Yesterday the 27th edition of Bluesfest kicked off at Tyagarah – I did write an epic story about how awesome it was, but it got wiped as I was saving it – grrrrrrr.

Having blown up at SXSW, impressing industry and fans alike, Fantastic Negrito is an exciting and poignant artist not only creating quality, stirring R&B and blues music, but living and standing for the heart of the blues…

Bluesfest festival director Peter Noble discovered Kaleo on a recent trip to their home country Iceland and couldn’t wait to introduce the four-piece band to Bluesfest audiences.

Having to interview Mick Fleetwood was a bit nerve-wracking. The stories that surround the man are bigger than the man himself. And he’s something like six foot six.

Eve Jeffery – Blind Boy Paxton may only be in his 20s but get ready to be transported back to the 1920s by this young gun, who may be one of the greatest multi-instrumentalists that you have not heard of. Yet.

The Countdown is now on to the 27th Byron Bay Bluesfest. On 26 January festival director Peter Noble, who ironically describes himself as ‘an old angry motherfucker!’ was awarded the very prestigious OAM – Order of Australia medal for his services to the music industry.

Byron Bay Bluesfest, which has just announced its latest lineup for its star-studded bill next year, has won the award for major festivals and events at the 2015 NSW Tourism Awards.