Byron Bay Bluesfest

Annual Australian music festival

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Byron Bay Bluesfest

2014 festival from above

Genre| Blues, roots
Dates| 6–10 April 2023
Location(s)| Byron Bay, New South Wales
Years active| 1990–2019, 2022–
Founded by| Keven Oxford
Organized by| Peter Noble
Website| bluesfest.com.au

The Byron Bay Bluesfest, formerly the East Coast International Blues & Roots Music Festival, is an annual Australian music festival that has been held over the Easter long weekend in the Byron Bay, New South Wales, area since 1990. The festival features a large selection of blues and roots performers from Australia and around the world and is one of the world's leading contemporary music festivals.

The festival was founded by Dan Doeppel and Kevin Oxford in 1990 and is run by Peter Noble who joined Oxford for the 1994 event. It has been held at several locations in and around Byron Bay and is currently held at Tyagarah, 11 km (6.8 mi) north of Byron Bay town. Originally running for four days, it now[when?] runs for five days, from Thursday to Monday.

The Boomerang Festival is an event within the festival dedicated to Indigenous Australian performance, art and culture.

Bluesfest 2020 and 2021 were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

## History[edit]

The festival began in 1990 at the Arts Factory in Byron Bay as a four-day blues music event over the Easter weekend. It was founded by Dan Doeppel and Kevin Oxford in 1990 and is now run by Peter Noble who joined Oxford for the 1994 event.[citation needed]

Bluesfest director Peter Noble

It has been held at several locations in and around Byron Bay and is currently held at Tyagarah, 11 kilometres drive north of Byron Bay town. It now runs for five days, from Thursday to Monday. From an original crowd of 6,000, it now attracts annual audiences of over 101,000 across the five days. Patrons range from locals to international visitors from a wide age range, including celebrities such as Matt Damon, Jason Momoa and Chris Hemsworth.[1]

In December 2004, Keven Oxford, a director and founder of the event, left the festival and sold his 50% share of the company to a consortium comprising Michael Chugg (managing director of Sydney-based Michael Chugg Entertainment), Daryl Herbert (CEO of Melbourne-based Definitive Events) and Glenn Wheatley (CEO of Melbourne-based Talentworks), who ran the festival with co-founder Peter Noble. Noble bought out the consortium in 2008 and now owns the festival alone.[2] In 2010 Bluesfest moved to its permanent home at the 120-hectare Tyagarah Tea Tree farm.[3]

In 2014, the Boomerang Festival was introduced as part of Bluesfest. This is an event within the festival dedicated to Indigenous Australian performance, art and culture.[4]

### 2020[edit]

Bluesfest 2020 was the first of 31 Bluesfests to be cancelled, due to event restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.[5][6]

### 2021[edit]

The 2021 event, scheduled for 1–5 April,[7] was cancelled one day before it was to commence after a COVID-19 case was detected in Byron Bay. A public health order to shut down the music festival was signed by the Minister for Health Brad Hazzard.[8] As of 17 February the festival was still going ahead as the NSW Government had approved its COVID safety plan. It was to have been about half the size of previous Bluesfests, and be fully seated. Only Australian artists were to play.[9] Evelyn Richardson, of live performance industry body Live Performance Australia, estimated the sudden cancellation had caused an A$10 million loss. Eddie Brook of the Cape Byron Distillery said that Bluesfest was worth A$100 million to the local economy.[10]

Another event was arranged for October 2021, but on 17 August it was cancelled.[citation needed]

### 2022[edit]

The 2022 Bluesfest took place on 15–19 April.[11] Around 100,000 people attended the festival.[12]

### 2023[edit]

In November 2022 it was announced that, in addition to the 34th annual Byron Bay Festival being held on 6–10 April 2023, the inaugural Bluesfest Melbourne will take place on 8–9 April.[citation needed][13] Controversy about the line-up erupted after controversial band Sticky Fingers was included in the line-up. This resulted in Melbourne band King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and rapper Sampa the Great withdrawing from the festival in protest.[14][15] Bluesfest director, Peter Noble, defended the decision to include the band stating that the lead singer of Sticky Fingers had apologized for his past actions and called for the artists to stop living in the past.[16] After weeks of backlash, it was announced that Sticky Fingers would no longer be on the lineup.[15] Around 70,000 people attended the Byron Bay festival.[12]

## Awards[edit]

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### Summary (Bluesfest)[edit]

* 1 win at the Keeping the Blues Alive Awards Memphis - For Festival Director Peter Noble
* 8 wins at the NSW Tourism Awards for Major Festivals & Events (6 Gold, 2 Silver)
* 6 wins at the North Coast Tourism Awards for Major Festivals & Events
* 4 wins at the Helpmann Awards for Best Contemporary Music Festival, Ceremony for Australia's most talented and celebrated performers and industry
* 6 wins at the Australian Event Awards for Australian Event of the Year
* 10 nominations at the Pollstar Awards (US) for International Festival of the Year (6 in a row from 2012- incl 2017)
* 1 nomination at the Pollstar Awards (US) for International Festival of the Decade

### Bluesfest Awards[edit]

* 2022 Gold Major Festivals & Events, NSW Tourism Award
* 2019 Best Regional Event, Australian Event Awards
* 2018 Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event - Australian Event Awards
* 2018 Keeping the Blues Alive Award Memphis - For Festival Director Peter Noble
* 2017 Gold Major Festivals & Events - NSW Tourism Awards (After winning Gold 3rd time in a row Bluesfest entered the NSW Tourism Hall of Fame)
* 2017 Best Regional Event, Australian Event Awards
* 2016 Gold Major Festival & Events, NSW Tourism Awards
* 2016 Best Regional Event, Australian Event Awards
* 2016 Gold Major Festivals & Events, North Coast Tourism Awards
* 2016 Order of Australia Medal (OAM), Won by Festival Director, Peter Noble ‘For service to live and recorded music, to tourism, and to the community.’
* 2015 Gold Major Festivals & Events, NSW Tourism Awards
* 2015 Gold Major Festivals & Events, North Coast Tourism Awards
* 2015 Pan Australasian Festival Of The Year, Canadian Music Week International Festival Awards
* 2014 Best Contemporary Music Festival, Australian Helpmann Awards
* 2014 Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event, Australian Event Award
* 2014 Gold Major Festival & Event, North Coast Tourism Awards
* 2014 'The Rolling Stone Award' Won by Festival Director, Peter Noble
* 2014 Silver Major Festivals & Events, NSW Tourism Awards
* 2013 Silver Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event Australian Event Awards
* 2013 Gold Major Festivals & Events, NSW Tourism Awards
* 2013 Gold Major Festivals & Events, North Coast Tourism Awards
* 2013 Best Regional Event, Australian Event Awards
* 2013 Best Contemporary Music Festival Australian Helpmann Awards
* 2013 Business Excellence Award, North Coast Tourism Awards
* 2012/13 The International A Greener Festival Award
* 2012 Silver Major Festival & Events, NSW Tourism Awards
* 2012 Business Excellence Award, North Coast Tourism Awards
* 2011 The International A Greener Festival Award
* 2011 Gold Major Festivals & Events, NSW Tourism Awards
* 2011 Business Excellence Award, North Coast Tourism Awards
* 2010 Australian Event of the Year, Australian Event Awards
* 2010 The International A Greener Festival Award
* 2009 The International A Greener Festival Award
* 200 Grammy Award, ‘Best Zydeco Or Cajun Music Album’, Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience (AIM Records artist)
* 2008 The International A Greener Festival Award
* 2007 The International A Greener Festival Award
* 2006 Best Contemporary Music Festival, Australian Helpmann Awards
* 2005 Best Contemporary Music Festival, Australian Helpmann Awards
* 1998 – 2013 Readers Poll Award, Rhythms Magazine – "Best Australian Festival"
* 1994 - 96 Readers Poll Award, Rhythms Magazine – "Best Australian Festival"

