EIGHT INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS JOIN THE BLUESFEST 2022 LINEUP !!
GEORGE BENSON
MORCHEEBA
THE MARCUS KING BAND
THE WAILERS
AMADOU & MARIAM
THE WAR & TREATY
CHRISTONE ‘KINGFISH’ INGRAM
CORY HENRY
In a surprise pre-Christmas announcement Bluesfest this morning announced the return of EIGHT international artists to Bluesfest 2022 .
This morning Bluesfest Director Peter Noble OAM said:
“I have been in communication with managers and agents since our first cancellation and I am so happy that we can finally bring back these internationals in time for Bluesfest as well as some touring dates. It feels like a brilliant Christmas present to me and I’m sure our Bluesfest fans will be stoked to hear about these much-loved artists coming back to Bluesfest. Living legend George Benson makes his Bluesfest debut; Morcheeba, Bluesfest favourites, are very welcome returnees and The Wailers, for whom I hold a special place in my heart, are now led by a new generation of children as well as former members of the original Wailers, keeping the light and music of Bob Marley shining and alive.
Marcus King raised the tent roof at our 30th birthday celebrations in 2019 – what a guitar phenomenon he is ! And remember The War & Treaty, how they became one of THE discovery artists in 2019 – it’s exciting to welcome them back as well. Amadou & Mariam, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram and Cory Henry were all slated to appear in 2020, and it’s a joy to have them confirm their Bluesfest appearances at Easter.”
TOUR DATES
Monday 11th April 2022
Wednesday 13th April 2022
Thursday 14th April 2022
State Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Tuesday 19th April 2022
Wednesday 20th April 2022
Palais Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Easter Sunday 17th April 2022
BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
Since 1977, George Benson, an American icon for being part of the electric guitar revolution which changed music and popular culture forever, has won 10 Grammy Awards – and has been nominated for an additional 15. His wins include Record of the Year for “This Masquerade” (1977), Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Breezin'” (1977) and “Mornin'” (2007), Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “On Broadway” (1979) and “Give Me the Night” (1981), and Best R&B Instrumental Performance for “Theme From Good King Bad” (1977) and “Off Broadway” (1981).
Following the success of his Quincy Jones-produced pop album ‘Give Me the Night’ in 1980, George Benson’s string of pop hits includes “Love All the Hurt Away,” “Turn Your Love Around,” “Inside Love,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” from his 1985 album ’20/20′.
His current album, ‘Weekend In London’, was recorded live at the legendary Ronnie Scotts Club. Check it out and get a live snapshot of this giant and his amazing catalogue of songs and virtuosity.
This Australian tour will feature his repertoire of hits as well as a selection of Fats Domino and Chuck Berry classics that were featured on his previous release, ‘Walking To New Orleans’ album. Don’t miss this world-class act in 2022!
MORCHEEBA
TOUR DATES
Tuesday 12th April 2022
170 Russell, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 14th April 2022
Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Friday 15th & Saturday 16th April 2022
BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
Undeniably Bluesfest favourites and with a music career spanning millions of albums sold worldwide Morcheeba are making a welcome return to Bluesfest this April, with added touring dates in Melbourne and Sydney. Having defined the ‘chill out’ genre with tracks like ‘The Sea’, ‘Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day’ and ‘Otherwise’, there are few people worldwide who cannot sing along to their beloved anthems of a genre-defying era. The leading lady of Morcheeba, Skye Edwards, has one of the most recognised voices on the planet. Hearing her smooth, effortless tone teamed with Ross Godfrey’s psychedelic guitar is an unforgettable, spellbinding experience. They’ll be featuring tracks from ‘Blackest Blue’, their 10th studio album which delves into the soul of the band’s genre-mashing musical heritage. “Blackest Blue is about finding a way through the darkest of times and emerging the other side changed but intact”. Get ready to bliss out as the true Morcheeba phenomenon unfolds on stage.
THE WAILERS
TOUR DATES
Thursday 21st April 2022
The Metro Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Friday 22nd April 2022
170 Russell, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 14th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th & Monday 18th April 2022
BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett promised Bob Marley on his deathbed to ‘keep The Wailers together’ and he made it his life’s dedication. Today, carrying on the mission are legitimate members of The Wailers, children-of-legends and a host of immensely talented musicians featuring Aston Barrett Jr, guitarists Donald Kinsey (Wailer) , Wendel ‘Junior Jazz’ Ferraro and Owen ‘Dreadie’ Reid (Wailer), saxophonist Glen Dacosta (Wailer) and keys kings Tyrone Downie (Wailer) and Andres Lopez: all help shape that classic sonic identity. Dennis Thompson, the engineer who was there from the very beginnings of the band and vocalists Anne-Marie Thompson and Tamara Barnes contribute to this unique melting pot, both classic and excitingly fresh at the same time – the classic Wailers musical identity. It truly is a lineup of reggae royalty !
