The greatest music festival in the world
Sunday April 27, 2014
Reporter: Alex Cullen
Producer: Mick O'Donnell
After 25 years, the Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival knows how to brings audiences and performers together.
John Butler Trio and Michael Franti were among the long-time festival favourites on the lineup.
Once a local resident, Butler delighted a packed audience with a set that included hits Funky Tonight and Zebra and told Sunday Night why he keeps coming back.
"I think if I was to generally describe the types of musicians and bands that play here it’s the kind of musicians that want to connect with the audience and take it higher and have something special happen."
"This is about 'we're gonna do something together and make some magic happen'."
For most of its 25 years, Bluesfest has been steered by Peter Noble. Once a musician himself, he’s still more a fan than a promoter.
Bluesfest also attracts a range of music lovers and age groups and for that reason is being compared to great festivals like Glastonbury.
"If you want to have a great music festival it is just about great music. And older people make great music, young people make great music and in the end you know if you mash it all up together and you have an audience that’s not too concerned about I look a certain way, you know," Noble said.
From 80s favourites like Boz Scraggs and Charlie Musselwhite, to new talent like Torres Strait guitarist Chris Temwoy, there is always a multi-generational draw card at Bluesfest.
BLUESFEST LIVE ONLINE
Later this year Brown Dog will launch an online channel featuring many of the highlights of Bluesfest in recent years.
THE SEED
John Butler and his partner Danielle Caruana from Mama Kin are passionate supporters of young artists and those who make their music happen.
They told us about their vision for The Seed, their foundation which has been sponsoring young talent and music managers in Australia for the last ten years.
PLAYING FOR CHANGE
At Bluesfest, Alex Cullen got to jam with his friends from Playing For Change, who previously featured on Sunday Night.
Playing for Change is made up of members from around the world. They raise funds for music schools and young musicians in tight spots in Africa and bring together musicians and supporters worldwide.
