The blues will be strong when Gold Coast welcomes back one of the country's biggest (and free) blues festivals when Blues On Broadbeach returns next autumn.
A living legend of Australian music, jazz-blues trumpeter James Morrison headlines the 2022 line-up with The James Morrison Motown Experience set to blow fans away with a one-off feel-good Motown party – you can expect soulful vocals, rhythmic tunes, and heavenly horns."It's a great pleasure to be returning to Blues On Broadbeach in 2022 and this time it's going to be one great big party," James says.
"Get ready to be blown away with an unforgettable and feel-good Motown experience with songs from all the greats including James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and many more.
"To be able to play live music again at festivals like Blues On Broadbeach is the most rewarding part of being a musician – connecting with an audience, getting people up out of their seats and seeing the joy that music brings, there is no greater feeling.
"I have toured the world and played in some of the greatest concert halls but there is something special about Blues On Broadbeach."
Set to join James Morrison are a couple of acclaimed blues artists from America; guitar legend Robben Ford (who has collaborated with Joni Mitchell, George Harrison and Miles Daves).
Then there's the icon of the Mississippi blues R.L. Boyce (a protege of R.L. Burnside, and Mississippi Fred McDowell), who'll be performing with local blues star Dom Turner (a founding member of award-winning Australian blues group, Backsliders).
"The thing that makes Blues On Broadbeach such a special festival is the importance we place on presenting authentic artists and musicians each year," Festival director, Mark Duckworth says.
"The month of May wouldn't feel the same on the Gold Coast without music taking over the streets of Broadbeach and this year's line-up of acclaimed performers will continue the pilgrimage of blues fans from around the country and beyond.
"Bring on Blues On Broadbeach 2022!"
Other highlights of the line-up include Australian roots-blues singer-songwriter Mia Dyson, Emma Donovan & The Putbacks (who released their super excellent album 'Under These Streets' in September), and Cookin' On 3 Burners (with Stella Angelic) who recently dropped the saucy joint 'The World Is Cold' (feat. Jane Tyrrell and Mantra).
Bondi Cigars, Hamish Anderson, The Seven Ups, Karen Lee Andrews, Jimi Hocking's Blues Machine, 8 Ball Aitken, Dave Hole, Karl S. Williams and The Soul Movers will also be in attendance, with many more still to be announced.
2022 Blues On Broadbeach (Gold Coast) takes place 19-22 May. The event is free.
Blues On Broadbeach 2022 Line-up
The James Morrison Motown ExperienceRobben Ford
Mia Dyson
Cookin' On 3 Burners w/ Stella Angelico
Emma Donovan & The Putbacks
Bondi Cigars
Hamish Anderson
R.L. Boyce w/ Dom Turner
The Seven Ups
Karen Lee Andrews
Jimi Hocking's Blues Machine
8 Ball Aitken
Dave Hole
Karl S. Williams
The Soul Movers
Checkerboard Lounge
Bitches Brew
Sweet Talk
Dogsband
Dishpan Hands
Oscar Ladell
The Magnificence
Dave Blight w/ Mick Kidd
Sweet Thunder
Plus more to be announced