Last Year The Wailers released their album ‘One World’, the first new music from the band in over 25 years. ‘One World’ includes The Wailers’ most recent single “One World, One Prayer”, produced by 19 x Grammy Award winner, Emilio Estefan, and co-written by Emilio Estefan alongside Aston Barret Jr and Josh David Barrett. The tracks on this project blend together generations of reggae music to sound current and modern while still being familiar to fans. Experience a real slice of musical history and heritage from those who keep the flame of Bob Marley burning strong. The Wailers will perform different albums from Bob Marley and The Wailers on each of their four nights plus the greatest hits.
THE MARCUS KING BAND
TOUR DATES
Monday 18th April 2022
The Metro Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Wednesday 20th April 2022
Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 15th & Sunday 17th April 2022
BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
A 25-year-old guitar phenom and innovative songwriter, Marcus King can simultaneously switch from swaggering rock to supersonic soul, having written songs and performing onstage for half his lifetime. All five members of the band—drummer Jack Ryan, bass player Stephen Campbell, trumpeter/trombonist Justin Johnson, keyboard player, and sax player Chris Spies—create a blistering, yet soulful unit that has honed their synergy through endless touring. Ready to deliver a southern fried brand of blues and psychedelia inspired by rock ‘n’ roll, Marcus King and his incredible Band of rockers are returning to play Melbourne and Sydney this April after their Easter weekend sets at Bluesfest Byron Bay.
AMADOU & MARIAM
TOUR DATES
Friday 15th, Sunday 17th, & Monday 18th April 2022
BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
Having influenced the likes of Four Tet and Jamie xx, get your dancing shoes ready for some bangin’ Afro-pop beats from Amadou & Mariam. For the past forty-odd years, Amadou & Mariam have managed to joyfully combine their love story with a musical career while becoming discreetly but surely, the most famous ambassadors for Malian music and African music, with their album ‘Welcome to Mali’ being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2008.
Having worked with a variety of different producers and artists including Damon Albarn, Manu Chao, Santigold, Miike Snow and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs the duo has brought African music to the charts and the dance floor.
This tenaciously positive musical duo is one of a kind paying heed to Mali’s hallmark repetitive beat, yet clearly distinct, giving voice to their country’s pain, its hopes and its stories. Expect synthesised sounds, cultural commentary and experimental beats on this unmissable tour this April!
THE WAR and TREATY
TOUR DATES
Wednesday 13th April 2022
Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 20th April 2022
Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 14th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th & Monday 18th April 2022
BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
Often referred to as the discovery act from Bluesfest 2019, there was no doubt in our minds but to bring The War and Treaty back to Bluesfest as soon as possible and at the same time to share their incredible talent with people across Australia! While their back story is romantic and emotional, they have been paying music dues for a long time. Having both been gifted with incredible voices, the couple also have a natural talent for storytelling through song, a bluesy but joyful fusion of Southern soul, gospel, country, and rock-and-roll. Known for a live show nearly revival-like in intensity, the husband-and-wife team of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter endlessly create an exhilarating exchange of energy with their audience. Their latest album ‘Hearts Town’ which is the Nashville duo’s adoring nickname for their ardently devoted fanbase.
CHRISTONE ‘KINGFISH’ INGRAM
TOUR DATES
Sunday 10th April 2022
Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 13th April 2022
Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 14th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th & Monday 18th April 2022
BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
“Kingfish is one of the most exciting young guitarists in years, with a sound that encompasses B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and Prince.” – Rolling Stone
Since the release of ‘Kingfish’ in 2019 – his Grammy-nominated Alligator Records debut – guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram has quickly become the defining Blues voice of his generation.
The album debuted on the Billboard Blues Chart in the #1 position and remained on the chart for an astonishing 91 weeks, receiving a Grammy Award nomination, and achieving the #1 Best Blues Album Of 2019 & 2021 by UK music magazine MOJO.
The now 22-year-old Christone has already headlined two national tours and performed with friends including Vampire Weekend, Jason Isbell and Buddy Guy (with whom he appeared on Austin City Limits). When the pandemic halted live performances and forced him to take stock, he began writing songs for his next album, ‘662’. The number 662 is the telephone area code for Ingram’s northern Mississippi home, and it first came into use the same year he was born—1999.
With his eye-popping guitar playing and his reach-out-and-grab-you-by-the-collar vocals, Ingram performs every song with unmatched passion and precision. While his new songs tell personal stories, they also tell of shared human experiences. With ‘662’, he creates contemporary Blues music that speaks to his generation and beyond, delivering the full healing power of the blues. And he can’t wait to bring that power on stage.
CORY HENRY
TOUR DATES
Wednesday 13th April 2022
170 Russell, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 14th April 2022
Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 16th , Sunday 17th & Monday 18th April 2022
BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
