Artist Lineup 2024

Jack Johnson grew up surfing and playing guitar in Hawaii. Since 2001, he has released seven studio albums and two live albums that have sold over 25 million copies worldwide. His Brushfire Records label and touring crew have been leaders in the greening of the music industry and his All At Once social action network connects fans with local non-profits at each tour stop. Jack, with his wife Kim, founded the Kokua Hawaii Foundation to support environmental education in Hawaii's schools and communities, as well as the Johnson Ohana Foundation to support environmental, art and music education worldwide. Proceeds from these albums and tour profits, along with Johnson’s personal charitable activities, have resulted in over $37 million donated to charity since 2001. Johnson’s latest studio album Meet The Moonlight was released in 2022 and has included sold out stops in North America, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe and the UK. The tour continues this fall with stops at Oceans Calling in Maryland and Beachlife Ranch in Southern California, as well as a newly announced headline set next April at Byron Bay Bluesfest at the beautiful Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, just outside of Byron Bay.

Legendary Welsh singer and performer Sir Tom Jones continues to sustain his popularity around the world, captivating audiences with his timeless discography of hit songs and enduring talent and charisma. With a remarkable career spanning over six decades, Jones is widely considered to be one of the greatest singers and recording artists of all time, selling over 100 million records and continuing as an esteemed and influential figure in the music industry.

At the age of 82, Jones has received some of the best reviews of his career for his most recent Ethan Johns-produced albums “Surrounded By Time”, "Long Lost Suitcase," "Spirit In The Room," and "Praise & Blame." Critics have praised both the recorded material and Jones' performances, highlighting his undeniable and unique talent in both the studio and on stage.

Born in the mining town of Pontypridd, South Wales, Jones quit school at an early age, working various odd jobs before getting his start as a member of a local band called The Senators, later forming his own group, Tom Jones and the Squires, gigging in clubs and pubs around the local area.

In the early 1960s, he signed with Decca Records in London, kickstarting a successful and diverse career and achieving international fame with his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. He had a string of hit songs including "It's Not Unusual," "What's New Pussycat?" "Delilah," and "Green, Green Grass of Home" which sat alongside his hugely popular 1969-1971 cross-continental TV show, "This is Tom Jones".  Jones has always had a fundamental interest in a wide range of music, leading him to work with dozens of iconic collaborators over the years, ranging from Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin to Van Morrison, Dolly Parton and Ed Sheeran, just some amongst many.  Although he is well known for his hits, he is first and foremost a diverse artist with a true rhythm and blues soul.

Jones's career has been filled with numerous honors and accolades, including a deeply cherished knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2006, multiple BRIT Awards, a Silver Clef Award, the prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award and a Hitmaker Award from the US Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has also acted in films such as Tim Burton's "Mars Attacks," and "Playhouse Presents: King of The Teds" for Sky Arts. Along with his yearly touring, Jones has continued to be active in the industry as a longstanding coach on The Voice UK and being a valued contributor at a variety of events and broadcasts such as the 25th Anniversary of MusiCares (honouring Bob Dylan) and the 57th Grammy Awards as well as many others for charitable causes. His recent autobiography "Over The Top And Back" was a rollicking best-seller, and his 2021 album release “Surrounded By Time” made him the oldest male to claim a Number 1 spot on the UK Official Albums Chart with an album of new material, overtaking Bob Dylan.

Sir Tom has indeed cemented his place in music history as one of the most successful artists of all time, traversing musical eras and genres, cutting across class divides, and appealing to all genders and ages, mainstream and cutting edge. Sir Tom has always been about the power of the song, and the power of the voice, qualities that have made him a true legend in the music zeitgeist. Despite the passage of time, Sir Tom Jones continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the music world, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.

Sam and Josh Teskey, known around the world as The Teskey Brothers, are no strangers to Bluesfest having performed across many of its five stages in various capacities over the years. Going back even further, a young Josh was known to make the annual pilgrimage north at Easter time to witness the likes of Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Charles Bradley, Richard Clapton, Chain and many others. All of which had a magic and profound effect on him.

Over the past 10 years 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 being no exception, landing at #1 on the ARIA album chart and receiving critical acclaim. On the back of it they’ve played sold out headline shows all across Europe, UK and North America (including a notable 12,000 in Amsterdam), iconic festivals such as Glastonbury, Montreux Jazz and Austin City Limits, and even opened for Bruce Springsteen in Milan.

Along with their stunning 8-piece band The Teskey Brothers will close out a massive Australian tour at none other than their spiritual home at Tyagarah.

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.