### Bluesfest nominations[edit]

* 2022 Pollstar Awards (USA) for International Festival of the Year
* 2022 Best Cultural/Arts Event, Australian Event Awards
* 2021 Pollstar Awards (USA) for International Festival of the Decade
* 2019 Pollstar Awards (USA) for International Festival of the Year
* 2017 Best Contemporary Music Festival, Australian Helpmann Awards
* 2016 International Music Festival of the Year, 28th Pollstar Awards (2017)
* 2016 Best Contemporary Music Festival, Australian Helpmann Awards
* 2015 International Music Festival of the Year, 27th Pollstar Awards (2016)
* 2015 Best Contemporary Music Festival Australian Helpmann Awards
* 2014 Major Festivals & Events, NSW Tourism Awards
* 2014 Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event, Australian Event Awards
* 2014 Best Tourism Event, Australian Event Awards
* 2014 Best Regional Event, Australian Event Awards
* 2014 Best New Event for Boomerang Festival, Australian Event Awards
* 2013 International Festival of the Year 25th Pollstar Awards (2014)
* 2013 Best Tourism Event, Australian Event Awards
* 2012 International Festival of the Year 24th Pollstar Awards (2013)
* 2012 Best Cultural/Arts Event, Australian Event Awards
* 2012 Best Contemporary Music Festival, Robert Helpmann Awards
* 2011 Best Regional Event, Australian Event Awards
* 2011 Best Achievement in Sustainability, Australian Event Awards
* 2009 Best Cultural or Arts Event, Australian Event Awards
* 2009 Best Overseas Festival, UK Festival Awards
* 200 Grammy Award, ‘Best Tropical Latin Album’, Greetings From Havana - Cubanismo (AIM Records artist)
* 2008 Best Contemporary Music Festival, Australian Helpmann Awards
* 2007 International Music Festival of the Year from the esteemed US based Pollstar Concert Industry Awards

## Past lineups[edit]

### 2007[edit]

The line-up for the 2007 festival included:[17]

* Rodriguez (US)
* Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals (US)
* John Mayer (US)
* Missy Higgins
* Wolfmother
* Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (US)
* Bonnie Raitt (US)
* Bo Diddley (US)
* Taj Mahal (US)
* Tony Joe White (US)
* The Roots (US)
* Kasey Chambers
* John Butler Trio
* Fat Freddys Drop (NZ)
* Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars (Sierra Leone)
* Fishbone (USA)
* Gomez (UK)
* Fred Eaglesmith (CAN)
* Kieran Kane and Kevin Welch with Fats Kaplin (US)
* Feist (Canada)
* The Waifs
* Ben Kweller (US)
* Flogging Molly (US)
* Xavier Rudd
* The NEO
* Pappa Jam

### 2008[edit]

The 2008 festival was held at the 26 acres (110,000 m2) Belongil Fields, the original outdoor venue. The 2008 festival had more food and craft stalls, a covered area where festival goers could eat at tables, a chill-out area, plus an area for an additional, fifth stage.

Artists in 2008 included Buddy Guy, Eskimo Joe, The John Butler Trio, Gotye, The Beautiful Girls, Newton Faulkner, Seasick Steve, Charlie Musselwhite, Mavis Staples, John P. Hammond, John Hiatt, Ray Davies, Maceo Parker, Loudon Wainwright III, Ozomatli, Ruthie Foster, Jake Shimabukuro, Keith Urban, Amali Ward, Lior, MOFRO, Dan Sultan, Jeff Lang, The Cat Empire, Clare Bowditch, Raul Midon and Xavier Rudd.

### 2011[edit]

The line-up for the 2011 festival included:

* Bob Dylan
* B. B. King
* Grace Jones
* Ben Harper and Relentless7
* Elvis Costello and the Imposters
* Leon Russell
* George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic
* Jethro Tull
* ZZ Top
* John Legend
* Michael Franti and Spearhead
* Gurrumul
* Toots and the Maytals
* Luciano and Jah Messenjah Band
* Blind Boys of Alabama featuring Aaron Neville
* Paul Kelly
* Buffy Sainte-Marie
* Warren Haynes and his Allstar Band
* Rodrigo y Gabriela
* Fistful of Mercy
* Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Band
* Imogen Heap
* Ernest Ranglin
* Robert Randolph and the Family Band
* The Cat Empire
* Mavis Staples
* Kasey Chambers
* Clare Bowditch
* Little Feat
* Indigo Girls
* Osibisa
* Tim Finn
* Raúl Malo
* Wolfmother
* Xavier Rudd
* Funky Meters
* Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
* Irma Thomas
* Fishbone
* Los Lobos
* Trinity Roots
* Kate Miller-Heidke
* Michelle Shocked
* Jeff Lang
* Saltwater Band
* Washington
* Jack Thompson and the Original Sinner
* Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band
* Neil Murray
* Ash Grunwald
* Eli "Paperboy" Reed
* C. W. Stoneking
* Tim Robbins and the Rogues Gallery Band
* Eric Bibb
* Ruthie Foster
* Tony Joe White
* Joe Louis Walker
* Frank Yamma
* The Bamboos
* The Aggrolites
* Resin Dogs
* Yodelice
* Shane Nicholson
* Lisa Miller
* The Dingoes
* Leah Flanagan
* Bobby Long
* Lowrider
* Dale Watson and His Lone Stars
* Barrence Whitfield
* The Blackwater Fever
* Phil Jones and the Unknown Blues

### 2012[edit]

The line-up for the 2012 festival included:

* Cold Chisel
* John Fogerty performing the songs of Creedence Clearwater Revival
* Crosby, Stills & Nash
* Earth, Wind & Fire
* The Pogues
* The Specials
* John Butler Trio
* My Morning Jacket
* Yes
* Buddy Guy
* Donovan
* Lucinda Williams
* Maceo Parker
* G3 featuring Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Steve Lukather
* Ziggy Marley
* Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot!
* John Hiatt & the Combo
* Angelique Kidjo
* Sublime with Rome
* Zappa Plays Zappa
* Slightly Stoopid
* Jonny Lang
* Seasick Steve
* Kenny Wayne Shepherd
* Keb' Mo'
* Candi Staton
* Nick Lowe
* Steve Earle
* Justin Townes Earle
* Yann Tiersen
* Josh Pyke
* Bettye LaVette
* Rosie Ledet
* Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
* Weddings Parties Anything
* Great Big Sea
* Seth Lakeman
* Blue King Brown
* The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson
* David Bromberg Quartet
* Canned Heat
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
* Alabama 3
* Dawes
* Vusi Mahlasela
* Backsliders
* Richard Clapton
* Blitzen Trapper
* The Audreys
* Eugene Bridges
* Ray Beadle
* James Vincent McMorrow
* Eilen Jewell
* 1814
* Joanne Shaw Taylor
* Hat Fitz & Cara
* Harry Manx
* Tribali
* Watussi
* Eagle and the Worm
* Mick Thomas' Roving Commission
* Mat McHugh (The Beautiful Girls)
* The Hands
* Mama Kin
* Tijuana Cartel
* Busby Marou
* Benjalu
* Bobby Alu
* Dan Hannaford
* Carus Thompson
* Daniel Champagne
* Dubmarine
* Kim Churchill
* Dallas Frasca
* Mason Rack Band
* Lachlan Bryan
* Marshall O'Kell
* Claude Hay
* Ashleigh Mannix
* Round Mountain Girls
* Ollie Brown
* Mojo Bluesman
* Kooii
* Harry Healy
* Blackbirds
* Mick McHugh
* Minnie Marks
* Young Sounds of Byron

### 2013[edit]

The line-up for the 2013 festival included:

Thursday, 28 March

* Ben Harper
* Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
* Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls
* Chris Isaak
* Rodriguez
* Tedeschi Trucks Band
* Joan Armatrading
* Fred Wesley and The New JBs
* The Duke Robillard Band
* Grace Potter
* Wanda Jackson
* The Snowdroppers
* Shawn Colvin
* William Elliot Whitmore
* Seth Lakeman
* The Beards

Friday, 29 March

* Santana
* Steve Miller Band
* Jimmy Cliff
* Blind Boys of Alabama
* Tedeschi Trucks Band
* Joan Armatrading
* Rodriguez
* Robert Cray
* Fred Wesley and The New JBs
* Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
* Glen Hansard with The Frames
* Playing for Change
* The Snowdroppers
* Michael Kiwanuka
* Ruthie Foster
* The Haight Ashbury Show
* The Beards
* The Break
* Seth Lakeman
* William Elliot Whitmore
* Shawn Colvin
* Wards Xpress
* RocKwiz Live

Saturday 30, March

* Robert Plant
* Iggy and The Stooges
* Wilco
* Madness
* Grace Potter
* Dropkick Murphys
* Status Quo
* Robert Cray
* Blind Boys of Alabama
* Allen Toussaint
* Beasts of Bourbon
* Bettye LaVette
* Playing for Change
* The Beards
* Saskwatch
* Ruthie Foster
* Michael Kiwanuka
* Sweet Honey in the Rock
* Seth Lakeman
* Ben Caplan
* The Haight Ashbury Show
* Hat Fitz & Cara
* Round Mountain Girl
* Wards Zpress
* Lil Fi & The Rascals
* RocKwiz Live

