With the 21st Blues On Broadbeach firmly under its belt, the iconic festival can now rightfully lay claim to having come of age.
Blues fans were not deterred by Mother Nature's attempts to dampen their spirits as they came out in droves to experience some of the industry's very best performing on the Gold Coast.Over 60 international and local artists performed on 12 stages across the 4-day music festival (19-22 May).
Broadbeach came alive as fans crowded into the streets, parks and venues to enjoy a show-stopping programme that included international blues legends RL Boyce and Robben Ford from USA, Japan's premier funk orchestra Osaka Monaurail, and a host of national talent including Karise Eden, Mia Dyson and Karl S. Williams.
Despite the weather trying to put on a show of its own, festival organisers and Major Events Gold Coast were determined to keep the festival in full swing.
Festival Director Mark Duckworth said the 21st edition of Blues On Broadbeach was a festival to remember.
"We have seen and heard so many incredible performances over the past four days, which have celebrated all the different music styles in the blues genre as well as a few surprises.
"The weather didn't dampen the spirits of our artists, or our festival fans who turned out to support every act.
"The blues community is just so special, every year we see familiar faces who have made the pilgrimage here to Broadbeach from far and wide, and we are privileged to have been able to give them another great festival.
Karl S Williams – image © Simone Gorman-Clark
"The fans continued to come out and support every artist despite the showers, their dedication and love for the music not lost on the artists who expressed their heartfelt thanks."
Multi-award-winning Australian Blues artist Dom Turner said he loves playing at Blues On Broadbeach. "Once again Blues On Broadbeach succeeded in giving music lovers access to a whole range of blues and blues-related acts.
The Seven Ups - image © Bianca Holderness
"On a personal note, it was an honour to perform with Mississippi blues legend and friend, the great RL Boyce, who gave us all a lesson in what blues music is really about."
US guitar legend, Robben Ford added: "I have always loved coming to Australia, it's always been one of my favourite places in the world to play. I'd definitely come back again.
"Everyone has been super nice and super cool, and extremely professional. The whole thing has been very well handled, glad to be a part of it!"
Hussy Hicks – image © Bianca Holderness
Breakout Australian blues artist from Perth, Matty T Wall says: "Amazing festival, amazing vibe, access to all the stages and performances were fantastic! Hope to be back again soon."
The fans just keep coming back. Casey Radio's Bullfrog Blues presenter, Tony Brady has been coming to Blues On Broadbeach for 20 of the past 21 years.
"I've been to festivals all over the world and in my opinion, Blues On Broadbeach is the best festival in the country," Tony says.
"My wife Rose and I really look forward to catching up with friends we only see once a year. Another thing we really like is discovering new music from other states.
RL Boyce - image © Simone Gorman-Clark
"One of the things we particularly like about Blues On Broadbeach is that you can sit in a restaurant with excellent food while seeing the best artists in the world right there in front of you."
Blues On Broadbeach returns to the Gold Coast 18-21 May, 2023.
