Yes folks, get set for the galactic party of a lifetime to begin as Bluesfest today unveils YET ANOTHER amazing, star-studded line up of musical madness! And watch this space for yet more artists… you may be thinking Bluesfest 2011 is at capacity, but people, we still ain’t finished yet!
Festival director Peter Noble said, “It’s all coming together in a lineup that highlights what makes Bluesfest unique: a joyous, inclusive atmosphere with simply the best musicians on the planet, from multiple cultures, across all generations, who ABSOLUTELY DELIVER the tastiest gumbo mix of blues, roots, reggae, gospel, funk, hip hop, and soul.
“I’m often asked: how does Bluesfest keep growing while staying fresh and relevant? Well, we keep it simple with such great artists you cannot sit still to, who pump up the feel good factor, and who represent the finest musicianship on earth. One look across the 2011 Bluesfest lineup, and well, it ain’t surprising that some industry pundits are asking: ‘Hang on, could this be the best festival lineup in Australian history???’
“Well, for Bluesfest, it may just be… but hey, we’ll leave the speculation to you guys!”
The NEXT Bluesfest announcement for 2011 includes:
Grace Jones (New Date Added – TUESDAY April 26th , Public Holiday. Friday April 22nd, sold out); Little Feat, Fishbone, Cecilia Noël, Osibisa, Leah Flanagan; Kim Churchill, Grace Woodroofe, The Red Eyes, Lowrider, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Jack Thompson & The Original Sinners, Bayjah, The Aggrolites, Wagons, Resin Dogs and Yodelice.
BRING IT ON!
But be quick folks, Tickets are running out fast!
TICKETS NEWS
Take note please:
There are still single day tickets for the Thursday and Tuesday at Bluesfest 2011, all other single day tickets Friday/Saturday/Sunday & Monday are all now sold out!
On our 6th Day –Tuesday April 26th, there are single-day tickets left as mentioned, and please note that gates open at 11am and music finishes at 10pm, allowing for everyone to get home in plenty of time for work the next day!
Here’s a little info on each of the NEW artists announced today – for full bios visit the Bluesfest web site!
Little Feat – distinctive Californian-style songwriting, exceptional musicians and an eclectic blend of R&B, country, blues and rock and roll are the foundations behind Little Feat’s 42 year career. Yet another classic artist to add to Bluesfest 2011!
Fishbone – Definitely a Bluesfest favourite, and back for now their 3rd appearance, Fishbone is on festival director Peter Noble’s top 10 list of the best bands to ever play Bluesfest! Do not miss them and their charged blend of ska, funk, punk and rock complete with trademark humour and sharp social commentary. The LA -based Fishbone began in 1979, came to fame in the late 1980s, and influenced countless bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus, Public Enemy, and Jane’s Addiction along the way.
Cecilia Noël – all the way from Peru, here is the Queen of Salsoul, Cecilia Noël – sometimes also known as the Latin Tina Turner – serving up a potent blend of salsa, soul, jazz, funk, and afro-Cuban rhythms. Noël also performs and records with husband and former Men At Work front man, Colin Hay!
Osibisa – another exclusive Bluesfest appearance, Osibisa are no less than the ORIGINAL SUPERSTARS OF AFRICAN MUSIC! Their energetic and spiritual fusion of African, Caribbean, jazz, rock, Latin and R&B sounds feature Criss-Cross rhythms that just explode with happiness! Still regarded as one of the best live African/World Music bands performing today,
CLASSIC Osibisa songs include: “The Dawn Song”, “Woyaya”, “Welcome Home”, and “Sunshine Day.” And their seminal albums Osibisa, Woyaya, Heads, and Welcome Home are bedrock essential must have recordings in any complete collection of 60’s and 70’s music. Come see why they’ve influenced so many African performers and are responsible for introducing African music to European and North American audiences.
Leah Flanagan – a wonderful artist and one of the leading lights of the vibrant Darwin music scene, Leah Flanagan claims a unique blend of Australian indigenous, Italian and Irish heritage which compliments her diverse and unique take on folk/country music. As a result of her first appearance at Bluesfest 2008, Leah is now headlining festivals all over Australia and just completed the Jimmy Buffet tour as his special guest. Her new, second CD release, Nirvana Nights, is nothing short of sublime and Jeff Apter from the SMH ain’t joking when he says, “Equal parts Lucinda Williams and Shirley Bassey, Flanagan is a rich talent.”
Kim Churchill – Another proud Bluesfest discovery, Kim Churchill is a rising star of the Australian guitar playing and roots music scene. He won the Bluesfest Byron Buskers competition in 2009, then proceeded to become the highest selling artist at our CD tent at Bluesfest 2010 – I’m mean, wow, c’mon – he even beat out all the big name international artists! Kim is now touring the world, backed by U.S. and Canadian agency representation, so folks, check him out (and his distinctive finger picking and slide guitar melodies) because you can say you saw him when, before he became huge!
Grace Woodroofe – This exceedingly talented, 20-year-old indie-blues chanteuse from Perth was signed to The Masses Music Company founded by the late Heath Ledger, who played a major role in discovering her. Her debut, Always Want was produced by Ben Harper who describes her as one of the best young artists he’s heard, saying, “she’s just so world-class.” He ain’t joking folks, so make sure you come and find out why!
