THIS EASTER WEEKEND
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LIFTOUT!
THURSDAY TO MONDAY APRIL 13–17 TYAGARAH TEA TREE FARM, BYRON BAY IN THIS GUIDE:
FULL PLAYING SCHEDULE PERFORMER HIGHLIGHTS INTERVIEWS +MORE
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY
There’s something for everyone at Bluesfest TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS AGO Byron Bluesfest was born. A modest event with big dreams, it was seeded by a passion for blues and gospel and delta rhythms. As it turns out, that passion hit a pulse, and this unlikely event has become one of the world’s most iconic musical events. Listed yearly alongside Monterey and Glastonbury as one of the world’s best festivals, it’s no wonder why. Even my kids, avid music festival-goers, list Bluesfest as their absolute favourite festival, which was a bit of a surprise for me as I would have thought they found the hordes of ‘old people’ off-putting. Not the case. They tell me it’s the mix of people, finding musicians they’d never heard of, or watching ‘oldies’ groove along to ‘their’ music that makes it such a buzz. Music really does bring people together, and Bluesfest offers the ultimate immersive experience for the music lover. Over the decades I have virtually seen every act I ever wanted to see right here in my own
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backyard. Of course it’s not just blues any more; the bill, like the festival, has grown and diversified to encapsulate a broader audience of music lovers who aren’t bound by genre or demographic. Boomerang Festival is the pearl within the oyster at Bluesfest, showcasing some of the country’s finest Indigenous musicians, speakers and artisans in what has become the festival within a festival. While Boomerang didn’t manage to secure the funding it needed right away to be a standalone event, Bluesfest wasn’t going to see this very important event wither and die, and so Bluesfest offers festival-goers a change of pace and a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the music and culture of our First Nations peoples. And yes, it’s been raining. A lot. For seasoned festival-goers that just means pack the gumboots. There will be mud. But mud is part of the experience. Bring a change of clothes in the car. An anorak. A designated
driver. Enjoying a five-day event such as Bluesfest is about research. It’s about planning. It’s a musical expedition to another world. So you need to read up. Make your choices. Whom do you want to see? I suggest reading this guide closely. Get your texta out and get a system happening – there are the must-sees; they are the big names that have got your musical taste buds going. But also remember that festivals such as Blues are about discovery. Whom are you going to add to your musical palette? I’ve always found this part of festival-going a bit stressful. That’s when I’ve started watching something and my FOMOOAAOAS really kicks in. That’s Fear Of Missing Out On An Act On Another Stage. I have found the trick is to dig in. Sit with your choice for a while. Listen to what people are recommending. That’s how I found St Paul and the Broken Bones last year at their debut performance. Their performance was so impressive and had such a big impact that
punters petitioned for them to be back for 2017. And of course they’re back. So who is the act that I have earmarked as my must-see? Why Patti Smith of course. Horses was the first album I bought as a young adult. A true renaissance woman, an author, an artist and performer, she is gloriously botox and makeup free and still confidently at the top of her game. Byron Bay Bluesfest brings the world’s best blues and related artists to play the home ground at Tyagarah this Easter long weekend. With something for everyone. Get a ticket now. Life’s too short for regrets, especially musical ones. Cos while Spotify is great, nothing beats the LIVE experience! All 5-, 3- and 1-day festival and camping tickets are currently on sale through www. bluesfest.com.au or by phoning the Bluesfest office on 02 6685 8310, but will be taken off sale next week at the latest. – Mandy Nolan
The Byron Shire Echo April 12, 2017 31