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Leesa Gentz
Leesa Gentz doing what she does best: raising the roof with her band Hussy Hicks at this year’s Byron Bay Bluesfest.
I always look forward to the annual Easter long-weekend Byron Bay Bluesfest. The environment is relaxed, and although the weather can be challenging, the music is always fine!
As much as I love the opportunity to enjoy performers from around the world (e.g.: Spotlight on International Performers; and Dancing in the Dark), especially those I have loved since my youth (see: Old Rockers, Punk and Protest), I also marvel at the depth of talent available closer to home. Every year, I enjoy a sampling of Australian artists (e.g.: The Locals): both old favourites and new finds.
This year was no exception! I was thrilled to float across the large festival grounds, and to sample from the very different acts on the stages in five tents at any given time. For me, half the fun is trying to get portraits that say something about the performers, in the unpredictable stage lighting. These shots are taken on my old Canon 6D with a EF70-200 lens (with no Image Stabilisation!) at f 2.8 and ISO 1600 or 3200, and post-processed in an old version of Lightroom.
I had fun – I hope you enjoy!
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Tash Sultana
Self-taught singer-songwriter, beat boxer, vocalist, instrumentalist and loopologist, the energetic and irrepressible Tash Sultana is extraordinary! You can’t help but smile and dance as she sets up her layers of sound.
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Caiti Baker
She swings, she rocks: she belongs in a smokey, jazzy, blues club: Caiti Baker is one of my favourites!
Caiti Baker
Billed as an R&B/Soul singer-songwriter, Caiti was raised in a house full of blues, soul, gospel and rock & roll, and crosses all the genres.
Caiti Baker and John Bartlett
The attached music track Rough Old Town (above) is Caiti’s tribute to the rustic rural communities of Australia.
Leesa Gentz and Lukas Nelson
One of the great joys of festivals is collaboration! Our own Leesa Gentz from Hussy Hicks was called on to join Lukas Nelson and POTR on stage for some powerhouse vocals. Even she looks a bit star-struck!
Nicky Bomba
This is my new favourite: Nicholas Caruana aka Nicky Bomba, Maltese-born Australian musician-singer-songwriter and band frontman, …
Melbourne Ska Orchestra
… fills the stage with people, and fills the tent with joyous sound.
Melbourne Ska Orchestra
Bomba formed the ARIA Award-winning Melbourne Ska Orchestra (MSO) in 2003.
Horns in your Face!
The MSO ranges from 26 to 34 members, playing music from the golden ska period, …
More Horns – MSO
… and clearly enjoying every minute. I returned for a second performance; both were infectious smile-inducing toe-tapping experiences.
Night Shopping
The festival grounds are full of delightful boutique shopping – if you can tear yourself away from the music!
Afternoon Entertainment
During the days, the festival atmosphere brings out performers from the local community.
Acrobats
These young men are clearly enjoying themselves, …
Acrobats
… and are very well practiced.
Tex Perkins
I’ve loved Tex Perkins’ story-telling and his sweet, raspy baritone …
Tex Perkins
… since his 2000 Dark Horses album.
Tex Perkins
One writer has called the Dark Horses ‘soulful mid-tempo pub rock’.
Tex Perkins
Thando
Thando Sikwila is a Zimbabwean-born Australian R&B soulsinger, songwriter and actor based in Melbourne.
Thando
Others knew her from her appearance on The Voice Australia or from her role in the local production of Dreamgirls, but she was new to me.
Thando
Her effortlessly soaring vocals and joyful performance of original uplifting, heartfelt, soulful R&B songs won me over completely.
Hussy Hicks
Any regular visitor to this page has heard me rave about Hussy Hicks before. (e.g.: The Local Lineup; Aussie Women Rock.)
Julz Parker – Hussy Hicks
Julz is regularly listed among Australia’s top guitar players, and was voted fifth in the Bluesfest’s Guitar Hero fan poll. Not bad, considering she was pipped by Santana and BB King!
Leesa Gentz – Hussy Hicks
Leesa’s vocals loop and soar and give me chills. She also does a little percussion, a little guitar, and a whole lot of smiling.
Ali Foster – Hussy Hicks
The newest addition to the Hussy Hicks line-up is drummer Ali Foster. She is having as much fun as the rest of us.
Tracy Bassy and Leesa Gentz – Hussy Hicks
Bass guitar and vocals – playing off each other.
Father Parker with Hussy Hicks
Guitarist Julz Parker’s father joins the women on stage for a couple of numbers with his harmonica.
Julz Parker and Marshall Okell
Byron Bay guitarist Marshall Okell joins Hussy Hicks on stage to duel guitars.
Leesa Gentz
In the end, Hussy Hicks always bring the house down.
They can lift you up or break your heart; they can make you smile or have you in tears.
But, our local talents are unlikely to leave you unaffected!
I have my tickets for next year.
Who’s joining me?
Pictures: 18-22April2019
was a great read Greg, you must be a very proud father and from one music father to another as my lad is accomplished lead ax man in darwin. love the page will try to get tickets for nexy years BBBF and maybe will hook up that would be a treat.well done Greg Parker regards Sambo.
Thanks for visiting, John!
Hope all is well with you John.. nice memories…