It draws ever-so-closer, that celebrated weekend of springtime musical goodness in WA’s South-West. And so we bring to you the third-and-final artist announcement, tying all those memories and plans into a neat guitar-stringed bow, as Blues At Bridgetown gets set to return with three days’ worth of what you really need from Friday-Sunday, November 9-11.
“You gotta have a plan… mine’s ingenuity,” that’s the chronicle of musician Rick Steele, a raconteur whose musical baptism of fire has been a life spent as a purveyor of music. There’s no mistaking it, when Steele takes to the stage there’s an undeniable warmth, a familiarity right off the bat. With his own brand of showmanship, he’s established himself as somewhat of an institution.
Steve Tallis is an Australian Griot, a Blues Shaman. He has lived and performed in the USA, Europe, Mexico and Asia – supporting some of the biggest names in music. African, Indian, Haitian and Islamic music have all had a spiritual and rhythmic influence on his own work. Tallis is unique, fiercely independent and not a man to be compromised. During this year’s festival he will do several solo appearances and one with his band, The Snakes of Desire.
Two Dollar Dog are an energetic quartet of larrikins from the Perth hills. Delivering a mixed bag of classics and originals, they do so via a selection of eclectic, handcrafted instruments from a shovel guitar to a baritone ukulele. With regular appearances at the Indi Bar and Blues at Bridgetown, Two Dollar Dog serve an energetic slice of blues guaranteed to make you laugh, smile – and dance.
Martin Lee Cropper plays Texas, Mississippi Delta and Hill Country Blues in the styles of the 1920-30’s country blues masters. His songs draw from and extend this tradition in the best blues fashion – paying homage to his favourite bluesmen while adding his own inimitable touch to the genre, in the process creating a new body of work which he refers to as Bridgetown Hill Country Blues.
From festivals to intimate venues, Tracey Barnett’s music fills any space with a powerful energy and an uplifting sense of hope. Her thrilling live shows have connected with audiences across her home state, from the Kimberley to the Great Southern, and East Coast audiences can look forward to seeing her in late 2018, but not before Bridgetown sees her first!
Blues at Bridgetown heartily welcomes the 2018 return of the WAM Stage. Our partnership with WAM (West Australian Music) continues with a sprightly Saturday line-up of Mary Myfanwy, Tashi, Geoff ‘Rev’ Waldeck, Polly Medlen, DOBBINDobbin, Carpark Social, Ben Catley and Zoe Ryan.
We’re also pleased to announce that Blackwood Rising, The Riders, Mark & Marissa (MMDV Music), Perth Blues Club, Hills Blues Club, West Coast Blues Club and South West Blues Club will be bringing their wares to this year’s festival, along with the previously-announced…
Black Sorrows featuring Vika & Linda, Russell Morris, Busby Marou, Blue Shaddy, The Turner Brown Band, Mama Kin Spender, 19-Twenty, The Southern River Band, Hat Fitz & Cara, Swamp Thing, Juzzie Smith, The Streamliners, Shane Pacey Trio, Emily Barker, Shaun Kirk, Ten Cent Shooters, Moondog, Little Quirks, Tom Fisher & The Layabouts, Matty T Wall, Applejack & Moonshine, The Amanda Emblem Experiment, Big Town Players, Mustered Courage, Swamp Stompers, Toby Beard, Jack Royale & The Hotshot Playboys, Lightnin Jack, Mooseknuckle, Myles Mitchell & The Great Southern Roots, Grand Casual and Alexander’s Oddity, playing at the iconic Blue Owl’s Nest, Festival Club and Geegelup venues.
Tickets are now on sale through bluesatbridgetown.com.au/festival-tickets, including a great value Weekend Ticket & Camping package.
