17th of January 2012- The 4th round of artists to perform at Australia's much awarded and loved Bluesfest has today been announced. It's the festivals biggest announcement yet for 2012, presenting a further 30 artists, including some very special headliners and the return of previous favourites and opening the Bluesfest door to some exciting new discoveries. All designed to keep you singing & dancing merrily along for no less than 5 action-packed and fun-filled days. Festival director Peter Noble says, "We've unveiled some amazing headliners and celebrated bands coming to Byron Bay for Bluesfest 2012, but now our fourth announcement is the final touch which really tips the scales into overdrive.

It's certainly one of the best Bluesfest's I've ever booked. Following on from the big headline acts in earlier announcements, our FOURTH artist unveiling is full of more surprises. I am stoked to welcome back John Fogerty, who was our major headliner at Bluesfest 2008."

JOHN FOGERTY plays
Creedence Clearwater Revival:

It took Bob Dylan AND George Harrison's constant cajoling to get JOHN FOGERTY to start playing Creedence Clearwater revival songs again. He started to do a few in his set in 1997 - 25 years after the band broke up.

Well, we can thank the Gods because for the first time in 40 years we are going to hear, live on stage at Bluesfest, one of the all time greats perform the music that he has written and only he can sing.

JOHN FOGERTY is going to perform in full one of 2 classic Creedence albums, which is either his favourite Creedence album ' Green River' or Creedence's biggest hit album 'Cosmo's Factory'.

Then, to top it off, after he has performed the album from start to finish, he is going to play all the Creedence Clearwater hits for the first time since the band split, in a special 2 hour show featuring multimedia presentations.

It will be a revelation to hear the classic "Swamp Pop" performed again by the main man of Creedence Clearwater Revival, the band that took over from the Beatles as the biggest band in the world.

The Creedence Clearwater Revival hitlist includes: Proud Mary + Hey Tonight + Down On The Corner + Long As I Can See The Light + Bad Moon Rising + Have You Ever Seen The Rain + Looking Out My Back Door + Who'll Stop The Rain + Run Through The Jungle + Lodi + Midnight Special and there's so many more!

4^th announcement includes:

ZIGGY MARLEY

This is Roots - This is Rock - This is Reggae !! - THIS IS ZIGGY MARLEY.

The five-time Grammy Award-winning musician, actor, artist, activist and humanitarian, ZIGGY MARLEY returns to Bluesfest after a five year absence. He'll be featuring songs from his latest album, Wild and Free as well as all the favourites from his 3 other solo albums and those of the Melody Makers.

ZIGGY MARLEY , the son of the legendary Bob Marley is, to many, the embodiment of his father. It is almost eerie to see the similarity, and with his Roots-Rock-Reggae style, Ziggy is the Keeper of the Flame. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, ZIGGY MARLEY joined with his sisters Sharon and Cedella and brother Stephen to become Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers, allowing him to craft his own soulful sound which blends blues, R&B, hip-hop and roots reggae

After two decades as the driving creative force behind The Melody Makers, ZIGGY MARLEY's first solo tour came in Summer 2002. The following year saw the release of his debut solo album, Dragonfly, followed by 2006's Grammy Award-winning Love Is My Religion, Recently, ZIGGY MARLEY won his fifth Grammy Award, in the category "Best Musical Album for Children," for Family Time, a 2009 collection of reggae-inflected, family-oriented songs, featuring family and friends including; Rita Marley, Cedella Marley, Judah Marley, Jack Johnson, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Laurie Berkner, Elizabeth Mitchell and Jamie Lee Curtis.

ZIGGY MARLEY also continues to head Tuff Gong Worldwide, in honor of his father's own music label Tuff Gong Records, and is Involved with a breadth of charities. ZIGGY MARLEY leads his own charity, URGE (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a non-profit organization that benefits efforts in Jamaica, Ethiopia and other developing nations. The charity's missions range from building new schools to operating health clinics to supporting charities like Mary's Child, a center for abused and neglected girls.

ZIGGY MARLEY is one special person - a very special performer - and one we are glad to say

WELCOME BACK TO BLUESFEST - ZIGGY MARLEY

CANDI STATON

The Queen of Southern Soul
"…Staton deserves to be right up there alongside Aretha and Gladys in the soul pantheon. An album worth selling your soul for…" - Mojo Magazine, London

"…Every single track here says more in its allotted two minutes-40 than most artists manage in a lifetime." - Time Out London

The legendary First Lady of Southern Soul and erstwhile dance music queen CANDI STATON is making her BLUESFEST debut this year. We are delighted to have the Sweetheart of Soul heading our way and can't wait to sing along to all her disco hits includingYoung Hearts Run Free, You've Got The Love (recently covered by Florence & The Machine) and her remake of Tammy Wynette 's Stand By Your Man. There are southern soul voices and there are southern soul voices. Raw and ravaged, CANDI STATON's (CANZETTA MARIA STATON) is one of the signature sounds of the genre. In 2008, after a break from the scene, CANDI STATON performed a rousing hour-long set in front of 50,000 screaming fans at London's GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL…in short the sing-along with the Sweetheart of Soul at BLUESFEST is going to be huge!

