IT may not be the biggest festival of its kind but a year after returning to its spiritual home in Narooma, the Great Southern Blues Festival is rocking its mojo.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The multi-stage event, held over the three days of the October long weekend, is set to charm fans from around the country with its stellar line-up that blends both popular and obscure blues music.
Festival organiser Neil Mumme says this year’s event is casting its spell far and wide to ensnare the best national and international artists including legendary performers and emerging superstars.
“Our theme this year is Get Your Mojo Working and we’re supplying the perfect blend of sounds to help you do it,” Mumme said.
“We’ve already confirmed an array of brilliant artists and this year is shaping up to be spectacular. In keeping with our bid to offer something new to patrons, we’re adding some lesser-known blues options that are sure to delight.
“Our motto has always been ‘if you’ve been to rest, come to the best’, and we can certainly back up that claim.”
Leading the international line-up is American Piedmont Blues harmonica virtuoso Phil Wiggins, a former member of the Cephas and Wiggins duo who, this year, will be sharing the stage with Australian musician and founder of The Backsliders, Dom Turner.
He is joined by UK artist Sandi Thom who is making her debut at the festival. Thom is best known for the smash hit Wish I Was A Punk Rocker and will tour as a solo artist.
Roy Rogers with his band The Delta Rhythm Kings will head to Narooma for an exclusive Australian performance. America’s modern master of the slide guitar steeps his music in the Blues tradition but there’s nothing laid-back about the performance.
On the national front, much-loved artists like Sydney guitarist Steve Edmonds, new-age guitarist Ash Grunwald, timeless performers The Black Sorrows and pianist Ali Penny with her band The Money Makers lead the line-up.
One band sure to grab widespread attention is emerging Blues artists The Montgomery Brothers. Hailing from Cairns, the band is led by 21-year-old guitar virtuoso Ryo Montgomery accompanied by 16-year-old schoolkids who play with maturity beyond their years.
The Great Southern Blues Festival is being held on October 3-5 at Smyth Oval, Narooma.
General advance tickets to the two-stage event are on sale and attendees are encouraged to book early as the festival has strictly limited capacity.
Tickets can be purchased for the full weekend or as individual day passes. For full information, pricing and purchase, go to www.bluesfestival.tv or call 4476 4848.
About Narooma
Surrounded by pristine water, beautiful beaches and National Parks, Narooma provides the perfect backdrop for the Great Southern Blues Festival.
The intimate, multi stage site in the middle of beautiful Narooma on the NSW South Coast is within easy walking distance of most accommodation which is in itself something special.
Fast facts:
• The festival sits between 11 million people in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
• The festival is a 5 hour drive from Sydney, 2.5 hours from Canberra and 8 hours from Melbourne.
• It is the first festival on the festival season calendar coming out of winter.
• It provides significant input into the community by engaging SLSA, Rotary and other community groups.
• It provides a kick start for the local Narooma economy coming out of winter.
