The official run of Bluesfest sideshows have been announced, and we’re already clicking our heels together for April 2019 to come around. Amongst the amazing set of artists Australia will be blessed with, a few Bluesfest alumni will be in attendance – ones we’re very happy to see return.
If you’ve caught these acts before, you’ll know why it’s time to snatch tickets once again. If you never have… take our word for it. These cats are world class.
Thinking about Bluesfest or its stunning set of sideshows? Here are 5 acts you can count on to rock the crowd… because they’ve all done it before!
The California Honeydrops
They’re practically regulars at this point, and once again The California Honeydrops will be bringing their New Orleans vibes to Australian shores for Bluesfest. They’ll be hitting the big fest as well as a headline show and Melbourne.
The band were one of our top 10 moments from Bluesfest 2018 – you don’t want to miss this.
Wed 24th April 2019, The Corner Melbourne
Snarky Puppy
Grammy-winning ensemble Snarky Puppy are one-of-a-kind in the current music scene, an enormous 40-person collective under the guidance of composer Michael League. They played Bluesfest and toured Australia last year… I’m thinking they were invited back as soon as they stepped off stage.
It’s jazz fusion multiplied by a factor of 40, one of the largest contemporary touring bands in the world with the chops to back it up. Catch them at Bluesfest 2019, plus newly announced sideshows in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
Sun 21st April 2019, Enmore Theatre Sydney
Wed 24th April 2019, HQ Adelaide
Fri 26th April 2019, The Forum Melbourne
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
A man who needs no introduction, George Clinton is a godfather of funk, soul and one of the most notorious musical groups to ever walk the astral plane. As Funkadelic he brought us Maggot Brain, as Parliament he brought us Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome, with countless other history-shifting releases in between.
Clinton has performed at Bluesfest once before in 2015, but next year will be his final ever Australian tour prior to retiring. It’s your last chance to see this living legend on stage, so get on down to those shows.
Sat 20th April 2019, Enmore Theatre Sydney
Thu 25th April 2019, The Forum Melbourne
Kasey Chambers
2019 will mark the 20th anniversary of Kasey Chambers’ first ever appearance at Bluesfest, finely lined up with Bluesfest’s 30th anniversary. Another musician who needs no introduction, Chambers is a national treasure and not an artist you should ever miss the chance to see.
You can catch Kasey Chambers live at the Bluesfest 2019 main event.
Vintage Trouble
They played Bluesfest in 2017 and 2018, so they’ll officially complete the hat-trick with their upcoming appearance in 2019. And it’s no surprise really, given the sharply-dressed gentlemen of Vintage Trouble’s finesse when it comes to working a crowd.
Slap on your Sunday best and prepare to dance all night, Vintage Trouble are coming back to town.
Wed 24th April 2019, Oxford Art Factory Sydney
Thu 25th April 2019, The Corner Melbourne
Bluesfest takes place 18-22 April 2019. Grab all the info here, and find a full listing of sideshows via Bluesfest Touring.
