Category Archives: Wanda Hill

Live Review: Bluesfest Byron Bay 2023 – Day 4 & 5

Review by Wanda Hill
Photos by Ant Ritz Photography/Rock Shots

featuring Bonnie Raitt – Trombone Shorty& Orleans Avenue – The Cat Empire – Mavis Staples – Yirrmal – Michael Franti and Spearhead – Tash Sultana

The final two days of Bluesfest had a bit of a wild west feeling going on, with autumnal tones, dusty grounds and police people riding around on horseback occasionally, looking very relaxed about the state of affairs at the festival. This may have been the calmest Bluesfest I have ever witnessed, well suited to the sweet sounds of Tash Sultana’s voice gracing the air waves on Sunday night. There never seemed to be a hassle lining up for anything or finding a good spot to dance.

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Live Review: Bluesfest Byron Bay 2023 – Day 3

Review by Wanda Hill
Photos by Ant Ritz Photography/Rock Shots

Last night the Crossroads became Buddy Guy’s intimate lounge room for a few hours where the many thousands gathered, were treated to a warm and humorous insight into the world of this 86 year’s young, blues legend. He warned ‘if you don’t like Blues you’re in the wrong fucking house, I’m going to play something so funky you can smell it.’ He played many of his own songs and those of other legends he has influenced, interspersed with cheeky stories. After playing Hoochie Coochie Man he observed how Hip Hop has changed the musical landscape and ‘you can say whatever the fuck you want now’ not holding back on any details with his lyrics and stories. Playing with not just his well worn hands, but his sleeve, overall front, teeth and towards the end walking right out into the the audience, letting kids play his guitar, giving old and new fans the experience of a life time. As he promised at the start of the show ‘I don’t get out here very often, so I’m going to give you the best that I got.’

Continue reading Live Review: Bluesfest Byron Bay 2023 – Day 3

Live Review: Bluesfest Byron Bay 2023 – Day 2

Review by Wanda Hill
Photos by Ant Ritz Photography/Rock Shots

Good Friday in the fields of Tyagarah had all the feels. An emotional tribute show to Archie Roach was a highlight. Bringing together First Nations artists from around Australia and even Tibet to celebrate this wonderful man who has been moving people to tears at many Bluesfest’s over the years. You know a show is going to be good when festival director Peter Noble comes out to watch it. So great to hear Uncle Archie’s songs living on and well cared for by artists such as Shellie Morris, Tenzin Choegyal, Radical Son and Deline Briscoe who brought us all to our core with her heartfelt version of A Child Was Born Here.

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Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2022 – Day 5

By Wanda Hill

https://www.facebook.com/bluesfestbyronbay/

Take three and the 33rd annual Bluesfest actually happened, much to the relief and joy of the entire Bluesfest community. Five days of celebrating some of the world’s finest musicians amongst old and new friends came to an end on Monday night. The festival grounds will be glad to see us gone, the trodden grass can regrow and the wildlife can get some much needed sleep.   

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Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2022 – Day 4

By Wanda Hill

https://www.facebook.com/bluesfestbyronbay/

Crowded House lived up to their name at the Crossroads as they could have filled two big tops with the amount of people trying to get close to the action. Parking sold out early for what was this year’s biggest day at Bluesfest. Pretty much the entire festival patronage gathered to see this much loved band. Despite most people choosing to sing along with Crowded House there was still plenty of awe and devotion for George Benson over at the Mojo,where he was filling the cool night air with romance and nostalgia, perfect for lovers.

Continue reading Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2022 – Day 4

Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2022 – Day 3

By Wanda Hill

https://www.facebook.com/bluesfestbyronbay/

Well it’s not a dream, it is real and it’s happening again. After so long without festivals it doesn’t seem possible to see live music, five consecutive days in a row. Day three and everything is smooth. The parking and traffic situation has been sorted, the long queues are a thing of yesterday and everything just feels a bit more relaxed. Families are out with their kids, many having their first ever festival experience.

