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Home , 1200 Techniques, Byron Bay Bluesfest, Dan Mangan, Elliott BROOD, Gonna Take Some Time, Jim Moginie

The greatest 5 days of music in one place at one time anywhere in !

Easter long weekend March 20-24.

This year at BELONGIL FIELDS: More space, More stages, More comfort.

Voted Australia’S #1 Festival 13 times! Readers Poll, Rhythms Magazine.

Final Bluesfest announcement:

Rising Stars & New Discoveries!

Now more than 125 artists & 200 performances – the most ever presented by Bluesfest!!!

“Bluesfest (2008) is shaping up as one of the strongest festival lineups ever seen in this country.” Noel Mengel, Courier Mail

“There’s a very real possibility that the 19th Annual Bluesfest could be the greatest ever festival line-up in Australia.” Gold Coast Bulletin

February 14 2008 – The fourth and final round of artists scheduled to perform at the 19th Annual International East Coast & Roots has today been announced – and the super bill looks increasingly like the mother of all Australian festival lineups. (See below names for headliners and this final announcement).

Some of the most exciting 2008 festival experiences are in this final announcement – taking the total number of artists to around 125 across 200 performances – the most ever presented by the event. Bluesfest has a famous tradition of breaking new stars to Australian audiences – historical examples include , Jack Johnson, , Cat Empire and ’s Spearhead.

New location The flagship event will offer a select space for camping and take place at Belongil Fields. A site steeped in festival history, Belongil Fields was an original festival home, when the event first went outdoors in 1993 after three initial years at the Arts Factory. In 1996, Bluesfest moved to the Rugby League Club grounds. With Belongil Fields now an interim site, the organisers are working on being at a new permanent location in 2009 for the 20th Anniversary Festival.

So who is this year’s NEXT BIG THING?

From the US we have chart-topping, award winning folk-rock-pop duo Sugarland. There’s also college rock jam-band phenomenon, O.A.R., (being heavily touted as the next ) on their first tour here following two sold-out nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Then there’s Raul Midón, blind American soul/blues artist, who serves up an explosive blend of soul, pop, and jazz, and is completely unmissable.

From the UK we present dreadlocked singer songwriter Newton Faulkner, whose spent two weeks at Number One in the UK. From New Zealand is the fabulous Hollie Smith, the only artist from these parts signed to the prestigious Blue Note label (, Miles Davis), Hollie’s recent album went to Number One and platinum status in NZ.

New Aussie rising stars include Deadly Award winner , The Huckleberry Swedes, produced by Jim Moginie (), award winning , ’s side project The Basics and even more. Breakthrough Canadian acts include top ten , rock, punk and soul band Bedouin Soundclash, art-folk sensation Dan Mangan and award winning “death country” or “black grass” outfit Elliot BROOD.

The full list of new artists on this fourth announcement is: Sugarland (USA), Newton Faulkner (USA), Dan Mangan (Canada), O.A.R (USA), Troy Cassar-Daley, GOCOO (Japan), Chris Wilson, Mojo Webb, Martinez Brothers, Kate Miller-Heidke, Carus & the True Believers, Dan Sultan, Elliott Brood (Canada), Chain, Hollie Smith (New Zealand), Guy Davis (USA), Bedouin Soundclash (Canada), & The Hurtin’ Albertans (Canada), Hat Fitz, San Lazaro, The Basics, Raul Midon (USA),

Will Conner, (USA), Beau Young, Leah Flanagan, Johnny Green’s Blues Cowboys, Johnny Gray’s Rockinitis, Yunasi (Kenya), Tribali (Malta), Hayley Sales (Canada), Collard Greens & Gravy, Worldfly, Lisa Hunt (USA), Kerianne Cox, Mongrels of Passion, Clint Crighton Jess Clements, Lucy Wainwright Roche (USA), eMDEE, Mason Rack, Marshall & The Fro, The Huckleberry Swedes, Ella Thompson, The Re-Mains, Sara Tindley & the Kingfishers, Juzzie Smith, , Bridget Pross, Jason Lowe, The Blues Preachers, Amali Ward, Anni Piper, Tompo, Cody Butler , Jono McNeil

They’ll be joining the fantastic headline artists revealed in earlier announcements which include:

John Fogerty, , Sinead O'Connor, Ray Davies, , , , Patty Griffin, The Cruel Sea, , Trio, , Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, , , KT Tunstall, London Community Gospel Choir, , and Stanley Clarke / George Duke Project.

For a full list of artists playing at Bluesfest 2008, visit www.bluesfest.com.au

The 19th Annual International East Coast Blues & Roots Music Festival

Thursday March 20 to Monday March 24

For e-blast: Click here to visit our website and read more about the artists announced.

For media release: Read on for information about the artists announced:

Sugarland - The debut album from US-based Sugarland, the chart-topping singer-songwriting duo of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, Twice the Speed of Life, was certified double platinum soon after its release in 2004. They received the award for Breakthrough Favorite New Artist at the American Music Awards and radio and fans alike embraced the record’s hit singles “Baby Girl”, “Something More”, “Just Might (Make Me Believe)” and “Down in Mississippi (Up To No Good)”. In a major career coup, Sugarland landed a highly prized Best New Artist nomination at the 2006 Grammy Awards, a category that includes all genres of popular music. Their much-anticipated second album, Enjoy the Ride, released in 2006, also went double platinum, and in 2007 Sugarland took home the trophy for the prestigious CMA Vocal Duo of the Year. First there’s Nettles, the blond powerhouse who belted it out in Baptist church as a kid before spending a decade ruling the Atlanta club circuit. Then there’s the charismatic

Bush, the former alternative folk-rocker who grew up listening to college radio favourites The Replacements and R.E.M. Together, the two singular performers of Sugarland create an artistic partnership that is as unique as it is compelling. www.sugarlandmusic.com

Newton Faulkner - Newton Faulkner is a brand new 22 year old English singer- songwriter with a wistful smile and phenomenal dreadlocks. With a debut album that spent two weeks at Number 1 in the UK charts last November, you’ll already know him as one of 2007’s most striking musical arrivals, clocking up a chart topping platinum album, sell-out UK tours and a growing legion of passionate fans. This is an old fashioned word-of-mouth success story from an artist with simply stunning songs and an astonishing virtuoso guitar technique. With no promotion and little money, his first release EP, Full Fat, reached number one on Amazon’s singles chart. His second release, the UFO EP, came out at the end of 2006. July, 2007, saw the release of Faulkner’s platinum-selling debut album, Hand Built By Robots, featuring a breath-taking cover of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop”. The album showcases not only his fantastic vocals and beautifully dextrous guitar lines, but also wistful and intelligent lyrics delivered with tremendous wit. Now a fully fledged touring artist, Faulkner has wowed audiences at several major UK festivals through 2007 including Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Cambridge Folk Festival, V, 02 Wireless and Unleashed. Next on the list is, of course, Bluesfest 2008. www.newtonfaulkner.com

