WITH just two weeks to go, organisers of Narooma’s Great Southern Blues Festival are putting the final touches on an event worthy for the celebration of the end of an era.
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The year the internationally renowned festival comes of age is also the last year it will run in its current format with a changing marketplace increasing the complexities of organising a multi-day event.
Festival founder and producer Neil Mumme says that while there is sadness as the final show approaches, there is also a determination to produce the best festival in the event’s 18-year history.
“Our calling card has long been our ability to draw an array of blues talent that covers the full spectrum of what the genre covers,” Mr Mumme said.
“The artists we sign for the festival are ones we know have the talent, the skills and, more importantly, the stage presence to engage with our audience. We love to present classic blues but it’s always fun to showcase new interpretations and more obscure variations of the music.
“This year we have a terrific blend of much-loved artists, hot international acts and some of the most exciting up-and-coming local and national blues artists Australia has to offer.”
Among the artists performing this year are international stars Steve Poltz (Canada), and USA stalwarts Chris Cain, George Porter and the Runnin Pardners and JJ Grey & Mofro.
They are joined by Australian musicians like Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks, Blue King Brown, The Backsliders, Tony Jaggers and 19 Twenty.
Gail Page, who created incredible buzz as part of the recent television season of The Voice, will also return to the region to perform.
The weekend will also be a poignant time for many of the artists who have found a regular home on the Narooma stages.
Solo singer/guitarist Tony Jaggers who will perform at Ferny’s Juke Joint on Friday and Saturday said the 2015 festival will be the end of an era.
“The Great Southern Blues Festival has brought a myriad of exceptional artists to this regional area (and) it’s always the musical highlight of the year,” he said. “I’m deeply saddened by its demise and I hope that Neil Mumme receives the accolades he justly deserves for putting “the blues” into blues festival.”
Dom Turner of The Backsliders paid tribute to the work of Mumme and his team, saying his commitment to young talent as well as established artists was an important facet of the festival’s success.
“The Narooma Blues Festival has been a great supporter of live blues music in Australia for 18 years, with a strong focus on local artists,” he said.
“Backsliders have had the honour of playing most years and it has been an absolute highlight of our touring year, and a festival that will be sadly missed. We’re wishing Neil and Rhonda all the very best for the future and secretly hoping that they’ll change their minds and bring the fest back for 2016.”
The Great Southern Blues Festival kicks off at Smyth Oval on Friday, October 2 and runs to Sunday, October 4 at 10.30pm.
Single day, weekend packages and junior tickets are on sale.
For full information, head to www.bluesfestival.tv or call 4476 4848.
What else is new for the final show?
Club Narooma this year is hosting 'Blues Brunches' this year in a new addition to the festival activities.
On Saturday enjoy James Southwell and on Sunday enjoy Chris Harland, both performing 'unplugged' whilst you graze in the comfort at Club Narooma.
Juke Joint chef, Glennie Dawson, will again be delivering a magnificent menu to folks in the expanded Juke Joint Stage… expect to add some kilos if you frequent this area.
The sound spill that you all hate in the Juke Joint stage will be a distant memory this year, as the great wall of Narooma will ensure that.
Site crews start arriving in town over the next few days to transform Smyth Oval into the ultimate festival site.
The Line-up
Friday, October 2
Peter Phelps Stage - James Southwell Band, Steve Poltz, Chris Cain
Albert King Stage - Muma Jane’s Blues Band, The Detonators, 19 Twenty
Ferny’s Juke Joint - Tony Jaggers, Lloyd Spiegel, Claude Hay
Saturday, October 3
Peter Phelps Stage - Swamp Stompers, Pete Cornelius Band, Chris Cain, Blue King Brown, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Richard Clapton
Albert King Stage - The Tommyhawks, Chris Harland Band, Swamphouse, 19 Twenty, Darren Jack Band, Chase The Sun, Blue Shaddy
Ferny’s Juke Joint - Tony Jaggers, Open mike with TJ, Uke Blitzkrieg, Matt Southon, Claude Hay, John McNamarra, Gen Chadwick
Sunday, October 4
Peter Phelps Stage - Marshall Okell, The Backsliders, Gail Page, JJ Grey and Mofro, George Porter and the Runnin Pardners, Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks
Albert King Stage - Gen Chadwick Band, Floyd Vincent and The Temple Dogs, Chris Russell’s Chickenwalk, The Doley Brothers, Dynamic Hepnotics, The Nasty Boys
Ferny’s Juke Joint - Sidney Taylor, Open mike with TJ, Pete Cornleius, Doggin It, Richard Perso, Matt Southon