DAVID BROMBERG BAND

" The reason man created stringed instruments. David touched them with a lover's fingers and they moaned that true love right back to him. Wood and wire and flesh spoke." - Jerry Jeff Walker

He's played with everyone, he's toured everywhere, he can lead a raucous big band or hold an audience silent with a solo acoustic blues and now he's heading our way! DAVID picked up a guitar at 13 and has since become a first-call "hired gun" guitarist for recording sessions, intimately playing on hundreds of records by artists including BOB DYLAN ( New Morning, Self Portrait, Dylan ), LINK WRAY, THE EAGLES, RINGO STARR, WILLIE NELSON and CARLY SIMON. It wasn't long before his solo work took off as a multi instrumentalist and grew into the DAVID BROMBERG BIG BAND. 2011 saw the release his latest album Use Me which has re-affirmed his place amongst the greats. The album collaborating with and being produced by friends like fellow BLUESFEST artists, JOHN HIATT & KEB' MO' as well as LEVON HELM, LOS LOBOS, TIM O'BRIEN, VINCE GILL, WIDESPREAD PANIC, DR. JOHN and LINDA RONSTADT.

Playing Bluesfest on Friday 6th & Saturday 7th of April

CANNED HEAT

Blues n Boogie .. Some say they invented this genre that made them a global phenomenon 40+ years ago. Now into their 6^th decade of their seemingly endless WORLD BOOGIE TOUR ... the HEAT have turned it up again ... and are bringing their unique blend of roadhouse electric blues, rock and boogie back to the BLUESFEST stage. CANNED HEAT gained international attention and secured their niche in the pages of rock 'n roll history with their performances at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival (along with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and The Who) and the headlining slot at the original Woodstock Festival in 1969.

Their Top-40 country-blues-rock songs, "On The Road Again," "Let's Work Together," and "Going Up The Country," became rock anthems throughout the world with the latter being adopted as the unofficial theme song for the film Woodstock. They have toured endlessly appeared at all the major Festivals and venues - even London's Royal Albert Hall, and playing more biker festivals and charity events than any other band in the world. Anchored throughout by the steady hand of drummer/band leader Adolfo "Fito" de la Parra (a member since 1967) and reunited with longtime manager/producer, Skip Taylor, Canned Heat is well on track to carry the boogie-blues it made famous, well into the 21st century with reunion concerts throughout the world featuring original Woodstock era members Larry 'The Mole' Taylor and Harvey 'The Snake' Mandel. CANNED HEAT is 'on it' big time - and BLUESFEST is proud to welcome them back to grace our 'field of blues'.

Playing Bluesfest on Thursday 5th & Friday 6th of April

VUSI MAHLASELA

VUSI MAHLASELA is simply known as 'The Voice' in his home country, South Africa, celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics. We are overjoyed to announce this voice will be showcased at BLUESFEST this year. Vusi will be touring Australia for the first time with his South African band."His performances are optimistic and soulful, delivered with an intensity that captures the attention and embraces the heart." - Los Angeles Times. Raised in the Mamelodi Township, where he still resides, VUSI has become South Africa's premier male recording artist and his new album Say Africa is filled with songs of freedom, of revolution, of love and of life. TAJ Mahal came on and produced Say Africa and lends vocals and banjo on the recording. Other BLUESFEST artist Angelique Kidjo has shared her voice and energy on Nakupenda Africa, which the pair later performed together at the World Cup at FIFA's Kick Off Concert. His ethos is evident in everything he does "musicians have to be like watchdogs, just by seeing and speaking out, directly to the youth as well, because we need some kind of Cultural Revolution to remove ignorance ." Come and hear "The Voice", this truly important voice, "the angelic voice of an angelic man" (Natalie Merchant).

Playing Bluesfest on Sunday 8th & Monday 9th of April

RICHARD CLAPTON

BLUESFEST stalwarts will remember the euphoria of RICHARD CLAPTON's 2006 appearance at BLUESFEST. Our own 'CLAPTON' nailed the crowd - and we are so stoked to be bringing him back to BLUESFEST this year.

RICHARD CLAPTON's songs chart not only his frame of mind - but that of the nation. With his unique, surfside melodic rock, songs like 'Deep Water', Girls On The Avenue', 'Capricorn Dancer', and the anthemic '(Down In The) Lucky Country' and 'The Best years Of Our Lives' charted his musings on the social and political landscape and were the soundtrack to the turbulent lives of three generations of Australian youth.

He is still heard every day on the radio and RICHARD CLAPTON's albums are the mainstay in just about every Australian record collection - and a 'must-have' for backpackers and ex-pats far from home.

