Whether you're mad for the blues, passionate about live music, or enjoy indulging in rural weekend getaways, the Winter Blues Festival has all bases covered.
Nestled within the picturesque surrounds of Echuca-Moama, 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the festival with 20,000-plus punters expected trek to the NSW-VIC border in the middle of winter (25-28 July).The festival is also free to attend (aside from the Sunday evening wrap party that is ticketed), which is a unique point of difference especially given the current cost of living crisis.
After revealing the likes of 8 Ball Aitken, 19-Twenty, Bill Barber & the Holding Cell, Charlie Bedford, Corey Legge and Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers in March, event organisers have added a swag more talent to the line-up.
The new arrivals are headlined by Julian James and The Moonshine State, Karl S. Williams, Smoke Stack Rhino and Transvaal Diamond Syndicate alongside local favourites including Dan Dinnen and Shorty, The McNaMarr Project, The Hoodoo Men, Jimi Hocking's Blues Machine, Jesse Redwing, and The Voodoo Preachers.
The festival also welcomes some newer faces on the scene, including South Australian Blues-rock phenomenon Stefan Hauk, guitarist to the stars Kathleen Halloran, and new kid on the block, 17-year old Rory Phillips.
"If you're a blues fan and you want to have a weekend in a really cool town, then it's a great holiday destination from anywhere in Australia," festival programmer Jon Howell says.
"This year, we're really focused on the idea that this is an event for everyone. . . It's a free event. People just need to book a caravan or book a hotel room and they can come for free and then just experience the festival; and it's an amazing town."
With its commitment to delivering a fantastic experience, fostering a strong community atmosphere, and curating a line-up of artists who not only produce great music but also deliver captivating performances, Winter Blues Festival has undoubtedly earned its place on the map as a pivotal part of the Australian festival landscape.
"For over 100 years, the blues has been music that makes you forget your worries and makes you feel good," Jon says. "You leave with that feeling of having had that interaction with that experience that enriches your life. That's what we're aiming for."
The Winter Blues Festival takes place at various venues throughout Echuca-Moama 25-28 July. All venues are free entry (aside from the Sunday evening wrap party that is ticketed).
Winter Blues Festival 2024 Line-up
8 Ball Aitken19 Twenty
Aaron Pollock
Anna Scionti
Bill Barber & the Holding Cell
The Blues Roulette Big Band Do Motown
Charlie Bedford
Corey Legge
Dan Dinnen & Shorty
Darcy Ramage
Doc Halibut
Frank Sultana
Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers
Glenn Skuthorpe
Grim Fawkner
Ian Collard
Iseula
Jarrod Shaw
Jesse Redwing
Jimi Hocking's Blues Machine
Julian James and The Moonshine State
Jungle Jim Smith
Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers
Karl S. Williams
Kathleen Halloran
Lady Valiant
Luke Harrington
Marshall and The Fro
Matt Katsis
Mike Elrington
Miss Lou's Blues
Nathan Beretta
Opelousas
Ozone Street
Paul Buchanan's Voodoo Preachers
Rory Phillips
Sammy Owen Blues Band
Slatsapalooza
Smoke Stack Rhino
Stefan Hauk
Sweet Felicia and The Honeytones
The Blues Preachers
The Honey Badgers
The Hoodoo Men
The McNaMarr Project
The Mojo Corner
The Windsavers
Tomcat Playground
Transvaal Diamond Syndicate
