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Mullum Music Festival 14-17 November 2019 www.mullummusicfestival.com

Mullum Music Festival’s global music offering this year shows why the Biggest Little town in Australia is fast becoming the Biggest Little Festival as well!

This year Mullum Music Festival features one of Ethiopia’s most respected singers: Dereb the Ambassador. Dereb grew up in a family of musicians, immersed in his home country’s diverse musical rhythms and styles. HIs extraordinary vocal talent was recognised at just four years old. By his teens he was drawing crowds in the bars of Addis Ababa and all around Ethiopia. Derek uses pre 1970’s recording equipment to get the warm funky sounds of great Ethiopian artists from the 60’s and 70’s pioneering his own blend of Ethic-Soul.

From the Solomon Islands come Kaumaakonga (KMK) who come together to revive traditional chants. With the influence of the groups’ Polynesian and Melanesian cultures, KMK breathe new life into their ancient chants while combining traditional rhythms and percussion with panpipes, guitar and unique vocal harmonies.

KMK’s music is the combination of individual member’s efforts to take the listener on a sonic journey from the past and propel them to the future of modern and traditional Polynesian Melanesian musical fusions.

Charismatic guitar savant from South Africa, Sibusile Xaba reframes maskandi and the avant garde into his own humanist manifesto. With a vocal style that is part dream-scaping and part ancestral invocation, Xaba

divines as opposed to plainly singing. Combined with a guitar style that is rooted in expressive picking, Xaba's music shatters the confines of genre, taking only the fundamentals from mentors such as Madala Kunene and Dr Philip Tabane and imbuing these with a mythology and improvisational intensity all of his own.

From Israel come Alwan a Middle Eastern Ensemble that deliver interplay and improvisation. Born in Mississauga Ontario, Juno Award 2018 nominated Alysha Brilla is a music producer and songwriter whose music, blogs and spirituality are inspired by growing up with parents from two different cultural and religious backgrounds: and Ido-Tanzanian father who emigrated to Canada and a Canadian other of European Settler heritage. The spiritual traditions and energies passed down through Brilla’s paternal Dadima (grandmother in Gujarati) have swirled their way around Indian and African rhythms into soulful acoustic echoes of an intimate song and story-telling culminating in a full band festival stage show.

Along with NANO STERN (CHILE), Z-STAR TRINITY (UK), JOE PUG (US), Steve Gunn (US), ALLENSWORTH (US), RACHEL BAIMANN (US), BLAIR DUNLOP (UK) and KENT BURNSIDE (US) - this year’s international contingent is mighty and diverse.

Mulllum Music Festival - bringing the world’s music to our local stages!

MULLUM MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019

4 days | 12 official Venues | Over 200 performances 14-17 November 2019 The 12th annual Mullum Music Festival is a family-friendly event that takes over the streets, cafes and halls of the NSW North Coast town of Mullumbimby (15 mins north of Byron Bay), NSW. This year’s line up includes Mojo Juju, Thando, Joe Pug, Husky and Z Star Trinity. Tickets now on sale at www.mullummusicfestival.com

Mullum Music Festival 2019 Line-Up

Nano Stern (CHILE). Mojo Juju. Wagons

Sibusile Xaba (STH AFR). Alysha Brilla (CAN). Emma Donovan & The Putbacks

Harry James Angus. Dereb The Ambassador (ETH/AU). Quivers Thando. Joe Pug (US). Z Star Trinity (UK). Steve Gunn (US) Allensworth (US). Ruby Boots. Hussy Hicks. Kaumaakonga (SOL IS)

The Wilson Pickers. Dustyesky. Rachel Baiman (US)

Small Halls Feat: Blair Dunlop (UK) + Hat Fitz & Cara

Husky PRESENTS: First Kiss Goodnight. Tek Tek Ensemble

Jack Carty. Claire Anne Taylor. Husky Gawenda (Solo). Lucie Thorne Sunnyside. Alisha Todd & The Volcanic Lovers. Cigany Weaver. Loren Kate Hello Tut Tut. Kent Burnside (US). Alwan. Greg Sheehan. Alana Wilkinson The New Savages. Karl S Williams. Brekky Boy. Andie. Monique Clare

Titan Sky. Graham Moes. Alfalfa. Invisible Friend. Gabriel Otu. Mr Rhodes

Mandy Hawkes. Palm Wine Ambassadors. Loose Content. Sophie Ozard Gideon Preiss’s Piano Bar. Tin Can String Band. Out of Order. Angus Field Arakwal Dancers. The Cassettes. Bollywood Sisters. Roundabout Theatre. Sign Of The Times. Ingenuity Sculpture Walk. The Amazing Drumming Monkeys. Spaghetti Circus. Street Parade. The Magic Bus and much more…

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MEDIA CONTACTS National Publicity: Clare McGregor | M: 0418 192524 | E: [email protected] Regional Publicity: Mandy Nolan | M: 0422 701680 | E: [email protected]

Byron School of Art: 112 Dalley St, Mullumbimby

Daily 10am – 10pm

Bluesfest Byron Bay is proud to welcome even more of the greatest guitar players on the planet to the 2017 festival with Eric Gales, Mud Morganfield, Devon Allman and Experience Jimi Hendrix joining the line up. Bluesfest is renowned for bringing the world’s best Blues artists to the Tyagarah Tea Tree farm, just outside Byron Bay on the east coast of Australia every Easter. This year the festival begins Thursday April 13 and finishes on Monday 17 April.