'Girls On The Avenue', 'Goodbye Tiger', Hearts On The Nightline', 'Glory Road', 'The Great Escape' and at least half a dozen more have served to cement RICHARD CLAPTON into the very psyche of the Australian music scene.

Almost 40 years since he began RICHARD CLAPTON shows no sign of slowing down!

And so - "HI BLUESFEST, and welcome to the party that never ends!!".

Playing Bluesfest on Sunday 8^th of April

BLITZEN TRAPPER

It's their first ever BLUESFEST performance and we couldn't be more excited to welcome these Portland, Oregon natives to the stage this Easter. Genre-straddling has always been a specialty of BLITZEN TRAPPER, who have masterfully blended indie, folk-rock with alt-Country, but at their heart they have a classic Rock and Roll sound that is drenched in warming harmonies. Their live show has always garnered alluring reviews and promised unwavering, passionate energy onstage;

"EARLEY's (Eric Earley - drums/vocals) solo highlighted the folk roots of the band's music and resembled the soulful crooning of BOB DYLAN… BLITZEN TRAPPER displays a multi-faceted distinctiveness that translates into a truly superb live music experience." - heyreverb.com

"Sent their fans into a fit of delirium, as those in attendance begged and pleaded for more." -beatsperminute.com

These guys know how to write a song. Alongside their acoustic finger picking, bluesy harmonica, and gently clinking tambourine, sit electronic throbbing bass and emphatic stomping that meld beautifully as the backdrop to their clever and engaging lyrics. Come and check out these flawless musicians, and join us for the all-out sing-along that is sure to ensue at BLUESFEST and we will beg and plead for an encore together.

Playing Bluesfest on Saturday 7th of April

THE AUDREYS

We are thrilled to have Adelaide's alt-country five piece THE AUDREYS back for BLUESFEST this year. Since we last saw them they have produced another stunning album and received yet another ARIA award, completing their trifecta of ARIA wins. Three awards forThe Best Blues & Roots album for all three albums, Sometimes The Stars (2011), When the Flood Comes (2008) and Between Last Night and Us (2006). Recent praise for Sometimes The Stars has cemented THE AUDREYS as one of Australia's favourite and highest profile bands. Rolling Stone reviewed it as "Gorgeous",Rhythms Magazine "A triumph", and the Daily Telegraph stating it is " Brilliant, absolutely brilliant". But it's not just the Australian press who are smitten, Toronto's Exclaim called it " Bewitching. Beguiling. And that's just their vocalist! Dark and other-worldly this daring musical adventure is a revelation worth revealing." Stunningly enigmatic front woman Taasha Coates and her hauntingly beautiful voice will have you captivated by the first line and the band's latest material will have you enthralled for their entire set. Come and celebrate the brilliant blues and roots catalogue THE AUDREYS have rolled out over the last eight years at what is sure to be another enchanting performance.

Playing Bluesfest on Sunday 8th of April

BACKSLIDERS

"Without a dispute the best blues band in Australia. Their material is impeccable and their musicianship is a wonder to behold" - Sydney Morning Herald
Long-time BLUESFEST favourite, BACKSLIDERS are bringing their 2011 ARIA Blues and Roots nominated and I-Tunes Australian Blues and Roots Album of the Year winning album Starvation Box, with them. The last 25 years have seen the boys playing, touring the festival circuit and recording 13 albums. Slide Guitarist, multi-stringed instrumentalist and vocalist, Dom Turner, and drum and percussion virtuoso Rob Hirst (MIDNIGHT OIL) are at the heart of a sound that melds driving Delta and Mississippi Hill country blues sounds with original 21^st Century new blues anthems. Joining Dom and Rob is ARIA award-winning harmonica genius Ian Collard (COLLARD, GREENS & GRAVY) whose distinctively rich tones are revered by blues harp enthusiasts internationally. The achievements, success and reviews over the band's 25 years tell it all. Constantly dubbed the Best Live Australian Blues Act (Blues on Air Magazine) and winning Band of the Year (Rolling Stone/Australian Blues Music Awards) just to name a few. You know it's going to be fun, you know it's going to be a great live show, you know it's going to be a wall of Delta blues sound ... welcome home to BLUESFEST guys.

