REGGAETOWN 2010 – Now 2 Days – First Artist Announcement

With a new look, a new feel and new timing…Australia’s premier Island, World, Roots & Reggae Festival Reggaetown, set in lush tropical Far North Queensland a few kilometres north of Cairns, is back for 2010. And, for the first time, taking place over 2 days — Friday 10th & Saturday 11th of September 2010 — in our idyllic location at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Fans from across Australia and the globe will make their way to Cairns, for yet another stellar Reggaetown line-up. In 2010 we are proud to present a special performance by the JOHN BUTLER TRIO. With their new album ‘April Uprising’ wooing crowds around the globe the trio will return from international touring, to take part in the festival.

Reggaetown will feature another Australian band who have gained incredible momentum on the international touring circuit, Ska, Jazz & Latin kings The Cat Empire. Alongside Tiki Taane (Salmonella Dub) with DJ Samobora (Shapeshifter) doing a DJ/ACCOUSTIC/MC set, plus Dancehall/Reggae band Nea Combo Diffuzion, direct from New Caledonia. Also gracing this killer line up are Ladi 6, Ykson, Sista Itations, Zennith, Kingfisha, Mama Kin, Clairy Baby Browne and The Bangin’ Rackettes, Ancient Instinct, The Nicky Bomba ReggaeTown Allstars and many more acts still to be announced.

Reggaetown World Music Festival has become an important and anticipated part of the region’s cultural landscape, as well as an iconic festival on Australia’s national calendar. Community spirit and participation has been a core attribute for the festival since its humble beginnings in 1995.

Reggaetown has been listed alongside WOMADelaide and the Byron Bay Bluesfest as one of Australia’s premier festivals. In 2010, with the support of the community, government and media partners Triple J, the festival is set to be bigger than ever.

Reggaetown not only showcases an eclectic mix of music, bands, DJs and sound systems, but also roving performers, kids activities, workshops in music and dance, plus cafes, garden bars and market stalls. Tickets will sell fast for this dynamic formula of soulful music, relaxing tropical surroundings and delicious food!

FIRST ROUND ANNOUNCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

JOHN BUTLER TRIO

On April 5th 2010, the John Butler Trio’s new album ‘APRIL UPRISING’, bulleted into the national ARIA album chart at No.1 making it the third consecutive number one album debut for the JBT. The album holds a strong position sitting at number 3 in its fourth week in the charts. With the album distributed by MGM and released on Jarrah Records, the independent label owned and operated by John, he continues to pave the way for independent artists in Australia and this achievement reinforces John Butler as Australia’s leading independent artist.

‘Sunrise Over Sea’, the band’s first album to debut at number one, broke the Australian market wide open and enabled Butler to start taking his music to the world. Their next album, ‘Grand National’, saw the band embraced in the international arena as they conducted massive touring schedules to tune into and turn on what is now a massive global fan base.

‘APRIL UPRISING’ has delivered the band’s most successful radio activity to date. ‘One Way Road’, the first single from the album took out the number one spot on the national airplay charts three times this year. The current single ‘Close To You’, led by a driving electric guitar and insistent vocals shows a tougher side to the band, was the number one most added track at radio on its release to radio.

John, with his new band mates, Nicky Bomba (drums and percussion) and Byron Luiters (bass) have already conducted a gruelling schedule with sold out showcase performances around the globe to bolster the release of ‘APRIL UPRISING’, which has been simultaneously released in the USA, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Netherlands, Japan and New Zealand.

Over the coming months the John Butler Trio will deliver ‘APRIL UPRISING’ via their captivating and dynamic live sets to their worldwide fans with headlining shows in all markets. The ‘APRIL UPRISING’ world tour kicked off with a four week stint which has seen the band perform in Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Amsterdam, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. The band will soon commence their biggest USA tour to date with headline shows including what is sure to be two remarkable headline performances at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado (made famous by U2 with Under a Blood Red Sky) and the prestigious Central Park Summer Stage in New York. They’ll loop back through Europe for further shows and festival performances and they’ll also play the main stage at this year’s Fuji Rock Fest in Japan.

