Saturday’s Bluesfest hosted a glorious sunny day for the sold out crowd. Thanks to the overwhelming support of this year’s event, it was announced that Bluesfest will continue into 2026, with specially discounted pre-early bird tickets available for sale at the festival. The overall mood is one of celebration of community, with a couple of issues of car parking exit times and overcrowding of chairs in the tents addressed by the organisers. The local stall holders included puppet and jewelry makers, clothing as well as multiple food stalls. The Byron Bay donuts were particularly popular.
However, music is the main reason for Bluesfest and with four stages open, plus the buskers stage, there was plenty to choose from. Fortunately many acts play multiple days, so one can weigh up which act to catch. Of course there are many that wander and let the music draw them in. Crossroads, Mojo and Delta are the main stages, with the Jambalaya stage still quite muddy underfoot, so not as appealing.
Chicago rapper, BJ the Chicago Kid (Bryan James Sledge) hit the Mojo stage early with a solid set of R&B and soul music. With three albums under his belt, he exuded a confident swagger that warmed up the audience. Over at Crossroads stage, a chilled ambient set by Australian musician RY X (Ryan Cuming) captured the attention of many. One person told me that they didn’t know what to expect when he stepped out on stage in wearing a large cowboy hat, but likened the music to alternative Rüfüs du Sol. His music has been described as alt-pop indietronica folk.
Although the theme of the day was dance, the genres varied wildly. Hussy Hicks is a musical tour de force featuring powerful vocal from Leesa Gentz and iconic guitar skills from Julz Parker. With guest musicians and celebrating Leesa’s birthday, the performance really had an uplifting celebratory feel. Even Julz dad, Greg Parker joined in with a rousing cover of “Crossroads.”
Then the overwhelming awesomeness that is Melbourne Ska Orchestra. With around 30 members, leader Nick Bomba led us through an energetic hour of high intensity ska music. It’s impossible to watch this performance and not feel the impulse to dance.
Gary Clark Jr opened his set with a stunning rendition of the Robert Petway song “Catfish Blues”, which was as deep and soulful as one can get. He then played “Maktub” and “This is Who We Are” from his JPEG RAW album. His performance is mesmerising and is truly the epitome of soul and blues playing. He’s supported by a team of talented musicians, including guitarists King Zapata and Elijah Ford, drummer JJ Johnson as well as Dwayne Reliford on keys. A yellow sun icon projected on the rear screen threw the performance into stark relief.
Ahead of an overseas tour, Xavier Rudd felt quite at home on the Crossroads stage. With his years of experience honing his musical craft, he played an enchanting and soulful set that was a perfect combination of energy and laid back vibes. Moving seamlessly from guitar to his iconic didgeridoo adorned drum kit, the music was classic Australian blues and roots, with a strong focus on youth, environmental and Indigenous issues.
Aussie icons The Cat Empire have had an illustrious career, spanning decades and genres, with millions of adoring fans around the world. Fronted by energetic Cuban singer Felix Reibl, the high energy latin dance music kept the mood high and exuberant. The enthusiasm and passion of the performers was an uplifting experience.
Whilst Vance Joy doesn’t have the same high intensity, his natural charm instantly enamoured the audience. Selecting songs from his 2014 album Dream Your Life Away, he opened with “From Afar” and “Mess is Mine”. He mentioned that his family was in the audience and credited his mother with the inspiration for the lyric “When your hand is resting next to mine” in “Fire and Flood.” A surprise addition to the setlist was a cover of Kiss “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” but was well received.
Headliners Crowded House really had a crowded tent as everyone crowded in to see the NZ favourites. It was a classic set, including “Fall at your Feet”, “Don’t Dream it’s Over” and the Split Enz cover “I Got You”. The three song encore finished up with appropriately “Better be Home Soon.”
In summary, Bluesfest day three was a jam-packed day of incredible music with sunshine vibes. It is heartening to see a good range of local and international artists and a good level of female representation.
Byron Bay Bluesfest is proudly Australia’s premier contemporary Blues & Roots music festival.
For more information on the festival and to keep up to date with 2026 announcements, head over to the website.
