Get ready Ballina – the blues are coming to town. On Saturday, the historic Australian Hotel will come alive with the sounds of one of Australia’s most electrifying guitarists, John Luke Shelley, joined by the powerhouse rhythm of JB’s Blues Breakers.
The music kicks off at 5pm, and entry is completely free.
John Luke Shelley has built a career that bridges Australia’s thriving blues scene with the global stage. Known for his fiery solos, soulful vocals, and commanding presence, he has performed everywhere from intimate pubs to major festivals. One of the highlights of his journey was competing in Memphis, Tennessee – the spiritual home of the blues – where he proudly represented Australia among some of the finest musicians in the world.
For any blues guitarist, stepping onto a Memphis stage is a rite of passage, and Shelley’s success there confirmed his place as a musician of international renown.
Backing John Luke are JB’s Blues Breakers, a band renowned for their tight grooves and raw authenticity. Together, they channel the spirit of Chicago blues while infusing it with the energy of Australian rock ’n’ roll. The result is a sound that’s both timeless and fresh, guaranteed to get the crowd moving.
The Australian Hotel Ballina is no stranger to great live music. As one of the Northern Rivers’ most iconic venues, it has long been a gathering place for music lovers and touring artists alike.
Its welcoming atmosphere, lively crowds, and reputation for memorable nights make it the perfect backdrop for a show of this calibre.
The Ballina show is part of John Luke Shelley’s Northern NSW Tour, which also includes performances at The Rails and Blues on Bulimba in Brisbane.
Each show offers its own unique vibe, but the Ballina stop promises the intimacy and warmth of a local gig with the firepower of an international act.
With free entry, an early 5pm start, and the promise of a night filled with world-class blues, this is a show not to be missed. Whether you’re a dedicated blues enthusiast or simply love the energy of live music, John Luke Shelley and JB’s Blues Breakers at the Australian Hotel Ballina is an experience you’ll remember long after the last note fades.
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