Dan Mangan – Hailing from Canada, Dan Mangan is fast gaining the reputation of a festival show-stopper. Tying together of acoustic folk and subtle symphonic pop, Dan Mangan’s 2007 album Postcards & Daydreaming is unabashedly mellow. However, it’s Mangan’s powerful, weather-beaten vocals that hint at something epic lurking in the undertones. Influenced both by songsmiths of old (, Woody Guthrie) and sonic innovators of late (Neutral Milk Hotel, Sigur Ros). Mangan’s “old soul” is made obvious through his lyrical ruminations on both the harmful capabilities and intrinsic beauty of human foibles. Think Kurt Vonnegut with a gravely sweet singing voice. At the tender age of seven, Dan Mangan’s first goal was to memorize and recite Abbey Road’s side ‘B’. At 17, it was to record his first EP. Now, at 24, it’s to meander into the stereo and hometown of music lovers worldwide. www.danmanganmusic.com

O.A.R. – Bluesfest is thrilled to present O.A.R. (aka Of A Revolution) on their first Australian tour – on the back of two recently sold out shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Yet another rising star act, make sure you see them – and you can say you saw them first! From their beginnings as a high school basement band to their current status as college rock phenomenon, O.A.R. has remained grounded and grateful at every step. The music, of course, is the key. O.A.R. play a lusty, driving train wreck of rock and ska with a liberal amount of reggae and honest, raw songwriting. O.A.R. converted from an Ohio State frat band to become a Billboard chartbuster and headliner at major venues across America. In 2005 they released their fifth studio album Stories Of A Stranger, featuring the stand-out tracks “Love And Memories”, “Wonderful Day” and “The Stranger”. Their latest release is 2007’s Live From Madison Square Garden – chronicling their sold-out performance with a two-disc audio set. O.A.R.’s infectious brand of uplifting music is coming to Australian shores and is sure to leave happy devotees in its wake. www.ofarevolution.com

Troy Cassar-Daley – Troy Cassar-Daley has earned the reputation as one of Australia’s finest country performers, honing his craft over the course of 20 years and six studio . In January 2008, Troy again proved he is one of our most respected artists when he took out the award for Male Artist of the Year for the 6 th time at Tamworth’s Awards. His stellar career is recognised by the release of 2007’s Born To Survive: The Best Of Troy Cassar-Daley. Cassar- Daley’s spectacular duets are recognised on the latest album, including those with (“Bird On A Wire”) , Paul Kelly (“I Wish I Was A Train”) and Slim Dusty (“The Biggest Disappointment”), amongst others. As a child of an Aboriginal mother and Maltese father, his childhood is the stuff of legend – growing up in Grafton, running away to live with his father in Surry Hills, teaching himself to play guitar, his mother’s work on the railways, his beloved grandmother – all are factors in the rich tapestry of his life which has heavily influenced his songwriting. Cassar-Daley has grown from these humble begins to become one of Australia’s most loved and recognisable performers. www.troycassardaley.com.au

Gocoo – This Japanese haiku drum group was one of the hits of Bluesfest 2006, and remain one of the world's most exciting percussion units. Gocoo is an 11- person (seven women, four men) drumming group who capture and seduce their audiences with original grooves woven with Taiko, traditional Japanese drums. The group was formed in 1997 and debuted at a techno music festival, Rainbow 2000, the same year. Over 30 Taikos, including ones made by one of the group's members, Taro Matsuzaki, bring life to the one-and-only “Gocoo world”. While many Taiko groups stoically pursue a traditional style, and while others seek new interpretations of traditional Japanese music by taking in elements of Western music, Gocoo's beat exhibits free-spirited, innovative Taiko music that appeals directly to the heart of any audience. Gocoo's regular live gigs at popular venues in Tokyo, such as Aoyama CAY and Shibuya On Air, are packed with young followers who tend to shy away from traditional music. For them, Gocoo's trance- like, danceable sound is simply outstanding contemporary music. Gocoo appear in outdoor festivals and rave parties like Fuji , Asagiri Jam, Equinox, Earth Dance, and Hotaka Mountain Festival side-by-side with various bands and DJs. The latest live album Earthbeat was released in 2007 followed by their most extensive and successful tour through , before heading to Australia to once again play at Bluesfest. www.gocoo.tv

Chris Wilson – has been an essential part of blues and in Australia since taking the stage with the Sole Twisters 20 years ago. Stints with Harum

Scarum and Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls followed, and the end of the ’80s saw Wilson as one of our finest vocalists, harmonica players and songwriters, fronting the superb Crown of Thorns. He has won the respect of many overseas artists, among these , and Tony Joe White. once made a special trip backstage to shake Wilson’s hand after a show together in 1992. Wilson has appeared at every major Australian festival and his performances, filled as they are with his own brand of sensuality and the dynamic power that leaves his audiences so satisfied, are always a highlight. Wilson’s stage presence, voice and talent are all as big as the country he lives in. He is a master of his craft. www.chriswilson.com.au

Mojo Webb Utterly fresh and unique but steeped in the tradition of real, authentic blues, Mojo Webb's music is truly world class. He began singing and playing the guitar at 12 and has added harmonica, saxophone, bass and drums to his repertoire. Webb began his career spending six years on the road with Buzz & The Blues Band (1992-1998), supplying his trademark guitar sound to the band's appearances all over Australia. Since then, Webb has fronted his own bands and also performed solo. His stunning vocal delivery, incendiary guitar and harmonica playing have earned him countless admirers. Although he sounds like neither, he cites Muddy Waters and Billie Holiday as his biggest vocal influences, and has become a very accomplished, first-rate blues harmonica player in the tradition of Chicago's golden blues era. In late 2005, Webb finally released his much-anticipated debut solo album, The Burden, garnering critical acclaim. www.mojowebb.com

The Martinez Brothers It is said: “Victor Martinez is one of the greatest Avant Garde guitarists ever.” Victor, Andro and Dauno are father and sons. Born in Chile they all play six string acoustic and electric guitars, bass and also use their instruments as percussion. One minute they play in unison, the next in harmony, then across and against each other, it is calm then chaotic, beautiful then forceful. It is difficult to completely describe them until you’ve heard them. The interplay and understanding that flows through them is inspiring, endearing and infectious. They truly captivate their audience as they stretch each other’s ability with a flourish here and an astonishing variation there. www.martinez.net.au

