Port Fairy Folk Festivals feel that the challenge of presenting is something they don’t want to take on right now, and which is totally understandable, it doesn’t mean that events cannot return, and I believe it is important for Bluesfest to be a part of that return and to help lead the way.’
Bluesfest is in regular communications with Government regarding the Bluesfest COVID-19 Safety Plan that has been lodged. The festival looks forward to updating everyone very soon with more information regarding their Safety Plan for a COVID-19 safe Bluesfest experience.
Bluesfest 2021 is being held from 1–5 April 2021. Tickets are on sale now.
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