Bluesfest 2023 Sideshows not to be missed

Easter is just around the corner and of course, this means Bluesfest will be happening over 5 days in Byron Bay.

If you cant make it to beautiful Byron Bay, here is a list of Artists that shouldn’t be missed in mostly Sydney and Melbourne.

Beck 


Beck @ Harvest Festival. Image by Pete Dovgan

Beck will be performing two intimate and unique acoustic shows in Melbourne and Sydney in April 2023. His last visit to Australia was in 2018 for the Sydney City Limits festival, and his performance was incredible.  He has won multiple Brit Awards, Grammy’s and numerous other gongs. These will be very special shows indeed. Tickets available HERE

Monday 3 Apr 2023 |  Palais Theatre | Melbourne
Thursday 6th April | Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney

 

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

Elvis Costello has been a regular visit to Australia since his first visit in 1978. He was last here in 2014 for Bluesfest, and will be bringing guest guitarist Charlie Sexton with the Attractions.  His setlists are always stacked with fan favourites, so there’s a fair chance you’ll be able to hear iconic songs such as “Allison”,  “Pump It Up” and “Everyday I Write The Book”.

Elvis will be playing three nights at Sydney’s iconic Sydney Opera House and once at the Palais Theatre, Melbourne – tickets HERE

Sunday 9th April | Sydney Opera House
Monday 10th April | Sydney Opera House
Tuesday 11th April | Sydney Opera House
Thursday 13th April | Sydney Opera House

Buddy Guy

Buddy Guy @ Bluesfest Byron Bay. Image by Pete Dovgan

There’s no greater living legend amongst blues guitarists than Buddy Guy. He is 85 years young, and has said that this will be his final tour of Australia. He has been induced in the  Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, influenced generations of guitarists and delighted generations of fans. Don’t miss this final opportunity to see him perform. He will be playing one night in Melbourne, and two in Sydney.

Tickets HERE

10th April | Palais Theatre | Melbourne – with special guest Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram
12th April | Enmore Theatre | Sydney – with special guest Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram
14th April | State Theatre | Sydney – with special Guest Tom Hambridge

Marcus King with Vintage Trouble

Marcus King is only 26 years old, and has already been nominated for a Grammy award. His debut album was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, and showcased his formidable talents. He excels at blues and southern rock, and his shows are likely to sell out.

On the bill with Marcus is Vintage Trouble. These guys are incredible live. Check out the picture at the top of this article for an indication of their energy.

This is an incredible double-header.  Tickets HERE

10th April | Enmore Theatre | Sydney
12th April | Northcote Theatre | Melbourne
13th April | Northcote Theatre | Melbourne

 

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats with special guests St Paul & The Broken Bones.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats are another fan-favourite at Bluesfest. The American singer and songwriter spans folk, Americana, rhythm and blues as well as RnB. You can be assured that it will be a euphoric night at the rock n roll alter.

This is another epic double-header. Also performing is the incredible St Paul and the Broken Bones. These guys hail from Alabama and bring an infectious energy to their shows. You will go home with souls lifted after a night with these two bands.

Tickets HERE

10th April | Forum | Melbourne – SOLD OUT
11th April | Northcote Theatre | Melbourne
13th April | Enmore Theatre | Melbourne

Michael Franti & Spearhead and Trombone Shorty

Anyone who has been to a Michael Franti show will understand the charisma of the man. You might start off at the back of the tent tapping your toes, but by the end of his show, you’d jump off a cliff if he asked. He is a thoroughly inspiring activist and musician.

On the bill with Michael is Trombone Shorty. He hails from new Orleans, Louisiana and is one of those crazily talented multi-instrumentalists. As well as being a total gun on the trombone, he is also plays the trumpet, drums, organ, and tuba.

Tickets HERE

3rd April | Forum | Melbourne
5th April | The Gov | Adelaide
7th April | The Enmore | Sydney
12th April | Tank Arts Centre | Cairns
13th April | Tank Arts Centre | Cairns

Bonnie Raitt with Mavis Staples

Bonnie Rait is a 10-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is a true icon, and this will be her first concerts in Australia in six years. She will be performing her hits as well as songs from her latest album, Just Like That, which is sitting at the top of the  USA Billboard Blues Charts.

Mavis Staples is also a multi-GRAMMY award winner and GRAMMY Hall of Fame recipient. She has performed at Bluesfest a number of times, and has always been welcomed back with open arms.

Tickets HERE

5th April | Palais Theatre | Melbourne
7th April | Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney

You can check out the other Bluesfest sideshows HERE

 

Justin Stewart Cotta

Header image of Vintage Trouble @ Bluesfest Byron Bay – Pete Dovgan