All-star line-up for Bluesfest

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE 2008 BLUESFEST HERE.

The East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival has once again rallied a fine array of artists for its April 2009 edition.

Sitting pretty at the top of the line-up are four acts making exclusive East Coast appearances at Bluesfest. Honorary Aussie Ben Harper will play two sets across the five days, accompanied by his sparkling new band Relentless Seven. Festival director Peter Noble calls Harper “arguably the most important artist to ever play Bluesfest”, so it’s only fitting these are the man’s only shows in the country. Also returning to the hallowed ground of Belongil Fields for one-off performances are Michael Franti & Spearhead, John Butler Trio and Missy Higgins.

Bluesfest is one bill that always offers up excellence right down to the fine print. Veteran bluesman Seasick Steve is on board for the Thursday, the incredible Blind Boys Of Alabama will continue a legacy forged in 1939 and the masterly Augie March join a stellar Monday line-up. And that’s just scratching the surface – check the day-by-day breakdown below for all talent.

The 20th Annual Bluesfest
Easter Weekend 2009 – April 9-13
Belongil Fields, Byron Bay, NSW

Thursday
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Watermelon Slim & The Workers
Angelique Kidjo
Sonny Landreth
Seasick Steve
Tony Joe
White Morning of the Earth – Cult Surf Movie Featuring Brian Cadd, Lior, Mike Rudd, Old Man River, Tim Gaze.

Friday
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Zappa Plays Zappa
Blind Boys Of Alabama
Tinariwen
Alabama 3
Blue King Brown

Saturday
BEN HARPER and RELENTLESS7
Lucinda Williams
Toni Childs
Luka Bloom
Eric Bibb
Benny Gallagher
Eugene Hideaway Bridges

Sunday
John Butler Trio
Ruthie Foster
Saltwater Band (more to come)

Monday
BEN HARPER and RELENTLESS7
Missy Higgins
Alpha Blondy
Augie March
Special Beat
The Easy All Stars