Bluesfest 2019 Thursday and Good Friday

Melody Angel was presenting her steely version of the blues at the Juke Joint stage as we arrived.  Melody's imposing presence and her powerful and evocative "true blues" reveal her wide range of influences (Hendrix, Santana, Slash).  Passing by Delta, Samantha Fish sounded interesting and will be worth a future visit.  However, it being first night, we continued along the midway perusing the 2019 'fest setup and were pleased to see the beverage concessions have been significantly improved.  No need any longer to credit-load RFID wrist bands and a greater range of decent and reasonably priced wines, beer and spirits.  In addition Festival goers have access to craft beers and alternate wine outlets.  It is evident that Bluesfest have listened to their audience and have ironed out many of the annoying aspects of attendance.  

Next stop Mojo where Alternate music favourite Kurt Vile was playing his first Bluesfest.  The former War on Drugs guitarist played selections from his albums including the recent collaboration with Courtney Barnett "Lotta Sea Lice".  Sounding very similar to his records he hid behind a curtain of hair and the stage shadows.  I have to admit I prefer Kurt when he is diluted by Courteney Barnett.

Jambalaya was full-on Aussie tonight with Russell Morris, Richard Clapton and the Black Sorrows making their only appearances before sizeable appreciative audiences.



In my opinion the nights' major attraction was Little Steven and The Disciples of Soul. Steve Van Zant of Sopranos fame and long time ally of Bruce Springsteen led a 15 member ensemble complete with a five piece brass section and your genuine sassy backing chorus. Fabulous!  The performance commenced with "Sweet Soul Music" by Arthur Conley.   "Do you like good music?"  Yeah Yeah!  

This was one of those heroic performances that rank up there with previous Bluesfest performances by Funkadelic and John Fogarty.  Steven's reputation as a true fan was evident with his in between song patter where he referred to Motown 

Bluesfest  T-shirts

Six60 Ocean Alley

Grafton Sir John Kerr

Tow truck  Customer parking


Blanch's bus service or Chris' minivan service?  The $5 beers available on Chris sold it.

Chris' spotify (everything from Murtceps to Donna Summer) powered Good Friday morning until it was wine o'clock.  Despite dreadful traffic our traditional Holy Thursday trip to the Ballina fish shop has proven the goods with tip top prawns,oysters and sashimi on offer at lunch.