By TANIA PHILLIPS
JOHN Mayer and the Dave Matthews Band are set to headline the 25th Anniversary Bluesfest, it was announced this week.
Bluesfest may still be more than seven months away but single day tickets go on sale this week and organisers announced the first of several major signings ahead of what festival director Peter Noble believes is going to be one heck of a 25th anniversary celebration. The multi award-winning five-day festival is held over the Easter long weekend (17-21 April) at its dedicated site, the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, north of Byron Bay.
“It’s our 25th birthday! We are going to be celebrating this one as never before and will deliver you one hell of a line-up and mark my words: This is only the beginning,” Peter Noble said.
“John Mayer is finally coming back after seven years to play at Bluesfest again. When it comes to guitar he is undoubtedly to me the most talented of all performing today, simply untouchable and I say that with all humility. I predict his new album ‘Paradise Valley’ – released last week, is going to be at the top of the charts worldwide this week – this is such a coup for us – and I am so proud to be presenting John on our big celebration year.
“We are not stopping there – I have attempted to bring back Dave Matthews Band every year since they last played Bluesfest in 2005. They are one of the top grossing, most in-demand bands in the world – as well as up there with the best of the best.
“Finally, they are coming back to Bluesfest, for not one, but two full-length performances, and each night will be completely different as this super band never plays the same set twice! These performances are going to be magical and unmissable. I know their fans will be celebrating – and flying in from all over the world for these incredibly special performances.”
And it doesn’t stop there with The John Butler Trio, Erykah Badu, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, Iron and Wine, Devendra Banhart, Morcheeba, Gary Clark Jr and KT Tunstall, Allen Stone, Valerie June and Nikki Hill also announced.
“I can guarantee this – every one of these amazing artists are at the top of their game and are renowned for their great performances,” Noble said.
What: Bluesfest
When: 17-21 April (but single day tickets on sale with this first announcement)
Where: North Byron Park Parklands
Interested?: Bluesfest playing schedule is available on www.bluesfest.com.au
All festival and camping tickets are on sale through www.bluesfest.com.au or by phoning the office on 02 6685 8310. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster on www.ticketmaster.com.au