Playing Bluesfest on Friday 6th & Sunday 8th of April

EUGENE "HIDEAWAY" BRIDGES

One of our favourite blues musicians is back! There's no doubt that singer, songwriter and guitarist EUGENE "HIDEAWAY" BRIDGES has made Australia his second home. This seasoned and versatile performer is a nomadic musician living his life on the road. His home is wherever the next performance takes him. What makes EUGENE unique, apart from his soul drenched vocals and blazing guitar work, is that he is the real deal - a Texas bluesman in the great tradition with a background in soul and gospel that gives his music such a powerful impact. EUGENE is son of the blues guitarist HIDEAWAY SLIM, whom he claims he got his guitar skills from and his mother was from the BULLOCK family (the same as ANNA MAE BULLOCK better known as TINA TURNER) who he says he got his voice from. EUGENE's 8 record catalogue and constant touring schedule continue to receive rave reviews and countless awards and nominations in the UK, Europe and the US. Returning to BLUESFEST, EUGENE has a brand new album to share "ROCK AND A HARD PLACE" which showcases EUGENE as his best with his big band in toe, staying true to their distinctive southern sound. They album has received three nominations from The Blues Foundation's 33 ^rd Blues Music Awards for Album of the Year, Soul Blues Album, Soul Blues Male Artist. EUGENE's music is a brilliant blend of classic Downhome Blues, Southern Soul and Jumping R'n'B. Why does Mojo Magazine call him simply "Eugenius"? Probably for the same reason that Juke Blues says, " He really could be God's gift to the future of the blues." EUGENE "HIDEAWAY" BRIDGES is that rare triple threat - an outstanding vocalist, guitarist and songwriter. In concert, EUGENE whips up a storm wherever he goes with his distinctive southern blues sound. Welcome back home to BLUESFEST EUGENE.

Playing Bluesfest on Friday 6th & Sunday 8th of April

RAY BEADLE

RAY BEADLE ripped it up at BLUESFEST in 2010 & 2011. We just had to ask him back. Just ask ABC's Bill Brown "RAY BEADLE … didn't hold back. He is a musician who lifts several notches when the music is hot and at Byron he went ballistic!!'

Proof of the power of performance was the overflow of people trying to get into the tent in previous years to witness his power-packed, guitar-slinging music. He is constantly 'on the road' here and has played a residency at B.B King's Club in Memphis and Buddy Guy's Blues Club in Chicago as well as several Southern Blues festivals. With a new album, 'Spellbound', and a bucket of accolades in toe including Australian Blues Music Performer of the Year from the Sydney Blues Society and Best Male Artist in the Australian Blues Music Awards. Blues great Chris Cain takes us back to our beginning describing RAY BEADLE " unquestionably one of the finest musicians I have come across …. Let's just say this cat is VERY dangerous."RAY's music comes deep from the heart and soul, rich with a deep history of the Blues from 20 years of performing nationally and internationally. 2012 will be no exception, catch this dangerous cat in 2012!

Playing Bluesfest on Saturday 7th & Monday 9th of April

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR

After blowing us all away in 2010 we couldn't wait to invite her back to BLUESFEST and over the past two years JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR has gone from a promising young blues talent to a bona fide force on the international music scene. She has taken home Best Female Vocalist at the British Blues Awards, supported tours by JOE BONAMASSA and ERIC SARDINAS and impressed legions of fans in the US, UK and Europe with her high-energy attack. Hailing from the British Midlands, and raised amidst the coal mines of Britain's Black Country, JOANNE picked up a guitar and got turned on to the blues as a very young teenager. DAVE STEWART of the Eurythmics discovered her when he saw her play at the tender age of 16. He described Joanne's blues guitar playing as "so deep and passionate it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end!" He asked her to join his supergroup D.U.P. to tour Europe in 2002. Still just 25, JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR is one hot young talent but un like many other young phenoms, JOANNE has quickly developed a resume to back up the hype. She combines fiery guitar playing, sultry vocals and something beyond the blues... a soulful mix of roots and pop influences sung in a haunting smoky voice. " There are a lot of great guitarists and singers in the blues today. What I see in JOANNE that sets her apart from the rest is the ability to write a great song. Not only is she a killer guitarist and singer, but find yourself walking away from her shows singing her songs as well." -JOE BONAMASSA
Come and see why we just had to have her back, JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR is the real deal!

Playing Bluesfest on Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th of April

HAT FITZ & CARA

Perennial BLUESFEST favourite and dynamic duo HAT FITZ & CARA ROBINSON are bringing their truly unique old times Blues and Celtic sound back to the BLUESFEST stage. Each of these artists is in their own amazing musicians but together they have carved out their own style that combines trans-continental delta Blues with an Irish Folk twist. Hailing from Queensland, the 'wild man' of Australian blues, HAT FITZ plays guitar, stomps his foot and sings the blues with a physical presence and power that reminds listeners of past Blues greats like Son House and Charley Patton. Alongside him on stage is Belfast's very own CARA ROBINSON on drums, vocals, washboard, flute and tin whistle. The blending of pre war hill country and delta blues with traditional Celtic and early Australian folk has had audiences addicted...It's raw, its raucous and full of frenzied, almost-out-of-control crescendos that you can't help but dance along to. Their latest release Beauty and the Beast is filled with ample reasons to give these guys a listen and it has enhanced their reputation as one of the most interesting and musically appealing combinations.

