Among the line-up taking to the dual stages during the long weekend festival are three of the region’s highly regarded and sought after musicians.

Chris O’Connor, Illya Swec and 19 Twenty have gathered some hard-core fans during their careers and they’re determined not to be outshone by the visiting artists.

Festival organiser, Neil Mumme, said the strength of the Great Southern Blues Festival is its range of artists and the blend of all forms of blues music styles that transcend age and geographical barriers.

“Our line-up of international talent this year is extraordinary but it is backed by terrific national and regional acts who can match them note for note,” Mumme said.

“Our Illawarra and South Coast artists have broad experience and a unique approach to Blues and they are respected not only in their home towns but on both the national and international scenes.”

Guitarist Chris O’Connor draws his inspiration heavily from the masters of the 1920s and ’30s including Blind Blake and Willie McTell, moving seamlessly from vibrant delta blues to slide guitar instrumentals, ragtime songs and a touch of gospel.

Formerly a member of the jugband, The Mudsteppers, O’Connor played at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January and will recreate his magic in Narooma.

Also throwing down the challenge to visiting artists is Wollongong-based Illya Szwec, a festival favourite with nearly 20 years of history performing around the Illawarra and Sydney scenes. He has performed with some of the country’s finest blues and roots artists in bands too numerous to name but it is the band that takes his name which gives him the greatest satisfaction.

Illya Szwec’s Groove Depot is a moving target of some of the country’s best musicians playing anything from soul to reggae to New Orleans jams all with a taste of the blues. The band features different musicians at any time and has included Clayton Doley, Sam Boyd, Jacob Cook, Pat Powell and Jamie Cameron.

The magic is in the mystery and when amazing talents merge, anything can happen.

Rounding out the festival line-up are 19 Twenty, a riff and groove band who have won the People’s Choice award at the Bridgetwon Blues Festival for the past two years, the first band to achieve such a deed.

Kane Dennelly, Syd Green, John Gwilliam and Heath Dennelly love slide stomping blues and perform with energy that can only be described as high octane.

Hand-picked by Cold Chisel’s management as the only support band to open for Cold Chisel’s first gig in 30 years and their last as the original line-up, 19 Twenty have built up a serious reputation.

Their international travels include London for Lock Stock as well as gigs in Belgium, The Netherlands and France and they continue to support some of Australia’s biggest names on the national circuit.

With local pride well sustained, the three-day festival is ideally placed to be the best yet and there are still some acts to be revealed.