2013 Lineup

Paul Simon

During his distinguished career Paul Simon has been the recipient of many honors and awards including 12 Grammy Awards

Robert Plant Presents Sensational Space Shifters

Robert Plant, the legendary singer of Led Zeppelin will be making his long awaited Bluesfest debut this Easter with his band The Sensational Space Shifters.

Ben Harper - Solo and Acoustic

In a very special treat for Ben Harper fans, not only will the Bluesfest favourite be coming to the Festival with his band, but he will also be performing a second show- a solo acoustic show on Good Friday!!!

Ben Harper and band with Charlie Musselwhite

In a very special treat for Ben Harper fans, not only will the Bluesfest favourite be coming to the Festival with his band, but he will also be teaming up with renowned harmonica master Charlie Musselwhite for a special performance this Easter.

Santana

Bluesfest is absolutely delighted to welcome Santana for a first ever performance at the Festival.
Santana emerged from the San Francisco Bay Area music scene in the 1960s, the group has sold more than 100 million records

Iggy and The Stooges

“From the '60s to this moment, IGGY POP has been a solid reminder of what happens when an artist stays true to himself only and doesn’t give a damn about the rest of it … IGGY POP is the Heavyweight Champion of rock and roll.” – Henry Rollins

Steve Miller Band

Call him the Gangster of Love. Call him Maurice. You can even call him the Midnight Toker or Space Cowboy. Everybody knows that Steve Miller speaks the pompitus of love.

Counting Crows

Multi-platinum American rock band, Counting Crows are one of the most soulful and recognizable bands of the past two decades.

Wilco

Wilco- one of the most requested bands ever to grace the Bluesfest stages are coming back. If you don’t own a Wilco album, your music collection can never be complete

Jason Mraz

Following Jason Mraz’s phenomenal return to the charts earlier this year with the release of his latest album Love Is A Four Letter Word, We can’t wait to have the GRAMMY® winning singer/songwriter back

Manu Chao La Ventura

Fans of Manu Chao will be happy to hear that the Global Music Phenomenon will be playing a second show on Easter Sunday with his band La Ventura.

The Lumineers

Just one listen to the first single from The Lumineers self titled album, Ho Hey will have you whistling it all summer long

Rodriguez

One of the most fascinating and talented musicians around today, a Bluesfest favourite, and an incredible story – Rodriguez is back in a big way.

Chris Isaak

It’s with great joy Bluesfest announces the prolific American rocker, Chris Isaak, performing at Bluesfest for the very first time this Easter. With a career spanning more than a quarter or a century, Chris has given us hits such as “Wicked Game”, “Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing” and “Somebody’s Crying”.

Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt is more than a best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer and accomplished songwriter….Bonnie Raitt has become and institution in American Music.

Status Quo

British rockers Status Quo themselves need no introduction: more hit singles than any other band, more hit albums than The Beatles, more appearances on TOTP than any other act

Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band  US country/folk sensation, Zac Brown Band and their nine hit singles and two platinum-selling records have just received a Grammy Award for Best Country Album for their latest release Uncaged. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and showcases how they run roughshod over genre boundaries, bringing their audience along for the ride - its title is absolutely accurate - this is truly the sound of a band 'Uncaged'.

Roger Hodgson- The Legendary Voice of Supertramp

Roger Hodgson is recognised as one of the most gifted composers, song writers and lyricists of our time!

Dropkick Murphys

“There are some punk shows where you’re more of less guaranteed to have a good time…but few come close to the camaraderie and fist pumping pride that the Dropkick Murphys can inspire….” TNT Magazine 2012

Jimmy Cliff

Reggae’s Greatest Artist and Third World Music Superstar Jimmy Cliff will be making his first Bluesfest appearance this Easter.

Rufus Wainwright

We can't wait to welcome the man who was affectionately referred to by Elton John as “the greatest songwriter on the planet"

Tedeschi Trucks Band

The new generation of guitar-slinging royalty is coming back to Bluesfest. Fans of DEREK TRUCKS and SUSAN TEDESCHI have many reasons to be excited.

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

We just can’t get enough of Trombone Shorty and his Orleans Avenue and we’re not alone; these guys have become one of the most requested Artists for Bluesfest and we couldn’t be happier to oblige.

