Someone, anyone, pinch me now! Am I really at the north entrance to Bluesfest 2022!?
This feels so surreal to me as I let an over-excitedly shout "whoo hoo! It's happening, baby!" without a care as to who may raise an eyebrow in my direction – except maybe security as I really do want to be allowed inside. I tell myself to "keep it together girl".The grey clouds dropping intermittent patches of rain and the wet earth underfoot are mere trivialities to contend with when you have been hungering for this five-day musical feast for two years.
The reality of it all kicks in as I enter the 33rd instalment of Bluesfest (14 April) that is underway inside the grounds of the Byron Events Farm.
I am quick to take in where the market stalls, food vans, bars and facilities are to get my bearings for this extra, extra, long weekend of fun. Pretty much the same layout as previous years and I see the variety of stalls have much to offer.
There seems to be something for everyone, yet the line-up for the merchandise tent tells me I hope they have enough Bluesfest merch for everyone!
Having missed The War & Treaty, Mini Marks and Roshani for today, it is time to get a little jive-ass walk happening and head to the Mojo stage for a hit of The Wailers, mun.
The Wailers - image © Clea-marie Thorne
In no time the bouncy percussion and thick bass tones get my feet moving to The Wailers songs of life, love and even religion.
About the fourth song in, Josh David Barrett asks the crowd "what is cooking?", then tells us he smells a good recipe of love and unity, and that we have to stir it up as he thrusts his hips showing us how to loosen up and, of course 'Stir It Up'.
Oh what moves I am seeing – so much freeform flow. It is beautiful and I am in the chill zone.
'No Woman No Cry' is next and I swear the spirit of Bob Marley is being channelled by the band and punters alike as we repeat the chorus and then chant "everything is going to be alright. . ." – those words offer a reassurance that Bluesfest is back and an audible hug for those affected by the recent flood events.
I am legging it over to the Juke Joint, the farthest stage on the east side of the venue. I arrive in time to indulge in the blues, funk and rock genius of the Kevin Borich Express, familiar to many a blues going punter, as we have a quick boogie in the shelter of the marquee.
Kevin Borich Express - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Kevin Borich Express brought the true blues to the Delta stage where the blues and roots community are seated or standing on the squishy ground to get a fix of it. It is so damn enjoyable, that I make a note to try and catch another set on the programme as I head back to the Mojo stage to witness Spinifex Gum.
On arrival I see 16 silhouettes spread across the darkened stage. Spinifex Gum's talented young Indigenous female singers are outlined in front of the digital screen backdrop.
The screen comes alive with art, words and imagery during their set as they perform their choreographed movements (Deborah Brown) in tracksuits to their songs sung with strong and harmonious vocals.
Spinifex Gum - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Stage lights also come alive as they sing us provoking stories and messages with a potency that is making us think about the past, the present and the future.
My buddy who stayed for the whole set reported that divine soulful songstress Emma Donovan joined later to sing 'My Island Home', the well covered Neil Murray and George Burarrwanga song, to an appreciative crowd.
Like a demon possessed, my grumbling belly takes control of my person and is dragging me towards the aromas wafting from the nearby food stalls. Oh the decisions! It all smells so delectable.
Tonight, I partake in a little Asian cuisine and without too much of a wait I am devouring a bowl of tasty ginger chicken, salad and rice while I sit on an undercover picnic bench with other feasting punters.
I look around to see what others have on their plates for ideas for tomorrow's meals while chatting to a trio on the other side of the table who have travelled from Mackay, who tell me they are already having a blast as we discuss our must-see lists.
I think for me with so much on offer, it'll be a little bit of this and a little bit of that weekend. Yeah, I love to punish my feet as I am making them tromp along to the Mojo stage yet again for Tijuana Cartel.
Tijuana Cartel - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Oh my, time to show off my uncoordinated, flamenco-inspired folky dance moves – who knows I could be the next Tik-Tok sensation. Yeah, maybe not, but the crowd is getting a bit nuts for the band and their Middle Eastern vibe with an extra lashing of Spanish infusion.
View the day one photo gallery.
My Bluesfest app tells me that Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks are about to land on the Delta stage and I hightail it over there.
Wilson and the Peaceniks wrap the punters in an atmosphere that has us swaying and dancing like we are a few decades back in time as they showcase Wilson's solo songs with the memorable Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock material including 'Come Back Again', 'Eagle Rock', 'Cool World' and 'Come Said The Boy' with the swagger of seasoned performers lifting the spirits of their all-ages crowd.
Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks - image © Clea-marie Thorne
I return again to the Mojo stage this time for a taste of Caravãna Sun as I have never seen them live and they are only playing tonight.
As they start I am taken aback. How dynamic is this group? They are running back and forth across the stage inviting crowd participation and punters in response are creating waves with their arms in the air.
They are putting a spell on punters with their magical indie-surf rock and ska-punk concoction that brings such a festive energetic vibe. The music paints colours in the air made real by the stage lighting.
Caranva Sun - image © Clea-marie Thorne
The brass solos thrown in while the guitarists play pulling off better Turkish and Greek folk dance moves than I can do with nothing in my hands!
I am torn between staying for the whole set or making good with my mate and meeting at the Delta stage to take in a bit of Joe Camilleri ahead of the headliners, The Cat Empire back at this stage.
Sticking to my word I make it to the Delta stage where fans are spilling out from under its roof. Joe Camilleri presents the Honeydripper's Dylan Party with special guests including Ross Wilson singing and staying to play the blues harp.
During their fantastic set, Camilleri shares with us his vintage version of the iPad which is pages of A3 paper with the lyrics to 'Positively 4th Street' in large writing, instead of having to wear reading glasses – classic.
Joe Camilleri - image © Clea-marie Thorne
As he completes singing the words on each sheet he tosses the pages out to the crowd. They don't quite make it so the photographers below ensure each page makes its way to the fans in the crowd, who are chomping for the rest of the set.
I cannot miss the headliners for Mojo stage tonight as this is the first and last for the festival, and the last but are playing their final shows ever with the original line-up!
The Cat Empire played with a vigour and enthusiasm of a band at the height of their fame rather than one having their last dance together. Felix Riebl is jumping about like he has springs in the tread of his shoes.
The whole band is playing with boundless stores of energy and vibing at a high frequency while playing as tight as a Victorian corset.
The Cat Empire - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Frenetic, interactive and mesmerising. We are drawing from the immense energy coming from the band and sending it right back for recycling. It was a bittersweet set made up of fan favourites and played to punters who boogied along under the marquee and beneath the clouds.
I am calling it a night ahead of their finale songs to beat the mass exodus of the car park, plus I have four more Bluesfest days all with earlier starts (maybe).
However, the big buzz Cat Empire have left me with may keep me awake for hours.
What a welcome back Bluesfest, you lead with a strong hand for Day One. While it will take a strong line-up to trump it, I've peeked at the programme and I know Bluesfest is holding a winning hand.
Stay tuned for more reviews from 2022 Bluesfest.