Kate Miller-Heidke – Kate Miller-Heidke truly arrived in 2007, and delivered what we've been waiting for from an Australian solo artist for years. The former lead opera vocalist’s debut album Little Eve beautifully combines her unique theatrical musicality and the fascinating peculiar girl inside her. The result of an intensive summer of writing and recording in with Miller-Heidke's collaborator and guitarist , the record also features her band, who have been playing together for more than three years. Miller-Heidke's fresh, innovative and slightly loopy folk/pop softly melts the insides of her enchanted listeners, and establishes her as one of Australia's most exciting musical talents. In 2004, her self-released first EP Telegram showed early signs of promise, requiring six pressings in its first year and gaining high rotation on . A career as an opera vocalist beckoned in 2005, but Miller-Heidke was driven by her own music, and soon returned to the studio to work on her Circular Breathing EP, released in 2006. Idiosyncratic pianist, compelling vocalist and enchanting songwriter, Miller-Heidke has made some of the most captivating musical entertainment we've seen from a solo artist this decade – both in the studio and on stage. www.katemillerheidke.com

Carus & the True Believers native Carus Thompson and his band play a mixture of rock, reggae, country and folk, and are building a huge following not only in Australia, but throughout the UK and Europe as well. So, what can you expect when you go to a Carus & the True Believers gig? A supremely energetic concert show, from rocking out to acoustic ballads, with some old favourites reworked along with a bunch of new songs. What you can expect is 100 per cent Aussie folk ! As 2007 drew to a close Thompson and his True Believers, Rob Sawyer and Loren, joined forces for the second Roots Roadshow showcase across Australia, following the release of their latest album Three Boxes. www.carus.com.au

Dan Sultan – Australian musician Dan Sultan was born with pure and extraordinary talent. Nominated for Most Promising New Talent in the 2006 , Sultan followed up by winning Single Of The Year for the track “Your Love is Like a Song” at the 2007 Deadly Awards held at the Opera House in September. Sultan was first discovered by John Butler, who funded his debut album through The JB Seed program. Created with Scott Wilson, the debut album Homemade Biscuits is an accomplished record displaying versatility of talent with exceptional vocals that range from deep and velvet soulful yearnings to soaring heights reminiscent of Jeff Buckley. Each hook-laden track finds its influence in Sultan’s soulful brand of roots-blues- and delivers something utterly unique. www.dansultan.com

Elliott BROOD – Another rising musical force from Canada, since forming in late 2002, Elliott BROOD have been labelled "death country", "blackgrass" and even "urban hillbilly", none of which truly capture the essence or energy of the band. With Elliott BROOD, the storytelling is paramount. The band presents tales from the dustier sides of life in dimly lit rooms with half empty bottles. Rhythmic banjo-led stomps and abusive acoustic strumming are married with an old time thump to paint the scenes and characters driving the stories. Mark Sasso's scratchy vocal delivery seems almost impossible at times ranging from whispered lullabies to nightmarish screams. Their debut album AMBASSADOR was nominated for a Juno in Canada in 2006 for "Best Roots/Traditional Album", and the group won the "Galaxie Rising Star Award" in that same year for best new band in Canada. Elliott BROOD has developed a reputation as one of the busiest and most exciting live bands in Canada. Their energetic and raucous live performances have, and continue to captivate audiences everywhere. http://www.freecodesource.com www.elliottbrood.ca

Chain Since the late sixties and early seventies, Chain has been one of the most influential blues/rock bands in Australia. They became an iconic symbol for the working class, performed songs that represented the feelings of the anti- movement, and were more suited to the alternative life-style people of the late sixties / early seventies than the mainstream pop world. Chain formed in late 1968 in . The band immediately captured the imagination of the vibrant underground music scene of the day with their musicianship and cohesion. The line-up changed over a period of time until, by 1970, original member (guitar and vocals), bassist Barry Sullivan and Drummer Barry Harvey were a loud brash trio and living in Brisbane. With the joining of Matt Taylor on vocals and harmonica the band took on a tougher, bluesier edge and returned to Melbourne. For more than the past decade the line-up of Taylor, Manning, Harvey and Dirk Dubois (bass) has been a constant one. They are a great live act and the experience of seeing and hearing Chain is something anyone interested in the roots of blues in Australia should have. www.philmanning.com.au/chain

Hollie Smith – New Zealand soul diva Hollie Smith’s voice stole her home nation’s hearts when erupting on the scene with the now-classic “Bathe in the River” from her EP Hollie Smith, released in 2005. Now the only artist from this part of the world signed to the prestigious Blue Note label (home of Norah Jones, St. Germain, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Cassandra Wilson). Her highly anticipated debut solo album Long Player stormed into the New Zealand charts at number one and rapidly achieved platinum sales status. In May last year Smith began collaborating with New York-based Manhattan Records, a subdivision of Blue Note, to record with acclaimed producer James Poyser. With a voice this powerful and a reputation for mesmerising live shows, you cannot afford to miss Hollie Smith at Bluesfest this year. “You can hear that voice and you can hear the songs and you know right away- this is somebody very special.” – Bruce Lundvall. President, Blue Note Records. www.holliesmith.co.nz

Guy Davis The routes, and roots, of Guy Davis’ blues are as diverse as the music form itself. It can be soulful, moaning out a people’s cry, or playful and bouncy as a hay ride. Davis can tell you stories of his great-grandparents and his grandparents, they’re days as track linemen, and of their interactions with the infamous KKK. And he can also tell you about his own childhood raised in middle- class New York suburbs. He's a musician, composer, actor, director, and writer. But, most importantly, Davis is a bluesman. One night on a train from Boston to New York he picked up finger picking from a nine-fingered guitar player. The blues permeates every corner of Davis' creativity. Throughout his life, Davis has had overlapping interests in music and acting, both in television and in off- Broadway theatre productions. And throughout his musical career, Davis has dedicated himself to reviving the traditions of acoustic blues and bringing them to as many ears as possible through the material of the great blues masters, African American stories, and his own original songs, stories and performance pieces. www.guydavis.com

Bedouin Soundclash – Get ready for a tasty Canadian blend of Reggae, Rock, Punk and Soul: Bedouin Soundclash’s late 2007 album has gone top ten in Canada and with good reason. Named after Israeli fusion artist/producer Badawi's 1996 release - which pays homage to nomadic Arabic poet tribe the Bedouins - power trio Bedouin Soundclash formed in 2001 at Queen's University in Kingston, . With a seductive combination of lead singer Jay Malinowski's soulful wail and hypnotic rhythmic guitar grooves, Eon Sinclair's deep dubbing bass, and Pat Pengelly's driving rhythms, Bedouin Soundclash creates its own innovative fusion of styles. In 2002, the band recorded debut album Root Fire. Combining elements of dancehall, hip-hop, dub, reggae and R 'n' B with elements of punk and electro, Bedouin's musical fusion caught the attention of audiences and press across Canada. Sophomore album Sounding A Mosaic (produced by legendary Punk- Reggae bass player Daryl Jenifer of Bad Brains) exploded on commercial radio and video stations across Canada with hit single "When The Night Feels My Song", which garnered the band a "Best New Group or Solo Artist (CHR)" award at the Canadian Radio Music Awards 2006. Bedouin Soundclash's anticipated third album Street Gospels was released in August, 2007 and features the singles "Walls Fall Down" and "1259 Lullaby", the later which appeared on hit series Grey’s Anatomy. www.bedouinsoundclash.com