Come late August, the John Butler Trio will share ‘APRIL UPRISING’ with their cherished Australian fans with a national tour taking in capital cities and major regional centres, with all dates will be announced soon. They’ll then criss-cross the globe for more international touring.

Commenting on the album and forthcoming tour schedule, John Butler said today,

“I’m truly wrapped about the number 1 debut for April Uprising!!! It’s VERY bloody cool to say the least and is something I never take for granted. It gives me a lot of faith in what good songs and great fans can do and I’m really humbled that I can continue to have such a fruitful career. I have a lot to thank my amazing fans for and a big thank you goes out to all my team who were also a huge part in making this dream a reality.”

‘APRIL UPRISING’ offers another deluxe package from the JBT camp featuring an amazing six panel digi pack including a bonus poster and booklet which is exclusive to Australian fans who are also offered a limited edition trucker hat on purchase of the CD while stocks last.

What the media are saying about ‘APRIL UPRISING’…

“Whether a long standing Butler fan or just a fan of the soundtrack to your summer sports, there are tunes here to please almost every kind of listener.” LifeMusicMedia

“This is a work of a full band in joyous voice, and it’s all the better for it. It’s as much an epiphany for the listeners as for Butler himself.” Rolling Stone magazine feature album review – 4 Stars

“…a collection of 15 strong songs, with catchy, rootsy choruses, thundering bass riffs, sensational percussion and blazing guitar solos… A snapshot of one of our finest in motion.” The Australian – 4 stars

“…April Uprising’ finds the guitar virtuoso with … a rockier sound for what is his most accessible album yet. The new trio brings a harder edge to Butler’s sound and the man himself is in breathtaking guitar form…” Sunday Herald Sun, VIC – 3 ½ stars

“The self-made roots-rock phenomenon is a man of compelling conviction and album five’s opening cut finds gears at full traction…Butler’s dynamic new trio …help keep structures tight and string tunes ascending…Butler has never seemed more determined or likely to make his masterpiece.” The Age VIC– 3 ½ stars

“…instantly recognisable as Butler music, heartfelt and passionate, but this time there’s something more on show…this is where Butler’s potential is finally and fully realised… With the world watching, Butler has delivered his best album yet…” Sunday Times, WA – 4 stars

JOHN BUTLER TRIO – the new album ‘APRIL UPRISING’ out March 26, 2010
Available now as a pre-order from iTunes, and all good record stores, and at www.johnbutlertrio.com

– Click here for John Butler Trio at iTunes

THE CAT EMPIRE

One of Australia’s best live bands, the Cat Empire returns to Australian venues with a new album and a new live show this year.

Only Light, their first studio album since 2007, hits the shelves on June 15 2010, and you can expect to see the Melbourne hipsters play plenty of songs from their new release, and a few of the old faves as well.

Australia can feel justifiably proud of Cat Empire, who have gained incredible momentum on the international touring circuit, strutting the stages of the world’s biggest festivals, venues and TV shows.

These guys have earned their cred, maintaining their ability to have a good time, and deliver that to their audiences.

On the road to create a whole lotta music and fun on this run are soul band Clairy Baby Browne and The Bangin’ Rackettes (“…busting out some of the dirtiest doo-wop I have ever seen or heard…I was beginning to wonder how a band this classy existed.”) AND Mama Kin (“Sure to set your soul on fire”). The Cat Empire has chosen these bands for their spectacular stage shows and phenomenal musicianship.

With a line-up like this, expect to be entertained. Note: dancing shoes essential. And YES some more Reggae bands will be announced soon!

EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE 28TH APRIL 2010

PRICES:

Friday Sep 10th 2010

Concession $50.00 + bf
Adult $60.00 + bf

Saturday Sep 11th 2010

Concession $75.00 + bf
Adult $85.00 + bf

2 Day

Concession $110.00 + bf
Adult $125.00 + bf

*** REGGAETOWN IS AN ALL AGES EVENT

Tickets available at:

www.reggaetown.com.au
brotherscairns.com.au
ticketlink.com.au