"ROBINSON has not tried to tame the savage beast. He still roars like a lion and is the perfect foil for her Bonnie Raitt-like vocal tones. The duo's shared lead vocals and rich harmonies transcend the boundaries of blues, rags, folk and bluegrass. FITZY would have to be Australia's foremost purveyor of authentic pre war blues." - Blues Matters Magazine, UK Come and have a listen and a dance as this mesmerising duo stomp out these new tracks and a bunch of our favourites for us.

Playing Bluesfest Saturday 7th of April

TRIBALI

BLUESFEST get ready for some serious fun. After blowing us all away in 2010, we are thrilled to announce TRIBALI will be back on our stages in 2012. Maltese natives, TRIBALI are a group of musicians who came together to celebrate their love of world music, bringing it to the masses across the globe. Whilst placing great emphasis on ethnic rhythms, Tribali incorporate the beauty and pathos of music from the orient. Their diverse use of instruments embraces percussion, flute, didgeridoo, guitar and sitar to name a few, whilst the accompanying vocals complete the whole sonic vibe. A powerful stage presence is further energised by their use of visuals thus dramatically stimulating the audience which has resulted in them consistently selling out shows and becoming a festival favourite.

They released their self-titled debut album in May 2006 and secured their position as Malta's leading artists by charting and sustaining the number one position for several months. Tribali release their second album The Elephants of Lanka in April 2009. It was reviewed in Songlines magazine in June 2009, and received four stars.

Playing Bluesfest Thursday 5th, Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th of April

WATUSSI

Are you ready to get those feet tapping, hands clapping and your body grooving…WATUSSI are returning to BLUESFEST! Once described as 'Rage Against The Machine with horns' WATUSSI are an eight-piece Afro-Colombian Rock and Roots outfit with a knack for getting the crowds moving to their blustering horns, party-fuelled rhythms and rocking roots bass-lines. Sydney based WATUSSI are led by the charismatic frontman Oscar Jimenez, who is joined by the Simon Olsen (Lead guitar), Jared Kneale (drums), Vicente Sebastian (percussion), Pat Harris (bass) and Michael Brown (tenor sax and flute) and Simon Ferenci (trumpet and trombone). In 2011, WATUSSI toured nationally with SANTANA and released their 1000% handsome Ep which was recorded and produced by Brooklyn producer Joel Hamilton, who has worked with the likes of THE BLACK KEYS, TOM WAITS , ELVIS COSTELLO and TALIB KWELI, just to name a few. So come along and join the party at WATUSSI's BLUESFEST performance this Easter.

Playing Bluesfest Sunday 8th & Monday 9th of April

EAGLE AND THE WORM

Hailing from Melbourne, but spreading their gospel far and wide; EAGLE AND THE WORM are on their way to BLUESFEST! 2011 was a big year for this octet, it saw them release their debut album Good Times - and it's just that…10 tracks of utterly contagious good times. And the critics can't help but agree:

"The joy is formidable...Futureman and All I Know ratchet things up, the latter doing that rare thing only great aural architects can do - capturing the sound of a bandroom erupting like a Chilean volcano by putting the listener deep in the mouth of the beast. Seriously, grab some headphones and love the lava." 4 ½ Stars Herald Sun

Their three national tours has honed their truly unique sound which encapsulates the iconic 60's and 70's spotlighting post-stardust Bowie, David Byrne, The Band, The E Street Band, and the great pop bands of the era. Live, their vintage, brilliant horn section and inspired harmonies has gained them a national identity and growing audience…there is plenty to get excited about here…don't take our word for it, come and have a listen.

Playing Bluesfest Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th & Monday 9th of April

MAT. McHUGH (THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS)
Solo & Acoustic

The frontman and creative force behind Australian musical success THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS, is returning to the BLUESFEST stages for the first time as a solo artist. MAT has decided to simplify things and in an era of auto-tuning, his new sound is refreshing. Nothing but guitar, bass and drums, his new approach is about being transparent. Simple. Honest. Intimate. MAT.'s solo EP Go Don't Stop hit stores in June 2011 and the full studio album is set for release this year. The result is a roots record in every sense of the word, and of course that unmistakable voice that takes you straight to the beach, surfboard in hand. Part of MAT.'s inspiration for his solo work is the music he has grown up with " My favourite records, whether they're Johnny Cash or Nick Drake sound like they could have been made in 2011 or 1960. There's nothing added, it's a simple formula. They're just a little statement of what the people who created them believed to be inherent truths and that's all I'm trying to do on this record." So whether you are a die-hard THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS fan or are just a little curious- make sure you don't miss out on MAT. MCHUGH this Easter at BLUESFEST.

