Following up on what was a huge opening night for Byron Bay’s Bluesfest, Day Two’s program offered another fantastic line-up. Jumping between a variety of folk, blues, rock and soul acts whilst trying to avoid the downpours of rain across the night, Thursday was certainly an eventful day for the festival. From quality local acts including the lovely Skipping Girl Vinegar to special international Bluesfest regulars such as Ben Harper, the program presented us with endless opportunities to enjoy a superb array of musicians.

Byron Bay Bluesfest 2013 kicked off in style with a great first night lineup which included Counting Crows, The Robert Cray Band, Rodriguez, Jason Mraz, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite and Chris Isaak (pictured).
Photos by Johnny Au

This morning the Byron Bay Bluesfest has delivered yet another smashing artist announcement. The latest release features a number of artists from many genres, spanning blues to gospel, leaving many to wonder when the organisers will actually be done in announcing acts to play next year's festival!

Check out the additions to the 2013 line up below:

COUNTING CROWS
BEN HARPER (Solo)
THE LUMINEERS
JAKE SHIMABAKURO

This week sees new releases from well known artists like Xzibit, Ben Harper, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John and several up and coming artists. Check them all out below!

XZIBIT

Last week, the first Byron Bay Bluesfest announcement was released - earlier than ever before, featuring an eclectic lineup that Peter Noble describes as the “Cool and Groovy” announcement. Featuring Iggy Pop, Ben Harper, The Frames and many more, I caught up with Festival Director Peter Noble to talk about the festival, BIGSOUND, the lineup and much more…

Today Bluesfest, Australia’s multi-award winning 5 Day Festival presents its 1st artist announcement for Easter 2013 (March 28 – April 1) held in beautiful Byron Shire, at its dedicated event site, the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm.

It’s the earliest announcement in the history of Bluesfest – 6 weeks sooner than usual and it marks the beginning of FOUR exciting announcements to be released in the upcoming weeks.

In this issue: Seekae sells out Melbourne show, Twerps sell out ALL shows, Children Collide announce new shows, Ben Harper to have an acoustic evening with Canberra and many more!

SEEKAE SELLS OUT FIRST SHOW AT CORNER HOTEL, ADDS A SECOND SHOW!

In this issue: Supports for Billy Talent’s tour announced, Ben Harper adds fourth and final Sydney show, Millions announced as supports for Oh Mercy’s national tour and more!

BILLY TALENT TOUR SUPPORTS ANNOUNCED

In this issue: Sigur Ròs Announce Two Harvest Festival Sideshows, Ben Harper Announces Third and Final Sydney Show, Hilltop Hoods Add North Queensland Dates to 'Speaking In Tongues' Tour, The Amity Affliction Add Extra Tour Date To 'The Chasing Ghosts Tour' and many more!

Give Till It’s Gone, the 10th studio album by American blues-rocker Ben Harper, suggests a summary of the last few years of his career and indeed, his life in the public eye during this time. The album signifies a few stand out things: one, Give Till It’s Gone, marks Harper’s last recording under the Virgin Records banner; and, two, it’s also the first album since his public split with wife, actress Laura Dern.