The Cat Empire

Another Bluesfest favourite The Cat Empire are back in 2013, with a bunch of new music which is said to see them returning with the same spirit

Taj Mahal Trio

You could call Taj Mahal a singer, composer, producer, two-time Grammy-winner, world-class musical collaborator, musicians’ advocate, world traveller, fisherman or cigar aficionado

Robert Cray

This rock blues icon is considered “one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.”

Shuggie Otis

Son of legendary R ‘n’ B bandleader Johnny Otis is a musical prodigy. His music has been described as a magical blend of Blues, Jazz, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul

Ben Howard

We think Ben Howard is going to fit in very well here in Byron Bay this Bluesfest, a keen surfer and raised by musical parents with his mother being “a bit of a hippie”,

Kitty Daisy & Lewis

“Have you heard of Kitty Daisy & Lewis -they're f***ing amazing” Chris Martin

The Blind Boys of Alabama

The living legends of gospel music are returning to Bluesfest with their glorious meld of gospel, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.

Mavis Staples

VH1 named her as one of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll, and Rolling Stone listed her as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of all time.

Allen Toussaint

Musician, songwriter, record producer and one of the most influential figures in New Orleans R&B - Simply put- without him - the music of New Orleans would not be what it is today.

Jon Anderson - The Voice of Yes

One of the most recognisable & influential voices in progressive rock, as the lead vocalist and creative force behind the band Yes

Joan Armatrading

The effortlessly eclectic, Joan Armatrading is returning to Bluesfest this coming Easter. This phenomenal songstress has an entirely unique sound that ranges from jazz to true soul to sophisticated pop and reggae

Fat Freddy's Drop

It’s been said that ‘It’s impossible not to love Fat Freddy’s Drop.’ ( DJ Magazine, UK) and we couldn’t agree more

Xavier Rudd

Hailing from Torquay on the southern Victorian coast of Australia, Xavier Rudd is a standout favourite of previous Bluesfest’s

Glen Hansard with The Frames

“Glen Hansard is a gifted, emotive frontman who sings as if he must, with a heart on his sleeve that is constantly throbbing.” The New York Times

Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls

Another Bluesfest first timer, “The people’s prince of punk poetry” (NME) Frank Turner is set to visit our shores for the fourth time. He may have started off as the voice of post-hardcore band Million Dead

Fred Wesley & The New JB'S

Fred Wesley, the trombonist and author best known as the man James Brown called on for all those funky horn "hits"

The Break

Bluesfest audiences are in for a treat this Easter when Australia’s most innovative and powerful surf rock band

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

This is a voice you rarely stumble across, a smoky, assured voice that spans effortlessly from a whisper to a soaring cappella within a single breath.

Playing For Change

If you ever needed an excuse to hear some truly incredible music performed by a bunch of the most talented and seasoned musicians from all corners of the globe, here it is

Karise Eden

Karise Eden, the first winner of The Voice Australia, will be wowing the crowd with her soulful voice that is well beyond her 19 years.

The Music Maker Blues Revue

FEAT. IRONING BOARD SAM, MAJOR HANDY, PAT WILDER & DR. BURT. Bluesfest is honoured to bring this integral blues institution back to Australia and proud to be taking these musicians on the road for the first time.

Bettye LaVette

Voted by many as the best performance of Bluesfest in 2012, Bettye Lavette is truly returning by popular demand next Easter

Ruthie Foster

A Bluesfest favourite is returning this time with her full band!

Wanda Jackson

Widely known and respected as the Queen of Rock and First Lady of Rockabilly, we are delighted to welcome Wanda Jackson

Sweet Honey In The Rock

For the first time, Grammy award-winning, all-woman, acappella ensemble Sweet Honey in The Rock are making their way to our stages

Soja

It’s impossible not to be curious about this band; one google search and its obvious you have stumbled across something special, a dozen or so rave reviews in and you realise you’re not alone.

Tony Joe White

Look no further than Tony Joe White for music and artistry of stature and depth. His music is part of America’s soundtrack

Luka Bloom

Much loved Irish troubadour Luka Bloom is a master of the concert stage

Mark Seymour and The Undertow

Most will know Mark Seymour as the front man and songwriter for iconic Australian rock band Hunters & Collectors

Shawn Colvin

For the first time, Americana folk country singer Shawn Colvin is heading our way this Bluesfest

Newton Faulkner

Newton Faulkner emerged in 2007 with the debut album Handbuilt By Robots, the Album secured platinum status in Australia and his home, the UK. It wasn’t long after, Newton first wowed Bluesfest audiences in 2008

Michael Kiwanuka

Here is a voice; timeless, rich, raw and soaked in soul, that simply can’t be ignored.

