Bluesfest 2014 – Only 4 Weeks to go!
Adding the final touches to a mighty 25th Anniversary Line-up!
Announcement embargoed until 10am AEDT Wednesday 19th of March
Only 4 weeks to go!! The countdown is on!
Bluesfest, one of the most exceptional festivals in Australia, happening in just over 4 weeks across the Easter long weekend (Thu 17th to Mon 21st of April) stays true to its traditions by adding yet more artists to its powerful 25th Anniversary Line-up making this the 9th Announcement over the past months.
From across the Pacific – the United States – Stellar super group Coronet Blue is joining the new line-up with a big WOW factor, featuring Aussie John Rooney on vocals, Blondie Chaplin (Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys) on Guitar, Mitch Easter on Guitar (Big Star Reunion, Lets Active, produced REM, Ben Folds, Pavement), Ken Stringfellow on Keyboards (REM, Big Star Reunion, The Posies), Don Dixon on Bass (Produced REM, The Smithereens, Kim Carnes) and Rob Ladd on Drums (Don Henley/Eagles, Roger Daltrey, Alanis Morissette).
Also hailing from the North American continent and added to the line-up are the mesmerizing husband and wife team The Mastersons, as well as the highly gifted lead guitarist from the band Carney & John Mayer’s band – Zane Carney. Yes, Zane will be doing two shows at Bluesfest, one by himself, and one with John Mayer’s band, both on Thursday, 17th of April – Day 1 of Bluesfest.
Further exciting additions include our own Australian artists Troy Cassar-Daley, John Williamson, Round Mountain Girls, Phil Manning, 2013 Busking competition winner Claire Anne Taylor, as well as the local Byron Bay High School Collaboration (Young Sounds of Byron) and a very special Taste of Boomerang featuring:
Troy Cassar-Daley, Glenn Skuthorpe, Chris Tamwoy, Jannawi Dancers and ACPA Dancers. The Boomerang Festival is staged on the Bluesfest site during the October long weekend 2014 (4th to 6th Oct). The audience at the upcoming Bluesfest will be offered A Taste of Boomerang which is set to wet their appetite for some extraordinary talent.
Bluesfest is one of Australia’s most awarded Festivals and since it started in 1990 has grown into one of the premier music festivals in Australia and also in the world. Artists from all genres of music appear on the stages, attracting fans from all over. Bluesfest is a 5 day event with camping on site. It’s a Festival which is just as much about the music as it is about togetherness and community as well.
NOTE: Bluesfest Tickets are a very hot item, with the Good Friday and Easter Saturday of the Festival headed to a sellout and the Easter Sunday following closely behind.
9TH BLUESFEST ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT:
Troy Cassar-Daley
John Williamson
Coronet Blue
Zane Carney
The Mastersons
Phil Manning
Round Mountain Girls
2013 Busking winner Claire Anne Taylor
Byron Bay High Schools
A Taste of Boomerang featuring:
Glenn Skuthorpe
Chris Tamwoy
Jannawi Dancers
ACPA Dancers
TROY CASSAR-DALEY
Troy Cassar-Daley is at the top of the Australian Country Music scene. He has a reputation amongst his peers in the Australian music industry for being the most loved and respected singer/songwriters in country music. This is reflected on a mainstream level by the many industry awarded accolades for his work as a successful recording artist.
Troy’s career has spanned 8 studio albums over 20 years. His latest album HOME, released in March 2012 debuted on the official ARIA album chart at #9 and the National ARIA Country album chart at #1. The album won the Deadly for Album Of The Year in 2012 and 4 Golden Guitars, including Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year at the 2013 CMAA Music Awards.
Throughout this time he has been awarded numerous accolades including 4 ARIA’s, 25 Golden Guitars, 2 APRA Country Song of the year awards, 8 Deadlys (Australian Indigenous artist awards), 4 CMAA Entertainer of the Year awards.