Playing Bluesfest on Friday 6th of April

DUBMARINE

Sound the alarm! Australia's high-powered, high energy, Dub, Dancehall, Reggae, DnB, sub bass vessel DUBMARINE are making their BLUESFEST debut! Lead by the vocal gymnastics of indigenous superstar and Gangulu man D-Kazman, DUBMARINE have a mission; to produce bass crunching, rhythm pounding, hip shaking modern music fusing elements of music from all around the world. The last 2 years have been huge for DUBMARINE. 2010 saw the release of their first full length album, Depth of Sound, which features their trademark bass-driven foundations, twin trombone blasts and thunderous synth explosions, the band can't help but rock deep dancehall, reggae and dub. This launched their highly successful European tour taking in shows in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and The Czech Republic. Live this band shines, their double trombones are simply earth shattering, their relentless high-energy stage show is just infectious and after rocking stages across the globe it's finally our turn...and we just can't wait.

Playing Bluesfest Sunday 8th & Monday 9th of April

MAMA KIN

WA soulstress MAMA KIN is a force to be reckoned with and 2012 will see her bringing her soaring bittersweet melodies back to Byron Bay for BLUESFEST. With her unique blend of New Orleans foot-stomping soul and heart-wrenching ballads, MAMA KIN is part raconteur and all-out entertainer. As mischievous as she is charming, MAMA KIN has wooed audiences from the Ottawa Blues Festival to WOMADelaide, Port Fairy and Woodford Folk Festivals. This sassy femme fatale draws on her experiences of love, life and heartache to create stunning songs with stomping piano and swampy beats, all the while traversing the riotous, the raw and the intimate. Her debut album Beat and Holler has garnered widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike; "really special, totally smouldering...sure to set your soul on fire" - The Sun-Herald

But it is in the live arena where MAMA KIN's honky tonk rhythms and stirring ballads truly shine.FasterLouder called her "a giddy joy to watch" and The West Australian "...a highly impressive, soulful outing channelling Latin passion and feminine power...excellent, soulful and feisty." - MAMA KIN takes audiences on a journey of storytelling, laughter and alchemy which has earned her a reputation for live sets and ensures she is always a festival standout.

Playing Bluesfest Sunday 8th of April

TIJUANA CARTEL

Being the top pick for many at BLUESFEST in the past, the funky flamenco dance tunes of the Gold Coast's own TIJUANA CARTEL have made a name for themselves as the ultimate live party act. Their multi-layered grooves mix touches of slide and flamenco guitar, splashes of Middle Eastern vocals lilting Moby-esque soundscapes, trumpet and Afro Cuban percussion with some hardened electronic elements to create a unique and exhilarating experience all randomly supported by poetic social commentary and song courtesy of MC Regan Hoskins. The boys have spent the better part of this year touring their proverbials off, so much so that they've named their latest album after the M1 - the arterial road connecting the country that they've spent so much of their time hurtling down this year. This energetic live act brings their musical energy and unrestrained delivery each time they get on stage. Fast becoming a festival favourite all over Australia and other parts of the world - you are sure to get a good dance in to the crazy Mexican flavours and mashed up beats of the TIJUANA CARTEL at BLUESFEST!

Playing Bluesfest on Saturday 7th & Monday 9th of April

BENJALU

Treat yourself at BLUESFEST this Easter and check out BENJALU. These four lads hailing from Newcastle, NSW, have a knack for writing catchy rock grooves, warm bass lines and memorable melodies. In the past few years the band has toured extensively taking the 'old school' approach to promote their music which has resulted in an incredibly tight set. If the sing-alongs at the BENJALU gigs, are anything to go by, these guys are making waves both nationally and Internationally. BENJALU'S BLUESFEST performance is sure to be packed with good vibes and good times, which seem to run though the blood of these boys. Go and see for yourself how Chinese whispers is helping the constant growth of the cult following this band has. "Just infectious and hard not to get involved with their clever grooves and good feel" - Jam Magazine

Playing Bluesfest on Thursday 5th, Friday 6th and Sunday 7th of April

CARUS THOMPSON

No stranger to the BLUESFEST stage, CARUS THOMPSON is returning this Easter with a new album Caravan, and a whole lot of international experience, after recording the album between studios in England, Germany and Australia and touring extensively overseas. Following the footsteps of fellow 2012 BLUESFEST artist JOHN BUTLER, CARUS THOMPSON is a WA success story- both hailing from Fremantle and both achieving international success, whilst remaining independent musicians. CARUS THOMPSON begun writing songs aged 12. By the time he was old enough to play in bars he was making a living playing the Perth pub circuit.

A nomadic lifestyle from the beginning saw CARUS call many places home, including the outback Aboriginal community of Peppimenarti, where he spent an influential and formative four years as a child. Although CARUS doesn't describe his latest album as a 'road album' it sure has been one hell of a journey for him. CARUS has been writing songs for 22 years and throwing himself hard into touring over the past 12 years. All of his hard work has paid off, worldwide CARUS has sold over 30,000 CD's independently and supported the likes of DAVE MATTHEWS, DAMIEN RICE, JACK JOHNSON and fellow WA musicians THE WAIFS and JOHN BUTLER. Celebrate CARUS'S journey this Easter at BLUESFEST and come and see this exciting singer-songwriter in his element.

