35th ANNIVERSARY BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
EASTER 2024 28 MARCH- 1 APRIL 2024
FIRST ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT
Over 20 Artists Announced, with More to Come
Jack Johnson I Tom Jones
The Teskey Brothers I Matt Corby I L.A.B
Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos
Tommy Emmanuel
The Dead South I The Paper Kites
Drive-by Truckers I Newton Faulkner I Steve Poltz
19-Twenty I Taj Farrant I Erja Lyytinen I Harry Manx
Here Come The Mummies
Clayton Doley’s Bayou Billabong
Little Quirks I Hussy Hicks I Blues Arcadia
RocKwiz Live
The wait is over! Bluesfest, Australia’s most awarded music festival, has revealed the first wave of headlining artists set to grace the stages at Bluesfest 2024.
With an eclectic mix of legendary performers and rising stars, the 35th anniversary of Bluesfest is gearing up to deliver an unforgettable showcase of artists.
A word from our Festival Director, Peter Noble OAM
It’s Bluesfest Byron Bay’s 35th Birthday next Easter, and as usual, we’ll be rolling out multiple artist announcements over the coming months, and our first one is today!
Surfer, artist, filmmaker, humanitarian, and environmentalist Jack Johnson, who first played Bluesfest in 2001 as a virtually unknown artist, will return for one exclusive performance, the only one he is scheduled to play in Australia in 2024.
Jack is one of the most loved artists to play Bluesfest, and with over 24,000,000 album sales since we first toured him, we can’t wait to welcome him back. Jack last played Bluesfest in 2019 on our 30th Birthday.
Welsh national treasure Tom Jones has had over 100 million album sales, and 36 top 40 hits, including It’s Not Unusual, Delilah, Sex Bomb, Green, Green, Grass of Home, and so many more. The last time Tom Jones played Bluesfest was in 2016, and he had his manager personally contact Bluesfest to ask to return in 2024. We can’t wait!
There are so many other great Australian and International artists coming to perform, including the most requested artist to return to Bluesfest after their show-stopping 2022 performance: The Teskey Brothers.
We also have favourites L.A.B., Elvis Costello, Peter Garrett, Tommy Emmanuel, first-timers and internet sensations The Dead South. Drive-by Truckers are returning after a 15-year absence from our stages. Returning by popular demand is 19-Twenty and so many more.
Special mention to wunderkind blues guitarist and singer Taj Farrant, who, at the age of 14 years, has almost one million Facebook followers and just secured the number one single on the iTunes Blues chart worldwide; he is going to be a superstar.
This is only our first announcement, with so many more to come. We have 3 and 5-day tickets that are now on sale; one-day tickets will be announced soon.
Please come and join us on our 35th Birthday for another memorable edition of Bluesfest Byron Bay.
Peter Noble OAM
Festival Director
Bluesfest
The artists included in Bluesfest’s first announcement are as follows:
- Jack Johnson (Exclusive): Returning to his spiritual home of Bluesfest, where he’ll be performing his only Australian show for 2024, is Jack Johnson. Having released seven studio albums and two live albums, Jack has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, thanks to hits such as Better Together, Banana Pancakes, and Taylor. With his laid-back yet emotionally charged melodies, his music is like a warm embrace that transports you to a beachside paradise of musical bliss.
- Tom Jones: Widely considered to be one of the greatest singers and recording artists of all time, legendary Welsh crooner Tom Jones has sold 100 million records with hits such as Not Unusual, Sex Bomb, andDeliah. Sir Tom continues to sustain his popularity worldwide, captivating audiences with his timeless discography of hit songs and enduring talent and charisma.
- The Teskey Brothers: The most requested band by Bluesfest 2023festival goers. The Teskey Brothers have proven themselves capable of their own magic, reaching global success in a fashion most unexpected for a blues band out of Melbourne. Their soul-drenched take on rock, folk and blues across three studio albums has struck an undeniable chord with music lovers around the world. 2023’s The Winding Way is no exception, landing at #1 on the ARIA album chart and receiving critical acclaim.