Corb Lund & the Hurtin’ Albertans Growing up in Alberta, Canada, Corb Lund’s lineage boasts over a century of cowboys. And thanks to his keen lyrical pen, Lund’s Alberta is ready to take its place in a long line of immortal locales lucky enough to have their own poet laureates who paint vivid pictures, spin mythologies and create memorable characters. Not only does he write the kind of timeless melodies that sound like they’ve been handed down by oral tradition, he boasts a kick-ass, bare-bones backing band he calls The Hurtin’ Albertans. On his fifth album, Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier!, Lund writes about warfare via something he knows about first hand: horses. It’s been almost a century since most of us pondered the cavalry’s integral role in military history. But as Lund points out on the globetrotting title track, you can still find traces of the cavalry in more contemporary conflicts, like the one going on today in Afghanistan. Armed with plenty of books on military history throughout the ages – as well as some Gabriel Garcia Marquez and tales of the French foreign legion – Lund says he wanted to write about “timeless themes” rather than today’s headlines. “I tend to dig around for exotic detail,” he says. “Plus, I've never been much of an overtly political writer. I respect that form of art, and I do have very strong beliefs about those kinds of issues. But I also think that there's a place for music that makes people feel deeper things than current events.” Though many of the songs on Horse Soldier! tell tales of foreign lands, Lund has built his career by spinning distinctly Albertan anecdotes for the past decade, on gold-selling albums like 2002’s Five Dollar Bill and 2005’s In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer. www.corblund.com

Hat Fitz – Anyone who has seen Hat Fitz perform at one of his many festival appearances across Australia knows how the big man can stir up an audience. With his wild frantic interpretations of early delta blues classics and self-penned songs, in tandem with drumming sidekick Itchy, he has built a reputation as a hard-edged raw blues man. Few performers worldwide have been able to match the wild man approach to the delicate art of finger picking perfected by Fitz, and more than a decade of appearances at the East Coast Blues & Roots Festival are testimony to Fitz’s popularity. www.hatfitz.net

San Lazaro – Nine-piece Latin Mestizo outfit San Lazaro is the act that starts the party with their horn and percussion heavy salsa . Easily the tightest Latin outfit to come from Australia so far, their members herald from Chilean, Spanish, Indian, Mauritian, Persian, Irish, Greek and Australian backgrounds and bring a refreshing hip-hop, rock and reggae-infused edge to the traditional Latin sound. Featuring some of Melbourne’s finest musical talent, including celebrated young female percussionist and timbale player Nasrine Rahmani, outstanding Spanish language rapper, Conga player Sebastian Orellana and seasoned Chilean vocalist Franshesco Viran, San Lazaro are becoming a favourite of outdoor festivals Australia wide, and with good reason. Coupled with the congas and timbales, the driving “montunto”, played on the Columbian tiple (Oscar Poncell) is what characterises their sound as distinctly Latin whilst the (Steven Silk), bass (Bob Knob) and drums (Lazare Agneskis), provide an urban grounding for sax and trumpet players Lachlan McLean and Elisha Maiyah to connect the dots with Latin and dub reggae-influenced horn harmonies. www.sanlazaro.com.au

The Basics – you either get The Basics or you don’t. Comprised of Wouter “Wally” DeBacker (aka Gotye – his other band!), Tim Heath, Kris Schroeder and ‘ghost member’ Dave Bramble, The Basics are unconventional, true enough. Simone Ubaldi of Beat Magazine says: “they play ’60s-cast retro rock, sure, but they play it like they invented it.” With their “forward-thinking-while-looking- back” sound, The Basics are a band at odds with the current Australian music scene. Perhaps it is naïve arrogance, but they continue to defy accepted notions of originality. They are acknowledged as “the feel-good sensation of the year”, “inspirational”, “immensely talented” and “faultless”. They have recently toured Japan, Norway and the UK – three places now enamoured with The Basics’ enthusiastic approach, their stories of love and loss, wonderfully tailored appearance and the cleverly arranged three-part harmony work that underpins their songs. This love is evidenced in their album Stand Out/Fit In and an invitation to headline the re-opening of the Marquee Club in London (famous for hosting performances by , The Who and The Sex Pistols to name a few), among other honours unexpectedly bestowed on this “little band from Melbourne”. www.thebasics.com.au

Raul Midón – Another major new talent - blind American soul/blues artist Raul Midón is now represented by the same people who look after , Bob Dylan and . With jaw-dropping, hair-raising, show-stopping talent, Raul Midón is a one-man virtuoso performer of soulful vocals, slap-attack guitar rhythms, flamenco-style runs and a mean mouth-trumpet all while self- harmonizing over his distinctly original songs. Midón burst on to the scene in 2005 with his debut album, State of Mind, and has followed it up with A World Within A World, an explosive blend of soul, pop, and jazz with a touch of Latin flavour bursting out of a veritable human instrument. The New Mexico-born, New York-based writer/vocalist/guitarist brings a vibrant sound steeped in classic soul to the pop arena. A World Within a World, the title of the newest album, might refer to the status of within the culture as a whole; it could also describe the expansive interior realm that this single-minded artist, blind from birth, has created with his imagination. “There isn't that much originality in pop these days, because everybody is trying to sound like what they think might fit into the narrow formats on radio,” he says. “But the best pop is as important as much as any music. I mean, I love or James Taylor or Prince as much as I love Miles.” With A World Within a World, Midon aims to do his part to replant the pop wilderness. To witness this phenomenon on stage brings the intensity and passion of the album to a new level that you will relive with every listen. www.raulmidon.com

Will Conner - The now Florida-based local singer songwriter returns to his hometown of Byron Bay to take the stage at Bluesfest. Will has just been handpicked by Jack Johnson on his national tour across Australia. Will grew up in northern New South Wales, after his parents fled the USA in the late ’60s in search of the secluded, hippy and musical lifestyle that Byron Bay had to offer. Along with producer Jim Devito playing bass and harmonica on all tracks, Conner’s latest release, 2006’s Southern Hemisphere, features recent inductee into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Stan Lynch on drums and percussion on three tracks, as well as drummer George Sluppick from US blues and funk act MOFRO. Southern Hemisphere is lead by the single “Home“, a toe-tapping melody with a poetic sensibility. A simple, yet heartfelt lyric that will strike a chord with all who have experienced life on the road and a longing for the familiarity and warmth that home provides. Conner’s bandmates are Dave Sanders on drums and percussion, and Maurice Cernigoi on bass. www.willconner.com

