Photography by Ant Ritz Photography
Featuring 19-Twenty, Allison Russell, Bill Chambers, BJ The Chicago Kid, Chaka Khan, Cimafunk, Hussy Hicks, John Butler, Kasey Chambers, Kim Churchill, Missy Higgins, Miss Kaninna, Neal Francis, Rag’n’Bone Man, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Roshani, WILSN
Photography by Ant Ritz
Featuring Allison Russell, BJ The Chicago Kid, C.W. Stoneking, Clarence Bekker, Gary Clark Jr., Marc Broussard, Melody Angel, RY X, The Cat Empire, The Memphis Three – Fiona Boyes, The Memphis Three – Frank Sultana, The Memphis Three – Jimi Hocking, Vance Joy, WILSN, Xavier Rudd
Photography by Ant Ritz
Featuring Ash Grunwald, Brad Cox, Budjerah, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Christopher Cross, Fanny Lumsden, Gary Clark Jr., George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Maoli, Marc Broussard, Melody Angel, Taj Farrant, The Beards, Pierce Brothers, Tom Morello, Toto
Photos by Ant Ritz
Featuring Ashley Cooke, Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Cody Johnson, Cole Swindell, Lane Pittman, Wyatt Flores, Zach Top
Photos by Ant Ritz
Featuring Alana Springsteen, Ashley Cooke, Dalton Dover, Jon Pardi, Koe Wetzel, Larry Fleet, Mackenzie Carpenter, Ole 60, Wyatt Flores
Photos by Ant Ritz
Interview and photos by Ant Ritz
Kip Moore Rocks Savannah in the Round: A Night to Remember in Mareeba, Queensland
Saturday, October 12th, 2024
Kip Moore has been a dominant force in the country music scene since his debut single, Mary Was the Marrying Kind. However, it was the iconic track Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck that propelled him to stardom, becoming a cultural touchstone that resonated with fans worldwide. With hit after hit, Kip has solidified his place in country music history, and his recent performance at Savannah in the Round, Mareeba, was no exception
Continue reading Interview with Kip Moore at A Night to Remember in Mareeba, QueenslandReview and photos by Ant Ritz
Savannah in the Round 2024: A Must-Experience Music Festival in Mareeba, QLD
If you’re not from Far North Queensland (FNQ), Savannah in the Round should be high on your bucket list. Whether you’re planning a trip to explore Cape York, Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, Cooktown and/or the lush rainforests of Daintree and Cape Tribulation, don’t miss this three-day music extravaganza in Mareeba. This year it was held from Friday, October 11th to Sunday, October 13th, 2024, it was the perfect blend of great weather, vibrant atmosphere, and a diverse lineup that will keep you coming back year after year. For FNQ locals, this is an annual event that you should never skip.
Continue reading Live Review + Photos: Savannah in the Round 2024Review by Wanda Hill
Photos by Ant Ritz
A vigorous end to the 35th Bluesfest was had with Californian band Infectious Grooves powering up the Mojo with unprecedented levels of exhilaration and raw energy. Front man Mike Muir (also from Suicidal Tendencies) spoke between songs, espousing living life your own way and the benefits of abstaining from alcohol. Hardcore motivational speaking between funk/metal masterpieces that are a rare treat stylistically for Bluesfest. Festival director Peter Noble was down the front enjoying the final night’s headline act. Clearly his passion for music across a diverse range of genres is what makes his musical curation such a success year after year. Bassist extraordinaire Rob Trujillo (current Metallica and former Suicidal Tendencies) brought his signature heavy yet deeply funky basslines to the show, and towards the end of the set his son Tye Trujillo (current Suicidal Tendencies) also a bass player of phenomenal skill, joined the band on stage for double delivery of bass brilliance.
Continue reading Live Review + Photos: Byron Bay Bluesfest – Monday 01 April 2024 Review by Wanda Hill
Photos by Ant Ritz
Saturday Night Bluesfest 2024
Big bands and big personalities were the flavour of Saturday night. Age is no impediment to pulling a crowd at Bluesfest. Tom Jones had the lion’s share of the festival crowd donning portable camp chairs at the Crossroads, while he sang Sex Bomb and other hits to the largest audience so far at this year’s festival. At 83, women are still throwing their underwear at him. The Blind Boys of Alabama joined him on stage for a few songs making the one man show a more collaborative experience. With that much love in the room for one man he must be able to float to his next show. An aeroplane is probably unnecessary.
Continue reading Live Review + Photos: Byron Bay Bluesfest – Saturday 30 March 2024Review by Wanda Hill
Photos by Ant Ritz
Celebrating 35 years of Byron Bay Bluesfest
With recent seminal festival cancelations front of mind, celebrating 35 years of Byron Bay’s Bluesfest really is a remarkable achievement. In a press conference yesterday Peter Noble announced that the 36th Byron Bay Bluesfest will be a four rather than a five day event next year, to help ease music industry pressures and ensure continued delivery of the regions premiere world class music event.
The 2024 iteration started in glorious sunshine and good vibes. The thinner crowds of Thursday night enabled friends to find each other easily amidst a sense of being in a magical place for a marathon of music. The sunset obliged filling the sky with golds and reds, illuminating the feelings of happiness oozing from the venue.
Continue reading Live Review + Photos: Byron Bay Bluesfest – 28-29 March 2024Photos by Ant Ritz Photography/Rock Shots
featuring Aaron West’s Blues Guitar Junket – Frank Sultana Blues Band – Mescalito Blues – Mike Elrington – Steph Strings – The Turner Brown Band
Photos by Ant Ritz Photography/Rock Shots
featuring Beth Hart – Bonnie Raitt – Coterie – The Cat Empire – Nikki Hill – Trombone Shorty – Michael Franti and Spearhead
Photos by Ant Ritz Photography/Rock Shots
featuring Michael Franti – 19-Twenty – Julz Parker (Hussy Hicks) – Ash Grunwald – Backsliders – Bobby Alu – Chris Cheney – Eugene Hideaway Bridges – Femi Kuti & The Positive Force – Julia Zemiro (Rockwiz) – Nikki Hill – Roshani – Steve Poltz – Tash Sultana – Yirrmal