The Red Eyes – People, the word is out – The Red Eyes are definitely on the next big thing list. These Melbourne-based dub/reggae superstars bring their unique sound, masterfully produced beats, and soulful lyrics to Bluesfest and we can’t wait! The seven core members of the band are all talented multi-instrumentalists who lead riotous, larger-than –life performances, and appearances at festivals throughout Australia have earned them BIG fans across the whole country!
Lowrider – Adelaide funk/soul foursome Lowrider, after forming in 2004, developed a reputation for putting on an awesome live show, and this has seen them perform with some of the biggest acts to tour Australia including Christina Aguilera, Lupe Fiasco, and Alicia Keys! Get along to see Lowrider for an injection of their melodic, vintage urban soul!
Melbourne Ska Orchestra – An institution on the Melbourne music scene, the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, led by Jon Butler Trio drummer Nicky Bomba is a 26 piece ska orchestra extravaganza! Conducted by Nicky in his ad hoc style, the music covers the golden ska period of 1963 (Skatalites/Wailers) through to the British Two Tone craze (Madness , Specials,etc) and anything positive and significant in between!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jack Thompson & The Original Sinners – Here is a real treat for Bluesfest fans: an Australian super group – getting together for a one time only performance at Bluesfest 2011! Featuring no less than Jack Thompson, AM – The Quintessential all – Australian actor , thinker, social activist, Poet, larrikin, all round good bloke (and of course much loved and respected star of acclaimed films like Breaker Morant, The Man from Snowy River, The Sum of Us, Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil, Mao’s Last Dancer, Australia, The Assassination of Richard Nixon, and Bourke & Wills) – and did you know, Jack’s an accomplished blues harmonica player too? Joining Jack as his ALL STAR BAND are other music legends Normie Rowe (vocals) and Kevin Borich (vocals & guitar). To start with Normie Rowe – this is the guy who was Australia’s most popular male star in the 1960s and has had more hit records than anyone else in the history of Aussie music. That’s right, more than even The Easybeats, John Farnham, The Bee Gees (whilst they resided here), Air Supply, and Cold Chisel – impressive! Normie’s hits have included: “Shaken all Over”, “It Ain’t Necessarily So”, “ Stay With Me Baby”, “I (Who Have Nothing)”, “Que Sera Sera”, “Tell Him I’m Not Home”, “Ooh La La””Pride & Joy”, and “It’s Not Easy”! Now, Kevin Borich is “one of the most celebrated guitar players in the history of Australian rock”, as Australian rock music historian, Ian McFarlane points out. Originally from New Zealand, and a founding member and of The La De Das (writing their classic hit `Gonna See My Baby Tonight’), the leader of Kevin Borich Express, and a founding member of The Party Boys, there’s not much Kevin hasn’t done as a songwriter and session player. He’s performed at some of Australia’s biggest rock events including the 1972 Sunbury Pop Festival and the late 1970s Rockarena tours with 60,000 people, featuring Fleetwood Mac, Santana and The Little River Band. He played in two New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Sydney Opera House with 70,000 people as well as support shows for international acts including Elton John, Status Quo, Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy! Rounding out the ALL STAR band is bass player Harry Brus. Harry is known in the music industry as a unique stylist, widely recognised as a powerful and sensitive player with tons of credibility. An Australian bass player and guitarist, Harry is best known for his work with Matt Finish, Kevin Borich, Renée Geyer, Australian Crawl, Leo Sayer, Marcia Hines, Jimmy Barnes, Ross Wilson and the late, great Billy Thorpe. So folks, if you want yet another exclusive, special treat from Bluesfest 2011 – make sure you catch the unique and infectious fun of JACK THOMPSON & THE ORIGINAL SINNERS!
Bayjah – New Innisfail indigenous rock four piece Bayjah are making quite a name for themselves across Australia with the launch of their debut album, “Between”. Bayjah, which means “native ginger” in the group’s native Jiddabal language, are proud to play their own original rock songs which are blended with the sound of the didgeridoo.
The Aggrolites – A Californian ska/punk band that also blend in a tough style of reggae, The Aggrolites, are heading for their debut Bluesfest performance! These guys are in the same vein as Slightly Stoopid – and like just about all ska punk bands from Cali – are heavily influenced by Fishbone. Renowned for the melodious ska reggae grooves, The Aggrolites popularity has grown since they formed in 2002, the band supporting greats such as Prince Buster and Culture lead singer Joseph Hill.
Wagons – Back again after wowing Bluesfest audiences last year, Melbourne alt-country band Wagons are a group of gentlemen with incredible talent, range and ability. United by the love of the music of Scott Walker, Lee Hazelwood, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond and the harmonies of the Louvin’ Brothers, five school friends banded together in the late 90’s to perform the songs of their enigmatic leader, Henry Wagons.
Resin Dogs – Here’s another local Bluesfest fan favourite! Bound to get the party started are Brisbane’s Resin Dogs, a loose collective of talented musicians and DJs who take an inspiring and original cut and paste approach to music. Mixing live music, turntables and guest MCs, Resin Dogs produce a mash up of sounds; modern hip hop is drenched with breakbeat, dance hall, dub and funk!
Yodelice – With a voice reminiscent of Cat Stevens or Ray LaMontagne and songs that are a blend influences ranging from ethnic folk songs to JJ Cale, French pop singer songwriter Yodelice will bring his lush act to Bluesfest 2011 for the first time.