Beau Young - Growing up on Sydney’s northern beaches and on Yamba on the north coast of New South Wales, Beau Young was always going to be a surfer. And since 2000, this son of Australian surfing icon Nat Young has counted the World Champion Longboard Surfer accolade among his trophies. Along with his passion for the ocean, Young has honed his passion for singing, song-writing and guitar playing. A resident of Byron Bay now, Young followed his 2005 debut album Waves of Change with 2006’s Still and has toured the UK (supporting ALO, Animal Liberation Orchestra), Japan, Italy, France, Germany, Portugal and Spain. As Young himself says, his musical and surfing lives are intertwined: “To me surfing and music appear to be so similar, be it a four minute song or a one minute ride, the sensation and the different ebb, flow and parallel are many. Both of these activities have played such a strong part in my life for so long now.” www.beauyoung.net

Leah Flanagan – Leah Flanagan is a Darwin-based singer-songwriter and guitarist with an original mix of country, blues and featuring a heavy influence from the female jazz vocal tradition. Winner of the 2007 NT Indigenous Music Award for Emerging Act of the Year, Flanagan was classically trained at the Conservatorium of Music, and combines a powerful voice with the gentle qualities of an acoustic singer. Flanagan has performed in every capital city and at major festivals including the Darwin Festival, the Dreaming Festival in Queensland, the NT Writers Festival, the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the Alice Springs Festival and the Tamworth Country Music Festival. She has just finished recording her debut album Before the Fall, due for release in March. Her band is made up of Toby Robinson (lap steel/banjo), Jimi Bonne (bass), Netanela Mizrahi (/cello) and Darryl Barba (drums). A cultural mix of Aboriginal, Italian and Irish blood, Flanagan takes pride in where she's from and her music reflects both her heritage and her heart. www.myspace.com/leahflanagan

Johnny Green’s Blues Cowboys - The Blues Cowboys are made up of Johnny Green, Ed Matzenik, Flash Sheedy, Demo Dempsey, Ezra Matzenik and Grunter Seegar. They specialise in 1950s lore and these guys know how to . In 1999, after 10 years of playing gigs around Australia, the band released their debut album At Last. Two years later they were the subject of a television documentary called Lost Highway, following the band on tour and the antics they got up to while out on the road. They are certain to rock the house and please the crowd with their mixture of blues, rock and country styles. NO OFFICIAL WEBSITE or MYSPACE

Yunasi – Hailing from Kenya, Yunasi have developed a unique East African music style called Sesube which is a combination of Séga, Isukuti and Benga. In exciting news, the band have just won the recent BBC World 'Next Big Thing' competition. The band was voted 'easily the best' from over 2000 acts from 88 countries. Yunasi have also won other major international awards including a 3rd place in the prestigious US International Songwriting Contest in 2006 out of 16000 entries for their song Ji Opogore and winning the 2004 Kisima Award for best Afro-fusion band in Kenya. They take the sounds and inspirations from local Kenyan communities, cultural styles and languages and fuse them with European influences. The sound is achieved by playing a variety of instruments, both traditional and modern. Comprised of seven men from Kenya and a French woman, Yunasi recently won the BBC World Service’s Next Big Thing 2007 competition in London with their song “Ndi Ndi Ndi”, about the dangers of excess drinking. The band sings in several languages including Kiswahili, English, French, Luo and Luyha, and are aiming to increase the awareness of contemporary Kenyan music both locally and internationally – to show that East African music is not only as strong, but is also as inventive and as vibrant as music from other parts of the vast continent. www.yunasi.com

Tribali Tribali describe themselves as a group of Maltese musicians who have come together to celebrate their love of . While placing great emphasis on ethnic rhythms, Tribali incorporate the beauty and pathos of music from the orient on their self-titled debut album of 2006. Their sound is as original and diverse as their instruments, which include the Indian sitar, the didgeridoo, the bass and various percussion instruments. Come and see Tribali perform at the Blues & Roots festival this year in Byron Bay – their music is a truly mesmerising and unforgettable experience. www.tribalimusic.com

Hayley Sales While it is true that everyone has a story, Hayley Sales’ experiences are so numerous and compelling that they almost sound fictional. The Island, Canada-based singer has a history includes being born in the Washington, DC, projects, interviewing the Dalai Lama, travelling the world, accompanying former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic to the Seattle WTO protests, and self-penning and producing her major label debut album Sunseed. Sounds like a full life? Indeed, it is. Sales wrote the songs, chose the musicians, contributes acoustic guitar, piano and vocals and is the record's sole producer. Sales’ time in Oregon allowed her the opportunity to attend Portland's Northwest Academy, a performing arts-based secondary school, where she graduated two years ahead of schedule. After finishing school, Sales moved from the hustle and bustle of the city to a rather isolated organic farm on Vancouver Island. With plenty of time and creativity, her family nurtured her talents by providing Sales the tools to work in their home studio, but not the teachings. “My father would set me up and say, 'Go record yourself.' But he would never tell me what to do.” The music that Sales is creating clearly resonates with a wide variety of audiences, whether via winning Female Vocalist of the Year at the Vancouver Island Music Awards or gaining standing ovations at Seattle's Northwest Folk Life festival. Sales' performances are inspiring and infectious; her mission to take audiences on a journey that moves from reggae dance party one minute to a meditative, thoughtful state the next. www.hayleysales.com

Collard Greens and Gravy Formed in Melbourne in 1995, Collard Greens and Gravy quickly established themselves as one of the country's leading blues acts with their unique style of stripped down swamp blues. Performing a mix of original material and covers by Mississippi blues artists such as R.L Burnside, T Model Ford and Fred McDowell, the band have created a sound which saw them win the 2001 ARIA award for best blues and roots CD. Ian Collard is a gifted vocalist and harmonica player and winner of the Australian Harmonica championship in 1996. James Bridges' playing stands out among today's legion of blues guitarists; with taste and economy he creates an eerie style and feel that harks back to names such as Blind Willie Johnson, Son House and Robert Johnson. Anthony "Shortie" Shortte completes the trio on drums. His approach to drumming has seen him develop a style all of his own, his eclectic drum kit is one of a kind. "This is blues with serious intent." Sunday Herald Sun. www.collardgreensandgravy.com

