Bluesfest Is Welcoming Back The World In 2023

Image: Lachlan Douglas

Words: Matt Innes

Bluesfest has released their opening round line-up announcement for 2023, welcoming back international acts for the first time in four years.

It’s Bluesfest’s biggest-ever opening line-up, featuring more than 40 bands and artists from Australia and around the world, with more to come as the festival approaches.

This massive opening salvo brings some of the biggest names in blues, roots, rock, soul R&B, Americana and more to our shores for five days from 6-10 April next year at Byron Events Farm.

From locals to legends, the first round of Bluesfest 2023 artists includes: The Black Sorrows, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, The Cat Empire, Chain, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Jackson Browne, Joe Bonamassa, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, LP, Lucinda Williams, Mavis Staples, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Tash Sultana and Xavier Rudd.

Bonnie Raitt

Mavis Staples. Image: Myriam Santos

“For the first time since 2019, Bluesfest is presenting a fully international festival experience like the legendary ones we did before the COVID-era,” Bluesfest Director Peter Noble OAM says.

“Whilst there are still plenty of Aussie artists listed in these first and upcoming announcements it is wonderful to once again in 2023, after four long years, be able to bring back some of the greatest Blues, Roots, Soul, Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, World and Americana artists (and so much more) back to our shores after so long. As well as, of course, the stars of tomorrow.

“We have our largest number of artists ever listed in our first Bluesfest artist announcement… check it out, there’s more than 40 of them. It is such a stunning list for every Bluesfester.”

Bluesfest takes place at Byron Events Farm (Tyagarah, NSW) 6-10 April 2023.

Bluesfest 2023 First Line-up

19-Twenty
The Barnestormers
Beth Hart [Exclusive]
The Black Sorrows
Bonnie Raitt
Buddy Guy
The Cat Empire
Chain
Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram
Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Eric Gales [Exclusive]
Femi Kuti & The Positive Force
Gang Of Youths
Greensky Bluegrass [Exclusive]
Jackson Browne
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit
Joe Bonamassa [Exclusive]
Joe Camilleri Presents A Star-Studded Tribute To The Greats Of The Blues
Jon Stevens | Kaleo [Exclusive]
Keb’ Mo’
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Lachy Doley And The Horns Of Conviction
Larkin Poe
LP
Lucinda Williams
Marcus King
Mavis Staples
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Nikki Hill [Exclusive]
Robert Glasper
Rockwiz Live
The Soul Rebels & Friends With Special Guests Talib Kweli • Gza • Big Freedia
Southern Avenue [Exclusive]
Spinifex Gum Feat. Marliya
Steve Earle & The Dukes
Tash Sultana
Xavier Rudd

MADCAP Global SWND Music is the home of independent music from all over the world. Discover your new favourite artists today.