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Focus on Little Georgia
The official camera operators get prime locations as they record live performances.
I’ve said it before: for a country with a small population, Australia has a disproportionate wealth of musical talent (see: The Local Lineup).
I look forward to the annual Easter long-weekend Byron Bay Bluesfest: it can invariably be relied upon to serve up a range of quality musicians. It is a joy to discover new performers and revisit some old favourites.
Of course, with acts on five or more stages at any given time, it is hard to know what to chose! There are always plenty of big international acts vying for attention. But, I also enjoy the ‘smaller’ acts in the more intimate tents, and I’m consistently impressed by the depth and breadth of talent on Australia’s music scene. One of the first tasks I undertake when we arrive is to check out the artists’ list on the phone app, and to flag the bands that most interest me.
After that, I just follow the sounds – because it is all bound to be good.
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Vying for a View : Shaun Kirk
Independent Australian soul and blues singer, songwriter, and musician, Shaun Kirk accompanies his guitar with harmonica, stomp box, tambourine, high hat, cymbal, kick and snare drum. (iPhone6)
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Shaun Kirk
Shaun performs soulful blues with a deep raspy voice; …
Shaun Kirk under Lights
… it has been said he has “one of the finest blues voices this country has ever heard”.
Caiti Baker
I’ve posted about some of the fabulous Australian women – including the R&B/Soul singer Caiti Baker – before (see: Aussie Women Rock the Blues).
All Our Exes Live in Texas
Like All our Exes Live in Texas, they were all worth more than one listen (see: Aussie Women Rock the Blues)!
Dancing in the Rain
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
– Vivian Greene
The rain always falls over Bluesfest at some time: festival regulars are prepared.
Tash Sultana
Self-taught singer songwriter, beat boxer, vocalist, guitar tapper and loopologist, the energetic Tash Sultana has been playing guitar since she was three (see: Aussie Women Rock the Blues).
Tay Oskee
Winner of the Byron Bay Bluesfest Busking Competition in 2017, Tay Oskee is a multi- instrumentalist with a strong connection to the Australian land.
Camera on Little Georgia
Delightful folk-grunge duo Little Georgia have an infectious sweetness in their music.
Ashleigh Mannix with Little Georgia
Sun-touched and ferocious, Ashleigh Mannix’s voice carries Little Georgia’s original folksy-country lyrics…
Justin Carter with Little Georgia
… while Justin Carter’s harmonies weave through.
Acrobats
When the weather clears, there is always something going on outside the tents.
Evening Tents
Friends and families gather in groups on the lawns outside the tents: close to the food and beer, within earshot of the music, and with line-of-sight to the big screens.
Steve Smyth
There is no doubting the passion and enthusiasm of alternative indie rocker Steve Smyth.
Steve Smyth
Originally from the South Coast of New South Wales, Steve grew up travelling around Australia with his minister-parents, and has been travelling and playing music most of his life.
Jeff Lang
Gifted guitarist-songwriter-vocalist-producer, Jeff Lang is a mainstay of the Australian music scene.
Jeff Lang
Blending folk, blues, and rock in his self-described “disturbed folk” style, Jeff has been called ‘a national treasure’.
Uppercut
Most of the kiosks on site offer food or clothing; this one offering haircuts was new this year, and seemed to be doing a good business.
Hussy Hicks
Any regular visitor to this page has heard me rave about Hussy Hicks: Julz Parker’s screaming guitar and Leesa Gentz’s soaring vocals get me every time. (See: Wash my Blues Away or Back to the Roots of Music.)
Clayton Doley’s Bayou Billabong
Best known for his keyboard virtuosity – especially on the Hammond Organ, Clayton Doleyis a fixture in the Australian musical community.
Arriving Early
Monday, the last festival day, greeted us with perfectly clear blue skies.
Dog Trumpet
I was determined to catch Dog Trumpet: a quirky Australian-based pop-rock band formed by founding members of Mental As Anything: …
Peter O’Doherty – Dog Trumpet
… New Zealand-born brothers Peter O’Doherty …
Reg Mombassa – Dog Trumpet
… and Chris O’Doherty, aka Reg Mombassa.
Bernie Hayes – Dog Trumpet
Australian singer/songwriter Bernie Hayes joined them on guitar and vocals.
There was no question: the local performers held their own! I loved them all – and can’t wait to see what next year has lined up.
Until then,
Keep Smiling!
Pictures: 29March-2April2018