Eric Gales stands head and shoulders among other guitarists in his genre and is out to blow your mind and expand your musical horizons, in fact Joe Bonamassa calls him “One of the best if not the best guitarist in the world today”. He is known for mesmerising fans around the world with his uncanny connection to his guitar, don’t miss this legend make his Bluesfest debut.

True Blues royalty will take the Bluesfest stage when Mud Morganfield performs. Mud is the son of the legendary Bluesman Muddy Waters, and has become a respected artist in his own right. He explains: I’m not Muddy Waters and I’m certainly not trying to be Muddy Waters. I’m Mud Morganfield but when I’m up on stage I always feel pops is there with me and it means so much that I can get on stage and keep his music alive around the world.” Morganfield has described the resemblance of the tone and timber of his voice to that of his father’s voice as a double edged sword. The similarity is evident in For Pops: A Tribute To Muddy Waters, an album on which Morganfield performs several Muddy Waters songs. This album won a Blues Music Award in the ‘Traditional Blues Album’ category in 2015.

The sandy blonde hair is the same, the body posture is also the same, and there are touches in the voice that have a similar genetic connection, but Devon Allman has toiled long and hard to establish his own musical identity, separate from his legendary dad, Gregg Allman. In 2017 Devon Allman returns to Bluesfest on the back of his critically acclaimed new album Ride or Die which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Blues charts. He will once again bring his first rate guitar skills and powerful vocals to the stage at the festival.

Bluesfest audiences are in for a thrill when Experience Jimi Hendrix takes the stage. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix's unparalleled creative and musical influence Experience Jimi Hendrix brings together an all-star line-up of some of Australia’s guitar greats: Jak Housden – founder of the Badloves, Peter Northcote - who has played with Dragon, Tom Jones and Shania Twain, Dai Pritchard – Billy Thorpe’s right hand man who also plays with Rose Tattoo, Steve Edmonds – of Hoodoo Guru’s fame and Grant Walmsley –founder of the Screaming Jets. There isn’t an audience on the planet more fitting for this homage to the iconic artist's songs, showmanship and trailblazing technique.

Bluesfest is honoured to welcome Australian-based musician Jeff Lang back to the festival in 2017. He has earned worldwide acclaim as a virtuosic guitarist, a dynamic songwriter and a startlingly unique live performer. Blending rock, roots, folk, Blues, ballads, instrumentals, improvisation and a devastatingly high level of musicality, Jeff Lang is a singularly unique performer in our world.

Ray Beadle has ripped it up at Bluesfest in the past, and he is welcomed back with open arms in 2017. Ray's guitar and vocal styles evoke numerous Blues legends, whilst concocting a breathtaking style all of his own. It is not by chance that Ray has become a favourite amongst Australian Blues fans.

Bluesfest is proud to announce that one of Australia’s most highly lauded Bluesmen will make his festival debut in 2017. Lloyd Spiegel is an award winning solo artist on the cutting edge of the Blues scene in Australia. There is no doubt he will be at home on the Bluesfest stage.

It was his triumphant performance at Bluesfest in 2014 that sparked the recording of Glenn Cardier’s highly acclaimed album Stranger Than Fiction, so it is with great excitement that the festival announces he will return with his band The Sideshow in 2017. After a successful career in the 70s, Glenn Cardier’s re-emergence has been nothing short of extraordinary. Onstage, there are the trademark flashes of dark humour in his songs of stark beauty and thumping rockabilly/Blues.

All the way from the Isle of Man, Davy Knowles makes his Bluesfest debut in 2017. He is no stranger to festivals having played Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo with his band Back Door Slam. You know you have someone special on your hands when Peter Frampton raves: “He’s definitely the gunslinger guitarist of the 21st century’’.

He won the hearts of many Bluesfest goers in 2016, so it’s with great pleasure Bluesfest welcomes Blind Boy Paxton back in 2017. Paxton has earned a reputation for transporting audiences back to the 1920s and making them wish they could stay there for good. This young musician sings and plays banjo, guitar, piano, fiddle, harmonica, Cajun accordion, and the bones (percussion).

She may be at the bottom of this announcement, but Melody Angel is destined to be at the top in the near future. She regularly performs at Buddy Guy’s nightclub Legends in Chicago, and has American Blues Scene exclaiming “Besides her playing, what makes Angel such a powerful performer, is her strongly impassioned vocals. We can’t wait to see her continue to grow. What a future she has! If you get a chance to catch Ms. Angel live, do it!” Melody Angel is an important voice and one that deserves to be heard around the world.