Worldfly Great musicians are not people you simply put on your stereo, they are a people you invite into your life. Darwin's Worldfly is one such band treading their own unique path of aspiration. Born in Alice Springs and growing up in Tennant Creek, Michael Maher left in 1993 on a blind date with destiny, with no definite plans but to travel the world. The following nine years saw Maher travel and tour extensively throughout Europe, in particular Germany, establishing a studio in Heidelberg and playing lots of shows and festivals before taking his journey full circle back to Darwin in 2002. On his return Maher teamed up with the principle cellist of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, Rebecca Harris. The two found an artistic fit with the blend of Harris's strings and Maher's songs quickly raising the attention of the local and interstate music scenes. The band's hard work paid off with their debut EP Beautiful Place earning Maher the 2005 Australian Songwriter's Association Songwriter of the Year award for his song “Someone Special”. Worldfly’s rhythm section – dubbed ‘The German Connection’ – consists of fellow founding members, and long time friends Guido Muly and Jochen Joerder. The band will be heading into the studio right after Bluesfest to begin work on their studio album, due for release in September 2008. www.worldfly.com.au

Lisa Hunt Lisa Hunt began singing in that great African-American tradition, the gospel church, and there was laid the foundation of her soulful singing style. She went on to study voice at The City College of New York (BFA). Hunt's studio credits include sessions with famed producers Jellybean Benitez (), Toni C (Whitney), Frank Farion (LaBouche, Milli Vanilli), The Berman Brothers (Amber, Ultra Nate), as well as many more. She has worked with a range of artist, from Pavarotti to Ray Charles, and has also shared the stage with musical greats such as Eric Clapton, James Brown, Dionne Warwick, Brian May, Randy Crawford, Joe Cocker, Miles Davis and Andrea Bocelli. In Australia, Hunt has toured and recorded with Jimmy Barnes, Deisel and Radio Freedom among others. As well as her own albums, such as A Little Piece Of Magic, Hunt has had songs on numerous compilations around the globe, both as a singer and songwriter – and combined she has sold more than a million records. 2007 has been a full throttle year for Hunt, with shows in the Middle East, North , USA and, of course, Australia. Last year Hunt was also the winner of the hit television show Australian Idol's My Mum Rocks competition for NSW. www.foreversoul.com

Kerrianne Cox Kerrianne Cox is an internationally renowned independent Aboriginal performing artist. Her signature song “Beagle Bay Dreaming” has brought her beloved home and country – Beagle Bay in the remote North West Kimberley region of – into the hearts and minds of people all over the world. After winning the Next Big Thing Competition in 1996 when she was just 22 years of age, Cox said: “I am here to inspire people in all I do.” Among the many accolades she has garnered since then, in 2005 Cox was named National Artist of the Year (NAIDOC) and awarded the Yvonne Cohen Award for Creative Indigenous Youth. Cox's albums include Just Wanna Move (1999) and Opening (2001). In 2005 she began recording her third album, Return to Country, about what it means to live and work from her home in the Kimberley. In October, 2004, Cox was elected chairperson of Beagle Bay Community by her people. She said: “Now I find myself in a beautiful place where I am the chairperson of my community and I can travel from time to time to perform select shows that I feel are important for what I stand for." www.kerriannecox.com

Mongrels Of Passion Australian guitar legend Tim Gaze and rock music pioneer Vincent Lovegrove have combined forces and formed a brand new band, Mongrels Of Passion. Their debut, truly independent song release is available now, exclusively to iTunes. “Ode To Our Leaders (time4u2go)” reflects the views of millions of people around the globe. The song is a message to the leaders of the free world. Also available now, exclusive to iTunes, is “Sorry”, which is a statement of apology to the various indigenous nations of Australia. In addition, the pair has written and recorded more than two dozen songs. Gaze is one of the nation’s most respected guitar players, having played with the likes of Australian music pioneers , , Jimmy Barnes, Ariel, Gyan and many other pivotal groups and artists. In the sixties, Lovegrove shared vocal duties with (AC/DC) in pop group The Valentines before going on to manage the early career of and other Australian groups, including the . A television producer and radio producer, Lovegrove last year returned to Australia after a 14-year stint in London and approached Tim Gaze to help create Mongrels Of Passion. www.myspace.com/mongrelsofpassion

Clint Crighton Growing up in Australia’s Snowy Mountain region, Clint Crighton began touring at the raw age of 14 and released his debut album Change at 16. The singer/songwriter’s music possesses shades of rock, roots and pop among the hauntingly poetic lyrics. In 2005, in the wake of his second album release, Laydown, Crighton was invited to tour China with Australian keyboardist Sam McNally. While there, he met James Sarzotti of Canopus Films in New York who, impressed with the musician, began filming the documentary The Musical Rise of Clint Crighton – which followed him through China, the USA and Australia. Crighton has since continued touring, playing music festivals and making television and radio appearances with his band – swiftly establishing a reputation as an exciting, vibrant and unique live act. www.clintcrighton.com.au

Jess Clements Spotted playing and singing at a Lennox Head restaurant by Bluesfest organisers, Jess Clements is a local artist with a big talent. A self taught, 24 year old songwriter and guitarist, Jess has been writing her own original material since the age of 18. While living locally in the area, Jess has played gigs up and down the east coast, including a run of support slots in Sydney. So far, Jess has recorded demos of her own songs, which well display her blues and folk inspired rock sound. Her husky, strong vocal talent conveys her primary musical influences which include standard setters such as Etta James, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Tracy Chapman, Damien Rice, and Jeff Buckley.

Lucy Wainwright Roche American artist Lucy Wainwright Roche grew up in Greenwich Village, New York City – the daughter of two performing musicians, Loudon Wainwright III and (). Her childhood was spent living out of a suitcase: either on the road, with her parents or being ferried around to different relatives in her big musical clan. In a family of rebels, she proved most rebellious by completing her Masters Degree in Education and has spent several years teaching second and third grade in New York City. After singing backup with her brother, , over the years of 2005 and 2006, Roche decided to take some time off from the classroom to explore her life long relationship to singing and song writing. In 2007 she released her first recording, and EP entitled 8 Songs and this autumn is due to release her second EP. Roche is a refreshing, pure, alternative to the jive pop culture – a singer alarmingly straightforward and unadorned. www.myspace.com/lwrlwr eMDee – Described as ‘didgeridoo meets drum ’n’ bass’, this organic dance act from Humpty Doo – one of the remotest parts of Australia – has already sold 25,000 CD’s straight from the stage. Wowing Festival goers wherever they play eMDee have managed to combine elements of traditional tribal music with modern styles and are following hotly in the footsteps of independent success stories like and . After a successful trip to the UK to play In The City Manchester, the band were well received at Canadian Music Week in , where they blew the crowd away with their unique style of playing. They are definitely one of the home-grown acts to check out at this year’s Blues & Roots Festival. www.rawdidge.com/finalweb/Default.htm