Sunday, 31 March

* The Cat Empire
* Fat Freddy's Drop
* Madness
* Roger Hodgson
* Xavier Rudd
* Jon Anderson
* Mavis Staples
* Karise Eden
* Wanda Jackson
* Bettye LaVette
* Allen Toussaint
* Tony Joe White
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
* The Bamboos
* Sweet Honey in the Rock
* Saskwatch
* Playing for Change
* Luka Bloom
* King Cannons
* Ben Caplan
* Mason Rack Band
* The Haight Ashbury Show
* RocKwiz Live

Monday, 1 April

* Paul Simon
* Wilco
* Rufus Wainwright
* Xavier Rudd
* Bonnie Raitt
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
* Fat Freddy's Drop
* Mavis Staples
* The Bamboos
* Grey Ghost
* King Cannons
* Bettye LaVette
* Newton Faulkner
* Tony Joe White
* Busby Marou
* The Beards
* Haight Ashbury Show
* Ben Caplan
* Hat Fitz & Cara
* The Wilson Pickers

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### 2014[edit]

The line-up for the 2014 festival included:

Thursday, 17 April

* John Mayer
* Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
* Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
* Beth Hart
* Arakwal Opening Ceremony
* Zane Carney
* Buddy Guy
* Dr John & the Nite Trippers
* The Charlie Musselwhite Band
* The Black Sorrows
* Tijuana Cartel
* Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
* Public Opinion Afro Orchestra
* Playing For Change
* Steve Earle & the Dukes
* Dyson, Stringer and Cloher
* Allen Stone
* Coronet Blue
* Suzanne Vega
* Trixie Whitley
* Genevieve Chadwick
* Grandmothers of Invention
* The Magic Band
* The Soul Rebels
* Skunkhour
* Dubmarine
* Garland Jeffreys
* Glenn Cardier
* Marshall O'Kell and the Pride
* Seth Lakeman
* Shaun Kirk

Friday, 18 April

* Jack Johnson
* Matt Corby
* Gary Clark Jr
* India Arie
* Nahko and Medicine for the People
* Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
* Tijuana Cartel
* Doobie Brothers
* Boz Scaggs
* Buddy Guy
* Joss Stone
* Beth Hart
* Trixie Whitley
* Dyson, Stringer and Cloher
* Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
* Gregg Allman
* Aaron Neville
* Eric Bibb
* Steve Earle & the Dukes
* RocKwiz
* Clairy Browne & the Bangin' Rackettes
* Larry Graham & Graham Central Station
* The Wailers
* The Soul Rebels
* Public Opinion Afro Orchestra
* The Backsliders
* The Beards
* The Mastersons
* The Magic Band
* Grandmothers of Invention
* Allen Stone
* Dubmarine
* Coronet Blue
* Suzanne Vega
* Garland Jeffreys
* Seth Lakeman
* The Paladins
* Nikki Hill
* North Mississippi Allstars
* The Charlie Musselwhite Band
* ABC Coast FM National Broadcast
* Music Maker Foundation
* Hat Fitz & Cara
* Daniel Champagne

Saturday, 19 April

* Dave Matthews Band
* John Butler Trio
* Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
* Iron & Wine
* Devendra Banhart
* Kate Miller-Heidke
* Skunkhour
* Jeff Beck
* Gregg Allman
* Govt Mule
* Aaron Neville
* Jimmie Vaughan
* The James Cotton Blues Band
* Lime Cordiale
* Morcheeba
* Larry Graham & Graham Central Station
* Playing For Change
* The Black Sorrows
* The Soul Rebels
* RocKwiz
* WAR
* Ozomatli
* North Mississippi Allstars
* Robben Ford
* Devon Allman
* KT Tunstall
* Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges
* Hat Fitz & Cara
* Saskwatch
* Clairy Browne & the Bangin' Rackettes
* Grandmothers of Invention
* Nikki Hill
* The Beards
* Taste of Boomerang - Glenn Skuthorpe
* Chris Tamwoy, Troy Cassar Daley, Jannawi and ACPA Dancers
* Terrance Simien \- Creole for Kids
* The Mojo Webb Band
* Music Maker Foundation
* The Backsliders
* The Paladins
* Eric Bibb
* Glenn Cardier
* Daniel Champagne
* Claire Anne Taylor

Sunday, 20 April

* Erykah Badu
* Morcheeba
* Iron & Wine
* Passenger
* Playing For Change
* Terrance Simien
* Foy Vance
* Kim Churchill
* Michael Franti & Spearhead
* Ozomatli
* Nahko and Medicine for the People
* Chali 2na
* WAR
* Cambodian Space Project
* CW Stoneking
* Hat Fitz & Cara
* Govt Mule
* Sly & Robbie and the Taxi Gang
* Mystery Performance - Watch This Space
* John Williamson
* Kasey Chambers
* RocKwiz
* Jimmie Vaughan
* Robben Ford
* The James Cotton Blues Band
* Booker T Jones
* Tim Rogers
* Valerie June
* Matthew Curry
* Music Maker Foundation
* The Magic Band
* Saidah Baba Talibah
* Watussi
* Taste of Boomerang - Glenn Skuthorpe
* Chris Tamwoy, Troy Cassar Daley, Jannawi and ACPA Dancers
* KT Tunstall
* The Beards
* Chain
* Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges
* Devon Allman
* Ray Beadle
* Joanne Shaw Taylor
* Candye Kane Band
* Nikki Hill
* Claude Hay

Monday, 21 April

* Dave Matthews Band
* Michael Franti & Spearhead
* Joss Stone
* India Arie
* Devendra Banhart
* Kim Churchill
* Elvis Costello & The Imposters
* Jake Bugg
* Foy Vance
* KC & The Sunshine Band
* WAR
* Shaun Kirk
* Gary Clark Jr
* Booker T Jones
* Sly & Robbie and the Taxi Gang
* Ozomatli
* Chali 2na
* Matthew Curry
* Lime Cordiale
* Watussi
* Saskwatch
* Jason Isbell
* Cambodian Space Project
* Terrance Simien
* Saidah Baba Talibah
* Round Mountain Girls
* 2014 Busking Winner
* Playing For Change
* The Beards
* Chain
* Music Maker Foundation
* Tim Rogers
* Candye Kane Band
* Byron Area High Schools Showcase
* Ray Beadle
* The Mojo Webb Band
* Joanne Shaw Taylor
* CW Stoneking
* Valerie June
* Claude Hay
* Phil Manning
* Genevieve Chadwick

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### 2015[edit]

The line-up for the 2015 festival included:

Thursday, 2 April

* Counting Crows
* Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
* Sticky Fingers
* Jurassic 5
* Declan Kelly presents Diesel N' Dub feat. Frank Yamma, Emma Donovan, Radical Son, Pat Powell & Tony Hughes
* Frank Yamma
* Arakwal Opening Ceremony
* Angus & Julia Stone
* Hozier
* Boy & Bear
* Augie March
* Justin Townes Earle
* Skipping Girl Vinegar
* Jimmy Cliff
* SOJA
* Playing for Change
* Chris Robinson Brotherhood
* Wagons
* Luluc
* Nikki Hill
* Keb' Mo'
* G.Love & Special Sauce
* Matt Andersen
* Shaun Kirk
* Kristy Lee
* The Rumjacks
* Delta Rae
* Music Makers Blues Revue
* Dewayne Everettsmith
* The Bella Reunion

Friday, 3 April

* Alabama Shakes
* Paolo Nutini
* British India
* Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
* Beth Hart
* Band Of Skulls
* Switchfoot
* Delta Rae
* Zac Brown Band
* Hunter Hayes
* Train
* Jimmy Cliff
* SOJA
* Keb' Mo'
* Nikki Hill
* Gary Clark Jr.
* Chris Robinson Brotherhood
* Ruthie Foster
* G. Love & Special Sauce
* JJ Grey & Mofro
* RocKwiz
* Dispatch
* Donavon Frankenreiter
* Playing for Change
* Declan Kelly presents Diesel N' Dub feat. Frank Yamma, Emma Donovan, Radical Son, Pat Powell & Tony Hughes
* The Beat
* Keziah Jones
* Jake Shimabukuro
* Kristy Lee
* Music Maker Blues Revue
* Jeff Lang
* Matt Andersen
* ABC Gold Coast FM National Broadcast
* Dewayne Everettsmith
* Frank Yamma
* Shaun Kirk

