Ballarat Blues Festival is back!

BALLARAT will be alive with the sounds of Rhythm and Blues in August, with the return of the Ballarat Blues Festival.

Taking place over three days (Friday 22 to Sunday 24 August) some of the country’s greatest blues artists will be gracing our venues.

The Main Event once again taking place in the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, featuring a massive line up with what promises to be another spectacle and feel good event.

We caught up with festival organiser and performer John McNamara.

“We are offering the best possible value for money ticket possible. We have an exciting line up once again, the show is fast paced and builds to a BIG finish where everyone plays together,” he said.

“There is nothing else like it! All these acts on 1 stage, We have Festival favorites 19-Twenty bringing their energetic live performance plus AUs blues royalty with Lloyd Spiegel Trio, Checkerboard Lounge and three guitar greats going head to head Geoff Achison, Jimi Hocking and Kathleen Halloran!

Also the McNaMarr Project (feat Andrea Marr and John McNamara), rock chick Nat Allison, and local legends Steve Platter and Shane Gilbert. It’s going to be amazing.”

The Festival also features showcase and sideshow events around the City of Ballarat.

“The Piano Bar has two great shows during the fest. Friday night is two of the hottest piano players around Ezra Lee and Damon Smith doing what they do best and on the Saturday the very popular Women in Blues showcase returns.

“We have a terrific show at the Mechanics’ Institute on the Saturday night paying homage to blues guitar called Six String Blues.

“These are all ticketed events and best to book early. There will also be free acoustic blues at the Hop Temple and Aunty Jacks and local blues at The Crypt.”

The Ballarat Blues Festival has been very well received and its fourth year has seen it continue to grow.

“It has been uncertain times for festivals since COVID, we’ve found Ballarat Blues Festival and other grass roots festivals are the ones that seem to be doing best and showing big promise,” said McNamara.

“The music and venues are wonderful and we work hard at putting together truly special one off shows each year.

“It’s becoming something truly special.”

For full listing and links for tix head to ballaratbluesfestival.com.

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