Welcome to Bluesfest Melbourne, where there is no mud and you can wear your finest shoes without fear of ruining them.
On a wet and cold rainy weekend (8-9 April), it was a consideration! As an advocate for people living with disability, this festival is a perfect example of an accessible venue and it's also great for people who want seated shows.The first Bluesfest Melbourne was spread out in Jeff's Shed (Melbourne and Exhibition Convention Centre) and there were a few navigation problems at the start, like finding the correct entry points, but after that it was all smooth sailing.
Plenty of affordable food and drink on offer and the music could not have been better. We attended all three stages and every show had expert lighting and fabulous sound.
Attendees were spoiled for choice with headliners and we couldn't even fit in all of the talent on offer, so jam packed was the artist list.
It was an absolute thrill to see Kasey Chambers, who charmed all with her tunes, her little yodelling bits and her hilarious wardrobe malfunction.
Kasey never disappoints and was as kind and funny as ever. Her mixed grab bag of songs included cuts from her albums across the years, but her finest choices were 'The Captain', 'Not Pretty Enough' and 'Pony'.
A true surprise was her gorgeous cover of Eminem's classic 'Lose Yourself'. An absolute show-stopper.
We tripped over to the smaller stage to see Russell Morris, who is still the 'Real Thing' in his mid 70s with his powerhouse band still kickin' it. He still sounds mighty, fabulous and psychedelic, while the tunes from 'Sharkmouth' were a true highlight.
Nicky Bomba and the Melbourne Ska Orchestra are a bigger experience than most and they pretty well blew the roof of the house with their party-fest vibe. They are epically talented and the biggest party going – they get my vote for Best Of Show for the most fun, interactive gig I was treated to over the course of this festival.
The evening ended with a big gig from The Doobie Brothers. A long time ago I rated the Doobies as the anti-Eagles for the soulful, sometimes almost gospel harmonies and outsider song choices which they managed to turn into solid gold on the charts.
It was great to hear their harmonies and their excellent musicianship particularly on old favourites 'Black Water', 'China Grove', 'Takin' It To The Streets', 'Jesus Is Just Alright' and 'What A Fool Believes'.
On this, their 50th anniversary tour, it was really gratifying to see they've still go it, too. Nothing beats those vocals and that saxophone!
Next up on our list was Steve Earle, outlaw troubadour, voice of truth, and still an angry young man. He played solo acoustic and featured tunes from his 1986 breakthrough album 'Guitar Town'.
In an incredibly emotional set, he spoke about his first-born son Justin Townes Earle's early demise due to an accidental fentanyl overdose in a cautionary tale to drug takers and parents of those similarly affected.
It was real and it was moving, as his music always is. There was several people in the audience wearing Justin Townes Earle t-shirts, which was beautiful to see.
Lucinda Williams was a sentimental favourite for all who were wishing her power and strength as she recovers from a debilitating stroke. Her voice sounded beautiful and her band (and a guest spot by Steve Earle) ably supported her. It was good to see her again and to hear that she hasn't lost her power. Her storytelling still resonates with every note.
What a beautiful weekend, in a great venue. I hope it comes again next year – I'll be there.