William Elliott Whitmore

A man armed only with a banjo and a bass drum can be a formidable force, especially if his name is William Elliott Whitmore. Making his Bluesfest début, William is bringing his brilliant new record, Field Songs with him

Leonardo's Bride

There is going to be a lot of memories flowing in the Bluesfest crowd when Leonardo’s Bride returns to the stage for two exclusive performances this Easter. In late 2000 Leonardo’s Bride performed a concert in Sydney’s Domain to over 80,000 people. A few months later the group called it quits.

Royal Southern Brotherhood

In the US South, where music is religion, two rock ‘n’ roll bloodlines tower above all others and mere mention of the Allman and Neville Brothers casts a magic spell

Melbourne Ska Orchestra

Due to countless requests and their epic performance every time they make an appearance at BLUESFEST we had to ask MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA (MSO) back again

The Bamboos

Voted as Australia’s fourth Best Band in the Melbourne Age, The Bamboos have earned themselves the reputation of being Australia’s greatest modern Funk & Soul band

Beasts of Bourbon

The Beasts of Bourbon are a fusion of blues-based pub rock and punk and as their name suggests, the group has a reputation for downing a few bevies on stage

The Beards

The concept of The Beards is simple - A folk rock band that exclusively perform songs about just one subject: Beards.

Jake Shimabukuro

“Jake is taking the instrument to a place that I can't see anybody else catching up with him."
- Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) after releasing his own album of ukulele songs

Current Swell

Canadian based surf rock band, Current Swell have been performing their rootsy, soul wrenching tunes, to ever increasing audiences over the world

Damien Dempsey

How do you describe Damien Dempsey’s music to someone who hasn’t yet been exposed to it? Take some reggae, fuse it with traditional Irish music, add in rock and folk

Tav Falco & The Panther Burns

The Memphis Swamp and Blues/ Psycobilly genre has seen a massive resurgence in popularity in recent years, inspiring greats such as The Cramps and and The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

JD McPherson

A Broken Arrow, Oklahoma native, his dad introduced him to the Delta blues and jazz as a kid, and after getting into Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and punk rock during high school, he picked up a Buddy Holly box set.

Busby Marou

Rockhampton boys ’s Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou’s unique blend of folk soaked pop that is Busby Marou is back for Bluesfest.

Nicky Bomba's Bustamento

Nicky Bomba is going to be one busy man this Bluesfest! Not only will he be conducting the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, it will be the Bluesfest debut of his new band Bustamento

Hat Fitz & Cara

Perennial BLUESFEST favourite and dynamic duo HAT FITZ & CARA ROBINSON are bringing their truly unique old times Blues and Celtic sound back to the BLUESFEST stage.

The Snowdroppers

You may remember The Snowdroppers from previous Bluesfest’s, the gutter Americana blues-rock showmen with a reputation of singing about fornication and intoxication

King Cannons

“…rootsy brand of rock 'n'roll that lands somewhere between Bruce Springsteen and Joe Strummer.” The Daily Telegraph

Matt Andersen

"Canada's greatest guitarist made one acoustic guitar sound like a fully staffed band. Outrageous skill and contagious joy..." - The London Times

Seth Lakeman

Virtuoso fiddler & multi-instrumentalist, Seth Lakeman will be returning to our shores in 2013

Grey Ghost

Grey Ghost is not your average rapper / hip -hop artist. Arising from the death of Melbourne beat experimentalists The Melodics; Grey Ghost is a one-man journey

Chris Smither

“Smither is an American original – a product of the musical melting pot and one of the absolute best singer-songwriters in the world.”—Associated Press

Saskwatch

“….nine-piece soul-revivalists Saskwatch are one of the most electrifying outfits to emerge onto the Australian musical landscape in recent memory” Lachlan Kanoniuk, Beat Magazine

Go Jane Go

Nashville based Kieran Kane along with his good friend Canadian David Francey and his son Lucas Kane decided to call themselves a band and form “Go Jane Go”.

