An annual offering of the world’s best musicians across a broad spectrum of genres (blues, folk, rock, funk, soul, jazz, world music, alt. country, indie pop, hip hop, R&B) for the past 30 years, Bluesfest has become one of the country's must-attend, bucket-list destinations.
With so many amazing acts headed to Byron Bay Easter 2020 (9-13 April), a large contingent of Bluesfest acts will also make tracks to other parts of Australia for their own, headline sideshows.
Stay tuned as more acts announce their own shows. Artists marked with an asterisk are official Bluesfest sideshows.
Eagles Of Death Metal*
American rockers band, Eagles Of Death Metal will be returning to the land down under to perform at Bluesfest Byron Bay this Easter. Founded in 1998 by best friends Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme, the pair came upon the band's name in a pondering effort as to what a cross between The Eagles and a death metal band would sound like. With that, the band was born.Mon 13 Apr - Metro City (Perth)
Thu 16 Apr - The Metro Theatre (Sydney)
Sat 18 Apr - Croxton Bandroom (Melbourne)
Buffy Sainte-Marie*
Academy Award-winning music icon Buffy Sainte-Marie is returning to Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns this April while she's in the country for Bluesfest Byron Bay. Since her ground-breaking debut 'It's My Way!' in 1964, Cree singer-songwriter Sainte-Marie has been a trailblazer, a tireless advocate for Indigenous people, an innovative artist, and a disruptor of the status quo.Wed 8 Apr - City Recital Hall (Sydney)
Thu 9 Apr - Melbourne Recital Centre
Wed 15 Apr - Tanks Arts Centre (Cairns)
John Mayall*
Often considered the Godfather of the British Blues, singer, guitarist, keyboard player, blues harmonicist, guitarist, songwriter, producer and frontman John Mayall is returning to the land down under. At 86 years of age and with a staggering 62 albums released, this self-professed 'road dog' hates a day off, carries his own gear at gigs and is working harder than ever to deliver his very own blues masterclass in 2020.Wed 15 Apr - Darwin Entertainment Centre
Thu 16 Apr - Tanks Arts Centre (Cairns)
Sat 18 Apr - The Factory Theatre (Sydney)
Wed 22 Apr - The Gov (Adelaide)
Thu 23 Apr - Astor Theatre (Perth)
Larkin Poe*
After a sell-out run in 2019, blues sisters Larkin Poe are back to play even bigger venues in both Melbourne and Sydney this April. Taking a modern interpretation on traditional blues music, the Lovell's performance is like a breath of fresh air to the blues scene.Making music under the name of their great-great-great-grandfather, Larkin Poe create a unique brand of gritty, southern-fried blues, roots ‘n’ roll. Rebecca Lovell's voice is full, comforting and charismatic as it seamlessly blends into her big sister Megan's gospel-like backing vocals. Both performing as multi-instrumentalists, it's Megan that often steals the show, providing the perfect balance with some cracking lap steal solos.
Wed 15 Apr - The Factory Theatre (Sydney)
Thu 16 Apr - The Corner Hotel (Melbourne)
Marcus King*
Having established himself as a six-string hotshot, Marcus King and his incredible band of rockers are returning to play Melbourne and Sydney this April after their warm-up set at Bluesfest Byron Bay. Ready to deliver a southern fried brand of blues and psychedelia inspired by rock & roll, all five members create a blistering, yet soulful unit that has honed their synergy through touring.Mon 13 Apr - The Metro Theatre (Sydney)
Wed 15 Apr - Croxton Bandroom (Melbourne)
Morcheeba*
With a music career spanning millions of albums sold worldwide, Morcheeba are making a welcome return to Australia this April. Having defined the 'chill out' genre with tracks like 'The Sea', 'Rome Wasn't Built In A Day' and 'Otherwise', there are few people who cannot sing-along to their beloved anthems of a genre-defying era. The leading lady of Morcheeba, Skye Edwards has one of the most recognised voices on the planet.Tue 7 Apr - 170 Russell (Melbourne)
Thu 9 Apr - Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
The War And Treaty*
Often referred to as the discovery act from Bluesfest 2019, there was no doubt in minds of Bluesfest organisers to bring The War And Treaty on tour in 2020 to share their incredible talent with people across Australia.It is hard to believe this pair have only just come into focus. While their back story is romantic and emotional, they have been paying music dues for a long time. Having both been gifted with incredible voices, the couple also have a natural talent for storytelling through song.