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Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2019 – Day 5

By Wanda Hill


Photo Credit : Tao Jones

Bluesfest Day 5 – 22 April 2019
www.bluesfest.com.au

The final day of life in a village designed especially for fun looked magical as sun showers and rainbows illuminated the sky in true north coast style. Relaxed patrons roamed the grounds enjoying their last tastes of festival foods and music for the soul. Many of the visiting performers comment in their shows about the blessing of coming to this festival, the great time they have, and the beauty of the land and nearby ocean.
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Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2019 – Day 4

By Wanda Hill


Photo credit : Julius C Montes

Bluesfest Day 4 – 21 April 2019
www.bluesfest.com.au

The 30th anniversary of Bluesfest would not be complete without Australia’s most soulful singer songwriter Archie Roach. This afternoon’s Mojo highlight was Archie sharing stories of his life and his ancestor’s lives interwoven between powerfully emotive songs full of well earned wisdom. His beautiful lyrics punctuated by distinctive vocal tones, depth and vibrato that can move even the most stoic man to tears. Time seems to slow down in his presence, plenty of space for contemplation as Archie brings into focus issues such as the fight to protect a Djap Wurrung sacred birthing tree in Victoria currently threatened by highway expansion. His song ‘A child was born here’ perfectly illustrating the importance of birthing trees to Aboriginal people across the country. Such a gift to spend time listening to this great man who demonstrates so well that the greatest strength can be found in gentleness.
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Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2019 – Day 3

By Wanda Hill

Bluesfest Day 3 – 20 April 2019
www.bluesfest.com.au

Saturday got of to a great start with Rockwiz in the Jambalaya where hopeful players were spilling out the sides of the venue. After the quiz contestants were chosen the show got underway with an endless stream of guests including Ian Moss and Sarah McLeod arriving to play a song and join in with the teams. First guest for the day was Casey Donovan performing a cover of Queen’s ‘Don’t stop me now’ that Freddy Mercury would have been extremely proud of. Julia Zemiro hosted a witty and fun afternoon, artfully mixing music and politics making sure everyone was entertained and laughing. Turn up early for your chance to be a contestant when Rockwiz returns Sunday 1pm at Jambalaya.
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Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2019 – Day 2

By Wanda Hill


Photo credit – Evan Malcolm

Bluesfest Day 2 – 19 April 2019
www.bluesfest.com.au

Gazing out over a sea of happy faces all staring at a source of inspiration is one of the highlights of Bluesfest, a religious experience of sorts. Finding togetherness in appreciation for another’s artistic expression is the kind of non denominational worship that can heal old wounds and start new friendships. Whether you like an an artist or not it is hard to ignore the passion, talent and commitment required to build a career around music that lets you travel the world. What greater way to spend a designated holy day than watching people who have risen to god/dess status in our lifetimes and listen to the gifts they bring.
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Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2019 – Day 1

By Wanda Hill

Bluesfest Day 1 – 18 April 2019
www.bluesfest.com.au

If you are wondering why people keep coming back to Bluesfest year after year for 30 years, it’s because there is always new and exciting music to discover here. Whether it be seeing an artist for the first time that you have never heard of that has actually been around for decades and is really famous somewhere else, or having the opportunity to see recently emerged artists from right here on your doorstep. Day 1 brought the Bluesfest crowd a taste of what is hot in Australia right now with Dallas Woods, Baker Boy and Ocean Alley all on the menu.
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Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2018 – Day 5

Review by Wanda Hill

Michael Franti & Spearhead at Bluesfest Byron Bay 2018
Photographer : Stuart Blythe

Bluesfest 2018 – Monday 2nd April – Day 5
www.bluesfest.com.au
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Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2018 – Day 3

Review by Wanda Hill

Jackson Browne at Bluesfest Byron Bay 2018
Photographer : Stuart Blythe

Bluesfest 2018 – Saturday 31st March – Day 3
www.bluesfest.com.au

Day three was feeling pretty cruizy and chilled as people in for the whole music marathon were recovering from two huge days of sonic feasting already. No long lines for food and moving around the festival was pretty easy compared to the day before. That was until Jackson Browne was about to start at the Crossroads and then trying to move towards the other stages became an extreme effort as all roads and traffic pointed to Jackson Browne. The Crossroads was completely filled to hear his beautiful clear sound and heartfelt lyrics which unfortunately were slightly impacted for people at the back of the tent by sound bleed from a particularly energetic set by Harts over at the Jambalaya. Not so bad for the crowd at Jambalaya who were being engulfed by Harts powerful sounds.