Bluesfest is set to announce more artists over the coming weeks and reports that tickets are selling out very quickly.

Peter Noble, Bluesfest director, shares his excitement about the latest announcement:

Hi,

The Blues announce at Bluesfest is one I always look forward to.

Headlining this year of course is the King of the Blues – Buddy Guy for 2 exclusive plays, along with the swathe of Blues, and Blues friendly artists already announced, including, Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, Booker T and the Stax Revue, Dumpstaphunk, Nikki Hill, St Paul & the Broken Bones, The California Honeydrops, Gregory Porter, The Record Company as well as the truly amazing Beth Hart.

You may not know this guy, however, we are so proud to announce Eric Gales, the sublime guitar player that Joe Bonamassa describes as the Best Glues guitar slinger of the lot right now – I guess when he says that, he is including himself. This is a do not miss for Blues fans – he WILL blow you away! Next is Mud Morganfield, performing his own songs, as well as the songs of his dad – the one and only Muddy Waters.

We are pleased to welcome back Devon Allman, who just had a Number 1 album on the Billboard Blues charts. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, well in this case they are 100% right, except it may have been a peach. The son of Greg Allman, from the legendary Allman Brothers, continues to spread the legacy AND the groove.

Experience Jimi Hendrix is an Australian production featuring Jak Housden, the founder of the Badloves, Dai Pritchard, who was Billy Thorpe’s right hand man who also plays with Rose Tattoo and Steve Edmonds of Hoodoo Guru’s fame. They regularly sell out venues such as Sydney’s Enmore theatre with this very authentic show honouring Jimi – enjoy.

Davy Knowles (formerly of Back Door Slam) will blow you away. He is simply a brilliant guitarist and a do not miss!

Melody Angel: Regulars at Buddy Guys Legends nightclub in Chicago may have seen her play there. She is supremely talented – yet another don’t miss Blues artist.

The amazing Blind Boy Paxton is returning by popular demand. The Aussie contingent includes Lloyd Spiegel, Jeff Lang, Glenn Cardier and the Ray Beadle.

Along with those already announced, we have some truly amazing Blues artists performing this year for your enjoyment – a mix of new and returning Blues artists – right up the alley of any Blues fan, so let’s get into it at Easter! Can’t wait!

Peter Noble OAM Director Byron Bay Bluesfest

THE SEVENTH 2017 BLUESFEST ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT includes:

ERIC GALES

MUD MORGANFIELD

DEVON ALLMAN

EXPERIENCE JIMI HENDRIX

JEFF LANG

RAY BEADLE AND THE SILVER DOLLARS

LLOYD SPIEGEL

GLENN CARDIER AND THE SIDESHOW

DAVY KNOWLES

BLIND BOY PAXTON

MELODY ANGEL

2017 ARTISTS ALREADY ANNOUNCED:

NEIL YOUNG + PROMISE OF THE REAL

BARRY GIBB

SANTANA

ZAC BROWN BAND

PATTI SMITH AND HER BAND PERFORM HORSES

PATTI SMITH AND HER BAND ACOUSTIC

MARY J. BLIGE

THE LUMINEERS

BUDDY GUY EXCLUSIVE

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

MADNESS

BONNIE RAITT

MAVIS STAPLES EXCLUSIVE

BILLY BRAGG

BILLY BRAGG AND JOE HENRY

JETHRO TULL

MILES ELECTRIC BAND

TROMBONE SHORTY AND ORLEANS AVENUE

RICKIE LEE JONES

GREGORY PORTER

SNARKY PUPPY

SLIGHTLY STOOPID

ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES

CORINNE BAILEY RAE

MICHAEL KIWANUKA

NAHKO AND MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE

GALLANT

BETH HART EXCLUSIVE

LAURA MVULA

ANDREW BIRD

RHIANNON GIDDENS

BOOKER T. PRESENTS THE STAX RECORDS REVIEW

TONY JOE WHITE

ROY AYERS

JOAN OSBORNE

MAX JURY

TURIN BRAKES

THE STRUMBELLAS

JAKE SHIMABUKURO

DUMPSTAPHUNK

THE SUFFERS

THE RECORD COMPANY

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS

NIKKI HILL

THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS

IRISH MYTHEN

TREVOR HALL

ARTIST BIOS

ERIC GALES

Eric Gales grew up in a musical family with four brothers, two of them who learned to play the guitar upside down and left handed in the same fashion that Eric does. Eric’s brother Eugene Gales played bass in the Eric Gales Band and his brother Little Jimmy King had a thriving career as a Blues artist himself before his untimely death in 2002.

