Bluesfest Byron Bay, Australia’s multi award winning 5 Day Festival, held over the Easter long weekend (17 – 21st of April) at its dedicated site, the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, north of Byron Bay, opens the first of its many 25th Anniversary presents and it is an exquisite mix of Bluesfest returning favourites and cutting edge contemporary artists.
By announcing 4 weeks sooner than ever before, Bluesfest has broken its own record once again.
If this is only the beginning, Bluesfest 2014 promises to surpass all expectations.
The First Artist Announcement includes:
John Mayer
John Butler Trio
Dave Matthews Band (Two incredible performances)
Erykah Badu
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Iron & Wine
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Devendra Banhart
Morcheeba
Gary Clark Jr
KT Tunstall
Allen Stone
Valerie June
Nikki Hill
and many more to come!
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR PETER NOBLE SAYS:
It’s our 25th Birthday! We are going to be celebrating this one as never before and will deliver you one hell of a line up and mark my words: This is only the beginning”!
Peter Noble adds:
“John Mayer is finally coming back after 7 years to play at Bluesfest again. When it comes to guitar he is undoubtedly to me the most talented of all performing today, simply untouchable and I say that with all humility. I predict his new album ‘Paradise Valley’ – released last week, is going to be at the top of the charts worldwide this week – this is such a coup for us – and I am so proud to be presenting John on our big celebration year.
Continue reading Bluesfest Launch 2014 – The very first Announcement for the 25th Anniversary Bluesfest!
There’s a long wait for rock-violinist Lindsey Stirling this evening at The Powerhouse — at least 15 minutes long, to be honest. For a touch over an hour, Kiwi DJ 1000 Ninjas labours manfully from a cubbyhole spot almost side-of-stage. In a club environment his chill-out grooves and odd samples would probably win a better reception, but this crowd is expecting action and movement, and that’s something beyond 1000 Ninjas’ scritchy-glitchy stillness tonight.
DEEP SEA ARCADE have spent the best part of the last year living in the UK, soaking up the culture and imparting some of their own as they lay down their sophomore record, quickly creating the same buzz in their temporary home of London which lead to them being one of Sydney’s most respected indie acts. 
Having just performed a special one off headline set at Splendour In The Grass last month, The National will return to Australia in the summer of 2014 with their intense and sophisticated brand of heartfelt rock. In what will be their first headline shows in Australia since their sold out 2010 tour, the Cincinnati 5 piece will perform at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl, The Thebarton in Adelaide, Brisbane’s Riverstage, the Sydney Opera House Forecourt – the first contemporary music performance to be announced at the venue after 2.5 years of renovations – and the Belvoir Amphitheatre as part of Perth Festival.
*** TOUR UPDATE ***
BIGSOUND Music+Design has stepped up another level with the announcement of its final program, along with details of the CMD Live Design Lab, and Artisan Beer+Design design showcases. The new design showcases build on the huge success of BIGSOUND’s live artist showcases, bringing together creative product with industry and public, resulting in a discovery experience like no other. 
Nile Rodgers and Chic have announced they will be playing a series of national dates to bring their feel-good, fun-time hit parade to venues across the country.
Hailing from Chicago, deathcore outfit Oceano are pleased to announce they will finally be reaching our shores this coming October.
Lorde has revealed that her anticipated debut LP, Pure Heroine, will be released in Australia on 27 September 2013 via Universal Music. She will be performing a handful of shows in support of the release this October.