Troy will be bringing his full band to Bluesfest and appearing as part of a Taste of Boomerang!
www.troycassardaley.com.au
JOHN WILLIAMSON
Having released over 40 albums, selling over 4,000,000 copies in Australia alone, it’s easy to see why John Williamson is a national icon, treasure and institution. He’s the writer of the songs you didn’t know you knew, such as ‘Old Man Emu’, ‘True Blue’, ‘Old Farts in Caravan Parks’ and ‘Rip Rip Woodchip’, all bursting with inspiring melodies and lyrics that will make you laugh and make you cry.
Few artists have experienced and earned the longevity of such a career as John Williamson. After forty-three years in the music industry, touring continuously, Williamson’s career is stronger than ever. Still writing and recording new songs but managing to shun celebrity and resist offers to take his music to the international stage, John Williamson prefers to stay true to his passion: Australia.
If you want to see Australian heritage and tradition along with fantastic entertainment, toe-tapping country music that is sure to get a huge crowd on their feet and singing along, then you can’t afford to miss John Williamson. We guarantee that you’ll be screaming for more of the songs you love from one of Australia’s finest country singer songwriters.
www.johnwilliamson.com.au
CORONET BLUE
Coronet Blue who will bring their newly released third album, Better Day make their much anticipated Bluesfest debut. Singer song writer John Rooney always has a knack of putting together a stellar super group which will excite every music fan. Their songs and performance will surprise, they are not to be missed.
JOHN ROONEY – Vocals
BLONDIE CHAPLIN – Guitar (Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys)
MITCH EASTER – Guitar (Big Star Reunion, Lets Active, produced REM, Ben Folds, Pavement)
KEN STRINGFELLOW – Keyboards (REM, Big Star Reunion, The Posies)
DON DIXON – Bass (Produced REM, The Smithereens, Kim Carnes)
ROB LADD – Drums (Don Henley/Eagles, Roger Daltry, Alanis Morissette)
Rooney was a member of the notorious 80’s group, The Lonely Hearts. Then he switched his microphone for a scalpel to become an orthopaedic surgeon! However, song writing was never far from his heart. His most recent album Better Day was recorded and produced by Kevin ‘The Caveman’ Shirley.
Shirley has produced acts including Joe Bonamassa, John Hiatt, Beth Hart, Black Country Communion, Aerosmith, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Slayer and Rush. In Australia, Cold Chisel, Silverchair, The Baby Animals, The Angels, Screaming Jets, and the Divinyls.
Rooney’s, two previous highly acclaimed Coronet Blue albums, in the same vain as Better Day had a five star line up of players, including British rock royalty; Simon Kirke and Ian McLagan released on Laughing Outlaw Records.
Coronet Blue’s select live shows are not to be missed – It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear great music played by some of the world’s finest.
www.coronetblue.com
ZANE CARNEY
Zane Carney is the lead guitarist of the Rock Quartet CARNEY and will be performing with John Mayer.
Confluence is Zane Carney’s long-awaited and much anticipated debut record as a solo artist. Zane will be performing a special solo show at Bluesfest on Thursday, 17th of April in the afternoon, before joining John Mayer for the final Bluesfest show of the night.
An independently released 7 song EP, Confluences showcases Zane’s strengths as a lead singer, songwriter and world-class guitarist while providing a fresh and revealing perspective of the young gunslinger behind LA’s Rock Quartet CARNEY.
Referred to as “the best guitarist in NY and LA” by U2’s Bono, Zane has collaborated with the
likes of John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, Bono and Edge and David Foster to name a few.
When CARNEY took a pause from touring so Zane could join the original cast of Broadway’s Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark, Zane discovered a calling hidden in plain slight; one that would involve his voice.
“After years of people sending me so much love for the way I express myself on guitar with CARNEY or someone like John, it’s so exciting to finally share my thoughts, words
and feelings through original songs on my first record; couldn’t be more excited about sharing
Confluence with the world.”
www.zanecarney.com
PHIL MANNING
One of Australia’s best known guitarists, Phil has a single handedly turned more Australians onto the Blues than any other performer. From his earliest days backing pop artists and throughout his long career, his musical integrity has always set him apart. Many Australians know him as a member of Chain, the legendary Blues band whose contribution to Australian music and the development of the Blues in this country is unparalleled. Since the mid seventies, Phil has forged a brilliant solo career for himself. He has featured at all the major festivals and venues throughout the country, and the list of international artists he has toured with, performed alongside or recorded with is impressive.
