Bluesfest is gearing up for its 30th anniversary and boy oh boy does it have a treat in store.
With the festival stretching over five days and across multiple stages on the outskirts of Byron Bay, we’ve put together a guide to navigate some of the acts you may not know, but certainly do not want to miss.
Little Georgia
Australian folk rock duo Justin Carter and Ashleigh Mannix are the voices behind Little Georgia. Forming a friendship over time as the two regularly encountered one another on east coast tours, Little Georgia came into being from a chance duet at an open mic night. And we are certainly glad they did, as they prepare to make their second consecutive appearance this Bluesfest. Fusing acoustic folk with electric riffs and driving jams, songs from their debut album All The While will form much of this setlist. Catch them on both Saturday April 20 and Sunday April 21.
The War and Treaty
If you’re looking for some funky bass lines, acoustic strings, keys and soulful vocals, look no further than The War and Treaty. Comprised of Michael and Tanya Trotter, the couple tell personal stories backed by American roots and soul beats. At age 13, after winning a talent show, Tanya knew singing was her future. Whilst serving in Iraq, Michael found his voice, writing and performing songs for fallen soldiers. Following the release of the album Healing Tide, The War and Treaty will take over the Bluesfest stage on Thursday April 18, Saturday April 20 and Sunday April 21, so get on down.
Caiti Baker
Born into a household with an eclectic range of music, it is no wonder that Caiti Baker’s sound is one that doesn’t fit into one, singular genre. Inspired by Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Big Mama Thornton, Caiti Baker will bring her collection of blues, soul, hip hop, R&B and new jack swinging tunes to Bluesfest over four of the five days. 2017 saw the release of her debut album ZINC with follow up singles ‘La La Land’, ‘Yep Yep’, and ‘Gimme’ arriving in 2018. Be sure to keep a keen eye out for Caiti Baker, you won’t regret it.
Fantastic Negrito
Singer-songwriter Xavier Dphrepaulezz is back in action after re-booting his career under the name Fantastic Negrito. Newly inspired and drawn to blues, the self taught musician fuses funk, soul, rock and blues across multiple instruments and rhythms, intertwining personal narrative. Following the release of his two albums The Last Days of Oakland, and Please Don’t Be Dead, Fantastic Negrito earned himself two Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Fantastic Negrito will take to the stage come Thursday April 18, Saturday April 20 and Sunday April 21. Buckle up and get ready for some quality blues music like no other.
Samantha Fish
Blues excitement machine Samantha Fish will be making her debut on the Bluesfest stage this year, delivering a set you do not want to miss. Launching her recording career in 2009, Samantha Fish has since released six albums and has an incredible reputation to boot. She is a powerful live performer, emitting charisma, charm, dynamism and attitude as she plays her assured and developed form of contemporary blues. Playing four of the five days, prepare for some seriously kick ass sets with Samantha Fish.
