Page 99 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2018

Bluesfest Byron Bay in Australia attracts audiences exceeding 100,000 fans.
Photo by Joseph Mayers
the world’s best blues artists to Australia, Festival Director
Peter Noble prides himself on discovering new talent before
they become well known and introducing them to a very
appreciative Bluesfest crowd.
This year’s festival was one of the most eclectic in its
history. Artists who pilgrimaged to Byron Bay in 2018
included Robert Plant, Lionel Richie, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Kesha,
Seal, Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crowe, Melissa Etheridge and
Michael Franti and Spearhead – as well as Bobby Rush who
made his Bluesfest debut and Walter Trout who returned for
the first time since 1994!
Bluesfest has been nominated eight times for Best
International Music Festival in the Pollstar Awards, 2017’s
nomination being its sixth in a row. Upon receiving the
2018 Keeping the Blues Alive Award, Noble said, “After
being the major presenter of blues in Australia for 40 years,
and the director of Bluesfest for almost 30 years, it is an
honor to receive this award on behalf of Bluesfest, blues and
associated music in Australia. Thanks to all the music lovers
who come every year and help to keep the blues alive in
Byron Bay.”
Learn more at: www.bluesfest.com.au

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