Report and Photos by Jason Rosewarne
The Ballarat Blues Festival wrapped up in spectacular fashion over the weekend with its much-anticipated “Main Event” — a powerhouse celebration of the Victorian blues scene. Once again drawing a packed house at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, the show lived up to its reputation: fast-paced, brimming with headline acts, and culminating in a rollicking all-in jam that had the audience on their feet.
Melbourne’s Checkerboard Lounge wasted no time setting the tone. With the soulful force of Carl Pannuzzo leading on drums and vocals, the wizardry of Shannon Bourne on guitar, Zoe Frater driving the groove on bass, and Tim Neal working magic on the Hammond, their set was pure fire from the opening note.
The energy level only grew as the Lloyd Spiegel Trio took the stage. Spiegel’s guitar mastery and gritty vocals, paired with Lisa Baird’s punchy trombone and harmonies and Tim Burnham’s relentless drumming, delivered a high-octane performance that kept the crowd buzzing.
Fresh off a chaotic yet triumphant set at the Mundi Mundi Bash — where lost luggage forced them to borrow instruments — 19-Twenty stormed in with their trademark ferocity. They are, without doubt, one of the hottest festival acts in the country right now, and their passion, sweat, and infectious energy left no question as to why. Their delight in playing such a stunning theatre was as genuine as their sound was raw.
After a short intermission, Ballarat’s own blues royalty, Steve Platter & Marion Turner (formerly Salty Dog), transported the room straight to the Mississippi Delta with their gritty, down-home blues.
The festival’s very own McNamarr Project, led by director John McNamara alongside Andrea Marr, brought a rich blend of powerhouse vocals and tight musicianship. With a stellar lineup featuring Andy Fry (bass), Dave Clark(drums), Shane Gilbert (guitar), Dan West (keys), and Sean Vee (saxophone), they impressed not only as a headline act but also as the backbone house band for much of the night — a feat of musicianship and preparation that deserves immense credit.
Then came one of the evening’s true highlights: blues guitar titans Jimi Hocking and Geoff Achison trading licks in a blistering take on Deep Purple’s Highway Star, which had every ear locked to the stage. The ever-rockin’ Nat Allison joined in with a fresh original, before the night reached its peak — an all-star jam that roared through Gimme Some Lovin’ and Chuck Berry’s Roll Over Beethoven, with guitars flying and the crowd roaring back in approval.
The Main Event wasn’t just a showcase — it was a reminder of why the Ballarat Blues Festival has become a fixture in the Australian blues calendar. With world-class musicianship, camaraderie, and an atmosphere brimming with soul, it’s a must-see for anyone passionate about live music.
Verdict: If you get the chance to catch the Ballarat Blues Festival or one of its sister Blues Guitar Roadshows, don’t think twice — you’ll be witnessing the very best of the blues, delivered with heart and fire.