This experience spans three decades at the top of his field. His skillful touch and great passion for the Blues have kept him musically progressive, always prepared to interest himself in new musical ideas whilst maintaining his stylistic purpose. The result is a gifted songwriter with an awesome guitar technique. Phil Manning is an artist who has thrilled audiences throughout the length and breadth of the Antipodes and is finally revealing himself to the rest of the world.
www.philmanning.com.au
THE MASTERSONS
It is all about a USA born and based husband and wife team, singing and playing together.
They are both deft instrumentalists and have spent years playing in others’ bands before coming together as a unit. They’re bound by music and an uncommon depth of companionship, they’re good enough to make Steve Earle swoon, and all of that sounds quite nice.
Listening to The Mastersons – either live or on their immediately engaging, musically expansive debut album, Birds Fly South (due out April 10) isn’t akin to eavesdropping on two soulmates’ impossibly intimate conversation.
The Mastersons.
Husband and wife, singing and playing together.
And it sounds quite nice.
Delightful, even and certainly perfect for Bluesfest!
www.themastersonsmusic.com
ROUND MOUNTAIN GIRLS
“A night out with Round Mountain Girls is like a good night in with your partner. They’ll leave you hot and sweaty, exhausted but exhilarated, sonically bruised, maybe even a little tender… and yet you’ll still end up begging for more”.
From humble beginnings in a shed atop an isolated outcrop, to one of the main stages at this year’s Bluesfest – the phenomenon of the Round Mountain Girls has etched itself into the ‘strange but true’ annals of Australian musicology.
Five ‘non-round’, ‘non-girls’ were brought together in that shed for mutual musical gratification. Playing only the music they adore – and carrying that attitude into every performance, they have carved out the reputation as one of the most thrilling live bands in Australia.
These five disparates who – legend has it – escaped from the clutches of an ancient tribe of virgins who lived on Round Mountain in northern NSW – already have three albums and an EP of ‘covers’ to their name.
www.roundmountaingirls.com
CLAIRE ANNE TAYLOR
Claire was born in a barn. She is not Jesus, but she was born in a barn. A barn located in a valley in Tasmania’s ancient Tarkine Rainforest. From the time she could walk she was a wildling of sorts, spending her childhood days climbing trees and running barefoot through the rainforest.
Music has been a driving force in Claire’s life. “I have always had a sense that music is a deep, intrinsic part of me. Without it I would be a pod without peas.”
Since the completion of her studies at the end of 2012 she has been devoting herself wholly to her music and is already making quite a noise. In April, 2013 she travelled to Byron Bay and took out the crown for the Bluesfest Busking Competition and has since been making waves with her music. As the Bluesfest Busking winner of 2013, Claire secured herself a spot on this years’ Bluesfest line up. Well done Claire!
https://www.facebook.com/claireannetaylormusic
YOUNG SOUNDS OF BYRON – BYRON BAY HIGHSCHOOL SHOWCASE
Showcasing local school talent on the Cavanbah stage. Students from Byron Bay High, Kadina High, Brunswick Public School & the Steiner Schools are giving us a taste of their incredible musical talents!
A TASTE OF BOOMERANG
Every October the Bluesfest site comes alive with its other event The Boomerang Festival, staged on the Bluesfest site during the October long weekend 2014. This year will mark the 2nd annual Festival and will be held over the October long weekend Saturday 4th to Monday 6th, 2014
www.boomerangfestival.com.au
Joining the Taste of Boomerang are:
GLENN SKUTHORPE
Award winning Glenn Skuthorpe’s musical journey transcends the Country/Blues/Roots crossroads, creating a unique sound reminiscent of Springsteen and Steve Earle. With soulful lyricism and a street-hardened eye Glenn is a vital and compelling storyteller with poetic lyrics full of love and loss, murder, betrayal and renewal. He gives voice to those whose stories must be heard.
http://www.glennskuthorpe.com/
CHRIS TAMWOY
After appearing at Tedx in Brisbane Chris Tamwoy from Badu Island , Torres Straits had people talking.
