The Best Bluesfest!

How about that weather! We have been transported to some legendary Bluesfest where the rain doesn't fall and gumboot wearers begin to doubt their purchases. It's not quite dry and dusty, but that's probably due to all the beer and wine spilt jostling through the crowds.

This year has been the best!. From the amazing lineup and fabulous performances to the most amiable, mixed generational crowd you could imagine. The only sad faces are the poor stiffs busted by sniffer dogs ~ but who needs dope when everyone seems to be on some natural high? Wow!, Byron must be getting to me, I sound like some superannuated hippie.

What day is it? Oh yeah, Monday. So here's the review of Easter Sunday:
I woke up this morning and had myself a beer. Not quite, instead I ate organic wood fired sourdough hot cross buns to lay a foundation for beer.

By 2pm we were back on the bus, being driven by a bloke who's dad knows my cousin Sue-Ellen in Lismore. It's that sort of holiday. I'm almost expecting Blanches to change their bus destination from Bluesfest to Further. First stop after exiting: Crossroads. Who wouldn't when the lineup reads Little Feat, Mavis Staples, Irma Thomas and the Blind Boys of Alabama with Aaron Neville.

You've got to put on your sailin shoes
Put on your sailin shoes
Everyone will start to cheer
When you put on your sailin shoes.
Damn!, Feat were good. Pity they didn't have the time to play Tripe Face Boogie. What's the idea of no encores?. This is a festival!.

I almost felt disappointed with Mavis Staples when she performed the same testifying set as the day before, but how can you argue with heavenly perfection?.

Next up Irma, after Dylan my main reason for attending Bluesfest. A great introduction by her sax player: Will you welcome to the stage the Queen of New Orleans, Irrrrrrrmmmmmmma Thomas!. Rapturous applause as she was assisted on stage. Moving stiffly throughout an hour she sure surprised a lot of people who thought the Stones first sung Heart of Stone aka Ruler of My Heart and Time Is On My Side. Referring to an earlier health problem she told us There was a time when I never sang that song as I didn't think time was on my side, but thankfully those days are behind me.

The biggest surprise however was reserved for Irma and the band when she sang a song from a Grammy winning album. How was she to know Simply the Best had been the NRL theme-song as sung by Tina Turner. It's lyrics are practically engraved on our hearts!. We engaged in some Noo Orlans hankie -waving chorusing during Iko Iko and just had a great time. As James post-texted me Irma was the goods.

Sunset is my favourite festival time ~ when the patchouli oil starts wafting and the inflated balloons bob above the crowd. It's also in-between acts on the main stages and a good time to check out the smaller venues. Lisa Miller was performing at Juke Joint interspersing great covers between original material. Superfly, You're gonna make your fortune by and by! At APRA crowds were bopping to the Afro-Creole of Seychelles band Grace Barbe Afro Kreol.

A great festival needs to present acts that appeal to a wide range of ages and this year's Bluesfest delivers in spades!. A huge crowd of early twenties were jammed into the big Mojo tent to see Washington, and would definitely move on later to The Cat Empire. At Jambalaya the Melbourne Ska Orchestra pumped out ska to an sweating, heaving moon-stomping mass of humanity.

The Saltwater Band, featuring Garrumul, sang and performed a set in an indigenous language that makes you ashamed Aussie children are not taught the same. The biggest bassist you have ever seen proved that plaid and camouflage is still an appealing combination.

Did I mention the weather has been perfect? Most of the time we have been hot and thirsty. Drinking all that XXXX requires sustenance, and subsequently Chris and I have developed a real taste for what's on offer at the Sauerkraut Sisters. In addition, the local pies (pronounced lo-cal) are winners. BTW today's best t-shirt read Drink your beer, there are kids in India who are sober.

Feigning tiredness, Kim, Paulette and I decided an early night was appropriate and left it to Chris, Rhys and James to fly the 28 Ruskin Street flag.

James reports: After enjoying an extended stay on the beach for the third day in a row, it was time to mosey towards the "bluesy" as I've touted it. Arriving around sunset, we started our evening with Irma Thomas. Ruler of my heart was definitely a highlight. We then shuffled our way across to the Jambalaya tent for the awesome guitar work of Jeff Lang and Co. Hunger set in by the time Jeffrey had completed his wowing of the crowd.

After a quick lamb curry and samosa it was time for the Melbourne Ska Orchestra. By far the largest group of musicians playing, they showed us the roots of ska and beyond. They certainly knew how to get everyone up and about. After dancing up a storm (something Rhys, Olivia and I have become famous for), it was time for a beer and a sit down next to the Mojo. Gurrumul filled the main tent with the soothing sound of indigenous blues. During a quick walk around, I managed to catch the end of Robert Randolph and the Family Band with a rip roaring rendition of Purple Haze, definitely another highlight of the evening.