This is the last year the internationally renowned festival 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 said that while there was sadness as the final show approaches, there was also a determination to produce the best festival in its 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.”

Club Narooma this year is hosting 'Blues Brunches' this year in a new addition to the festival activities.

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.

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.

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.”

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