A self-taught seventeen year-old guitarist who brought his magic fingers into the Triple J studio impressing everyone including his idol John Butler.
After he played his guitar on the airwaves, his amazing skills and sound was phenomenal. The Triple J text line went crazy! And he was already being reblogged all around the world!
”…got so swept away listening to that driving home that I ran a red light!! Oops!! Amazing!!” Kaitlyn, Melbourne
“This young guitar hero Chris sounds a lot like Kim Churchill. What a lord” Tom, Adelaide
Currently residing in Brisbane QLD, Christopher graduated year 12 (2013) and has a huge great passion for music. His biggest inspirations in music are John Butler, John Mayer and his Grandmother (R.I.P) Maulo Tamwoy.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-Tamwoy/241609492663608
ACPA DANCERS
Based in Brisbane this all male line-up showcases their performing arts training at the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts particularly concentrating on the disciplines of dance and music. From ancient ritual styles and fusing contemporary Hip Hop rhythms they have created a new form of dance relevant to Aboriginal Youth.
ACPA’s work contributes strongly to Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) closing the Gap agenda in the key areas of maintaining, valuing and strengthening cultures; and improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander training and employment.
www.acpa.com.au
JANNAWI DANCERS
A Sydney based dance Theatre Company who encompass contemporary and traditional styles from the rich storytelling traditions of NSW to the northern Homelands of the Yolngu. The Company shines a light on the strength and resilience and beauty of Aboriginal women and culture today.
Artistic Director and Chorographer Peta Strachan is one of the country’s leading dancers, with a line up from NSW and Arnhem Land. The company is all about nurturing the next generation of female dancers.
Bluesfest artists announced so far:
Jack Johnson • John Mayer • Dave Matthews Band
exclusive Two Incredible Performances
Jeff Beck • Elvis Costello • John Butler Trio
Buddy Guy Two Outstanding Performances • Joss Stone • Erykah Badu Passenger • Iron & Wine • India.Arie •Aaron Neville
Doobie Brothers• Boz Scaggs • Gregg Allman • Dr John & The Nite Trippers • Matt Corby •Michael Franti & Spearhead
Gary Clark Jr • Jimmie Vaughan • Eric Bibb • Steve Earle & The Dukes• Kasey Chambers• Jason Isbell • Gov’t Mule• Morcheeba
Tim Rogers • Devendra Banhart • Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros • Jake Bugg • Ozomatli • KC & The Sunshine Band • WAR
Larry Graham & Graham Central Station • Playing for Change
The Wailers • Sly & Robbie and The Taxi Gang • Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 The James Cotton Blues Band • Chali 2Na • Booker T. Jones • The Black Sorrows • Devon Allman• Suzanne Vega • Beth Hart • Grace Potter and the Nocturnals • KT Tunstall • Trixie Whitley• Garland Jeffreys • The Charlie Musselwhite Band • Robben Ford • CW Stoneking
Kate Miller-Heidke • Allen Stone • The Soul Rebels • North Mississippi Allstars The Magic Band • Grandmothers of Invention • Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience • Foy Vance • Kim Churchill • Skunkhour • Dyson, Stringer & Cloher Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes • Nikki Hill • Valerie June • Saskwatch •The Beards • Matthew Curry • Joanne Shaw Taylor • Ray Beadle Band • Genevieve Chadwick • The Paladins • Backsliders • Chain • Candye Kane Band • Glenn Cardier and The Sideshow• Nahko & Medicine For The People • Saidah Baba Talibah • The Mojo Webb Band • Daniel Champagne • Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges • Hat Fitz & Cara • Seth Lakeman • Shaun Kirk • Claude Hay • Marshall OKell and The Pride Public Opinion Afro Orchestra • Dubmarine • Watussi • Tijuana Cartel
Cambodian Space Project • Music Maker Foundation Feat. Pat Wilder, Cool John Ferguson, and Little Freddie King
RocKwiz Live
For more information on the artists announced and playing times visit: www.bluesfest.com.au
All Festival and Camping tickets are on sale through www.bluesfest.com.au or by phoning the office on 02 6685 8310
Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster on www.ticketmaster.com.au