Playing Bluesfest on Thursday 5th & Friday 6th of April

KIM CHURCHILL

BLUESFEST, get ready to welcome back the explosive style of KIM CHURCHILL for the launch of his latest album Detail of Distance at this year's festival! KIM's style is unstoppable, with intricate finger picking, percussive beats on the body of the guitar, and two-handed tapping intertwined with an earthy stomp box, powerful blues harmonica melodies and a soulful voice. It's the whole package. We are sure you have caught his unique sound at past BLUESFEST's as this young guitarist is hard to miss, impossible to walk past and an awe-worthy performer. His songwriting reflects his coastal lifestyle - growing up on the NSW South Coast with the surf at his front door, and now his nomadic life on the road. The last few years has seen KIM gigging and stomping his way around the globe. 2011 alone saw him stage-hopping from festival to festival, including SXSW, Montreal Jazz Festival, Hillside Festival, Ottawa Folk Festival, Quebec Festival d'Ete, Falls Festival, Lorne and a bunch of support slots with the likes of Michael Franti and tons of others. Make sure you take a look at this up-and-coming talent at BLUESFEST - the future is undoubtedly bright for KIM CHURCHILL

Playing Bluesfest on Friday 6th & Sunday 8th of April

DALLAS FRASCA

"The modern day Janis Joplin" -TRIPLE J

DALLAS FRASCA doesn't take any shit…she is one very loud woman who stands out from the rest both musically and vocally and her performance at BLUESFEST isn't going to be any different! Her husky vocals and dirty roots-rock tunes will have everyone dancing and the tent thumping in no time at all. 2012 is going to be a big year for DALLAS FRASCA and her band. They have just returned from New York where they have recorded their entire new album live. Set for release this year, it is titled Sound Painter and in true DALLAS FRASCA form; expect slabs of guitar riff-age, skin slamming drums and heavy, soulful vocals. Raw, energetic and unrestrained- DALLAS brings 110% to every live performance…come and see this force to be reckoned with at BLUESFEST this Easter.

Playing Bluesfest on Thursday 6th & Friday 7th of April

MARSHALL & THE FRO

You might remember Lennox Heads MARSHALL & THE FRO as the winners of our 2007 BLUESFEST Busker's Competition - and their career has really taken off since then. MARSHALL & THE FRO create music that feels so natural and so comfortable it's like slipping into your favorite pair of double pluggers and heading down to the pub for a coldie. MARSHALL & THE FRO's self-titled debut album was released in 2008 but their latest album Friends For Life has just hit the streets. Roots based, and 100% original, the band's music moves through the rich, raw and dirty, to the sweet and melodic. The Band have toured hard, playing 200 shows in 2009 alone and have quickly become festival favorites. Marshall O'Kell's Delta-edged vocals and filthy slide guitar are underpinned by massive driving rhythms from Nick Ohlson on bass and Jacob Mann on drums, the band has an appeal beyond conscious control. From the first sound audiences are invariably drawn in ...heads turn, feet tap, body's sweat, endorphins flow. Before you know it you will be totally absorbed in the MARSHALL & THE FRO experience, described by Richard Porteous of ABC Radio National as "a rip-roaring blues set that went off." Come along for what's sure to be one helluva ride at BLUESFEST.

Playing Bluesfest on Saturday 7^th& Monday 9^th of April

ASHLEIGH MANNIX

It only takes a few minutes into a performance by ASHLEIGH MANNIX to realise you have come across something special. This young woman is a modern day medley of Steve Nicks, Janis Joplin and Stevie Wonder and will blow you away with her uncompromising talent and the truthful approach she has to her music. It's this approach that is perhaps part of ASHLEIGH'S appeal- there is no ego here - she even says herself " I just want to sing dammit!" Armed with her guitar, ASHLEIGH'S boundless sound floats somewhere in the realm of folk, rockabilly and blues fusion. Among other adventures, ASHLEIGH as had the privilege of playing with esteemed musicians such as Michael Franti at Melbourne's The Prince of Wales Hotel , Luka Bloom at a sold out Enmore Theatre and The Rolling Stone Magazine Launch at The Hordon Pavilion with Powderfinger and The Living End and has also supported other BLUESFEST act Mat McHugh on his recent tour. For a girl of her early twenties ASHLEIGH MANNIX sure has achieved a lot… come and see a star in the making at BLUESFEST this Easter.