Wed 8 Apr - Lizotte's Newcastle
Thu 9 Apr - The Factory Theatre (Sydney)
Wed 15 Apr - Melbourne Recital Centre
Thu 16 Apr - Meeniyan Town Hall (VIC)
Walter Trout*
American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter, Walter Trout is making a welcome return to Australian soil for a tour spanning Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne ahead of his Bluesfest Byron Bay performance this Easter. In a world full of people hoping for a miracle, Walter Trout is a man that got one, or two. Having rebounded from near-fatal liver disease in 2013, Trout has a new lease of life and is coming back to perform with a fierier purpose.Tue 7 Apr - Lizotte's Newcastle
Wed 8 Apr - The Factory Theatre (Sydney)
Thu 9 Apr - The Corner Hotel (Melbourne)
Patti Smith*
The Godmother of Punk – Patti Smith is returning to play Melbourne and Sydney this April. Just when Bluesfest organisers thought she would never return after her 2017 appearance, Patti called and said "I'd like to do it all over again. I'm ready if you are!" How could they refuse? The living legend, Patti added: "I really didn't expect to be coming back, but it was just such a great trip. I really thought that I wouldn't be able to come back – so I'm delighted that I was wrong."15-16 Apr - Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
18 Apr - Newcastle Entertainment Centre* added 21 Jan
21-22 Apr - Forum Melbourne - sold out
23 Apr - Forum Melbourne* added 21 Jan
George Benson*
One of the world's greatest guitarists, George Benson is coming to Melbourne and Sydney for headline shows. The Grammy Award winner will be performing a selection of his classic hits including 'Give Me The Night', 'Turn Your Love Around' and 'Nothings Gonna Change My Love For You', plus a couple of new favourites from his latest album, 'Walking To New Orleans'.Tue 2 Apr - State Theatre (Sydney) - new show
Sat 4 Apr - State Theatre (Sydney) - sold out
Sun 5 Apr - State Theatre (Sydney) - sold out
Wed 8 Apr - Palais Theatre (Melbourne) - sold out
Thu 9 Apr - Palais Theatre (Melbourne) - limited tickets remain
Brandi Carlile*
Amid a landmark year – taking home three Grammy Awards in February – Brandi Carlile has locked in headline shows for Melbourne and Sydney. Carlile is currently touring in celebration of her Grammy Award-winning album, 'By The Way, I Forgive You'. Most recently, Carlile sold out Madison Square Garden to receive epic reviews across the board.Mon 6 Apr - Hamer Hall (Melbourne)
Wed 8 Apr - Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
John Prine
The return of one of the USA's most loved songwriters; two-time Grammy winner, 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and master storyteller John Prine, playing Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney."We are really excited to be heading back to Australia," John says. "Fiona [John's wife] and I loved every minute of our time there earlier this year. Looking forward to seeing you all again in Melbourne, Sydney, and in Adelaide this time too."
Tue 14 Apr - Palais Theatre (Melbourne)
Thu 16 Apr - Thebarton Theatre (Adelaide)
Fri 17 Apr - State Theatre (Sydney)
Allen Stone
Soul and R&B singer Allen Stone is making his return to Australia next April. With a new album to share, Allen is set to lure audiences with his dulcet tones in Sydney and Melbourne after his Bluesfest performance this Easter."Touring Australia is starting to feel like a home away from home for me – the audiences have been so welcoming and singing along with me; the whole show is a feeling that is hard to describe. I look forward to coming back to play the new songs for friends both old and new!"
Mon 13 Apr - Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
Mon 20 Apr - Forum Melbourne
Amadou & Mariam*
Having influenced the likes of Four Tet and Jamie xx, get your dancing shoes ready for some bangin' Afro-pop beats from Amadou & Mariam in Sydney and Melbourne. The duo have worked with a variety of different producers and artists including Damon Albarn, Manu Chao, Santigold, Miike Snow and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.Sun 12 Apr - The Factory Theatre (Sydney)
Tue 14 Apr - Recital Centre (Melbourne)
Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles*
Bringing their unique soul, jazz and gospel music, Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles will bless Australia with their debut tour this April. A former member of Snarky Puppy, Cory has worked with Lauryn Hill, Frank Ocean, J. Cole, Vulfpeck and many more.Wed 8 Apr - 170 Russell (Melbourne)
Thu 9 Apr - The Metro Theatre (Sydney)
Dweezil Zappa*
As the son of Frank Zappa, it was inevitable from the moment he was born that Dweezil Zappa was going to be a musician. He is bringing his iconic 'Hot Rats' tour to Australia this April, in celebration of 50 years since the album's release.Featuring a performance of the entirety of his father's 1969 album, as well as more of Frank Zappa choice cuts, the tour will see dates in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne.