A musical prodigy, Eric released his first record in 1991 at the young age of 16 for Elektra Records to an amazing response from the media and music fans around the globe. Guitar World Magazine Reader’s Poll named Eric “Best New Talent,” in 1991. After recording a second record for Elektra, all three brothers teamed up in 1996 as ‘The Gales Brothers’ to record Left Hand Brand, which was recorded for the House of Blues label. Through the years, it would not be unusual to look out in the audience and see the likes of Carlos Santana, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, B. B. King, and Eric Clapton looking on in amazement. Word was spreading about Eric as he was taking his God-given talents and working his crowds into a frenzy each night while on stage.

The new millennium presented new opportunities for Eric as he was signed to Nightbird Records, an affiliation of the Hendrix family. Under this deal, Eric recorded the critically acclaimed record That’s What I Am in 2001 and hit the road, mesmerizing fans around the world with his uncanny connection to his guitar. In 2006 Eric recorded the critically acclaimed Crystal Vision for Blues Bureau and set the stage for his incredible Blues Bureau follow-up, The Psychedelic Underground in 2007. Eric followed that up in 2008 with The Story of my Life and in 2010 hit a new stride altogether with the incredibly successful album Relentless. That album combined with his latest studio album Transformation released in 2011. The Eric Gales Trio recorded and released Ghost Notes, Gales’ first all instrumental recording, for Shrapnel Records in 2013. All Music Review says Ghost Notes “crackles with energy, a sturdy mix of Blues, rock, and straight-out funk fusion, and Gales’ playing is joyous and elegant by turns, making this arguably his best album yet.” His latest effort, A Night on the Sunset Strip is a live record, released on Cleopatra Records.

As both an African-American left-handed guitarist of extraordinary ability and an expressive vocalist, it is natural for people to compare Eric to Hendrix but Eric has developed a unique hybrid Blues/rock sound that also draws upon influences as diverse as Albert King and Eric Johnson. With a unique blend of rock, funk and Blues styles, Eric Gales stands head and shoulders among other guitarists in his genre and is out to blow your mind and expand your musical horizons!

The road can be tough on musicians, and has certainly treated Eric no differently than others. Over the years he has had his ups and downs and battled some of his own demons. As 2016 comes to an end and 2017 comes into play, Eric is clean, sober and his clarity and focus to be the very best he can be is at an all time high! There has never been a better time to see Eric Gales live.

“One of the best if not the best guitarist in the world today” – Joe Bonamassa “How Eric Gales isn’t the hugest name in rock guitar is a total mystery” – Dave Navarro “The most underrated guitarist in history” Guitar World – Mark Tremonti

MUD MORGANFIELD

In 1954, the eldest son of Blues great McKinley Morganfield, otherwise known as Muddy Waters, Mud Morganfield (who has also gone by the name Muddy Waters Jr.), was born. He grew up surrounded by music, and particularly the Blues, and he’s played music all of his life, starting with the drums his dad gave him as a child, then moving on to the bass guitar. Supporting himself as a truck driver, just like his father did when he was first starting out, Morganfield didn’t seriously consider being a professional Blues musician until after Waters’ death in 1983, by which time Morganfield was already close to 30.

Possessing a baritone voice very much like his father’s, and blessed with similar vocal phrasing and a sense of how to command a stage, Morganfield made up for lost time, cutting his teeth on the southside of Chicago. He soon became a popular draw on the Blues club and festival circuit; mixing both original songs and Muddy Waters classics into his live sets.

Morganfield has described the resemblance of the tone and timber of his voice to that of his father’s voice as a double edged sword. The similarity is evident in For Pops: A Tribute To Muddy Waters, an album on which Morganfield performs several Muddy Waters songs. This album won a Blues Music Award in the ‘Traditional Blues Album’ category in 2015.

Regarding his performances of Muddy Waters songs in addition to his own material, Morganfield says, “I started to sing to show the world that dad left me here. I love and am proud to sing his songs just like I love and will always be proud of him. I’m not Muddy Waters and I’m certainly not trying to be Muddy Waters. I’m Mud Morganfield but when I’m up on stage I always feel pops is there with me and it means so much that I can get on stage and keep his music alive around the world.” Mud is a dynamic performer and entertainer that can command the stage, engage the crowd, and wow them with some of the best true Chicago Blues they have ever seen.

“He’s the closest thing to Muddy I have ever heard. A real chip off the ole block. He’s got the genes. His pipes are just like Muddy. I heard him sing Elevate Me Mama and I got chills up my back.”

Paul Oscher – Muddy Waters’ harp player 1967-1971

“Mud Morganfield is a modern miracle. It’s as if his father, the great Muddy Waters, is still with us through his son. Mud has it all; the voice, the persona, the swagger, the earnest humility and the desire. He can recreate the spirit of his dad and still maintain his own individuality through his great original songs. I have the privilege of working with Mud as a producer, harmonica player and a trusted friend and adviser. I put my bet on Mud Morganfield as we watch his career blossom and his popularity grow. Go Mud!” – Bob Corritore

“I’ve known Mud Morganfield since he was born, I am his godfather. It is good to see him where he belongs, on the stage carrying on in the tradition of his father, Muddy Waters. I’ve played with both of them now and Mud looks and sounds like Muddy almost to the point of it being spooky! I know he’ll do well and I look forward to playing with him again in the future.” James Cotton – Former Muddy Waters Harmonica player

Bluesfest is world renowned for having many inimitable artists who happen to be women on the bill each and every year. Ahead of International Women’s Day, they would like to celebrate the ladies who are performing at the festival in 2017. 

