The iconic, memory-laden musical experience that is Blues at Bridgetown will celebrate its 30th year in 2022 from Friday-Sunday, November 11-13.
As with most things, the pandemic has served up some challenges in recent years, but in 2022 we can’t wait to raise a cheer for three decades of good times and great music while looking forward to many wonderful years ahead.
Kicking off the first line-up announcement for Blues at Bridgetown’s historic 30th Anniversary is Harry Manx. The Canadian musical treasure has been one of the most successful international touring musicians ever to grace stages in Australia, performing at Byron Bay Bluesfest, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Blue Mountains Music Festival, Caloundra Music Festival and Woodford as well as side shows all over the country. A worldwide festival favourite, Manx’s 15 albums and ceaseless touring have seen him earn a slew of Maple Leaf, Juno and Canadian Folk Awards, nominations, and accolades from musicians and fans alike.
Jack and Patrick Pierce’s high-energy duo Pierce Brothers are a staple of the Australian indie-folk-blues-roots scene. Exploding onto the stage in 2014 as buskers, the twins soon became a must-see act. Having established themselves as an integral part of the music scene in Australia and abroad, they have toured relentlessly. Their music has grown with them and has seen Pierce Brother release a top 15 ARIA debut album and two Top 10 ARIA EPs as well as amassing over 30 million global streams.
Kim Churchill has achieved some incredible things as a professional musician. Recognised as much internationally as he is in Australia, Churchill has performed headline shows, festivals and supports alike all over the planet. Notable performances include Glastonbury, Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, Montreal Jazz, Telluride Blues, and supports with Milky Chance, Billy Bragg, Michael Franti and Nahko and Medicine for the People. Known for his magnetic, dynamic stage presence, he unites lyrical artistry with fierce vocals, while using his guitar to create landscapes that animate his blissful lyrics.
Hailed as the breakthrough artist of Byron Bay Bluesfest earlier this year, star-on-the-rise Roshani weaves story and song to uplift the soul. Born into a musical family in Sri Lanka, at six weeks of age Roshani was given up for adoption and fate led her to the other side of the world where she had the opportunity to nurture her musical gift. With a voice that gives you goosebumps, utilising loop pedal and various instruments, Roshani’s sound is as unique as her life story, which was featured on 60 Minutes Australia with over 10 million views worldwide.
Melbourne blues artist Lloyd Spiegel has been touring the globe for 30 of his 40 years. The 14-time Australian Blues Award winner has one of the most interesting stories in music, having grown up on stage, learning from and touring with the founding fathers of modern blues. Spiegel’s guitar wizardry, powerful lyrics and knack for humorous storytelling delivers a truly unique performance that reinvents the genre and dispels any clichés associated with the blues.
Lighting up audiences during their last visit to Bridgetown in 2019, Hussy Hicks are a tour de force featuring Leesa Gentz’ powerhouse soul vocals and Julz Parker’s revered guitar skills. Hussy Hicks have honed their sonic dexterity over the past 15 years with six studio albums, multiple industry awards and more than 1,000 live shows under their belts, from Australia’s biggest blues, roots and folk festivals to 15 plus international tours. Hussy Hicks will be fresh back from touring and recording in Europe, so there’ll be plenty of stories to share.
Adding their own musical delights will also be Rick Steele & The Hot Biscuit Band, Rose Parker Band, Roshani, Shaun Kirk, Smokestack Rhino, The Human Highway, The Swamp Stompers, Tom Fisher & The Layabouts and Bridgetown’s own Tracey Barnett with many more to be announced very soon.
Tickets are now on sale through bluesatbridgetown.com.au/tickets where all package details can be found.
About Blues at Bridgetown
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.