Matt recently released his album Everything’s Fine, which vividly captures his personal and creative growth as like many, his life was tipped belly-side up recently.

Beyond the global touring pause, on the day he had planned to begin writing his next album Matt’s home was inundated with floodwaters. His family moved into Rainbow Valley Studios, where he juggled familial responsibilities with his creative pursuits - a one-of-a-kind pressure cooker circumstance that would galvanise his artistic evolution.

Following on from a year which has seen them sell-out tours in the United States & Europe, L.A.B will return to Byron Bay Bluesfest with a new album ready to go. With more new music to come before the end of 2023, this return visit to Byron Bay will see them bringing their live show which has seen them garner fans across the globe.

After winning Best Group, Best Song & 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 are on fire.

L.A.B’s groove blends an eclectic mix of reggae, blues, funk, rock and electronic - all combining to create a sound entirely their own. Formed by Brad Kora, L.A.B comprises his brother Stu Kora, Ara Adams-Tamatea, Miharo Gregory & frontman Joel Shadbolt. Featuring former members of two of New Zealand’s premier acts Kora & Katchafire, L.A.B have made their name on the live stages of New Zealand & Australia.

The past five years have seen them release a new album each year, and have since become a mainstay in the NZ Music Charts and on the festival circuit, headlining every major festival across New Zealand and Australia from the Byron Bay Bluesfest & WOMAD to Rhythm and Vines & One Love.

L.A.B’s 2022 summer run of sold-out stadiums saw them perform to over 70,000 people in Australia & New Zealand, including a sold-out show at Auckland’s iconic Western Springs. 2023 has already seen them perform a sold-out tour of Australia, alongside their first performances in the United States, capped off with a performance at the iconic California Roots Festival and a sold-out Hawaiian show. The band have been recently profiled and spotlighted globally by Dolby, and featured with an Artist Spotlight video.

Elvis Costello’s career is legendary, spanning more than four decades and thirty-plus albums, and his songs “Alison”, “Pump It Up”, “Everyday I Write The Book”, “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love and Understanding” are classics. 

He has performed worldwide with his bands, The Attractions and his current group, The Imposters – Steve Nieve, Pete Thomas, and Davey Faragher - as well as solo concerts and appearance with jazz ensembles and symphony orchestras.

In early 2023, Costello played acclaimed ten-night stand at the Gramercy Theatre, NYC, beginning alone and introducing surprise elements to each subsequent show from a musical saw to an eight-piece Broadway vocal chorus with The Imposters and horn section playing the finale. Only one song was repeated nightly and nearly 240 different compositions performed over the engagement.  

Costello has entered songwriting collaborations with Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach, the Brodsky Quartet and with Allen Toussaint for the album The River In Reverse, the first major label recording project to visit New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and completed there while the city was still under curfew. 

In 2003, Costello acted as lyrical editor of six songs written with his wife, the jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall for her album, The Girl In The Other Room. He has written lyrics for compositions by Charles Mingus, Billy Strayhorn and Oscar Peterson and musical settings for words by W.B. Yeats and Bob Dylan.   

Costello’s songs have been recorded by a great number of artists, including George Jones, Linda Ronstadt, Georgie Fame, Chet Baker, Johnny Cash, June Tabor, Roy Orbison, Dusty Springfield, Robert Wyatt, Anne Sofie von Otter, Solomon Burke and Darlene Love.  

During his career, Costello has received numerous prestigious honours, including two Ivor Novello Awards for songwriting, a BAFTA for the music written with Richard Harvey for Alan Bleasdale’s television drama series “G.B.H.” and a Grammy for “I Still Have That Other Girl” from his 1998 collaboration with Burt Bacharach, Painted From Memory.  

In January 2020, Costello received the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for his 2018 studio record Look Now. 

Elvis Costello and The Attractions were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. The same year, Costello was awarded ASCAP’s prestigious Founder’s Award. 

In 2016 Elvis Costello was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in the company of Chip Taylor and Tom Petty.

Bluesfest Tours proudly presents Elvis Costello & The Imposters, who will be playing Bluesfest, three shows at the Sydney Opera House and one at The Palais Theatre in Melbourne.

Peter Garrett is one of our most prominent living Australians; the lead singer of Midnight Oil, a renowned activist, and a former politician.

The ‘Oils’, who graced our stage in 2022, are renowned for their politically charged lyrics fierce independent stance, and active support of the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the protection of the environment.

This Bluesfest, he is performing with his band, The Alter Egos, following his acclaimed 2016 debut solo album, “A Version Of Now” and rumours of more new music landing over the coming months.

