As COVID-19 restrictions have left us itching to get to a live gig, Bluesfest has just given us something to look forward to.
The festival has revealed their first lineup announcement for 2021, which features a bunch of fantastic artists that were originally set to perform at the cancelled 2020 festival.
Patti Smith, Jimmy Barnes, and Bon Iver are among the star-studded bill set to perform at Bluesfest 2021.
While many festivals have decided to adopt an all-Aussie bill lineup for their late 2020 and early 2021 editions, Bluesfest is taking the risk of signing on a number of international acts, including Patti Smith and her band, Bon Iver, Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles, and George Benson. In regards to the risk that international acts may not be able to come due to travel restrictions, festival director Peter Noble stated:
“If we find that the internationals can’t come, we will add more Aussies. If we find the internationals can come, we might add more internationals. What our team is dedicated to doing is everything it takes to present Bluesfest Easter 2021 in a manner where it will be our most legendary festival yet.”
Aussie favourites on the bill include Jimmy Barnes, John Butler, Xavier Rudd, and The Cat Empire.
In March, festival organisers confirmed the dates for their 2021 edition, which is set to take place between April 1 to 5. It has also been revealed that 60 artists have been confirmed for the festival, with a second artist announcement expected by September.
Tickets for Bluesfest 2021 are on sale now.
Bluesfest 2021 first announcement lineup
ASH GRUNWALD
BACKSLIDERS
THE BAMBOOS
THE BLACK SORROWS
BON IVER
BUFFY SAINT-MARIE
THE CAT EMPIRE
CHAIN
CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM
CORY HENRY & THE FUNK APOSTLES
DAMI IM
DANIEL CHAMPAGNE
EMILY WIRRAMARA
GEORGE BENSON
THE GYPSY KINGS
HARTS PLAYS HENDRIX
HENRY WAGONS
HUSSY HICKS
JIMMIE VAUGHAN
JIMMY BARNES
JOHN BUTLER
JOHN MAYALL
KASEY CHAMBERS
KOOL & THE GANG
LARKIN POE
LITTLE GEORGIA
THE MARCUS KING BAND
MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD
MICK THOMAS’ ROVING COMMISSION
MORCHEEBA
NATHAN CAVALERI
PACEY, KING & DOLEY
PATTI SMITH AND HER BAND
PIERCE BROTHERS
RAY BEADLE
ROSHANI
THE TESKEY BROTHERS
TORI KELLY
TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE
TROY CASSAR-DALEY
THE WAIFS
THE WAILERS
WALTER TROUT
THE WAR & TREATY
WEDDINGS, PARTIES, ANYTHING
XAVIER RUDD
