Jackson Browne and Seal lead the second line-up announcement for Bluesfest 2018.
Following on from the first announcement featuring Robert Plant, 16 more acts have been added to Bluesfest.
In a statement, Bluesfest boss Peter Noble said,
“Our second Bluesfest artist announcement features a cross section of artists – from the greatest African artist of our time, to incredible singers (in a year we already have such incredibly great singers already announced), to the best in Americana, Reggae, Blues & Roots music and more. From top to bottom, I am so proud of Bluesfest’s new announcement of 16 amazing artists. When added to those already announced, and with more to come, it’s going to be very special Bluesfest. Each festival is a hand crafted labour of love. I work hard to present a truly world class event, and I take pride in it being very special, EVERY YEAR.
“Legendary African artist Youssou N’Dour is coming with his 20 piece band of musicians, singers and acrobats to play Bluesfest on Good Friday in what will surely be remembered as one of the most spectacular performances ever at the festival.
“In a year we are already presenting the great singers Robert Plant and Lionel Richie, we now announce that the soulful Seal and Jamaica’s greatest singer Jimmy Cliff will also play at Bluesfest 2018.
“Michael Franti and Spearhead have been playing Bluesfest for a long time now. The reason we keep bringing them back is simple: they are one of the best festival bands…..EVER, PERIOD. FULL STOP. They are guaranteed to get everyone pumped, and into the collective trance state Michael calls, One Mind. Michael Franti and Spearhead at Bluesfest is an event not to be missed.
“Jackson Browne, a true renaissance man; as well as a gifted artist. He is returning with his classic songs and important message about human rights, charitable contributions and environmental activism. Jackson is a member of both the Rock & Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame, with hits The Pretender, Doctor My Eyes, Take It Easy, Somebody’s Baby and Running On empty and so many more.
“Since Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit last played Bluesfest, he has won Two Grammy Awards, and after his clean sweep at the Americana Music Awards in 2014 winning Song, Album AND Artist of the year, he has since also won Song AND Album of the year in 2016, plus had a number one album, TWICE in the Billboard Country, Folk AND Rock charts. This is an artist whose time has come. His performances at Bluesfest 2018 are not to be missed.
“In Contemporary music we have Rag ‘n Bone Man coming for more amazing performances after a highly successful tour earlier this year. In exciting news for fans Gomez are getting back together for their 20th anniversary tour. We also have the amazing Benjamin Booker, Andre Cymone, The Teskey Brothers and Hurray for the Riff Raff a band fronted by Alynda Segarra. Comparisons are already being made to Rhiannon Giddens and Gillian Welch!
“They are on a mission from God, and coming to Bluesfest…..yes, it’s the truly incredible Original Blues Brothers Band. They have only played Bluesfest once before, and they are coming back to Australia by popular demand…. simply showstoppers.
“Walter Trout will play Bluesfest after cancelling his scheduled 2014 tour, due to his needing a liver transplant. Walter is doing fine nowadays, and has just delivered his most successful career defining album yet, the Billboard Blues chart number one album We’re All In This Together, with guests Joe Bonamassa, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Charlie Musselwhite to name a few. Interestingly Warren Haynes, Eric Gales and Joe Louis Walker who are all playing Bluesfest 2018 also feature. There’s going to be some serious jams going down. Walter has also recently won two Blues Music Awards. It’s hard to believe he last played Bluesfest in 1995!
“Canned Heat, the US Blues ‘n Boogie legends, played the first ever Bluesfest in 1990. They are one of a handful of Blues bands who have had hit records, and, as a result, bought many people to The Blues. Their hits include “Let’s Work Together”, “Going Up The Country”, and the Classic “On The Road Again.”
“We love our Reggae music at Bluesfest, and have the greatest Reggae singer Jimmy Cliff coming to enthral us with such classics including “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, “The Harder They Come”, “Sitting in Limbo”, “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”, “Many Rivers to Cross” and many more.
“The Wailers, always led by Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett have kept the music of Bob Marley alive and well. Family Man made a promise to Bob, before he passed, that he would do this, and he has kept his word, and continued on this crusade for 30 years. The Wailers will play every night at Bluesfest, presenting different classic albums by Bob Marley and the Wailers plus all the hits. For the first time in many, many years Family Man will be joined in stage by original Wailers member Junior Marvin on guitar and vocals, and Tyrone Downie, on keyboards. To Roots Reggae fans, this will be a very special occasion.
“I hope you like this announcement as much as I do, and that you will join us next Easter.
With love and peace”.
Bluesfest announcement number 2 for 2018
Youssou N’dour
Seal
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Jackson Browne
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit
Gomez
Rag ‘N’ Bone Man
The Original Blues Brothers Band
Jimmy Cliff
The Wailers
Benjamin Booker
Hurray For The Riff Raff
Canned Heat
Walter Trout
André Cymone
The Teskey Brothers
The first announcement featured:
Robert Plant And The Sensational Space Shifters
Lionel Richie
The John Butler Trio
Tash Sultana
The New Power Generation
Chic Featuring Nile Rodgers
First Aid Kit
Jose Gonzalez
Morcheeba
Gov’t Mule
Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real
The California Honeydrops
Eric Gales
Bobby Rush
Dumpstaphunk
Joe Louis Walker
Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
Bluesfest is on Easter 2018 at Byron Bay, New South Wales.