Mason Rack – Mason Rack originates from Southport on Queensland's sunny Gold Coast. With his outstanding vocals, guitar and lap slide guitar, Rack continues to deliver high impact performances to audiences everywhere he appears. Together with his band (The Mason Rack Band), Rack feels most comfortable playing blues, rock and original live music locally and interstate. He started performing at the tender age of six under the guidance of his father Billy Rack – a multi-talented jazz musician. Rack is a local Australian artist with incredible talent and passion for his music, and has recently released his third album Show Me Yours. www.masonrack.com

Marshall & the fro – Marshall & the fro create Aussie-mojo workin’ rock-roots music; music that feels so natural and so comfortable it's like slipping into your favourite pair of double pluggers and heading down to the pub for a coldie. The band is comprised of Marshall O’Kell on guitar, slide guitar and vocals, Nick Ohlson on bass and Jacob Mann on drums. Roots based, and 100 per cent original, the band’s music moves through the rich, raw and dirty to the sweet and melodic. Hailing from Byron Bay and with an ever-growing fan base, the past year saw Marshall & the Fro solidly booked at venues and festivals around Australia. They have recently released their self-titled debut album and film clip for the feature track “Thongs”. Marshall & the fro are a refreshing modern face generating a progressive energy. www.marshallmusic.com.au

The Huckleberry Swedes – Here’s a new Australian band you can really get lost in. With a new album produced by Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil), and help from Bill Chambers who guests live with the band, The Huckleberry Swedes have a sound that is pretty unique. But if you want to put a label on it, try the missing link between Ryan Adams and Jeff Tweedy (Wilco). The warm, amber glow, the crack in the door that invites you in, are songs such as; ‘Cast a line’ – a classic loss of innocence tale , ’Black gold’- a yearning protest song that would make Woody Guthrie proud, and the underdog anthem ‘Hair Trigger’. These songs work because they are honest; something you can share, like wholesome stew, like good advice. Huckleberry Swedes, are a four piece featuring BJ Barker on drums, Sam Willoughby on bass/vox, Mark Elberg on lead guitar/vox and Troy Loakes on vox/ acoustic guitar. A deft live act, they play with empathy and dynamics but are also capable of rocking out. www.huckleberryswedes.com

Ella Thompson – Melbourne artist Ella Thompson has a unique style; her music is influenced by early soul singers including Etta James and Sharon Jones, yet with a modern twist. She combines other styles in her original music such as reggae, pop, jazz, R’n’B and funk. Recently, Thompson has toured supporting Australian Legends such as Rene Geyer, , Paul Kelly and . Thompson has experience well beyond her years. She has recorded four independent EPs, the most recent with her new band. For the past five years Thompson has been playing around Melbourne's best-known music venues. Thompson has also played festivals including Queenscliff music festival, Apollo Bay and Wangaratta Jazz. And has recently completed her studies at the Victorian College of the Arts, where she studied contemporary voice. Ella Thompson is an upcoming artist to watch closely. www.myspace.com/ellathompson

The Re-Mains - The Re-Mains are a pioneering original country rock and roll band from across NSW. In their five year tenure at the coalface of country rock and roll their banjo and pedal-steel powered dirt-track and highway songs and sounds have won them devoted fans and critical acclaim across Australia and further to parts of Europe and lately the USA. Their music has been likened to influences as diverse as The Band, Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, Gram Parsons, The Who and The Blues Explosion. If you like the hair-rising-on-the-back-of-your-neck excitement of hearing a banjo roar into high gear, the foot-stomping sound of bush- rock direct from Nimbin via Darwin and back-road ballads from everywhere in Australia, from inner-city dives to desert gold mines and remote stations, you have to see this band. www.re-mains.com

Sara Tindley & The Kingfishers With two critically acclaimed and award-winning releases under her belt, Sara Tindley is making quite a mark on the Australian musical landscape. Her latest album, Lucky The Sun, produced by Bill Chambers, is an instant classic. When Tindley fronts her band The Kingfishers, it’s unbeatable rockin’ alt-country, with equal measures of soulful pop. Picked as ABC Radio National Breakfast’s Album of The Week (December 2006), Lucky The Sun has an addictive quality that keeps you coming back for more. One week out from a triumphant performance at Bluesfest 07, Sara was invited to open on The GW McClennan Theatre, followed by many mini tours up and down the east coast of Australia, cementing her dedicated fan base with each memorable performance. With critics comparing her to the likes of and Patty Griffin, be a witness when Sara returns to Bluesfest in 2008 with her 7 piece band The Kingfishers. www.saratindley.com

Juzzie Smith – Local hero Juzzie Smith makes music that steps into blues, folk, and country and then off into a world of its own. Embracing the slide guitar, didgeridoo and foot percussion alongside his harmonica and vocal performance, Australian singer/songwriter Smith displays a musical dexterity that blows his audiences away. After five years performing as a solo artist Smith has released his third album, Happy Daze (2007); his most accomplished work to date, while over the last few years, Smith has performed at some of the most prestigious festivals in Australia. Smith started playing the harmonica at the age of 13, and by the age of 23 had won the coveted Golden Harmonica at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and the Byron Bay Blues Blowout twice. At every performance he has received rave reviews for his unique songwriting and energetic live performances. He has been touted by festival organisers and audiences alike as one of Australia's greatest emerging talents in the blues and roots scene. www.juzziesmith.com

Mahalia Barnes – Mahalia Barnes has been around music her whole life. The eldest daughter of Jimmy Barnes, she grew up in a musical household that was never without song. For the past 10 years she has toured with Jimmy and in 2006 they recorded a hit duet “” (written by Mahalia and Jade MacRae), the second single from Jimmy's Double Happiness album. Mahalia struck out on her own with her band a few years ago, playing shows at various Sydney clubs. She has released an EP recorded at Sydney venue The Basement, Live at The Basement with her band, and has announced plans for her debut solo full-length album. She says of her music: “Basically it's - soul music with a lot of blues and some ’n’roll.” Definitely someone to catch at Bluesfest 2008 and an emerging artist to watch. www.myspace.com/mahaliabarnes

Bridget Pross - Young Tasmanian singer/songwriter Bridget Pross has been making her presence felt on the Australian music scene for some time now. In the lead up to the release of her debut full-length album I Wanted To in early 2008, Pross was performing steadily in Melbourne, Sydney and her home state of Tasmania. In the past she has also supported a number of high-profile acts, most notably the Indigo Girls, Snow Patrol and home-grown talents including Lior, John Butler Trio, , Chris Wilson and Renee Geyer. Every live performance has seen this talented young singer grow in confidence and skill, with her strong, smokey voice, engaging songs and warm, easy charm winning her plenty of fans. Listeners will find that I Wanted To showcases Pross’s warm, husky voice across genres that range from a folk-based sound to some raucous, more rock-based tunes. There are elements of guitar pop and roots peppered throughout the album, showing just how many styles of music catch Pross’s ear and how easily she can make them her own, delivering a warm and engaging debut album. www.bridgetpross.com.au