 

They come from many genres and musical backgrounds, but one thing they have in common is their powerful voices and important contributions to music today. Patti Smith’s revolutionary album Horses changed the face of rock forever, inspiring generations of musicians to create loud, sincere music that could change the world. Mary J. Blige is the undisputed Queen of R&B, selling more than 50 million albums worldwide.

 

Bluesfest is particularly honoured to have women of different ages and backgrounds represented; 78 year old Mavis Staples rose to stardom in the segregated America of the 1960s. She became a leading voice in the civil rights movement and inspired Martin Luther King Jnr. We are also proud to be hosting Australia’s own 30 year old Courtney Barnett who has just started to take the world by storm.

Pictured: BlueBonnie Raitt will be gracing the stage in 2017

Patti Smith

Patti Smith is a bestselling author, performance poet, visual artist and activist whose extraordinary contributions to the artistic realm and human rights have been recognised with an induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Polar Music Prize, and the honour of “Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres” from the French Ministry of Culture just to name a few of her accolades.

In November of 1975, Patti Smith and her band recorded her debut album Horses at the famous Electric Lady Studios in New York City. An album that has come to be regarded as a seminal and landmark recording, that continues to have resonance and relevance for succeeding generations of musicians and artists.

Bluesfest will be the final festival performance for Patti Smith and Her Band in Australia. Don’t miss your chance to witness this iconic artist performing for the last time.

Patti Smith and Her Band play at Bluesfest on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 of April

Tour Dates:

Patti Smith and her Band perform Horses

State Theatre, Sydney NSW – SUN 9 APRIL 2017 – ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

State Theatre, Sydney NSW – MON 10 APRIL 2017 - ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

State Theatre, Sydney NSW – TUES 11 APRIL 2017 – FINAL TICKETS SELLING FAST

Hamer Hall, Melbourne VIC – SUN 16 APRIL 2017- ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

Hamer Hall, Melbourne VIC – MON 17 APRIL 2017 - ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

State Theatre, Melbourne VIC – TUE 18 APRIL 2017 - ALLOCATION EXHAUSTED

Last Ever Concert by Patti Smith and Her Band in Australia

Featuring music from Patti’s full rock repertoire

with special guest

Courtney Barnett

in her only scheduled Australian shows this year

Festival Hall, Melbourne VIC – THU 20 APRIL 2017– FINAL TICKETS SELLING FAST

Mary J. Blige

Global R&B superstar Mary J. Blige will be making her Bluesfest debut in 2017. The iconic Grammy Award winner, singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist is a defining voice of the contemporary music era.

Mary J. Blige has amassed an impressive eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards, 32 Grammy nominations, a 2012 Golden Globe nomination and five American Music Awards. She has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and is responsible for a plethora of hit singles including; ‘Be Without You’, ‘No More Drama’ ‘Not Gon’ Cry’, ‘Love Is All We Need’, ‘Seven Days’, ‘All That I Can Say’, ‘Family Affair’ and ‘Just Fine’.

Influenced at an early age by the music of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight, Blige brought her own gritty, urban-rooted style—fusing hip-hop, soul and honest, frank lyrics—to the forefront on her 1992 debut album What’s the 411?. The successful debut featured hits such as ‘You Remind Me’ and ‘Real Love’ and went to number #1 on the Billboard R&B/ Hip Hop Album Chart.

Mary J. Blige has helped redefine the R&B genre as the hit albums followed over the next two decades including her 2005 release The Breakthrough which debuted at number #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Her most recent release and 13th studio album The London Sessions (2014) went to number #1 on the iTunes R&B Chart, and was included in Billboard’s 10 Best R&B Albums of 2014.

It is an absolute honour to welcome R&B royalty Mary J. Blige to Bluesfest.

Mary J. Blige plays Bluesfest on Friday 14 April

Tour dates:

Sydney Opera House, Sydney NSW - MON 10 APRIL 2017

Hamer Hall, Melbourne VIC - WED 12 APRIL 2017

Bonnie Raitt

“one of the most consistent and acclaimed country performers of the past five decades.” – telegraph.co.uk

“Bonnie Raitt continues to exhibit the hot-blooded enthusiasm of performers half her age.” - Variety US

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bonnie Raitt is more than a best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer and accomplished songwriter…. She has become an institution in American Music.

