The music lifts the crowd together, creating a feeling of connection between everybody. That’s the power of music. And the experience that Bluesfest gives you. From Rock to Folk and Hip-Hip, the five-day festival has an awe-inspiring line-up of musical legends, big name internationals and talented locals. Musical memories are here to be made. Big tents, big sound, and even bigger artists. In 2016, Kendrick Lamar headlined and in 2019 the festival celebrated its 30th Anniversary with Ocean Alley, Hozier and Tash Sultana. Dust off your best festival outfit. Slap on some glitter. Because these acts have got star power!
Five days, five stages, five artists and five things you need to know….
5 Things You Need to Know
Kendrick Lamar (2016)
- Kendrick Lamar is the most acclaimed Rap artist of his generation
- The Platinum-selling Compton rapper got a Pulitzer Prize for music for his album DAMN.
- His famous collabs include Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, Beyonce and U2
- Fan favourites are “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe”, “Money Trees” and “King Kunta”
- The Bluesfest set highlight was the whole tent chanting “We goin’ be alright”
Ocean Alley (2019)
- Ocean Alley won the triple J Hottest 100 with “It’s All About Confidence, Baby”
- The modern reggae fusion group hail from the Northern Beaches of Sydney
- They’ve captivated audiences with their memorable blend of psychedelic surf-Rock
- From jamming in a backyard garage the band is now riding the wave of Indie Rock stardom
- The Bluesfest set highlight “The Comedown” had the crowd frothing for more
Hozier (2019)
- Irish Rock chart-topper Hozier is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist
- He was born in County Wicklow and is the son of a Blues musician
- He collaborated with Soul legend Mavis Staples on EP “Nina Cried Power”
- New album ‘Wasteland, Baby!’ debuted at No. 1 in the US and topped the charts in Ireland
- The Bluesfest set highlight was his mega hit moody Rock song “Take Me to Church”
Baker Boy (2019)
- Danzal Baker (aka Baker Boy) is the 2019 Young Australian of the Year
- His totem is the Olive Python, his moiety is Dhuwa and his skin is Burralung/Gela boy
- In Arnhem Land they call the rising Hip-Hop star the ‘fresh new prince’
- He raps in his own Yolngu language and has some deadly dance moves on stage
- The Bluesfest set highlight was “Black Magic” featuring mentor Dallas Woods
Tash Sultana (2019)
- Indie-Rock juggernaut Tash Sultana is an explosive live artist
- The one-woman powerhouse rose to fame through viral “Bedroom Recordings”
- She won an ARIA award for Blues and Roots Album of the Year with ‘Flow State’
- The self-taught artist has mastered over 15 instruments to create her own unique style
- The Bluesfest set highlight “Jungle” had the crowd going wild