Jason Lowe - Natural soul that can’t be faked, a command of his instrument that’s well beyond his years and a voice that any seasoned performer would die for, is what makes Newcastle local Jason Lowe unique. Although seeded in the roots/folk genre, Lowe’s original flavour of deep, emotionally charged melodies capture any audience, while his exceptional skill as a lap steel guitarist allows him to flow freely into just about any style. Turning professional at 17, Lowe began playing local venues in his home town. In January, 2007, Lowe was selected to perform at the Tamworth Country Music Festival on behalf of Cole Clark Guitars. These were his first real performances ever and alongside some of Australia’s most respected guitarists and songwriters they were a key highlight, with many of the artists using Lowe’s slide technique to vamp up their own material as well. His debut EP released last year, Before We Chase The Sky, features the single “Faith”, which debuted at number one in its genre in the charts for Triple J Unearthed and number 11 in the overall 100. Although Lowe’s recordings do him justice as an artist, his live performances showcase something intensively true, deep and captivating that is well beyond his age. www.myspace.com/jasonlowesolo

The Blues Preachers - Sydney-based outfit The Blues Preachers will take you to another place and time, probably somewhere between 1920 and 1940. Their music paints a landscape of pre-war struggle and determination with sounds reminiscent of The Deep South. The Blues Preachers perform a fusion of good old blues, rags, gospel and hillbilly folk. The powerful simplicity of driving finger style and slide guitar with the sounds of harmonicas combined with old-school vocal harmonies create a traditional, untarnished sound that will have you on the edge of your seats. The Blues Preachers will make you want to get up and dance with their joyful country and ragtime blues, and send a shiver down your spine with their atmospheric feels – echoing and paying homage to the sacred sounds of early artists such as Blind Willie Johnson. Their 2007 album Next Stop Beulah Land showcases the talents of the Preachers – John Morris on guitar and vocals, and Doug Lyons on harmonica and vocals. www.bluespreachers.com

Amali Ward – Amali Ward is a Sydney-based soul/pop singer who first came to the public's attention at just 15. Since making the top 10 on Australian Idol, she has spent the past few years honing her songwriting skills working with established talents such as Rhyno (True Live), Pip Norman (TZU), Mark Pearl (The Commas), Tyrone Noonan (George), N'Fa (1200 Techniques), Michael Stangel (Shannon Noll, Borne) and Karl Broadie. Ward has just completed her self- produced self-titled debut EP featuring five original songs mixed by ARIA award- winning engineer Anton Hagop (, , ). Sitting comfortably alongside acts such as James Morrison, , Amy Winehouse and , the EP is a mix of classic soul and contemporary grooves. Ward has also spent time on TV a presenter on Channel V and SBS favourite Nerds FC, and has recently completed filming her debut film role. She is also currently the Australian spokesperson for Rexona Girl. Ward was also the recipient of the Tony Mott Award at the 2007 National MusicOz Awards for independent artists. www.amaliward.com.au

Anni Piper – Sultry, sensual and with a voice as smooth as honey, Australian artist Anni Piper is a dynamic performer and insightful composer, and is currently turning heads throughout Australia and the world with her unique take on Texas blues. Piper began playing electric guitar at 12 years old, but switched to bass at age 14. She quickly discovered an affinity with the instrument, preferring to lay down a groove rather than scream out a solo. Jailbait, Piper’s debut album, was recorded in 2004. The all-original, 10-track album was immediately snapped up for distribution by the prestigious Black Market Music label. Texas Hold 'Em (2007) is Piper's highly anticipated new release to follow-up her outstanding debut, and is already receiving repeat airplay on Triple J's Roots ‘n’ All program. Piper won the category of Best New Talent at the 2005 Australian Blues Music Awards, and received a nomination for Best Female Vocal. She also gained first place in the 2004 ABC Radio Fresh Air competition, was a top five finalist in the blues category of the 2004 MusicOz competition, and achieved second place in the blues category of the 2005 Australian National Songwriting Contest. Texas Hold 'Em showcases Piper's blues evolution whilst featuring a rawer sound than Jailbait and is more representative of her outstanding live performances. www.annipiper.com

Tompo – Blending the sounds of Delta slide greats such as Blind Willie Johnson and Robert Johnson with his own eclectic past experience and training in classical guitar and heavy metal, Tompo (formerly James Michael Thompson) is an Australian blues musician with a big voice and a quietly endearing stage presence, using his guitars, blues harp, stomp-box and shakers to convey his heartfelt songs of ‘good news blues’. Tompo recorded his first EP Light Your Way in 2005, which has found its way into homes across Australia and has received airplay on local, national and international radio. The track “Broken Bone Blues” was a finalist in the Western Australian Music Industry (WAM) Song of the Year contest for 2005. He may be still a relative stranger to the Australian music scene, but Tompo is fast winning fans and praise across the country with his debut full-length album Good News Blues . Sonia Meggs, president Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society, says: “Tompo has captured the blues and made it his own. You will be enthralled by his presentation and style of his music, his vocals are deep and soulful reminding me of the past struggles of men working on a chain-gang, or in the cotton fields in the deep south in the days of slavery. Tompo is a true bluesman!” www.tompo.net

Cody Butler – Cody Butler is a local Byron Bay up and coming contemporary singer/songwriter. At only 17, this is her second appearance at the East Coast Blues & Roots Festival. After last year’s performance, local media described her as being “Byron’s own Missy Higgins”. Since then, along with a busy performance schedule, Cody has written a theme song for an upcoming documentary, worked on the soon to be realised ABC mini-series “East of Anywhere” and recently performed alongside Sydney band “Three Quarters Hazel” as part of their East Coast tour. She is currently studying for her Bachelor of Popular Music at the Qld Conservatorium of Music. Cody continues to perform locally and is fast building a reputation for writing beautiful songs full of heart & soul.

Jono McNeil – Jono McNeil made his first appearance to the Australian music scene at 19 years of age. As the vocal front-man of the funkacid jazz band, 'The Jive Express' he performed with them on eight tours of Australia and two of New Zealand. The group featured some Australia's best jazz musicians and they played regularly in reputable venues such as the Basement (Sydney) and many others across the east coast. Along with the rigorous touring life, he recorded two albums with the group. Now a solo performer, Jono is making waves with his huge vocal talent and electric live performances.