Overview
Bluesfest has been a firm fixture of Australia's Easter weekend music calendar since its inception in 1990. Well, give or take a couple of years of COVID cancellations, of course. But now, for the first time, Melburnians will be able to get their Bluesfest fix without the pilgrimage north, when the inaugural Bluesfest Melbourne delivers the goods from Saturday, April 8–Sunday, April 9 next year.
Yep, the iconic blues and roots celebration is getting its very own southern spinoff, running the same weekend that the OG fest descends on its usual home in the Byron Bay region. The new instalment will take over the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for two days of live music, dancing, eating and drinking, headlined by renowned names like Lucinda Williams, C.W Stoneking and Buddy Guy.
Kasey Chambers, by Sam Meuleman
The indoor setting is set to be a distinct change-up from the fest's not-so-weatherproof Byron base, with multiple indoor stages and theatre spaces ensuring not even Melbourne's erratic weather can throw a spanner in the works.
The precinct will fire up with sounds from Aussie festival favourites like Xavier Rudd, Kasey Chambers, Henry Wagons and Ash Grunwald, along with the likes of The Doobie Brothers, Eric Gales, Paolo Nutini, Steve Earle, Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges. All up, you'll be able to catch more than 30 performances across the weekend.
Ash Grunwald
There are a range of ticketing options on offer, from single-day passes to full weekend tickets.
Buzz has also been building for the OG Bluesfest's next edition, with names like Beck, Elvis Costello, Mavis Staples and Gang of Youths set to make their way to Byron Events Farm at Tyagarah for a huge Easter weekend.
The Doobie Brothers
Bluesfest Melbourne will run from April 8–9, 2023, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Grab tickets online from 9am on Monday, November 14.
Top Images: Buddy Guy. Lucinda Williams, by Danny Clinch.