The ten-time Grammy winner is returning with her twentieth album Dig In Deep (2016), the follow up to her critically acclaimed Slipstream (2012). Bonnie Raitt will be joined by her long time touring band: James "Hutch" Hutchinson (bass), Ricky Fataar (drums), and George Marinelli (guitar), along with Mike Finnigan (keyboards).

"I'm feeling pretty charged, and the band and I are at the top of our game," says Bonnie Raitt. "This period of my life is more exciting and vital than I was expecting, and for that I'm really grateful. At this point, I have a lot less to prove and hey, if you're not going to 'Dig In Deep' now, what's the point?"

"I can't wait to get back out on the road and play these songs," she continues. "The band has never sounded better… and the best part is that we know how lucky we are to still get to make our livings doing something we love this much."

Bonnie Raitt plays Bluesfest on Friday April 14

Tour Dates:

State Theatre, Sydney NSW – FRI 7 APRIL 2017

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra ACT – SAT 8 APRIL 2017

Hamer Hall, Melbourne VIC – MON 10 APRIL 2017

Concert Hall QPAC, Brisbane QLD – WED 12 APRIL 2017

Mavis Staples

Mavis Staples, one of the greatest gospel, soul and blues singers of all time, is returning in 2017 for four exclusive Bluesfest performances. Mavis Staples has managed to remain a leading voice in a career that has spanned over 60 years, she recently toured with Bob Dylan on his U.S. Summer tour and released her latest album Livin' on a High Note in 2016. Just last week it was announced that Mavis would be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame this May, a fitting tribute to this living legend.

Mavis Staples plays Bluesfest on Thursday 13, Saturday 15, Sunday 16 and Monday 17 April

Courtney Barnett

Welcome to the world of Courtney Barnett, a hazy place where suburban banalities and procrastination have never sounded so compelling. The Melbourne-based singer, guitarist and songwriter has built a growing legion of local devotees through a series of DIY releases on her own label Milk! Records and now it seems the rest of the world has embraced her – having sold out her most recent tours to rapturous audiences in the UK and USA.

Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit - Mixing witty, often hilarious, occasionally heartbreaking observations with devastating self-assessment, Courtney Barnett’s debut album, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, cements her standing as one of the most distinctive and compelling voices in indie rock. These songs reveal not only an assured songwriter and guitar player, but also an artist who in just a few years has already proved highly influential becoming one of Australia’s biggest music exports

"Rock that works up the scrappy momentum of the Velvet Underground" - New York Times

"Barnett has a gift for turning mundane scenarios into gripping stories... brilliant" – Pitchfork

“Tales that unspool like barstool revelations and sound like some hybrid of Kimya Dawson and Kurt Cobain”

- Rolling Stone

“a perfect summary of the earnest freewheelin’ and rambling wit that makes music from this end of the world just so great” – The Guardian UK

Courtney Barnett plays Bluesfest on Thursday 13 April

Tour date:

Last Ever Concert by Patti Smith and Her Band in Australia

Featuring music from Patti’s full rock repertoire

with special guest

Courtney Barnett

in her only scheduled Australian shows this year

Festival Hall, Melbourne VIC – THU 20 APRIL 2017

Rickie Lee Jones

“This was one of those nights when live music becomes really live, when the bond between performer and audience pushes everyone further than expected.” – Telegraph.co.uk

“Count on Rickie Lee Jones to always burn. Soft or quiet, fast or slow, the woman's soul has such a depth of feeling that everything she does actually means something.” – themortonreport.com

Two-time Grammy winner Rickie Lee Jones exploded onto the pop scene in 1979 and has made a career of fearlessly experimenting with her sound and persona over 15 critically acclaimed albums. Rickie is both a character in the songs and the songwriter singing, defying convention with her sometimes brazen sexuality and the mixed bag of jazz, rock

and what has come to be known as 'confessional' songwriter performances.

Her latest album The Other Side of Desire was written, recorded and rooted in the city of New Orleans, where Jones lives.

Rickie Lee Jones plays Bluesfest on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 of April

Tour dates:

Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne VIC - FRI 7 April 2017

The Gov, Adelaide SA - SAT 8 APRIL 2017

The Basement, Sydney NSW - SUN 9 APRIL 2017

The Basement, Sydney NSW - MON 10 APRIL 2017

Tanks, Cairns QLD - THU 13 APRIL 2017

Corinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae is coming to Australia to perform for the first time at Bluesfest in 2017. She will also be heading out on tour, visiting Sydney and Melbourne in April 2017.

With over five million albums sold, two-time Grammy winner Bailey Rae released her self-titled debut album in 2006, reaching number one in the UK and number four in the U.S. The album featured the global hits ‘Put Your Records On’ and ‘Like A Star’.

Originally the front-woman of an indie band, Bailey Rae's music spans electronic, soul and experimental genres. She has completed her highly anticipated third studio album The Heart Speaks In Whispers which debuted at number three on Billboard's R&B chart. Featuring ‘Been To The Moon’, ‘The Skies Will Break’ and ‘Green Aphrodisiac’, NPR named it one of the 30 albums of the year so far.

