Byron Bay Blues festival is lifting the curtain on round two of their exciting line-up for 2020.
After confirming the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Crowded House and Patti Smith and her Band on our first line-up, we’ve added a string of new acts, including Lenny Kravitz, Jimmie Vaughan, The Waterboys, Eagles of Death Metal, Ani DiFranco, and many more.
GET TO KNOW THE NEW ACTS HITTING THE BLUESFEST STAGE NEXT EASTER!
LENNY KRAVITZ
Grammy Award-winning Rock musician Lenny Kravitz made the albums ‘Let Love Rule’, ‘Mama Said’ and ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’. Over a musical career spanning 20 years, he has transcended genre with his unique soul, rock and funk influences. Are you ready to “Fly Away”?
JIMMIE VAUGHAN
Living legend Jimmie Vaughan is an American blues-rock guitarist and singer who hails from Austin. As a founding member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, he was one of the leading Texas guitarists of the ’70s and ’80s. Are you “Tuff Enuff” for Jimmie Vaughn’s gritty, hard-grooving performance?
THE WATERBOYS
With their cross-pollination of literate, soulful rock n’ roll and folk traditions of the British Isles, the Waterboys have tread a multitude of musical paths since singer-songwriter Mike Scott formed the group in London in the early ’80s, and continue to blur genres with 2019 album ‘Where The Action Is’.
EAGLES OF DEATH METAL
The collaboration of lifelong friends Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme, Eagles of Death Metal bring to the stage a revved-up blend of garage rock, boogie rock and hard rock, with elements of glam rock, blues rock and swamp rock thrown in. Rock out to ‘Peace Love Death Metal’!
ANI DIFRANCO
Ani Di Franco has never been afraid to push boundaries. The iconic singer, songwriter, activist and poet hit the world stage over twenty-five years ago. She has released more than 20 albums on her own record label, Righteous Babe, which gives her massive creative freedom.
AMADOU & MARIAM
A musical husband-and-wife duo who got their start in Mali, Amadou & Mariam bring the magic every time. The pair met at the Bamako Institute for the Young Blind in 1975, married in 1980, and have been releasing albums, touring and playing festivals around the globe. We dare you not to dance to their uniquely African beat!
THE ALLMAN BETTS BAND
Family tradition runs deep with the Allman Betts Band who follow in the footsteps of their groundbreaking fathers. Celebrating the founding of the Allman Brothers Band just over 50 years ago, Devon Allman and Duane Betts keep the southern rock torch burning, with a mix of classic Allmans tunes and new tracks.
ZUCCHERO
Italian musician Adelmo Fornaciari, known to the world by his nickname Zucchero (‘Sugar’), is an award-winning songwriter with a string of hits. His unique blend of blues, Italian ballads and R&B has seen him play with legends like Bono, Sheryl Crow, Eric Clapton and Macy Gray. Don’t miss the Father of Italian blues!
CORY HENRY & THE FUNK APOSTLES
A former member of Bluesfest favourites, Snarky Puppy, Cory Henry’s multi-instrumentalist skills are astounding. It’s funk, it’s blues, it’s R’n’B, it’s gospel, it’s soul and it’s rock! Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles breathe fresh air into all these genres. You won’t want to miss this funk explosion!
YOLA
Yola is setting the music scene on alight with her debut album ‘Walk Through Fire’ establishing her as the new Queen of Country Soul. The album is a genre-bending release bursting with Yola’s powerful vocals that capture tales of heartbreak and loves lost. One of the most exciting emerging British artists in music today – Yola is one to watch!
TAL WILKENFELD
Instrumentalist turned singer-songwriter Tal Wilkenfeld breaks new ground with new album ‘Love Remains’. Having toured as a bassist with the likes of Jeff Beck, Mick Jagger, Prince and The Allman Bros, Tal has honed her craft as a singer in her own right. A true musician!
JOACHIM COODER
Joachim Cooder grew up playing music with his father Ry Cooder, touring and recording with icons including Johnny Cash, John Lee Hooker and the Buena Vista Social Club. He has solidified his reputation as a lyrical drummer, composing film scores, and now writing and singing his own songs like “Country Blues”. Come on all you good time people!
STEVE ‘N’ SEAGULLS
Finnish Roots music collective Steve ‘n’ Seagulls have a penchant for turning hard rock, metal, and grunge classics into front-porch jamborees. You can’t mistake the quintet’s signature hillbilly metal sound which has endeared them to fans worldwide. We promise you’ll be on your feet falling in love with bluegrass all over again!