Saturday, 4 April

* Paolo Nutini
* Alabama Shakes
* Hozier
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
* Mariachi El Bronx
* Skipping Girl Vinegar
* Band Of Skulls
* Genevieve Chadwick & The Stones Throw
* David Gray
* The Gipsy Kings
* Rodrigo y Gabriela
* The Waterboys
* John Mayall
* Nikki Hill
* Steve Smyth
* Playing for Change
* Fly My Pretties
* Dispatch
* Donavon Frankenreiter
* Keziah Jones
* RocKwiz
* Jon Cleary & The Monster Gentlemen
* Pokey LaFarge
* Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones
* Jeff Lang
* Rebelution
* The Beat
* Kristy Lee
* Marlon Williams & The Yarra Benders
* Music Maker Blues Revue
* The Rumjacks
* Watussi
* Wagons
* Karl S. Williams
* Jake Shimabukuro
* Luluc

Sunday, 5 April

* Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
* Rodrigo y Gabriela
* Xavier Rudd & The United Nations
* Hunter Hayes
* Beth Hart
* The Beautiful Girls
* JJ Grey & Mofro
* Jurassic 5
* Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
* Angelique Kidjo
* Gary Clark Jr.
* Ash Grunwald
* Declan Kelly presents Diesel N' Dub feat. Frank Yamma, Emma Donovan, Radical Son, Pat Powell & Tony Hughes
* Skipping Girl Vinegar
* Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires
* Blue King Brown
* Fly My Pretties
* Mavis Staples
* Ruthie Foster
* RocKwiz
* The Rumjacks
* Jon Cleary & The Monster Gentlemen
* Nikki Hill
* Diesel
* Justin Townes Earle
* Phil Wiggins & Dom Turner
* Matt Andersen
* Steve Smyth
* Playing for Change
* Music Maker Blues Revenue
* Watussi
* Karl S. Williams
* James T.
* Serena Ryder
* Genevieve Chadwick & The Stones Throw
* Eddie Boyd & The Phatapillars (2014 Busking Comp Winner)

Monday, 6 April

* George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
* Paul Kelly presents Merri Soul Sessions feat. Dan Sultan, Kira Puru, Vika & Linda Bull, Clairy Browne
* Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires
* Angelique Kidjo
* Watussi
* Nikki Hill
* Michael Franti & Spearhead
* SOJA
* Rebelution
* Michael Franti's Soulshine - Yoga & Acoustic Jam
* Mariachi El Bronx
* The Beautiful Girls
* Gary Clark Jr.
* Mavis Staples
* John Mayall
* Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones
* Ash Grunwald
* Pokey LaFarge
* Karl S. Williams
* Playing for Change
* Blue King Brown
* Declan Kelly presents Diesel N' Dub feat. Frank Yamma, Emma Donovan, Radical Son, Pat Powell & Tony Hughes
* Tony Joe White
* Diesel
* Serena Ryder
* Steve Smyth
* 2015 Busking Competition Winner
* Music Maker Blues Revue
* Phil Wiggins & Dom Turner
* Matt Andersen
* James T.
* The Bella Reunion
* Eddie Boyd & The Phatapillars (2014 Busking Comp Winners)
* Marlon Williams & The Yarra Benders

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### 2016[edit]

The line-up for the 2016 festival included:

Thursday, 24 March

* Kendrick Lamar
* D'Angelo
* Kamasi Washington
* Hiatus Kaiyote
* Fantastic Negrito
* Welcome to Country
* Tedeschi Trucks Band
* Cold War Kids
* Tweedy
* Con Brio
* Harts
* The Wailers present Exodus
* The Word
* Janiva Magness
* Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
* The Bros. Landreth
* Songhoy Blues
* Rhiannon Giddens
* Emma Donovan & The Putbacks
* Kaleo
* Lord Huron
* Digging Roots
* Lucky Peterson
* Eugene 'Hideaway' Bridges
* Chain
* Steve Smyth
* Blind Boy Paxton
* Marshall Okell

Friday, 25 March

* The National
* City and Colour
* Nahko and Medicine For The People
* Grace Potter
* Elle King
* Lord Huron
* Kaleo
* The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band featuring Rick Vito
* St. Paul & The Broken Bones
* Tweedy
* Graham Nash
* Archie Roach
* East Journey
* Arakwal Opening Ceremony
* The Wailers present Uprising
* Playing For Change Band
* Steve Earle & The Dukes
* Blackberry Smoke
* The Word
* Songhoy Blues
* Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
* Tex Perkins & The Ape
* Con Brio
* Rhiannon Giddens
* Shooglenifty
* The Bros. Landreth
* Frazey Ford
* Eugene 'Hideaway' Bridges
* Dustin Thomas
* Chain
* Lucky Peterson
* Blind Boy Paxton
* Brotherhood of the Blues
* ABC Gold Coast FM National Broadcast
* Mojo Juju
* Digging Roots
* Hussy Hicks

Saturday, 26 March

* D'Angelo
* Hiatus Kaiyote
* Kamasi Washington
* The Decemberists
* Eagles of Death Metal
* Con Brio
* Harts
* Joe Bonamassa
* Tedeschi Trucks Band
* The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band featuring Rick Vito
* Vintage Trouble
* St. Paul & The Broken Bones
* Allen Stone
* The Mastersons
* The Wailers present Survival
* Nahko and Medicine For The People
* Playing For Change Band
* Steve Earle & The Dukes
* Grace Potter
* Blackberry Smoke
* Janiva Magness
* Emma Donovan & The Putbacks
* The Word
* Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
* Elle King
* Mike Love
* Fantastic Negrito
* Kaleo
* The Bros. Landreth
* Irish Mythen
* Lucky Peterson
* Jeff Martin (The Tea Party)
* The Residents present Shadowland
* Frazey Ford
* Brotherhood of the Blues
* Pierce Brothers
* Steve Smyth
* Raw Earth

Sunday, 27 March

* Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
* The Decemberists
* The Cat Empire
* Modest Mouse
* Blackberry Smoke
* Houndmouth
* Jeff Martin (The Tea Party)
* UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue
* Melissa Etheridge
* Jackson Browne
* The Blind Boys of Alabama
* Graham Nash
* The Bros. Landreth
* Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
* The Selecter
* The Wailers present Legend
* Taj Mahal
* Shakey Graves
* Ash Grunwald
* Kim Churchill
* Sahara Beck
* Allen Stone
* Janiva Magness
* Fantastic Negrito
* Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
* Shooglenifty
* The Word
* Con Brio
* Hussy Hicks
* Raw Earth
* The Residents present Shadowland
* Mojo Juju
* Mike Love
* Blind Boy Paxton
* Wards Xpress
* Dustin Thomas
* Grizzlee Train - 2015 Busking Competition Winner

Monday, 28 March

* Tom Jones
* Brian Wilson performing Pet Sounds
* The Blind Boys of Alabama
* Russell Morris
* Richard Clapton
* Kim Churchill
* The Original Blues Brothers Band
* Joe Bonamassa
* Vintage Trouble
* Playing For Change Band
* Taj Mahal
* Irish Mythen
* Ash Grunwald
* Pierce Brothers
* Jason Isbell
* Shakey Graves
* Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
* St. Paul & The Broken Bones
* Allen Stone
* Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
* Marshall Okell
* Tenzin Choegyal
* Blackberry Smoke
* Fantastic Negrito
* Backsliders
* Mike Love
* Steve Smyth
* Wards Xpress
* 2016 Busking Competition Winner
* The Selecter
* Janiva Magness
* The Residents present Shadowland
* Kaleo
* Shooglenifty
* Blind Boy Paxton
* Sahara Beck
* Local Area High School Showcase

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### 2017[edit]

The line-up for the 2017 festival included:

Thursday, 13 April

* Patti Smith and Her Band perform Horses
* Courtney Barnett
* Vintage Trouble
* The Strumbellas
* Andrew Bird
* Trevor Hall
* Welcome to Country
* Nas with guests The Soul Rebels
* Gallant
* Miles Electric Band
* Snarky Puppy
* Max Jury
* St. Paul & The Broken Bones
* Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
* Corinne Bailey Rae
* Mavis Staples
* Rhiannon Giddens
* Davy Knowles
* The Mountain Goats
* Mud Morganfield
* Eric Gales
* Nikki Hill
* Irish Mythen
* Lucy Gallant
* Dumpstaphunk
* The California Honeydrops
* The Suffers
* Joan Osborne
* Melody Angel
* Devon Allman Band
* Blind Boy Paxton

Friday, 14 April

* Mary J Blige
* Snarky Puppy
* Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
* Gallant
* Michael Kiwanuka
* Max Jury
* Arakwal Opening Ceremony
* The Lumineers
* Bonnie Raitt
* Jimmy Buffett
* Patti Smith acoustic set
* Mavis Staples
* Rhiannon Giddens
* The Mountain Goats
* Playing for Change
* Gregory Porter
* Rickie Lee Jones
* Roy Ayers
* Ellis Hall & Vasti Jackson
* Melody Angel
* Busby Marou
* Dumpstaphunk
* The Suffers
* The Soul Rebels
* Devon Allman Band
* The Strumbellas
* Joan Osborne
* Nikki Hill
* Blind Boy Paxton
* Mud Morganfield
* Eric Gales
* The California Honeydrops
* Davy Knowles
* Wouter Kellerman