Playing Bluesfest on Saturday 7th & Monday 9th of April

OLLIE BROWN

We are simply chuffed to present 21-year-old OLLIE BROWN on our BLUESFEST lineup this year. It's been almost 4 years since OLLIE swapped a cumbersome tuba and a uni degree for a six-string guitar, a notepad and a pen. The 6 foot 6 Australian owned the classic singer-songwriter image as he scribbled, hummed, strummed and busked his way across the States for 6 months. Upon returning home he enlisted the talent of friend and producer Sean Carey (THIRSTY MERC) to record 8 raw and intimate acoustic tracks for his self funded debut EP release, aptly titled Moving On. Brown, recently voted Australia's Best Busker by mX Newspaper & VOX Magazine, has performed tales of his travels at landmarks all over Australia and North America, from Vancouver to L.A to San Francisco, even being moved on by the NYPD for busking in central park and Times Square. OLLIE released his self funded debut E.P Moving On in August 2011. It is filled with unforgettable melodies, well strummed acoustic guitars, folk sounding fiddle and rich, soaring falsettos reminiscent of a young CHRIS MARTIN. You'll hear echoes of RYAN ADAMS and JAMES TAYLOR at a crossroads where DAVID GRAY meets JOHN MAYER. Come and catch a glimpse of how the next scene plays out for this promising, soulful young musician at BLUESFEST.

Playing Bluesfest on Thursday 5th & Friday 6th of April

KOOII

If you haven't,its time you checked out the boundary-pushing music of Brisbane's very own KOOII. Their compelling fusion of Afrobeat, reggae and world rhythms is superbly crafted through the much celebrated and distinguishable song-writing of singer and trumpeter, Peter Hunt. It's his soulful voice, hovering above the dynamic and atmospheric rhythm section made up of a tight group of creative heavyweights which sets KOOII's music apart. Rising out of the fertile soil of Brisbane's West End, KOOII has nurtured a uniquely local sound that weaves musical influences from around the world that's best heard live. KOOII's song One Step recently took out 'Song of the Year' in the Blues/Roots category of Qmusic's annual awards. The song is taken from the album In This Life, a stunning studio album that follows their landmark debut Beads On A String. And we are thrilled to have this dynamic live act at BLUESFEST as they delve from the hypnotic depths of reggae rhythms into the pulsating groove of Afrobeat via some Malian desert blues. The intrinsic understanding shared between these talented musicians allows for colourful and tasteful improvisation. Come and have a dance with us to this free-flowing, uplifting, heart-warming music and will leave you relishing every last drop.

Playing Bluesfest on Thursday 5th & Friday 6th of April

LACHLAN BRYAN

" Lachlan Bryan reminds me of my favourite songwriters " Bill Chambers

LACHLAN BRYAN is one of this year's BLUESFEST discoveries. A unique Australian songwriter and storyteller, he's a young man with an old soul. He follows in the tradition of those whom he describes as 'the real guys' - the Steve Earles, Townes van Zandts and Gordon Lightfoots of this world, blending a wicked 'noire' humour into his tall tales (and maybe true !!) - a troubadour rough blend of country, Americana and folk. His songs have characters, back-stories, sometimes even plots. His records have body counts. LACHLAN's protagonists are neck-deep in (and out) of love, they're lovers, sinners, criminals and religious zealots. In 2009 LACHLAN BRYAN put out the critically-acclaimed album Ballad of a Young Married Man with his band, alt-country darlings The Wildes.LACHLAN BRYAN's debut solo album, Shadow of the Gun has characters vividly drawn and include a duet with KASEY CHAMBERS. LACHLAN BRYAN's live shows are at once unique and compelling. He's an entertainer in the old-school sense of the word. His between-song-stories are highly fictionalised (you'll never hear the same one twice) as he blends moments of stand-up comedy with flashes of philosophy and downright surrealism. He is the alt-country, americana singer-songwriter for this decade. BLUESFEST just loves giving exposure to exciting new talent - LACHLAN BRYAN -step up - your mic and stage is awaiting !

Playing Bluesfest on Thursday 5th & Saturday 7th of April

ARTISTS ALREADY ANNOUNCED:

If you haven't yet secured your tickets for Bluesfest 2012, now is the time to act!

• Click here for all ticket prices and check out the great bargains that are still to be had!
• VIP Friday Single Day tickets are now sold out! VIP Saturday and Sunday tickets are the next to go. Last chance! Thursday VIP & Monday VIP single day tickets are still available.
• Tickets for camping space at Bluesfest continues to sell fast, so make sure you reserve your spot before they all go.
• 2 & 3 Bed Tent Motels and Large Tepees are still available. 2 Person Tepees have sold out.

Last not least:

A toast to Bluesfest 2012 - Here is to the last 23 years!

Get ready for a hell of a good time with the planet's best music rolled into five days of incredible musicianship, spacious camping, unique shopping stalls, plenty of great food and drink options, a relaxing family-friendly atmosphere and an abundance of good will plus much more!

Only 79 days to go!

If camping at the festival does not sound like your ideal stay for Bluesfest; there are other options.Byron Bay Accom is Byron's largest accommodation service with access to all styles of accommodation! Official Accom Booking Service www.byronbayaccom.net Tel: 02 6680 8666