The album has gained worldwide acclaim, garnering four and five-star reviews.

“a fascinating listen, one filled with catharsis and inspiration.” – Pitchfork

“What Rae adds to this idealists' songbook is a feminine take that blends dreaminess with nuanced awareness of the heart's hesitations and the need, in life, for clarity… After his death, many fans pointed to Prince's legacy of work with female artists. Rae realizes it here — a woman, not a girl, dreaming in her own colours.” – NPR

Bailey Rae is sure to delight audiences with her soaring vocals and impressive stage presence, don’t miss her Australian premiere performances.

Corinne Bailey Rae plays Bluesfest on Thursday 13 April and Saturday 15 April

Tour dates:

Metro Theatre, Sydney - SUN 16 APRIL 2017

170 Russell, Melbourne - WED 19 APRIL 2017

Beth Hart

Vocal powerhouse Beth Hart gained a reputation as one of the ‘buzz artists’ at Bluesfest in 2014 and 2015, and will be returning in 2017 for Bluesfest exclusive performances. Beth Hart is on fire. Right now, the Grammy nominated singer-songwriter is riding a creative tidal wave, firing out acclaimed albums, hooking up with the biggest names in music and rocking the house each night with that celebrated burnt‐honey voice.

Beth Hart, will be returning to Bluesfest with her new album Fire On The Floor (2016) set for release in Australia this October. Fire On The Floor is the follow up to Beth’s 2015 release Better Than Home, a critical and commercial smash that topped the iTunes Blues Chart and was crowned #4 Best Blues Album Of The Year by Mojo magazine. Fire On The Floor is sure to build on her breakneck momentum and has seen Beth Hart go on an extensive tour that will pack houses all over the world and perform exclusively for Bluesfest next Easter.

Beth Hart plays at Bluesfest on Saturday 15 and Monday 17 April

Laura Mvula

“The singer’s baroque soul, now shot through with heartache, has never sounded quite so polished and concise” – theguardian.com

“the concert – and indeed Mvula herself – oozed sincerity; a real celebration of original, authentic work in the music industry.” – narcmagazine.com

“brilliantly fierce and fiercely brilliant. Mvula has taken personal misery and turned it into musical magic.” – The Evening Standard

As one of the most exciting musical talents to come out of the UK, Laura Mvula has been nominated for the Mercury Prize, BBC Sound poll, the BRITs Critics Choice Award, two BRIT Awards in 2014 (British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act); winning an incredible two MOBO’s in 2013 (Best Female and Best R&B/Soul).

The classically trained vocalist and soul singer-songwriter - who has been compared to the likes of Nina Simone - caught the attention of her musical heroes Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and Prince whilst performing at the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.

Laura Mvula has since gone on to travel the world, selling out shows and captivating crowds. Her sophomore album The Dreaming Room (2016) is an acclaimed follow-up to the universally adored debut album Sing To The Moon (2013).

Laura Mvula plays Bluesfest on Saturday 15, Sunday 16 and Monday 17 April

Tour dates:

Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW - WED 12 April 2017

Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne VIC - THU 13 April 2017

Rhiannon Giddens

The Grammy Award–winning lead singer of African-American folk interpreters Carolina Chocolate Drops, has stepped out on her own, winning over audiences around the world, with as the New York Times put it, “the fervor of a spiritual, the yips of a folk holler, and the sultry insinuation of the blues”.

On her solo debut Tomorrow Is My Turn, Giddens delivers striking renditions of Dolly Parton’s ‘Don’t Let It Trouble Your Mind’, & Hank Cochran’s ‘She’s Got You’, popularised by Patsy Cline. The album incorporates gospel, jazz, Blues, and Country, plus a hint of proto-Rock’n’Roll, and Giddens displays an emotional range to match her dazzling vocal prowess throughout.

Music legend T Bone Burnett says of Giddens. “It was clear the first time I heard her at rehearsal that Rhiannon is next in a long line of singers that includes Marian Anderson, Ethel Waters, Rosetta Tharp, Odetta, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone,” Burnett says. “We need that person in our culture. She is, in fact, that person in our culture.”

“What was on display tonight was the performance of an artist on the cusp of a true critical and commercial breakthrough with a voice that was regal, confident and, at every turn, breathtaking.”