BOOMERANG:

* Oka
* Jannawi Plus workshop
* Emily Wurramara
* Excelsior plus workshop
* Yirrmal
* Airileke and Rize Of the Morning Star
* Tenzin Choegyal

Saturday, 15 April

* The Doobie Brothers
* Sir Rosevelt
* Corinne Bailey Rae
* Gregory Porter
* Ellis Hall & Vasti Jackson
* Max Jury
* St. Paul & The Broken Bones
* Buddy Guy
* Beth Hart
* Vintage Trouble
* Billy Bragg
* Nikki Hill
* Slightly Stoopid
* Nahko & Medicine for the People
* The Record Company
* Irish Mythen
* Jake Shimabukuro
* The Australian Ukulele Show
* The Wilson Pickers
* Little Georgia
* Devon Allman Band
* Roy Ayers
* Laura Mvula
* Turin Brakes
* Rickie Lee Jones
* Trevor Hall
* Ray Beadle & The Silver Dollars
* Jeff Lang
* The California Honeydrops
* Davy Knowles
* Blind Boy Paxton
* Joan Osborne
* Melody Angel

BOOMERANG:

* Emily Wurramara
* Jannawi plus workshop
* Leonard Sumner
* Excelsior Plus workshop
* Yirrmal
* Jannawi plus workshop

Sunday, 16 April

* Madness
* Michael Kiwanuka
* Slightly Stoopid
* Playing for Change
* Nic Cester and The Milano Elettica
* Jake Shimabukuro
* Irish Mythen
* Zac Brown Band
* Santana
* Buddy Guy
* Jethro Tull
* The Record Company
* Round Mountain Girls
* Booker T. presents The Stax Revue
* Mavis Staples
* Laura Mvula
* Remi
* The Suffers
* Rhiannon Giddens
* Davy Knowles
* Lloyd Spiegel
* Experience Jimi Hendrix
* Nikki Hill
* Eric Gales
* Turin Brakes
* Devon Allman Band
* Mud Morganfield
* Glenn Cardier and the Sideshow
* Ivy 2016 Busking Competition Winner
* Dumpstaphunk
* The California Honeydrops
* Australian Ukulele Show
* Max Jury
* Wouter Kellerman

BOOMERANG:

* Leonard Sumner
* Excelsior Plus workshop
* Tenzin Choegyal
* Jannawi plus workshop
* Airileke and Rize of the Morning Star
* Excelsior Plus workshop
* Oka

Monday, 17 April

* Zac Brown Band
* Beth Hart
* St. Paul & The Broken Bones
* Miles Electric Band
* The Suffers
* Neil Finn
* Kasey Chambers
* Busby Marou
* Playing for Change
* Nic Cester and The Milano Elettica
* Laura Mvula
* Dumpstaphunk
* Mavis Staples
* Booker T presents The Stax Revue
* Billy Bragg & Joe Henry
* Tony Joe White
* Glenn Cardier and the Sideshow
* Nahko & Medicine for the People
* The Record Company
* Remi
* Jeff Lang
* Lloyd Spiegel
* Ray Beadle & The Silver Dollars
* Blind Boy Paxton
* 2017 Busking Competition Winner
* The California Honeydrops
* Devon Allman Band
* Melody Angel
* Little Georgia
* Lucy Gallant
* The Wilson Pickers
* Round Mountain Girls
* Local Area High School Showcase

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### 2018[edit]

The line-up for the 2018 festival included:

Thursday, 29 March

* Tash Sultana
* Leon Bridges
* Gomez
* Rag 'n' Bone Man
* Holy Holy
* Arakwal Welcome to Country & Opening Ceremony
* The Original Blues Brothers Band
* Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
* Gov't Mule
* Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
* Citizen Cope
* The Wailers
* The New Power Generation
* Hurray for the Riff Raff
* All Our Exes Live in Texas
* Elephant Sessions
* Steve Smyth
* Joe Louis Walker
* Newton Faulkner
* Ryan McMullan
* Shaun Kirk
* Busking 2018 Finalists
* Dumpstaphunk
* William Crighton
* The California Honeydrops
* Caiti Baker
* Bali Blues Brothers

Friday, 30 March

* Ms. Lauryn Hill
* The New Power Generation
* Gomez
* Asgeir
* Harts
* Clarence Bekker Band
* Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters
* Jimmy Cliff
* Youssou N’Dour
* Juanes
* All Our Exes Live In Texas
* Little Georgia
* The Wailers
* Gov't Mule
* Dumpstaphunk
* Con Brio
* Hanlon Brothers
* The Teskey Brothers
* Citizen Cope
* Eric Gales
* Bobby Rush
* Canned Heat
* Newton Faulkner
* Hurray for the Riff Raff
* André Cymone
* Tay Oskee 2017 Busking Competition Winner
* Molly Millington 2017 Busking Grommet Winner
* The California Honeydrops
* Joe Louis Walker
* Elephant Sessions
* Double J Live Broadcast

BOOMERANG:

* Narasirato
* The Strides
* Sorong Samarai
* Meet the Artists
* Healing Workshops
* Weaving workshops
* Art Gallery Talks
* Healing
* Kids weaving
* Weaving with Grasses
* Talks and Ideas
* Move it Mob Style with Darren Compton
* Workshops Jannawi
* Eric Avery
* Muggerah

Saturday, 31 March

* Michael Franti & Spearhead
* The New Power Generation
* Juanes
* Seu Jorge
* Ryan McMullan
* Little Georgia
* The Original Blues Brothers Band -
* Jackson Browne
* Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
* Leon Bridges
* The Wailers
* Clarence Bekker Band
* Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
* Dumpstaphunk
* Harts
* Con Brio
* Harry Manx
* Mia Dyson
* Steve Smyth
* Hussy Hicks
* Afro Celt Sound System
* Canned Heat
* Chain
* André Cymone
* The California Honeydrops
* Citizen Cope
* Busking 2018 Finalists
* Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
* Caiti Baker
* William Crighton
* Shaun Kirk

BOOMERANG:

* Sorong Samarai
* Yirrmal
* Benny Walker
* Narasirato
* Meet the Artists
* Healing Workshops
* Weaving workshops
* Art Gallery Talks
* Healing
* Kids Weaving
* Weaving with Grasses
* Talks and Ideas
* Narasirato
* Eric Avery
* Move it Mob Style
* Jannawi
* Workshops Muggerah

Sunday, 1 April

* John Butler Trio
* Tash Sultana
* Ziggy Alberts
* First Aid Kit
* José González
* The California Honeydrops
* Sheryl Crow
* Melissa Etheridge
* Seal
* Seu Jorge
* Mia Dyson
* Clayton Doley's Bayou Billabong
* Morcheeba
* Rag 'n' Bone Man
* Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
* Eric Gales
* Walter Trout
* Afro Celt Sound System
* Dog Trumpet
* Ryan McMullan
* The Wailers
* Dumpstaphunk
* Benjamin Booker
* Hanlon Brothers
* The Teskey Brothers
* Steve Smyth
* William Crighton
* 2018 Busking Competition Winner
* Bobby Rush
* Caiti Baker
* Clarence Bekker Band
* Hussy Hicks

BOOMERANG:

* Yirrmal
* Benny Walker
* The Strides
* Meet the Artists
* Healing Workshops
* Weaving workshops
* Art Gallery Talks
* Healing
* Kids weaving
* Weaving with Grasses
* Talks and Ideas
* Gathering Ceremony with local dancers
* Sarong Samarai
* Eric Avery
* Move it Mob Style with Darren Compton

Monday, 2 April

* Lionel Richie
* Chic featuring Nile Rodgers
* Dan Sultan
* Benny Walker
* Miss Renee Simone
* Michael Franti & Spearhead
* Jimmy Cliff
* The Wailers
* Con Brio
* Hayley Grace & The Bay Collective
* Morcheeba
* Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
* Benjamin Booker
* Walter Trout
* Mia Dyson
* Shaun Kirk
* Clayton Doley's Bayou Billabong
* Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
* Eric Gales
* Chain
* Citizen Cope
* Harry Manx
* Steve Smyth
* Caiti Baker
* 2018 Busking Grommet Competition Winner
* The California Honeydrops
* Dumpstaphunk
* Clarence Bekker Band
* Dog Trumpet
* William Crighton
* Ryan McMullan
* Bali Blues Brothers
* Local Area High School Showcase

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### 2019[edit]