While Peter’s singular sound needs no introduction, The Alter Egos have been described by The Music as a ‘stellar band, perfectly balanced between rock chops, session player solidity and a vibe of relaxed enjoyment’.

Australia’s internationally acclaimed acoustic guitar icon Tommy Emmanuel CGP has recently added yet another accolade to his vast collection, having been named the number one acoustic guitarist in the world on Music Radar, as voted by his fellow musicians.

Tommy returns to Australia in April 2024 for an exclusive Bluesfest appearance, his only Australian show.

Tommy brings the power and dynamism of a full band to his solo acoustic playing, with incredible charisma, stunning speed and dexterity and unerring command of melody.

Don’t miss this chance to see Australia’s most successful guitar export: Tommy Emmanuel, exclusively at Bluesfest 2024

With a stomp and holler heard worldwide, The Dead South are set to make their Byron Bay Bluesfest debut in 2024. This Platinum-certified Canadian acoustic band brings their unmistakable swagger and style to Bluesfest following the sold out, upsized success of their first tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2023. From the Ryman Auditorium to Glastonbury to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Dead South have played some of the world’s most historic stages and festivals, and they are thrilled to add Byron Bay Bluesfest to this iconic list.

The Paper Kites are a folk/rock five-piece from Melbourne, Australia. Formed in 2010, members include Sam Bentley, Christina Lacy, David Powys, Samuel Rasmussen and Josh Bentley.

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. Their single ‘Bloom’ was recently certified platinum in the U.S.A, Canada, Australia, Italy & The Netherlands.

In the past twelve months the band have performed sold out shows across the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, Ireland, France, Denmark and The Netherlands. Earnest and sincere, The Paper Kites have captured hearts around the globe for their moving

On the title track to Welcome 2 Club XIII, Drive-By Truckers pay homage to the Muscle Shoals honky-tonk where founding members Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley got their start: a concrete-floored dive lit like a disco, with the nightly promise of penny beer and truly dubious cover bands. “There were no cool bars in town and Club XIII was the best we had—but it wasn’t all that good, and our band wasn’t particularly liked there,” says Hood, referring to the vocalist/guitarists’ former band Adam’s House Cat. “From time to time the owner would throw us a Wednesday night or let us open for a hair-metal band we were a terrible fit for, and everyone would hang out outside until we were done playing. It wasn’t very funny at the time, but it’s funny to us now.” The 14^th studio album from Drive-By Truckers—whose lineup also includes keyboardist/guitarist Jay Gonzalez, bassist Matt Patton, and drummer Brad Morgan—Welcome 2 Club XIII looks back on their formative years with both deadpan pragmatism and profound tenderness, instilling each song with the kind of lived-in detail that invites bittersweet reminiscence of your own misspent youth.

Newton Faulkner is continually adjusting to a music landscape dominated by flux, he’s moved from the phenomenal success of his debut album ‘Hand Built By Robots’  to the surging triumph of ‘Write It On Your Skin’; from ‘Studio Zoo’ - which was the first album ever to be live streamed online while being recorded, and was also recorded and released in just five weeks – to the sumptuous ‘Human Love’ plus multiple other records over his incredible 15 year career so far. He’s now taking this moment to record his next collection of songs. This time a little more production heavy but still full of powerful vocals and his signature guitar sound weaved through the mix. Newton in the past has often found himself in his home studio working away solo, but not for this next record or in fact this tour. The next phase for Newton is full of collaboration which you can feel in the music to come. Seeing these songs come to life on stage is going to be nothing short of joyous.

Steve Poltz is BACK!

After flawing audiences at Bluesfest, Port Fairy Folk Festival, National Folk Festival, Blue Mountains Music Festival and ECHO Festival and club shows across the country in 2023, world renowned troubadour Steve Poltz returns to Australian shores for the twenty “somethingth” time.

Some people start life with a plan. Not Steve. He opens himself up to the universe in a way most of us will never be loose enough to achieve, and the universe responds with a wink, a seemingly bottomless well of inspiration, and the talent to truly connect with an audience.

With a cult following that includes fellow musicians, regular folks and festival goers who stumble onto his performances, there’s no common denominator to Steve’s fans. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and raised in San Diego, CA Steve toured and recorded with San Diego cult favorites The Rugburns (they still play annual sold-out reunion shows). But it was through his creative partnership with Jewel that he vaulted into the national spotlight; co-writing her multiplatinum Billboard Hot 100-busting smash, “You Were Meant For Me,” and continues to work with her to this day.