Skipping Girl Vinegar

“An indie force of nature” - The Age Fresh from a highly successful U.S. showcase tour

Allen Stone

There is quite a stir surrounding America’s latest soul sensation, Allen Stone. Perhaps it’s because the 25 year old has drawn comparisons to Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Donny Hathaway and Bill Withers

Ben Caplan

Dear music lover, we would like to you to meet this rugged, raspy and roaring gentleman, who we think you just have to hear. Introducing Halifax’s very own Ben Caplan

Kim Churchill

Bluesfest welcomes back Kim Churchill; who will be bringing his explosive, intricate finger picking percussive beats on the body of the guitar

Mason Rack Band

After their high impact, ‘exposing’ performance at Bluesfest 2012 (those who were lucky enough to be in the crowd will know exactly what we mean)

Round Mountain Girls

From humble beginnings in a shed atop an isolated outcrop, to the mainstage at this year’s Bluesfest – the phenomenon of the Round Mountain Girls

The McMenamins

After their Big Sound performance in Brisbane earlier this year knocked the socks off our festival director Peter Noble, we couldn’t wait to have The McMenamins on the bill for Bluesfest 2013.

Shaun Kirk

We can’t wait to have Shaun Kirk win over the crowd with his charming style of boogie blues & soul this Easter.

The Wilson Pickers

The Wilson Pickers are the coming together of some of the country’s finest songwriters, to make music best played around kitchen table, on back porches and FESTIVALS

Wards Xpress

Ross Ward first appeared at Bluesfest back in ’95 with the late Wiley Reed, where the idea for the band Wards Xpress

Lil' Fi & The Dirty Rascals

Lil' Fi is one of Australia's most original roots music blues divas. She is a brassy entertainer with a unique song writing style

Genevieve Chadwick

She looks like an angel, roars like a lion and plays guitar like a demon

The Songs of The Haight Ashbury Stage Show

No doubt about this one folks: If you want to be captivated with this authentic ‘journey back in time’ to the days of peace love and bean sprouts

Brother Fox

Brother Fox have been enjoying success since the win of the much-coveted Busking Comp in 2012.

RocKwiz Live

Watch as the Jambalaya Stage transforms into the fun and frivolous music trivia show RockWiz LIVE at Bluesfest this Easter!

All Stage & Playing time yet to be advised. Please note: Artist Schedule is not guaranteed and is subject to change without notification

Register for 2014 Tickets

By signing up to our members area you will receive exclusive access to special ticket offers and general updates direct to your inbox about all the latest Bluesfest news.

Boomerang Festival

The Boomerang Festival will be held at Bluesfest’s home, the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm on the October Long Weekend, October 4th -6th 2013.

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2013 Lineup

Paul Simon

Robert Plant Presents Sensational Space Shifters

Ben Harper - Solo and Acoustic

Ben Harper and band with Charlie Musselwhite

Santana

Iggy and The Stooges

Steve Miller Band

Counting Crows

Wilco

Jason Mraz

Manu Chao La Ventura

The Lumineers

Rodriguez

Chris Isaak

Bonnie Raitt

Status Quo

Zac Brown Band

Roger Hodgson- The Legendary Voice of Supertramp

Dropkick Murphys

Jimmy Cliff

Rufus Wainwright

Tedeschi Trucks Band

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

The Cat Empire

Taj Mahal Trio

Robert Cray

Shuggie Otis

Ben Howard

Kitty Daisy & Lewis

The Blind Boys of Alabama

Mavis Staples

Allen Toussaint

Jon Anderson - The Voice of Yes

Joan Armatrading

Fat Freddy's Drop

Xavier Rudd

Glen Hansard with The Frames

Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls

Fred Wesley & The New JB'S

The Break

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Playing For Change

Karise Eden

The Music Maker Blues Revue

Bettye LaVette

Ruthie Foster

Wanda Jackson

Sweet Honey In The Rock

Soja

Tony Joe White

Luka Bloom

Mark Seymour and The Undertow

Shawn Colvin

Newton Faulkner

Michael Kiwanuka

William Elliott Whitmore

Leonardo's Bride

Royal Southern Brotherhood

Melbourne Ska Orchestra

The Bamboos

Beasts of Bourbon

The Beards

Jake Shimabukuro

Current Swell

Damien Dempsey

Tav Falco & The Panther Burns

JD McPherson

Busby Marou

Nicky Bomba's Bustamento

Hat Fitz & Cara

The Snowdroppers

King Cannons

Matt Andersen

Seth Lakeman

Grey Ghost

Chris Smither

Saskwatch

Go Jane Go