The line-up for 2019 included:[18]

Thursday, 18 April

* Mavis Staples
* Snarky Puppy
* Six60
* Kurt Vile and The Violators
* Ocean Alley
* Arlo Guthrie
* Nahko and Medicine for the People
* Ruthie Foster
* Richard Clapton
* Russell Morris
* The Marcus King Band
* Fantastic Negrito
* Samantha Fish
* The War and Treaty
* The Black Sorrows
* Irish Mythen
* Melody Angel
* The California Honeydrops
* Elephant Sessions
* Caiti Baker
* Baker Boy
* Dallas Woods

Friday, 19 April

* Iggy Pop
* Hozier
* Norah Jones
* Tash Sultana
* Gary Clark Jr.
* Snarky Puppy
* Imelda May
* St. Paul and the Broken Bones
* Shakey Graves
* Arlo Guthrie
* Nahko and Medicine for the People
* I'm with Her
* Ruthie Foster
* Flogging Molly
* Backsliders
* The Marcus King Band
* Samantha Fish
* Deva Mahal
* Pierce Brothers
* Trevor Hall
* Irish Mythen
* Anderson East
* Melody Angel
* Hussy Hicks
* Caiti Baker

BOOMERANG:

* Baker Boy
* Dallas Woods
* DOBBY
* Brotherhood of the Blues

Saturday, 20 April

* Ben Harper
* Kasey Chambers
* Mavis Staples
* Tommy Emmanuel
* Colin Hay
* Imelda May
* Kurt Vile and The Violators
* Keb' Mo'
* Allen Stone
* St. Paul and the Broken Bones
* Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
* I'm with Her
* Flogging Molly
* Fantastic Negrito
* Samantha Fish
* The War and Treaty
* Larkin Poe
* Yothu Yindi and The Treaty Project
* Vintage Trouble
* Melody Angel
* The California Honeydrops
* Elephant Sessions
* Caiti Baker
* Little Georgia
* Dallas Woods
* Amaru Tribe
* RocKwiz Live

BOOMERANG:

* Archie Roach
* Mojo Juju
* Benny Walker
* DOBBY

Sunday, 21 April

* Jack Johnson
* Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
* Mavis Staples
* Gary Clark Jr.
* George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic
* Meshell Ndegeocello
* Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
* Archie Roach
* Shakey Graves
* Ruthie Foster
* Tex Perkins and The Fat Rubber Band
* Backsliders
* The Marcus King Band
* Fantastic Negrito
* The War and Treaty
* Deva Mahal
* Larkin Poe
* Pierce Brothers
* Trevor Hall
* Anderson East
* Melody Angel
* Thando Sikwila
* The California Honeydrops
* Little Georgia
* RocKwiz Live

BOOMERANG:

* Yothu Yindi and The Treaty Project
* Mission Songs Project
* Benny Walker

Monday, 22 April

* Paul Kelly
* The Saboteurs
* David Gray
* Ray LaMontagne
* Julia Stone
* Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
* George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic
* Keb' Mo'
* Allen Stone
* St. Paul and the Broken Bones
* Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
* Archie Roach
* I'm with Her
* Samantha Fish
* Deva Mahal
* Vintage Trouble
* Mojo Juju
* Anderson East
* Melody Angel
* Hussy Hicks
* Thando
* The California Honeydrops
* Elephant Sessions
* Caiti Baker
* Mission Songs Project
* Benny Walker
* Amaru Tribe
* Brotherhood of the Blues

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### 2020[edit]

Bluesfest 2020 was cancelled on 16 March 2020 due to the Public Health COVID-19 Public Events Order 2020.[6]

The line-up for 2020 was set to include:[19]

Thursday, 9 April

* The Cat Empire
* Frank Turner
* Zucchero
* The Sensations
* Ash Grunwald
* Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
* LP
* The Bamboos
* The Regime
* Tal Wilkenfeld
* Jimmie Vaughan
* Greensky Bluegrass
* Steve 'n' Seagulls
* The War & Treaty
* Yola
* Hussy Hicks
* The Allman Betts Band
* Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
* Amadou & Mariam
* Micki Free
* Erja Lyytinen
* MY BABY
* Pacey, King & Doley
* Here Come the Mummies
* Round Mountain Girls
* Roshani
* LamBros.

Friday, 10 April

* Lenny Kravitz
* Dweezil Zappa
* Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles
* LP
* The Bamboos
* The Sensations
* Alanis Morissette
* Brandi Carlile
* Buffy Sainte-Marie
* Yola
* The Waifs
* The War and Treaty
* Morcheeba
* The Marcus King Band
* Zucchero
* Steve 'n' Seagulls
* Amadou & Mariam
* The Regime
* Jimmie Vaughan
* The Allman Betts Band
* Greensky Bluegrass
* Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
* Ash Grunwald
* Morgane Ji
* MY BABY
* Here Come the Mummies
* Erja Lyytinen
* Tal Wilkenfeld

Saturday, 11 April

* Kool and the Gang
* George Benson
* The Gipsy Kings
* Zucchero
* Dirty Honey
* Harts Plays Hendrix
* Patti Smith and Her Band
* Ani DiFranco
* Allen Stone
* Troy Cassar-Daley
* Larkin Poe
* Australian Americana Music Honours[20]
* Eagles of Death Metal
* Morcheeba
* Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles
* Amadou & Mariam
* Tal Wilkenfield
* Joachim Cooder
* Hussy Hicks
* MY BABY
* Walter Trout
* Chain
* Pacey, King & Doley
* Micki Free
* Erja Lyytinen
* Steve 'n' Seagulls
* Here Come the Mummies
* The War & Treaty
* The Allman Betts Band
* Morgane Ji
* ABC Broadcast
* Roshani
* Emily Wurramara
* LamBros.

Sunday, 12 April

* The Wailers
* Allen Stone
* Guy Sebastian
* Tori Kelly
* Dami Im
* Yola
* Little Georgia
* Crowded House
* Xavier Rudd
* John Butler
* Ani DiFranco
* The Waifs
* Henry Wagons
* Jimmie Vaughan
* The Marcus King Band
* The Waterboys
* Buffy Sainte-Marie
* Daniel Champagne
* Joachim Cooder
* The Allman Betts Band
* The Sensations
* John Mayall
* Greensky Bluegrass
* Steve 'n' Seagulls
* Troy Cassar-Daley (Trio)
* Dirty Honey
* Roshani
* Electrik Lemonade
* Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
* The War & Treaty
* Ray Beadle (acoustic)
* Morgane Ji
* Emily Wurramara
* Nathan Cavaleri
* Hussy Hicks

Monday, 13 April

* Patti Smith and Her Band
* Tori Kelly
* Larkin Poe
* The War & Treaty
* Hussy Hicks
* Dave Matthews Band
* Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
* The Waterboys
* The Sensations
* Round Mountain Girls
* Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles
* John Mayall
* Walter Trout
* Micki Free
* Harts Plays Hendrix
* The Allman Betts Band
* Here Come the Mummies
* Chain
* Tal Wilkenfield
* Joachim Cooder
* Henry Wagons
* Nathan Cavaleri
* Palm Valley
* Pacey, King & Doley
* Ray Beadle (acoustic)
* The Regime
* Daniel Champagne
* Little Georgia
* Local Area High School Showcase

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### 2021[edit]

Bluesfest 2021 was cancelled on 31 March 2021 by order of the Minister for Health and Medical Research, due to the discovery of a positive COVID-19 case in Byron Bay the previous day.[8]

The line-up for 2021 was set to include:[21][22]

Thursday, 1 April

* Welcome to Country
* Bluesfest Busking 2021 Finalists
* Fiona Boyes
* JK-47
* Lambros.
* Ash Grunwald
* Garrett Kato
* Roshani
* Backsliders
* Kim Churchill
* Hussy Hicks
* The Black Sorrows
* The Bamboos
* Pacey, King & Doley
* Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks
* Hiatus Kaiyote
* The Regime
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
* The Cat Empire

Friday, 2 April

* Bluesfest Busking 2021 Finalists
* Roshani
* Nathan Cavaleri
* All Our Exes Live in Texas
* The Buckleys
* Lambros
* Kate Miller-Heidke
* Pierce Brothers
* The Regime
* Vika and Linda
* Kim Churchill
* Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers
* The Waifs
* Harts Plays Hendrix
* The Bamboos
* The Church
* Ash Grunwald
* Russell Morris
* The Angels
* Briggs
* The Black Sorrows
* The Living End
* Ocean Alley

