You can just about hear the music in the air as the South-West readies itself to spring into action for the 30th Anniversary edition of Blues at Bridgetown, three days’ worth of rhythm, melody and memories from Friday-Sunday, November 11-13. We’re both proud and pleased to bring you the third and final artist announcement.
Some 30 years ago, at a Carlton share house, Michael Allen would arrive at the door with some beer and he and Greg Arnold would sit around singing harmonies – just for the fun of it. Then Tony Floyd joined in with some more harmonies, only now, they had some drums, and Things of Stone and Wood was born. Since then they’ve managed to have two Top 10 albums, Top 10 hits, tour Australia and the world, and win ARIA and APRA songwriting awards. With meaningful lyrics and passionate, energetic performances, a Things of Stone and Wood show is always an uplifting and emotional affair.
The Australian Blues Brothers are the most entertaining Blues Brothers tribute in Australia and Asia. Australia’s premier Blues Brothers tribute show has packed theatres, dancefloors and festivals around the world. You’ll certainly be Shakin’ Your Tail Feather when Jake & Elwood Blues hit the stage backed by live musicians with this all-singing, all-dancing revue of Blues Brothers. The show includes all the classic hit songs from the Blues Brothers movie as well as whips, handcuffs, and of course, plenty of dark sunglasses.
Toby Beard is returning home from two tours of Europe. Not only did she escape Perth’s winter, she performed 23 shows throughout Germany, Holland, Denmark, Switzerland and Austria – including the huge Skagen Festival (Denmark) and Blacksheep Festival (Germany). Toby had nine international tours cancelled during Covid, so returning back to Europe was an incredible experience for both Toby, her band and her Euro audiences. She now returns home to perform at her favourite WA festival, Blues at Bridgetown. This is a must-see show!
‘There is freedom within’ wrote Neil Finn, a line that best describes the musical collaboration of the Freedom Brothers Trio. Comprising of Roy Martinez (bass, vocals), Richie Pavledis (drums, vocals), and Lez Karski (vocals, guitar), all are well respected in the rock/blues/roots community and have decades of playing experience between them. Now they combine their unique sonic flavours to stretch out on soul, blues, rock and country classics with an organic blend of riffs, solos, and silliness that only mutual love of each other’s work can engender. The result is a wonderful ‘freedom without’!
Lightnin Jack has now been touring Australia for 10 years developing his trademark raw, husky, bluesy sound, incorporating old and new with his rare one-of-a-kind sound consisting of his multiple guitars and percussion instruments he truly is a one-man travelling band. With the ability to produce and create such a diverse range of sounds, Lightnin Jack has been sought out by many a musician and band across a wide range of genres and locations throughout Australia of which he has performed and produced with.
From sweet blues to gritty, stomping, blues-rocking beats, and now having seven nominations in the prestigious Independent Blues Awards in the USA, a Western Australian Music Award win and three back-to-back Number One Australian Blues albums, this is an artist you do not want to miss. Matty T Wall returns to Bridgetown more motivated and addictively electric than ever with two killer rhythm legends of the scene, Ric Whittle on drums and Leigh Miller on bass guitar.
We’re also pleased to announce Aaron Pollock, Two Dollar Dog, Sgt Hulka, Jonny Reid, Jook Joint Band, Steve West & The Benders, The Riders, Mary Myfanwy, Charlie Youngson, Perth Blues Club, South West Blues Club, Hills Blues Club, Black Robin, The Doozys, Stumptown, Whiskey Dogs, Scott Gordon and Brian Sweetman & Stage Left who will join with the previously announced…
Harry Manx, Pierce Brothers, Kim Churchill, Roshani, Lloyd Spiegel, Hussy Hicks, Daddy Long Legs, 19-Twenty, Blue Shaddy, Hat Fitz & Cara, Carus Thompson, Boom! Bap! Pow!, Mike Elrington, Helen Townsend & The Wayward Hearts, Moondog Trio, Brandie & Wise, Natural Boogie, Martin Lee Cropper, Mossy Fogg, Redcliffe, Blackwood Rising, Mary Myfanwy, Rick Steele & The Hot Biscuit Band, Rose Parker Band, Roshani, Shaun Kirk, Smokestack Rhino, The Human Highway, The Swamp Stompers, Tom Fisher & The Layabouts, MDV Music, Zack Linton and Bridgetown’s own Tracey Barnett.
Tickets are now on sale through bluesatbridgetown.com.au/tickets where all package details can be found.
We simply cannot wait to see you again (or indeed for the first time!).
Blues at Bridgetown is a non-profit community association producing an annual music festival since 1993. Held in the second week of November each year, the three-day festival showcases blues and roots music, attracting visitors from across the state, interstate and overseas.