-The Musical Box

“Giddens explores the frontiers of Americana on a solo debut of phenomenal vocal power, effortlessly jumping between gospel holler, tender folk song and lachrymose country ballad.” - The Guardian

Rhiannon Giddens plays Bluesfest on Thursday 13, Friday 14 and Sunday 16 April

Tour dates:

Factory Theatre, Sydney – Saturday 8 April

Corner Hotel, Melbourne – Tuesday 11 April

The Suffers

Featuring the indomitable frontwoman Kam Franklin, The Suffers are Houston’s award-winning 10-piece ensemble that have redefined the sound of Gulf Coast Soul. Last year brought the band to new heights, as they played 150+ shows across North America, visited NPR in Washington, DC for a Tiny Desk Concert, and made their national television debut on Late Show With David Letterman. This year, the band officially released their much anticipated self-titled album in February and performed on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and Jimmy Kimmel Live. The Suffers have quickly progressed from packing Houston venues to accepting invitations for featured performances at notable festivals and events, while remaining a local Houston favourite, accepting 20 Houston Press Music Awards in the last three years

The Suffers play Bluesfest Thursday 13, Friday 14, Sunday 16 and Monday 17 April

Joan Osborne

Love and Hate is particularly satisfying in that it delivers on—and extends—the promise made by her wonderful debut so many years ago.” – Pop Matters

“Ms. Osborne is a fiercely intelligent, no-nonsense singer-songwriter who is allergic to traditional pop sentimentality, though hardly devoid of feeling…As both a songwriter and interpreter; she looks life squarely in the face.” – New York Times

Joan Osborne is multi-platinum selling recording artist and seven-time Grammy nominee. The soulful vocalist and noted song interpreter is a highly sought after collaborator and guest performer who has performed alongside many notable artists, including Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan and Patti Smith to name a few.

Counting such legendary artists as Etta James and Ray Charles as influences, Osborne is firmly rooted in R&B and soul, as evidenced by the soul covers she has recorded on her albums How Sweet It Is, Breakfast In Bed and Bring It On Home, which garnered a Best Blues Album nomination at the 2013 Grammy Awards. Of course she is best known for the worldwide hit ‘One of Us’ that was a true anthem of the 90s and still connects with listeners today.

“I’ve put together this Soul Revue, and for these special performances we’re doing a lot of great R&B and soul…Motown music…it’s just a blast to do,” Osborne says of the new show, which includes a set list full of hits, such as ‘Midnight Train To Georgia,’ ‘Ain’t No Sunshine,’ ‘Heat Wave’ and ‘I Don’t Need No Doctor.’ I love this music — it’s just so joyful and so freeing.”

Joan Osborne plays Bluesfest Thursday 13, Friday 14 and Saturday 15 April

Tour dates:

The Basement, Sydney NSW - SUN 16 April 2017

The Croxton, Melbourne VIC -WED 19 April 2017

Melody Angel

Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, she began playing guitar at the age of thirteen. Even though her mother was barely getting by raising two children alone, she found a way to introduce Melody to her first Fender Stratocaster by buying the guitar out of a window of a pawn shop.

She has been inspired by an array of artists such as, Michael Jackson, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, SRV, Big Mama Thornton, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Slash, Lenny Kravitz, Santana, and Jeff Buckley. Melody explains: “Nina Simone said something in the 60s that resonated with me so much that it changed the course of my life forever. She showed me that singing my truth could help free and inspire my people. One voice could change the world. Nina Simone said, " I chose to reflect the times and situations in which I find myself. That to me is my duty". Growing up in Chicago is really hard on a young Black kid. I had to deal with so much injustice and flat out racism, that I thought that was all the world would ever show me. Music saved me from that hopeless reality, and took me all over the world! The truth of my history, and my present circumstance empowers me to walk this earth with my head held high, because I know survival is in my blood. Knowledge is my power and I want to feed that knowledge to my community, the only way I know how, and that's with a microphone at my lips and a Fender Strat in my hand.”

In her single ‘In This America’ which is dedicated to “all the mothers that have lost their black sons unjustly” she sings “How do I know it’s safe to have a son in this America?” and it is impossible not to be moved by her powerful words and heartbreaking delivery. Melody Angel is an important voice and one that deserves to be heard around the world.

“Besides her playing, what makes Angel such a powerful performer, is her strongly impassioned vocals. We can’t wait to see her continue to grow. What a future she has! If you get a chance to catch Ms. Angel live, do it!” - American Blues Scene

Melody Angel plays Bluesfest on Thursday 13, Friday 14, Saturday 15 and Monday 17 April

Irish Mythen

True power inspires awe - lyrical, musical and personal Irish Mythen packs a lot of it. After seeing Irish Mythen perform you’re left wanting more. No wonder Bluesfest fans were requesting the return of the globetrotting troubadour. An Irish born, contemporary Canadian folk artist mesmerized the Bluesfest audience in 2016, and so her impactful and impressive live show returns in 2017.

A tour-de-force that finds Irish combining her contemporary and catchy anthems with traditional tunes borrowed from her homeland, woven together with a signature blend of edgy humour and heartfelt storytelling. Irish Mythen might be small-statured, but this powerhouse simply commands attention with her presence and charisma.

Irish Mythen plays Bluesfest on Thursday 13, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April

THE 2017 ARTIST DAILY PLAYING SCHEDULE IS AVAILABLE ON BLUESFEST.COM.AU All 5, 3 & 1 day festival and camping tickets are now on sale through bluesfest.com.au or by phoning the Bluesfest office on 02 6685 8310.