- Matt Corby: Matt Corby is an Australian singer-songwriter who achieved his commercial breakthrough with his fourth EP, Into the Flame (2011), which peaked at No. 3 on the ARIA Singles Chart, and by April 2012, was certified 6 × Platinum by ARIA. The last time Matt played Bluesfest was 2014 and we’re excited to have him back.
- L.A.B: After winning Best Group, Best Song and Best Album two years in a row at the New Zealand Music Awards, taking out Best Record at the 2022 Rolling Stone Awards and being voted New Zealand’s Best Live Act by Radio New Zealand, L.A.B is on fire. Their groove blends an eclectic mix of reggae, blues, funk, rock and electronic – all combining to create a sound entirely their own.
- Elvis Costello & The Imposters: Elvis Costello’s career is legendary, spanning more than four decades and thirty-plus albums, with classics such as Alison, Pump It Up, Everyday I Write The Book, (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love and Understanding. With his razor-sharp wit, poetic storytelling, and an unmatched ability to blend rock, new wave, and beyond, Costello is a musical chameleon who never fails to surprise and captivate. Also performing shows at the Sydney Opera House and The Palais Theatre, Melbourne.
- Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos:The iconic frontman of Midnight Oil, Peter Garrett, returns to Bluesfest with his band The Alter Egos (which includes Oils guitarist Martin Rotsey), promising a high-octane set fuelled by their unique blend of rock and passion for social change. Performing songs from his solo discography and a couple from Midnight Oil, festivalgoers can expect a musical journey through the many faces of Peter Garrett.
- Tommy Emmanuel(Exclusive): The real-time exuberance Tommy Emmanuel brings to every note of every song he plays is palpable and infectious. An international guitar virtuoso and captivating performer, Tommy’s live shows are a spellbinding experience of musical mastery. Now living in the US, this will be Tommy’s only show in Australia in 2024.
- The Dead South: Having achieved remarkable success through their unique fusion of bluegrass, The Dead South have captivated audiences worldwide. Their breakthrough hit ‘In Hell I’ll Be in Good Company, went viral, amassing 370 million views and introducing their signature sound to a global fanbase.
- The Paper Kites: The Paper Kites are a folk/rock five-piece from Melbourne, Australia. The ARIA-nominated group have released five studio albums, with their most recent record, Roses (2021), garnering over 88 million streams and Double J’s Feature Album. They received 160 million streams in 2022 alone from their 6.5 million monthly listeners – and over 1 billion streams across their catalogue.
- Drive-by Truckers:Whether you are a die-hard fan or discovering the Drive-by Truckers for the first time, witnessing them live is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Southern Rock and the human experience. They last played Bluesfest in 2009, and it’s been way too long.
- Newton Faulkner: Having achieved remarkable success through his exceptional musical talents and innovative approach to acoustic folk-pop, Newton Faulkner quickly rose to prominence with the success of his debut album Hand Built by Robots. Newton’s subsequent albums, Rebuilt by Humansand Studio Zoo, demonstrate his growth as a musician.
- Steve Poltz:There is no common denominator to Steve’s fans, with a varied cult following including fellow musicians, music lovers, and festival goers who stumble on his colourful performances. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Steve toured and recorded with San Diego cult favourites The Rugburns, but it was his creative partnership with Jewel that he vaulted into the international spotlight; co-writing her multiplatinum Billboard Hot 100-busting smash, “You Were Meant For Me”.
- 19-Twenty:Returning to Bluesfest for the third time in a row, 19-Twenty knocks the socks off everyone who sees them live. 19-Twenty is an electric riff and groove-based blue-billy-grass-rockin’-roots band. They have been performing their high-energy sonic party nationally, headlining sell-out shows and festivals in all states and territories. Constantly on the road or in the sky, they have toured seven times around Oz and performed gigs throughout Europe.
- Taj Farrant:14-year-old guitarist Taj Farrant is a virtuoso in waiting. This young Australian musician developed a passion for guitar at 7 years of age and has since been recognised worldwide. Taj has appeared on major international TV shows such as The Ellen Show and played alongside stars like Carlos Santana. Taj’s single ‘Crossroads’ created waves when it entered at #29 on the overall charts and entered in at #1 on both the Australian and US Blues Singles charts.