Juanes at the Mojo had a small but extremely dedicated and appreciative crowd cheering wildly between songs. This Columbian singer sang the entire set in Spanish and at one point thanked the crowd for appreciating and respecting this. His music is diverse and ranged from ballads to hard rock with plenty of danceable tunes in between. All with a distinctly Latin flavour. Having won 20 Latin Grammy awards he is a legend in Spanish speaking countries worldwide but not so well known in Australia. Juanes being a social justice and peace activist was invited to join like minded Michael Franti on stage at the Mojo later in the evening.

The New Power Generation played their final show for the festival at the Mojo so they ramped up the vibe to 110%. Clearly enjoying their Bluesfest experience they gave the audience a show they will never forget. The bigger stage suited their performance and the 10-piece band had the room they needed for synchronised dance moves and expression. Prince’s songs were brought to life by his former band with epic synths, brilliant bass and outstanding vocals by André Cymone, Kip Blackshire and Támar Davis. Támar especially hits those high notes that sound impossible but oh so sweet. Bassist Dwayne Thomas Jr. was dressed as a human billboard advertising himself. His bass and clothes covered with Mono Neon signs, clearly an invitation to google him and find out more. No shyness about self promotion here. People of all ages enjoyed this uplifting and soulful tribute to an artist that has given us so much and departed way too soon.

People were finding it impossible to walk past Chain at the Delta stage, they had to dance walk and groove instead. As Peter Noble said while asking them to do an extra song “Chain are Australia’s greatest Blues band” having formed in 1968 they celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. The Afro Celt Sound System brought a dynamic mix of cultures and instruments to the Delta stage delivering a high energy set filled with sounds and influences from Indian, African and Gaelic traditions. I’m looking forward to dancing with them again today Sunday April 1st at 3pm at the Jambalaya.

Michael Franti and Spearhead had the honour of headlining at the Mojo under the full moon and will play again on Monday night the 2nd of April at the Crossroads at 10pm. As always Michael delivered positive and purpose filled messages through accessible upbeat music to an ever expanding fan filled audience.

Feeling completely satisfied from three huge days of Bluesfest already it was good to be reminded by acrobatic vocalist Ziek McCarter from Con Brio earlier in the day that “this is not a show, this is a party” and the party goes on. Sunday is looking to be massive. Crowds are expected to swell for the big acts coming on tonight – Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, Seal, John Bulter Trio and Tash Sultana. It’s the last day of Boomerang Festival today so if you haven’t checked this out yet make sure you are in early enough to catch the magic happening at the Boomerang dance ground and near by tents from 12:30pm.

www.bluesfest.com.au

Photo Gallery : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2018 – Day 3

Jackson Browne at Bluesfest Byron Bay 2018
Photographer : Stuart Blythe

Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2018 – Day 2

Review by Wanda Hill

Youssou N’Dour at Bluesfest Byron Bay 2018
Photographer : Stuart Blythe

Bluesfest 2018 – Friday 30th March – Day 2
www.bluesfest.com.au

Mesmerising singing in language, dancing and didgeridoo emanated from the Boomerang Festival dance grounds from early in the day. Smoking leaves scented the air around people gathered to watch Jannawi Dance Clan and Muggera Dancers. Setting the tone, for a day filled with crowd participation, the lead song man invited the audience to learn a few dances. Connecting with, honouring and protecting the land was a strong theme in the movements and intention of the dances we were invited to learn.
Continue reading Live Review : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2018 – Day 2