Saturday, 3 April

* Bluesfest Busking 2021 Finalists
* Declan Kelly
* Electrik Lemonade (2019 Busking Competition Winner)
* Lambros.
* Roshani
* Hussy Hicks
* Nathan Cavaleri
* All Our Exes Live in Texas
* Kara Grainger
* Jeff Lang
* Mama Kin Spender
* Harts Plays Hendrix
* Pacey, King & Doley
* Troy Cassar-Daley
* Ziggy Alberts
* Backsliders
* Kev Carmody
* Tash Sultana
* Chain
* Hiatus Kaiyote
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra (with special guests)

Sunday, 4 April

* Little Georgia
* Round Mountain Girls
* Garrett Kato
* Henry Wagons
* Pierce Brothers
* Emily Wurramara
* Daniel Champagne
* The Waifs
* Mama Kin Spender
* Ray Beadle
* Weddings Parties Anything
* Dami Im
* Troy Cassar-Daley
* Xavier Rudd
* Jon Stevens
* Nathan Cavaleri
* John Butler
* Ian Moss
* Hussy Hicks
* Jeff Lang
* The Teskey Brothers
* Jimmy Barnes

Monday, 5 April

* Palm Valley
* Hussy Hicks
* Emily Wurramara
* Roshani
* Daniel Champagne
* Mick Thomas' Roving Commission
* Little Georgia
* Henry Wagons
* Round Mountain Girls
* Tex Perkins The Man in Black
* Kara Grainger
* Ash Grunwald & Josh Teskey
* Kate Ceberano
* Ray Beadle
* Kasey Chambers
* Mark Seymour & The Undertow
* Pacey, King & Doley
* John Williamson
* Chain
* The Regime
* Pete Murray

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Bluesfest 2021 was rescheduled to Friday, 1 October 2021 to Monday, 4 October 2021.[23] The revised line-up for 2021 was set to include:[24]

Friday, 1 October

* Midnight Oil
* Ocean Alley
* Xavier Rudd
* The Church
* The Living End
* Russell Morris
* Briggs
* Tex Perkins The Man in Black
* The Black Sorrows
* Ash Grunwald
* Vika and Linda
* Nathan Cavaleri
* Kim Churchill
* JK-47
* Garrett Kato
* Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers
* All Our Exes Live in Texas
* Roshani
* Lambros.
* The Regime
* Bluesfest Busking Competition & Winners
* Welcome to Country

Saturday, 2 April

* Paul Kelly
* Tash Sultana
* Ziggy Alberts
* Kasey Chambers
* The Angels
* Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks
* Kate Miller-Heidke
* The Black Sorrows
* Chain
* Ash Grunwald
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
* Jeff Lang
* Nathan Cavaleri
* Mama Kin Spender
* Pierce Brothers
* Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers
* Pacey, King & Doley
* All Our Exes Live in Texas
* Hussy Hicks
* Roshani
* Lambros.
* Electrik Lemonade
* Bluesfest Busking Competition & Winners

Sunday, 3 April

* Jimmy Barnes
* John Butler
* The Cat Empire
* The Waifs
* Jon Stevens
* Ian Moss
* Troy Cassar-Daley
* Hiatus Kaiyote
* Weddings Parties Anything
* The Bamboos
* Backsliders
* Jeff Lang
* Nathan Cavaleri
* Kim Churchill
* Henry Wagons
* Garrett Kato
* Mama Kin Spender
* Dami Im
* Pierce Brothers
* Emily Wurramara
* Ray Beadle
* Hussy Hicks
* Daniel Champagne
* Little Georgia
* Round Mountain Girls
* Bluesfest Busking Competition & Winners

Monday, 4 April

* Pete Murray
* Mark Seymour & The Undertow
* Kate Ceberano
* The Waifs
* Troy Cassar-Daley
* Hiatus Kaiyote
* The Bamboos
* Chain
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
* Mick Thomas' Roving Commission
* Henry Wagons
* Emily Wurramara
* The Buckleys
* Ray Beadle
* Pacey, King & Doley
* Hussy Hicks
* Roshani
* Daniel Champagne
* Little Georgia
* Round Mountain Girls
* The Regime
* Palm Valley
* Bluesfest Busking Competition & Winners

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On 17 August 2021, Bluesfest 2021 was once again cancelled due to COVID-19, and will not be rescheduled. The majority of the announced lineup has been confirmed for Bluesfest 2022, which took place over its original Easter weekend scheduling.[25]

### 2022[edit]

Thursday, April 14 (Thursdaze)

* The Cat Empire Final Ever Performance of The Original Line-up After 20 Years
* The Wailers
* Joe Camilleri Presents The Honeydrippers, Dylan Show
* Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
* The War and Treaty
* Tamam Shud
* Spectrum
* 60's Psychedelic Liquid Lightshow by Ellis D Fogg
* Spinifex Gum Feat Felix Riebl & Ollie McGill from The Cat Empire, Emma Donovan & Marliya Choir
* Zevon-Accidentally Like a Martyr by Henry Wagons
* Kevin Borich Express
* Caravãna Sun
* Tijuana Cartel
* Blue Empress All-Stars Feat Fiona Boyes, Cara Robinson, Hussy Hicks, Alison Penney, Kerri Simpson, & Sweet Felicia
* Minnie Marks
* Juzzie Smith
* Welcome to Country

Friday, April 15

* Midnight Oil
* Six60
* L.A.B.
* The Living End
* Hoodoo Gurus
* The Angels
* the Man In Black
* The Church
* Morcheeba
* The Marcus King Band
* Casey Barnes
* The Black Sorrows
* Vika & Linda
* Russell Morris
* Baker Boy
* All Our Exes Live in Texas
* Briggs
* Amadou & Mariam
* C.W. Stoneking
* Kevin Borich Express
* Blue Empress All-Stars Feat Fiona Boyes, Cara Robinson, Hussy Hicks, Alison Penney, Kerri Simpson, & Sweet Felicia
* 19-Twenty
* Ash Grunwald
* Fiona Boyes & the Fortune Tellers
* Lachy Doley & the Horns of Conviction
* Kara Grainger
* Nathan Cavaleri
* Kim Churchill
* JK-47
* The Regime
* Garrett Kato
* ROSHANI
* Hat Fitz & Cara
* Round Mountain Girls
* Lambros.
* Bluesfest Busking Competition & Winners

Saturday, April 16

* Paul Kelly
* Amy Shark
* The Wailers
* Xavier Rudd
* Missy Higgins
* Kasey Chambers
* Ross Wilson & the Peaceniks
* Kate Miller-Heidke
* Morcheeba
* Casey Barnes
* The Black Sorrows
* Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
* The War and Treaty
* Cory Henry
* Chain
* Stan Walker
* All Our Exes Live in Texas
* C.W. Stoneking
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
* 19-Twenty
* Ash Grunwald
* Plays the Songs of Led Zeppelin
* Fiona Boyes & the Fortune Tellers
* Lachy Doley & the Horns of Conviction
* Kara Grainger
* Ray Beadle
* Lisa Hunt's Forever Soul
* Pacey, King & Doley
* Nathan Cavaleri
* Mama Kin Spender
* Geoff Achison & the Soul Diggers
* Garrett Kato
* Hussy Hicks
* ROSHANI
* Hat Fitz & Cara
* Lambros.
* Electrik Lemonade
* Bluesfest Busking Competition & Winners

Sunday, April 17

* Jimmy Barnes
* Crowded House
* George Benson
* Fat Freddys Drop
* John Butler
* The Wailers
* Renée Geyer
* Ian Moss
* Jon Stevens
* The Waifs
* Hiatus Kaiyote
* Weddings, Parties, Anything
* The Marcus King Band
* Cory Henry
* Diesel
* Troy Cassar-Daley
* Amadou & Mariam
* The War and Treaty
* Josh Teskey & Ash Grunwald
* Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
* The Bamboos
* Backsliders
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
* 19-Twenty
* Henry Wagons
* Jeff Lang
* Ray Beadle
* Nathan Cavaleri
* Kim Churchill
* Fools
* Mama Kin Spender
* Dami Im
* Pierce Brothers
* Emily Wurramara
* Daniel Champagne
* Hussy Hicks
* Little Georgia
* Round Mountain Girls
* Rockwiz Live!

Monday, 18 April

* The Teskey Brothers
* The Wailers
* Kate Ceberano
* Pete Murray
* The Waifs
* John Williamson
* Hiatus Kaiyote
* Mark Seymour & The Undertow
* Troy Cassar-Daley
* Amadou & Mariam
* Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
* The War and Treaty
* Cory Henry
* Chain
* Josh Teskey & Ash Grunwald
* The Bamboos
* Sam Teskey
* Plays the Songs of Led Zeppelin
* Henry Wagons
* Jeff Lang
* Pacey, King & Doley
* Fools
* Emily Wurramara
* The Buckleys
* Mick Thomas's Roving Commission
* Geoff Achison & the Soul Diggers
* Daniel Champagne
* Minnie Marks
* The Regime
* Hussy Hicks
* ROSHANI
* Juzzie Smith
* Little Georgia
* Palm Valley
* Rockwiz Live!

