Living legend and one of the world's very best exponents of the acoustic guitar, Tommy Emmanuel AM headlines the 2020 edition of Blues On Broadbeach when the event returns to the central Gold Coast suburb over four days (14-17 May).
"Nothing compares to playing at home," Tommy says. "I've been looking forward to performing at Blues On Broadbeach for so long. My brother Phil used to perform there a lot over the years and he told me all about it. See you in May."The streets, parks and venues across Broadbeach will rattle and hum to the sound of the blues, with the event now one of the biggest free music festivals in Australia.
'Fuiste Tu' singer-songwriter and guitarist, Guatemalan Gaby Moreno will also be headed to Blues On Broadbeach next year alongside local favourites, ARIA Award winner Karise Eden and folk, rock and blues singer Kim Churchill.
Then there is Bondi Cigars, 30-year veterans of the Australian blues and roots scene alongside international travellers The Turner Brown Band (Australian slide guitarist Dom Turner and Ohio-based 'Sacred Steel' lap-slide guitar as well as vocal sensation Nikki D Brown) and Japan's funk maestros Osaka Monaurail.
Other highlights of the first line-up announce include Jeff Lang, The Mason Rack Band, Shaun Kirk and Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers. "This festival has become part of Broadbeach's cultural tapestry, the musicians, festival fans and local community all have an ownership over how it's weaved," Festival Director Mark Duckworth says.
"It's exciting to invite new acts from Australia and around the world to experience the incredible vibe of this event for the first time, whilst still sharing in the history with the artists who have helped us build it from the ground up."
Add sensational dining, world famous beaches and ancient rainforests just a short drive away to the equation and this is the perfect event to base a Gold Coast long weekend around.
"Bringing in almost $30 million to the Gold Coast economy every year, I'm not surprised to see that the big names keep lining up to be part of this quintessential Gold Coast event," Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says.
"Our calendar of major events continues to grow and Blues On Broadbeach continues to be a favourite among locals and visitors alike."
2020 Blues On Broadbeach takes place at various locations 14-17 May.
Blues On Broadbeach 2020 Line-up
Tommy Emmanuel AMGaby Moreno
Karise Eden
Kim Churchill
Bondi Cigars
The Turner Brown Band
Osaka Monaurail
Jeff Lang
Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers
The Mason Rack Band
Allensworth
Shaun Kirk
Dan Dinnen & Shorty
Jules Boult & The Redeemers
Pete Cornelius Band
Minnie Marks
This Way North
Grace & Hugh
Sweet Thunder Jazz Orchestra