Over the years, the Nashville-based troubadour has built a fascinating solo catalog, earmarked by his debut, One Left Shoe, Dreamhouse, Folk Singer, and 2019’s Shine On. No Depression crowned him, "A sardonic provocateur with a lighthearted acoustic-driven wit, suggesting at times a sunnier, less psychedelic Todd Snider, or maybe a less wan, washed Jackson Brown,” while the Associated Press dubbed him "part busker, part Iggy Pop and part Robin Williams, a freewheeling folkie with a quick wit and big heart.”

19-Twenty lads have been whipping up a frenzy on the festival scene for good reason. They are electric; an infectious riff and groove-based blue-billy-grass-rockin'-roots band.

Their high-energy sonic party headlining shows have sold out in all states and territories. Performing anywhere and everywhere, this straight-up 100% independent act has been steadily gaining new music fans and friends around Australia and Europe, including Belgium, The Netherlands & Germany, with Tone Deaf calling them "One of the most exciting riff and groove based blues and roots acts emerging from the east coast of OZ!"

Taj Farrant is a young musician who has taken the world by storm with his exceptional guitar skills and captivating performances. At just 14 years old, Taj has already made a name for himself in the music industry, leaving audiences in awe of his talent and potential.

Taj was born into a family with a deep appreciation for music, which played a significant role in shaping his early life. Growing up in Australia, Taj was exposed to a variety of musical genres from a young age, thanks to his parents’ diverse taste in music. It all started at an AC/DC concert at the age of 6. Sitting on his Pops’ shoulder’s he witnessed Angus Young come up through the stage rocking to “Shook me all night long”. He leant down to his Dad and said “I want to do that for the rest of my life!”. The rest they say is history. This exposure sparked Taj’s interest in music, and he began his journey by picking up the guitar at the tender age of 7. From the very beginning, it was evident that Taj had a natural talent for music. Despite his young age, Taj displayed an incredible ability to quickly learn and master complex guitar techniques. His dedication and passion for music were evident as he spent countless hours practicing and refining his skills. Taj’s parents recognised his talent early on and provided him with the necessary support and resources to nurture his musical abilities.

Taj’s exceptional guitar skills have garnered attention from music enthusiasts and professionals alike. His ability to effortlessly play intricate solos and execute complex guitar techniques is truly remarkable for someone of his age. Taj’s performances are characterised by a unique blend of technical precision and raw emotion, captivating audiences with his soulful playing style. Taj’s talent has not gone unnoticed in the music industry. He has had the opportunity to perform on renowned stages, sharing the spotlight with established musicians and bands, such as Carlos Santana, Rob Thomas and even given the opportunity to jam with KISS during band rehearsal in their studio. Taj’s performances have garnered him recognition and praise from industry professionals,

further solidifying his status as a rising star. His musical influences range from rock legends like Angus Young and Jimi Hendrix to contemporary guitar virtuosos such as Gary Moore and Stevie Ray Vaughan, which is reflected in his playing style.

Taj’s meteoric rise to fame has resulted in a growing fan base and a dedicated following on social media platforms. His videos showcasing his guitar skills have gone viral, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.

Taj’s ability to connect with his audience through his music has earned him a loyal fan

base, eager to witness his future endeavours. With his undeniable talent and growing popularity, Taj has a promising future ahead of him in the music industry. He has already attracted the attention of industry professionals, leading to speculation about potential collaborations and future projects. Taj’s unique playing style and musical influences set him apart from his peers, positioning him as a force to be reckoned with in the music world.

Erja Lyytinen is one of 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 albums as well as several live albums. Lyytinen’s musical pallet is vast, encompassing the very best of contemporary blues-rock whilst inspired and influenced by the blues greats of yore.

The artist’s last studio album Waiting for the Daylight was released in 2022 and was ranked #3 on Finland´s Official Physical Album Charts and #14 on the IBBA October Charts in the UK. The first single released from Erja's latest studio offering, Bad Seed was chosen as the 13th Best Rock Song of the year by Classic Rock Magazine. Furthermore, Lyytinen’s guitar solo from “Bad Seed” reached 10th place in Guitar World’s Best guitar solo of 2022 reader's poll.

Lyytinen has been acknowledged for her work by her fans, peers, and the industry alike with a treasure trove of accolades. This includes being ranked #2 on Total Guitar Magazine’s “10 Best Guitarists Now” poll as well as being awarded “Best Guitarist” at the 2017 European Blues Awards.

Erja made history by being the first Finnish artist nominated at Canada´s Maple Blues Awards in the B.B. King International Artist of the Year category.