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### 2023[edit]

The 2023 Byron Bay Bluesfest is set to run from the 6th to the 10th of April and the line-up will include the following artists.[26]

* Gang of Youths
* Paolo Nutini
* Tash Sultana
* Bonnie Raitt
* The Doobie Brothers
* Buddy Guy
* Joe Bonamassa
* Jackson Browne
* Elvis Costello & The Imposters
* Jason Isbell
* Lucinda Williams
* Counting Crows
* Beck
* Mavis Staples
* Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
* Michael Franti & Spearhead
* Robert Glasper
* Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
* LP
* The Cat Empire
* Xavier Rudd
* Kaleo
* Yirrmal
* Beth Hart
* Marcus King
* Eric Gales
* Steve Earle
* St Paul & The Broken Bones
* Lisa Hunt
* Larkin Poe
* Keb' Mo' Band
* Allison Russell
* Chain
* The Black Sorrows
* The Angels
* Spinifex Gum
* Fem Kuti & The Positive Force
* Dami Im
* Jon Stevens
* Christone Ingram
* Vintage Trouble
* Backsliders
* Ray Beadle Stax of Blues
* Ash Grunwald
* Clarence Bekker Band

Crossroads

Thursday  | Friday  | Saturday  | Sunday  | Monday

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

Beth Hart
The Angels
Spinifex Gum
St. Paul & The Broken Bones
Nikki Hill
Welcome to Country

Gang of Youths

Paolo Nutini
Beck
Kaleo

Fools
19-Twenty
Frank Sultana

Joe Bonamassa

Buddy Guy
Eric Gales
Chain
Marcus King
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
Eric Stang with Clarence Bekker Band

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Tash Sultana
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Femi Kuti & the Positive Force
Yirrmal
Allison Russell
Round Mountain Girls

The Doobie Brothers

Bonnie Raitt
Beth Hart (acoustic)
Jon Stevens
Yirrmal
Steve 'N' Seagulls

Mojo

Thursday  | Friday  | Saturday  | Sunday  | Monday

Elvis Costello & the Imposters

Paolo Nutini
Kaleo

Dog Trumpet
Daniel Champagne

Elvis Costello & the Imposters

Yirrmal
Spinifex Gum ft. Marliya
Archie Roach Tribute
Marcus King
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
Ray Beadle

Counting Crows

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
Jackson Browne
Chain
Allison Russell
Vintage Trouble
Jerome Williams
Bud Rokesky

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit

Bonnie Raitt
Mavis Staples
Nikki Hill
The Bros. Landreth
Steve Poltz
Hussy Hicks

The Cat Empire

Michael Franti & Spearhead
Xavier Rudd
Mavis Staples
Ash Grunwald
Backsliders
Bobby Alu

Delta

Thursday  | Friday  | Saturday  | Sunday  | Monday

The Black Sorrows

Lucinda Williams
Steve Earle
Greensky Bluegrass
The Bros. Landreth

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats

Larkin Poe
Lucinda Williams
Keb' Mo'
Steve Earle
Daniel Champagne
The Bros. Landreth
Round Mountain Girls

Femi Kuti & the Positive Force

Beth Hart
Clarence Bekker Band
Frank Turner
19-Twenty
Nikki Hill
Hussy Hicks

Lachy Doley & the Horns of Conviction

Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges
Backsliders
19-Twenty
Steve 'N' Seagulls
Roshani
Rockwiz Live

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Femi Kuti & the Positive Force
Coterie
Clarence Bekker Band
Dog Trumpet
Steve Poltz
Rockwiz Live

Juke Joint

Thursday  | Friday  | Saturday  | Sunday  | Monday

Larkin Poe

Eric Gales
Keb' Mo'
Southern Avenue
Frank Sultana

St. Paul & the Broken Bones

Vintage Trouble
The Black Sorrows
Chain
Greensky Bluegrass
Steve 'N' Seagulls
Bud Rokesky
Southern Avenue

Lisa Hunt Forever Soul

Electric Cadillac
Dami Im
Fools
Dog Trumpet
Daniel Champagne
Buttered
Loose Content

Lisa Hunt Forever Soul

Dami Im
Electric Cadillac
Ray Beadle Stax of Blues
Ash Grunwald
Bobby Alu
2023 Busking Adult Winner

Lisa Hunt Forever Soul

Nikki Hill
Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges
Lachy Doley & the Horns of Conviction
Roshani
Local Area Highschool Showcase
2023 Busking Gromet Winner

## See also[edit]

* List of festivals in Australia
* List of reggae festivals
* List of blues festivals
* West Coast Blues & Roots Festival

## References[edit]

1. ^ "Stars feel the blues this Easter". Couriermail.com.au. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
2. ^ "Bluesfest buy-out". DBMagazine (451). 15 October 2008. Archived from the original on 3 December 2008. Retrieved 14 February 2009.
3. ^ "Bluesfest Byron Bay Tickets". Oztix.com.au. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
4. ^ "Boomerang Festival returns to Byron Bay Bluesfest in 2019". Australian Arts Review. 11 February 2019. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
5. ^ Cashmere, Paul (16 March 2020). "Bluesfest 2020 Has Been Cancelled". Noise11.com.
6. ^ a b "Public Health COVID-19 Public Events Order 2020" (PDF). Health.gov.au.
7. ^ Martin, Josh (19 March 2020). "Byron Bay Bluesfest announces 2021 return, confirms new dates". Nme.com. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
8. ^ a b Elsworthy, Emma (31 March 2021). "Byron Bay Bluesfest cancelled for second year running after local man tests positive for COVID-19". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 1 April 2021. "This action is being taken to minimise the risk of the highly infectious COVID-19 variant of concern being transmitted in the local area, as well as across states and territories. − NSW Health statement"
9. ^ Fuamoli, Sose (17 February 2021). "Bluesfest will definitely go ahead for 2021, becoming the first COVID-safe festival of its size". Radio Triple J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
10. ^ Elsworthy, Emma (31 March 2021). "Byron Bay Bluesfest cancellation over COVID case angers music industry and fans". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
11. ^ Condon, Dan (17 August 2021). "Bluesfest will not happen in 2021, as festival announces 2022 plans". Double J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
12. ^ a b Galvin, Nick (9 April 2023). "Slimmed-down Bluesfest rocks on despite all the dramas". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
13. ^ "Artist Lineup & Play Dates". Bluesfest.com.au. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
14. ^ Boulton, Martin (21 February 2023). "Bluesfest director doubles down after Sticky Fingers controversy". The Age. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
15. ^ a b Burke, Kelly (2 March 2023). "Bluesfest removes Sticky Fingers from lineup after boycotts and backlash". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
16. ^ Watson, Meg; Boulton, Martin (15 February 2023). "'Stop living in the past': Bluesfest director backs adding Sticky Fingers to line-up". The Age. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
17. ^ Line-up 2007 bluesfest.com.au.[dead link] Line-up 2007 at the Wayback Machine (archived 15 December 2006)
18. ^ "Byron Bay Blues Festival Playing Schedule". Byron Bay Bluesfest. Archived from the original on 16 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
19. ^ "Byron Bay Blues Festival Playing Schedule" (PDF). Bluesfest.com.au. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
20. ^ Chryss, Cooper (23 February 2020). "Australian Americana Music Honours 2020". Bluesfest.com.au. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
21. ^ "2021 lineup". Bluesfest.com.au. Archived from the original on 31 March 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2021.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
22. ^ "Playing schedule". Bluesfest.com.au. Archived from the original on 30 March 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
23. ^ "Bluesfest 2021 rescheduled dates!". Bluesfest.com.au. 13 May 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
24. ^ "2021 lineup". Bluesfest.com.au. Archived from the original on 31 March 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
25. ^ Condon, Dan (17 August 2021). "Bluesfest will not happen in 2021, as festival announces 2022 plans". Abc.bet.au. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
26. ^ "Byron Bay Bluesfest contemporary Blues & Roots music festival". Bluesfest.com.au. Retrieved 21 February 2023.

## External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bluesfest Byron Bay.

* Bluesfest Byron Bay
* Bluesfest Touring
* News from local residents on the new festival site

Authority control databases |

* MusicBrainz series

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28°35′12.67″S 153°32′48.31″E﻿ / ﻿28.5868528°S 153.5467528°E﻿ / -28.5868528; 153.5467528