Review and photos by Jason Rosewarne
The Blues Guitar Roadshow Brings the House Down at Memo Music Hall
When the Blues Guitar Roadshow (BGR) rolls into town, you don’t just get a gig — you get an electrified, soul-drenched celebration of Australia’s finest blues talent. And if Saturday night’s sold-out show at St Kilda’s Memo Music Hall was anything to go by, this series — the brainchild of John McNamara (of The McNamarr Project) — has officially hit full stride.
Since its humble beginnings in 2022, BGR has evolved into a travelling blues showcase like no other. With each show offering a fresh rotation of Australia’s top-tier guitarists, singers, and sidemen, BGR has built a reputation for jaw-dropping musicianship, tight transitions, and spontaneous magic. There are no long changeovers or tech fumbles here — every artist is ready to walk on, plug in, and blow your mind.
A Soulful Start to a Firecracker Lineup
Kicking off the night was Riding Northbound, John McNamara’s own outfit, featuring the sublime guitar work of Shaun Klinger and John’s signature soulful vocals. This was no warm-up — this was ignition. The groove was deep, the solos were fierce, and the crowd was hooked from note one.
They were soon joined by none other than Simon Kinny-Lewis, the Sydney shredder whose current album Pouring Water on a Drowning Man is sitting proudly at #1 on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay Chart. Kinny-Lewis tore through a blistering set that balanced technique with tone, proving exactly why he’s become one of the country’s most talked-about blues players.
Then came Melbourne music royalty — Wilbur Wilde — whose saxophone swagger and cheeky stage presence lifted the roof. His rendition of Ol’ 55’s “On The Prowl” had the audience roaring in nostalgic delight.
Acclaimed blues, soul vocalist Andrea Marr gave us a couple of inspiring tunes including the McNaMarr Project’s rousing new single “You’re The Fighter’
Acoustic Soul, Towering Voices, and Electric Energy
Enter Lloyd Spiegel, an acoustic powerhouse and master storyteller. Performing solo with his trusty Cole Clark True Hybrid, Spiegel’s set — especially the spellbinding “Tangled Brew” — was a study in dynamics and emotional weight. He was soon joined by the incomparable Lisa Baird, whose vocals and trombone flourishes added a soulful punch that silenced the room in awe.
Geoff Achison has become a mainstay of these Blues Guitar events and was in fine form again at Memo. Geoff chose to offer a fabulous tribute to the three kings, BB, Albert and Freddie, delivering some slick, fiery licks all with his usual stage charm
Next came Kerri Simpson, delivering her trademark vocal grit and charm. Joking that she was relieved not to be playing guitar “among these legends,” she instead gave a vocal performance that more than held its own. Then Justin Yap stepped in, layering smooth, expressive guitar lines over a band now locked into a deep, electric groove.
The Grand Finale: An All-In Jam Explosion
As with every BGR show, the night ended in a fiery, all-in jam session — this time featuring a roof-raising version of “Gimme Some Lovin’” (Spencer Davis Group) and a crowd-fuelled “Roll Over Beethoven” (Chuck Berry). It was blues heaven — musicians trading licks, the crowd on their feet, and a vibe that only happens when the best of the best share a stage.
What’s Next for BGR?
BGR isn’t slowing down — in fact, it’s about to explode at the Ballarat Blues Festival on Sunday August 24th at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts. The lineup is insane:
19-Twenty
Lloyd Spiegel Trio feat. Lisa Baird & Tim Burnham
Triple Fret feat. Geoff Achison, Jimi Hocking & Kathleen Halloran
The McNamarr Project feat. John McNamarra & Andrea Marr
Checkerboard Lounge, Steve Platter, Nat Allison, and more to be announced!
Upcoming Dates:
- Fri 19 Sept – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
- Sat 20 Sept – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre
- Thurs 13 Nov – Warragul, West Gippsland Art Centre
- Fri 14 Nov – Frankston Arts Centre
- Sat 15 Nov – Castlemaine Theatre Royal
Follow the Groove
For full lineups, ticket info, and footage from past shows, follow Blues Guitar Roadshow on Facebook. Whether you’re a blues diehard or just hungry for incredible live music, BGR is Australia’s premier showcase of electric soul, swampy riffs, and next-level talent.
Also check out this recent interview Australian Musician did with John McNamara about Blues Guitar Roadshow