Simon Crean was spotted front row supporting Aussie arts for the second day in a row.
It was a special moment when Mark Seymour (The Undertow) suggested two songs in that he might as well "get it out of the way" and went into a rendition of 'Throw Your Arms Around Me'. There was an obvious proud dad moment when his daughter joined him onstage for a few early numbers. Meanwhile, the Wilson Pickers decided to "shake it down" on the APRA stage.
Without getting too political, the new Federal Minister for the Arts Tony Burke also made it to the festival. He was involved in the official launch of the new festival space, The Lotus Palace, which had been constructed the week before and is reported to be the biggest 100 per cent solar powered performance venue. It is a wonderfully designed and intimate space which hosted a panel discussion about sustainable innovation in the arts which included Tony Burke, George Negus and Bluesfest boss Peter Noble, and a few notable others.
From the sound of it, Wilco was a big reason that a lot of people bought tickets. They were a big drawcard for many of the younger (ish) music aficionados who were not disappointed, particularly for those that are going to get a second dose right at the end of the festival on Monday night.
Playing For Change looks like they will be one of the most talked about acts this year. For today's set, they were introduced by festival director Peter Noble. He was clearly enthusiastic about the group, whose mission is to "inspire, connect and bring peace to the world through music" (pretty close to the mission statement of Bluesfest). They were vibrant and colourful and the talk of the festival.
Michael Kiwanuka took to the bigger stage this time but made the same big sound. I bet this guy moved a few CDs.
Status Quo have shorter hair now, but were loud, had the crowd singing along, and one young girl on her dad's shoulders was waving around two oversized red hands... for some reason.
The Crossroads stage was energised after 7pm for a reunited Beasts of Bourbon, followed by Dropkick Murphys and then Iggy Pop. Dropkick Murphys were relentless and tried to tear down the tent. People were jigging well beyond the tent. The audience lurched forward when they announced that Bruce Springsteen, who recorded a vocal on their last album, was about to hit the stage. Even the band seemed slightly disappointed that their wish had not come true. Maybe next year.
Iggy Pop fans had made it to the front rows some time earlier but some had to take cover and lose their places when the Dropkick Murphys fans got wild. Some decades on, they were not as keen to get amongst it. When it was time for Iggy to take the stage, he reminded everyone why he commands such respect. He threw himself across the stage from start to finish. There was the usual audience stage invasion as expected.
More subdued but arguably more meaningful, Ruthie Foster drew a set of diehards. Her songwriting, delivery and personality has built her a reputation where people return year after year to see her sets.
There were only three Blind Boys of Alabama (plus band) this time but they had the same energy as their previous performances at Bluesfest. They provided an interesting warmup for Robert Plant (Presents Sensational Space Shifters), one of the most anticipated inclusions on this years lineup. One group of front row fans had been against the barrier since before the gates opened (I won't tell you their secret). After 11 hours waiting they were not dissapointed.
Robert Plant had one of the most amazing presences of the event this year. Punters were aware that he was playing some of his more contemporary material as well as dropping in some cuts from his Zeppelin days. In some cases they were abbreviated takes on some of his classics, which was a tease for some. By the time they finished with 'Rock And Roll', minds had been blown and people walked back to where they were staying with shocked but delighted looks on their faces.
What do you do when you can't decide between two of the most influential living musical icons, Robert Plant and Iggy Pop? You go and watch The Beards, of course. Particularly at a festival, it is great to see the difference between those who sing along to every word, and those who have not yet encountered The Beards and are in fits of laughter when they get to the punch line. They discussed some of the notable beards on the lineup and Canadian Ben Caplan had the audience vote for more impressive facial growth. Lo and behold, Ben made it onto the stage, and after a beard pash with Johann Beardraven, they jammed out a beard-themed bluesy improv.
This has to have been a landmark day for Bluesfest.
