It’s almost that time of year again. One of the Gold Coast’s favourite festivals is back and set to rock our world with blues tunes. Running from May 19 – 22, Blues on Broadbeach is set to deliver another action-packed festival that simply must not be missed. With a mind-blowing lineup of around 70 musical acts from around the world, roving entertainment, markets and plenty of dining (and drinking) options, it’s not hard to see why the beachside festival is so widely adored. Here’s a roundup of all the most important info about Blues on Broadbeach this year.
GOLD COAST’S ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF BLUES
Australia’s largest non-ticketed festival sees thousands of visitors flock to Broadbeach over four days. The vibe is high and there’s an unmissable buzz in the air as music fans gather to celebrate the blues. Wandering around beautiful Broadbeach surrounded by world-class musical acts on stages dotted throughout the streets, parks and local venues, popping in for a bite to eat at a huge array of bars and restaurants and meeting plenty of like-minded music lovers at every turn. It’s akin to the feeling of discovering an incredible, new city but with the added bonus of being right here on the Gold Coast.
The festival’s main stage will be set up in beautiful Kurrawa Park with plenty of shade and open spaces to pull up a patch of grass with the bustling Broadbeach shopping and dining precinct right across the road. This years’ program features internationally renowned artists you know and love, as well as plenty of must-see newbies and local legends. They’ll be performing both on the Main Stage and throughout Broadbeach at local venues and even street-side, so you’ll be inundated with tunes the entire time. It’s highly likely you’ll discover a new favourite band. Dream situation!
12 BAR SOCIETY
In a first for the festival, Blues on Broadbeach is launching a brand new membership club, 12 Bar Society, that gives avid fans the opportunity to get up close to the action on stage, interact with the artists and access exclusive VIP experiences.
Membership includes;
– An exclusive VIP bar and up-close main stage viewing garden in Kurrawa Park
– A session with master guitarist Robben Ford
– Music, readings and Q&A with artists
– Special events including a Lucky Squire Microbrewery Tour and Tasting
– Limited-edition merchandise and goodie bag
– A certified membership pass to enjoy all Twelve Bar Society events and locations
The exclusive, membership is $149 plus booking fee and offers not only all of the aforementioned goodies, but a chance to be part of Blues on Broadbeach history. Memberships are on sale now, grab yours before they disappear.
NEW MUSICAL DISCOVERIES
While there are some epic headline acts at this years’ festival, there are some amazing local musicians you may not have heard before who will no doubt become firm favourites at first listen. Don’t miss out on these performances.
Dishpan Hands
He’s been said to have a sound rarely heard from a native Australian blues performer, more deep south on the Mississippi Delta than Down Under and so, we are absolutely thrilled to catch Dishpan Hands at Blues on Broadbeach. Also known as singer-songwriter Matthew Beagley, the brilliant artist will deliver high energy soul tunes and is described by those in the know as creating a mix of dance party and introspective blues beats plus a tip of his hat to plenty of his favourite musician via a unique arsenal of covers. What a treat.
Karl S Williams
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, poet, visual artist; is there anything Karl S Williams can’t do? We think not. Known as a genre defying musician, he meshes blues, roots, folk and Americana in his bold, boundary-crossing style and you’re going to love it. The band is made up of three truly talented individuals who have been making magic together for the past decade and bring an infectious, mind-blowing sound to any stage. They move seamlessly from heart thumping blues to soulful ballads and having seen them in person, you’ll likely never be the same again.
Minnie Marks
She won the Bluesfest Busking Competition in 2011, followed by a string of international awards and in the years since, has taken the musical world by storm. Not only is Minnie Marks an incredible guitar player, she’s also a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist and she needs to be at the top of your roster for the 2022 festival. Her powerful voice and dynamic guitar skills are what set her apart and with the addition of a Foot Drum Kit, she is not only extremely coordinated but a musical force to be reckoned with. Her show packs a huge punch and it’s one Blues on Broadbeach patrons will speak about long after it’s done.
The Blues on Broadbeach playing times can be found here and all events are free. Happy days ahead festival lovers!
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source: Destination Gold Coast