Thu 9 Apr - The Fortitude Music Hall (Brisbane)
Sun 12 Apr - Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
Mon 13 Apr - Croxton Bandroom (Melbourne)
Wed 15 Apr - The Gov (Adelaide)
Fri 17 Apr - Astor Theatre (Perth)
Tal Wilkenfeld*
Tal Wilkenfeld, the Sydney-born bassist turned singer-songwriter with incredible live vocals will play Melbourne and Sydney shows after her Bluesfest performance. Having spent the bulk of her career playing with veteran rock musicians like Jeff Beck, The Allman Brothers Band, Prince, Herbie Hancock and Eric Clapton, Wilkenfeld, a bass virtuoso, is no stranger to the limelight.Earlier this year, Tal released her vocal debut album 'Love Remains' that reached #1 on the Billboard Heatseeker charts on the first week of its release.
Wed 15 Apr - Howler (Melbourne)
Thu 16 Apr - Oxford Art Factory (Sydney)
The Allman Betts Band*
Amid their current tour in honour of the 50th anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band, The Allman Betts Band are treating fans down under to Sydney and Melbourne headline dates this April.Formed by guitarist/ singer Devon Allman and guitarist/ singer Duane Betts, and including bassist Berry Duane Oakley, the band will be performing a repertoire gleaned mostly from their respective solo careers as well as a handful of Brothers gems.
Wed 8 Apr - Oxford Arts Factory (Sydney)
Mon 13 Apr - The Corner Hotel (Melbourne)
The Gipsy Kings*
World renowned flamenco, rock and pop musicians, The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo, the original songwriters and guitarists on hits such as ‘Bamboleo’, ‘Volare’, ‘Djobi Djoba’ and ‘Bem Bem Maria’ are returning to tour Australia this April with dates in Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra around their Bluesfest Byron Bay performance.The band’s vigorous guitar work and passionate vocals are the trademarks of an indigenous musical tradition known as rumba flamenca.
Thu 9 Apr - Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Sun 12 Apr - State Theatre (Sydney)
Wed 15 Apr - Canberra Theatre Centre
Thu 16 Apr - Palais Theatre (Melbourne)
Sat 19 Apr - Riverside Theatre PCEC (Perth)
LP*
American singer-songwriter LP is making her Australian debut this Easter. The multi-faceted artist has created global momentum with over 100 sold-out shows in 2019 throughout Europe, North America, South America, Russia and beyond.Owning a catalogue that has surpassed two billion streams isn’t an easy feat for an artist, but it's fair to say that LP has won the hearts and ears of listeners across the globe.
With haunting vocals clearly developed from a young age after growing up with her mother as an opera singer, LP delivers a spine-tingling vocal performance every time she hits the stage.
Sat 11 Apr - Metro Theatre (Sydney)
Mon 13 Apr - 170 Russell (Melbourne)
The Wailers*
Performing songs from Bob Marley's album 'Legend' as well as other classics from the King of reggae's back catalogue, The Wailers conjure the spirit of reggae and the essence of the '70s rebellion performed by the people who helped forge the era-defining sound and by those raised under their tutelage.Experience a real slice of musical history and heritage featuring a stunning line-up of genuine reggae royalty – including heir to the throne, Aston Barrett Jr (son of the legendary 'Familyman'), keyboardist Tyrone Downie, and saxophonist Glen DaCosta; with Josh David Barrett achieving the seemingly impossible by stepping into Bob Marley's shoes on lead vocal.
Mon 13 Apr - The Triffid (Brisbane)
Wed 15 Apr - Anita's Theatre, (Wollongong)
Thu 16 Apr - Cambridge Hotel (Newcastle)
Fri 17 Apr - The Metro Theatre (Sydney)
Sat 18 Apr - 170 Russell (Melbourne)
