Bluesfest is pressing on from the carnage of 2020, revealing 50 acts on their first artist announcement (their largest ever in the festival's history) for the 2021 line-up.
2020 headliners Patti Smith And Her Band and George Benson as well as local royalty John Butler, Xaiver Rudd and The Cat Empire in 2021 will be joined by indie-folk legends Bon Iver and perennial festival favourites Michael Franti & Spearhead.Australia's fastest-rising country stars The Teskey Brothers (whose record 'Live At The Forum' debuted at #1 on the ARIA album chart in May) as well as an icon of Aussie rock, Jimmy Barnes join the party.
There'll also be an exclusive performance from '80-'90s folk-rock lords and '93 ARIA Song Of The Year winners Weddings, Parties, Anything – led by Mick Thomas, this will be their first performance since 2012.
The Black Sorrows, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Kool & The Gang, The Gipsy Kings, Kasey Chambers, The Waifs, Troy Cassar-Daley and The Wailers performing songs from 'LEGEND' are other highlights of the 2021 line-up.
"We want to present another great event, one that is safe and with best-practice protocols implemented on every level," Festival Director, Peter Noble OAM says.
"We need it, the music industry needs it and the greater community needs it. Together we will find the most prudent pathway to revive the live music industry, an industry that is aching to get back to work ASAP.
"Bluesfest 2021 will be much more than the music on stage and the wonderful audience along with all those who present it. It will be an integral part of the return of the live music industry.
"Many of 2020s line-up want to return, so we fulfilled that and included some surprises like Bon Iver, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Jimmy Barnes and The Teskey Brothers to name a few.
"It's a long way to next Easter and by that time travel restrictions are sure to be different. In the case of no international travel, I've programmed a damn-good line-up of locals and a vibrant festival experience so people can come out and play.
"Yes, the future is uncertain for everyone, but humans need enjoyment, a place they can feel comfortable and trust they are in good hands, and Bluesfest is, and has always been that."
Stay tuned for a second artist announcement, which is expected to follow in spring.
Bluesfest 2021 takes place at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm (Byron Bay) 1-5 April. Tickets are on sale. Click here for more information.
2021 Bluesfest Line-up
Bon IverPatti Smith And Her Band
Jimmy Barnes
George Benson
The Teskey Brothers
John Butler
Xaiver Rudd
The Cat Empire
Kool & The Gang
The Gipsy Kings
Kasey Chambers
The Waifs
Troy Cassar-Daley
Michael Franti & Spearhead
The Wailers perform songs from 'LEGEND'
LP
Morcheeba
The Black Sorrows
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Tori Kelly
Buffy Sainte-Marie
Themarcus King Band
Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram
Jimmie Vaughan
John Mayall
Melbourne Ska Orchestra
Chain
Larkin Poe
Weddings, Parties, Anything (exclusive show)
Backsliders
Harts Plays Hendrix
Ash Grunwald
The War & Treaty
Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles
Walter Trout
The Bamboos
Mick Thomas' Roving Commission
Dami Im
Pierce Brothers
Emily Wurramara
Roshani
Ray Beadle
Henry Wagons
Hussy Hicks
Pacey, King & Doley
Daniel Champagne
Nathan Cavaleri
Little Georgia
Bluesfest Busking Competition & Winners
The Australian Americana Music Honours