- Erja Lyytinen (Exclusive):Finnish sensation Erja Lyytinen is among the leading blues-rock guitarists on the international touring circuit. During a recording career spanning 19 years, the High-Flying Finn has released twelve studio and several live albums. Lyytinen was voted ‘The Best Guitarist of the Year’ in the European Blues Awards in 2017. She has performed with Carlos Santana, who refers to her as ‘lightning’.
- Harry Manx: Canadian musician Harry Manx is a seven-time Maple Blues award winner, Folk Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and has six Juno nominations. Manx is often called the “Mysticssippi” Blues Man because, musically, Harry lives where the depth of Indian music meets the deep groove of the Blues. Blend Indian folk melodies with slide guitar blues, add a sprinkle of gospel and some compelling grooves, and you’ve got Manx ‘Mysticssippi’.
- Here Come The Mummies (Exclusive): No other band is quite like the Nashville-based‘Here Come The Mummies’. This eight-piece funk-rock band, dressed as 5000-year-old Egyptian Mummies, have a one-track mind. Their “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” will surely get you into them (and possibly vice versa). Since their discovery, HCTM has supported P-Funk, Al Green, Mavis Staples, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Cheap Trick; rocked Super Bowl Village; become a regular on The Bob and Tom Show; and appeared on Jimmy Fallon.
- Clayton Doley’s Bayou Billabong: Clayton Doley is a giant of the Australian Blues Scene, Sydney Blues Society’s Keyboard Player of the Year for the fifth year running; Clayton has played with a who’s who of international artists. His virtuosity on the Hammond organ is unmatched and has seen him tour the world performing with artists such as Christone ’Kingfish’ Ingram, Joe Bonamassa, Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington and Eugene Hideaway Bridges – to name a few.
- Little Quirks:Little Quirks are a breath of fresh, unbridled joy. Made up of four family members (siblings and cousins) from Central Coast, NSW the band is one of Australia’s best kept secrets with an undeniable knack for writing catchy folk pop songs. Their live shows are explosive and powerful – a smile inducing experience for the masses that brings soaring melodies and pounding rhythms to the fore.
- Hussy Hicks: Hussy Hicks, the dynamic duo of Leesa Gentz and Julz Parker, have conquered the last decade of the Australian music industry with their unique blend of folk, blues, country, and roots.With their innovative approach and relentless drive to stretch themselves creatively, Hussy Hicks have continued to innovate and push boundaries with their music and projects, captivating audiences worldwide.
- Blues Arcadia:Three-time Australian Blues Music Award winners and Australian Roots Music Award nominees, Blues Arcadia continue to forge their reputation as dirty-soul heroes by injecting fresh new energy into 21st-century rhythm and blues. US magazine Blues Blast claims that “with them, the future of blues is secure”.
- RocKwiz Live:Bluesfest welcomes back the fantastic RocKwiz Live quiz show that combines music and quiz elements to bring an interactive and entertaining experience to the stage, hosted by the very funny Julia Zemiro. Audiences can expect laughter, surprises, and, of course, exceptional live music.
Bluesfest, held for five days in Byron Bay over the Easter Long Weekend, has been recognised as one of the Top 10 Festivals of the Decade by the industry bible, Pollstar. Pollstar has also nominated Bluesfest ten times in the Best International Festival category.
Bluesfest has also recently been awarded gold for NSW North Coast Tourism Awards and won Gold for Best Festival or Event at the NSW Tourism Awards in 2022.
Bluesfest Festival Director Peter Noble said today, “These incredible artists are just the beginning: there is much more to come! Bluesfest 2024 will continue to announce exceptional artists throughout the year and in the lead-up to the festival.”
“Those attending can look forward to fantastic music, stellar performances, and memories that will last a lifetime”.
“So, mark your calendars and join us for Bluesfest 2024, where we celebrate the spirit of live music”. Peter Noble said today.
Bluesfest will occur over the Easter Long Weekend from 28 March to 1 April 2024. Tickets for Bluesfest 2024 are for sale via Moshtix on www.bluesfest.com.au/tickets/