In the first half of 2023, Erja Lyytinen released the latest instalment of her series of guitar tuition books. Subsequently, Lyytinen’s newest concert album Diamonds on the Road – Live 2023 will be released on the 6^{th of} October 2023.

The artist's busy touring schedule will see Erja Lyytinen perform on several continents during 2023 as well as her first UK shows since the pandemic. For further information, please visit https://erjalyytinen.com/

The New York Times called him ‘deliciously addictive’ and said when you listen to Harry Manx ‘you are listening to an original.’ Seven-time Maple Blues award winner, Folk Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, six Juno nominations.....welcome to the Harry Zone. Harry Manx has spent years fusing eastern musical traditions with the blues, switching effortlessly between conventional guitars, harmonica, and banjo and the decidedly different Mohan veena, a 20-stringed instrument invented by Manx’ Indian mentor Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. Manx is often referred to as 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’ll get Manx’s unique “mysticssippi” flavour. It’s hard to resist and keeps audiences coming back for more.    Downbeat Magazine said that “Manx’s real talent lies in creating a place where Blues and Indian Classical are a seamless fit”.  Billboard Magazine called Harry “Canada’s most expressive Blues player”.  "Canadian guitarist Harry Manx knows his instrument the way most men know their television remote controls.” Time Out, New York City  "Like a lot of top singer songwriters Harry projects an intimacy & old friend quality from artist to listener … “ Billy Hutchinson, Blues Matters!

“Watching Harry play tonight I feel like I learned something new …. ” Bruce Springsteen (after seeing Harry perform “I’m On Fire” at the International Guitar Festival in NYC) 

“Harry’s real skill lays in creating a rare musical place where blues, country, folk and Indian classical music co-exist as some spirit force” Frank Hadley, Downbeat Magazine 

Here Come the Mummies is an eight-piece funk-rock band of 5000 year-old Egyptian Mummies with a one-track mind. Their "Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave" is sure to get you into them (and possibly vice versa).

Since their discovery, HCTM has been direct support for 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; appeared on That’s My Jam with Jimmy Fallon; played massive festivals like Summer Fest, Summer Camp, Common Ground, Musikfest, and Suwannee Hulaween; and sold tickets by the thousands across large swaths of North America. Maybe that’s why the ladies (and some dudes) can’t stop losing their minds over these mayhem-inducing mavens of mirth.

Some say they were cursed after deflowering a great Pharaoh’s daughter. Others claim they are reincarnated Grammy-Winning studio musicians. Regardless, HCTM’s mysterious personas, cunning song-craft, and unrelenting live show will bend your brain, and melt your face. Get ready! Here Come The Mummies.

Little Quirks are a breath of fresh, unbridled joy. The family that accidentally became a band, sisters Mia and Abbey grew up on the Central Coast of New South Wales, not far from their cousin a fellow band member Jaymi. Starting out jamming at family get gatherings and are now 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. After successful adventures performing at festivals across Europe, UK and Canada in 2023, the band is in dynamite form and ready to bring their infectious vibes to Bluesfest. Catch them before the word gets out.

‘Some artists need to be seen to be believed, and Hussy Hicks fit that category."

- Sarah Howells, ABC 

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 all over the world.

If you haven’t yet, it’s time to jump on the Hussy Hicks train, because it’s a ride you won’t want to miss.

For fans of:

• Soaring Vocals
• Insane Guitar playing
• Tight Harmonies
• Tasty Rhythm Sections
• Big Stage Energy

Three-time Australian Blues Music Award winners and Australian Roots Music Award nominees Blues Arcadia deliver a unique dirty-soul sound with swagger, style, and sensitivity, injecting fresh new energy into 21st century rhythm and blues with US magazine Blues Blast claiming that “with them, the future of blues is secure”.

The song-writing partnership of vocalist Alan Boyle and guitarist Chris Harvey is completed by collaborators and partners-in-crime Jeremy Klysz (bass), Paula Girvan (keys)and Casper Hall (drums)

The band made a huge impact with their 2019 debut album Carnival Of Fools with 4.5 stars from The Australian Weekend Review, 5 stars from the Sunday Mail, a #5 debut on the AIR Independent Charts and a #1 debut on the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Charts, and have been bringing their energetic and authentic live show to festivals and venues everywhere from far North QLD to Adelaide.

Now the dynamic Brisbane five-piece have taken things to a whole new level, recently unleashing their killer second album Now Or Never (4.5 stars again from The Australian Weekend Review, 5 stars from Rhythms Magazine) with fresh forays into funk and jazz, while never straying too far from their grounding in the blues.