Australian Musician’s magnificent photographer Jason Rosewarne pens a heartfelt open letter to Bluesfest
Dear Bluesfest Family,
As next year’s final Bluesfest draws closer, I find myself at a loss for words, grappling with the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to Bluesfest, Byron Bay. It’s a departure that resonates deeply with me, as a photographer and music lover, and I know that I speak for many when I say that the loss feels profound. For those of us who have had the privilege of capturing the magic of Bluesfest, it’s more than just a festival—it’s a sacred ground where music, artistry, and community intertwine in the most harmonious of ways.
Bluesfest was never just a job. It was a celebration—a vivid tapestry of sound and light, where every frame I captured was a testament to the extraordinary talent gracing the stage and the unforgettable moments that unfolded beneath the big tops. For over three decades, this festival has been a beacon of musical brilliance and a haven for photographers like me. We were drawn to Byron Bay not just by the allure of its world-class lineup but by the unique opportunity to witness and document an event that feels both grand and intimate.
The sheer scale of Bluesfest is something to behold. It’s a sprawling canvas where legends are born and where every note and lyric seems to hold a deeper meaning. Yet, amid the grandeur, there’s a sense of closeness—a shared experience between artists, fans, and us, the photographers, who work tirelessly to capture the essence of this remarkable event. Each year, we’ve been blessed with the chance to frame moments of raw emotion, to freeze in time the intensity of a guitarist’s solo or the serene joy of a vocalist lost in their music. These aren’t just photos; they’re memories, they’re stories, they’re the soul of Bluesfest.
But beyond the music, what has made Bluesfest so special is the camaraderie among those of us who roam the grounds with cameras in hand. The shared passion, the unspoken understanding of what it takes to get that perfect shot, the late-night discussions over the best angles and settings—these are the moments that have made the festival not just an event but a cherished community. We’ve laughed, we’ve celebrated, and we’ve sometimes commiserated over missed shots or unexpected weather (getting stuck up to our 4WD’s axles in a boggy carpark until 2am in the morning at last year festival springs to mind). Through it all, there’s been a mutual respect and a deep appreciation for the art we’re all dedicated to.
This sense of community extended far beyond the photographers. Bluesfest has been a gathering place for creatives of all kinds, for those who find joy in the art of capturing and interpreting the world through different lenses—whether through photography, videography, or any other medium. We’ve shared our passion with a diverse group of individuals, each contributing their own perspective and artistry to the festival’s vibrant mosaic.
As we bid farewell to Bluesfest, there’s a palpable sense of loss. It’s not just the absence of a festival; it’s the void left by the collective spirit that has brought us together year after year. The laughter, the long hours, the thrill of capturing that perfect moment—these are the things we’ll miss most. The festival has been a place where we could challenge ourselves creatively, push our boundaries, and ultimately, create something beautiful.
We will miss the unique challenge that Bluesfest presented. The ever-changing light, the dynamic movements of performers, the diverse crowd—it all demanded a keen eye and a quick reflex. Each year, we’ve strived to capture the soul of the event in a way that’s both authentic and compelling. And while the challenge was sometimes daunting, the late nights and early mornings editing before the next days entertainment started, it was always rewarding. The photos we’ve taken over the years are more than just images; they are a testament to the power of live music and the magic of capturing it in real-time.
We must also acknowledge the role that Bluesfest played in fostering a deeper appreciation for music and its myriad of forms. From blues legends to indie singer songwriters, from soulful ballads to electrifying performances, the festival has showcased an incredible range of talent. For us photographers, it was a masterclass in capturing the emotional spectrum of music—a chance to document not just the sound but the feeling of every performance.
As we move forward and the festival grounds fall silent after 2025’s event, let us hold on to the memories we’ve created. Let us remember the joy of capturing a performer’s smile, the thrill of snapping that iconic moment, and the satisfaction of sharing our work with a community that truly values it. These memories will continue to inspire us, and the images we’ve taken will forever be a part of the festival’s legacy.
In closing, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who made Bluesfest possible—Festival Director Peter Noble, and his team of tireless organizers, Greg Phillips (Editor / Owner of Australian Musician Magazine), for allowing me this incredible opportunity to capture Australia’s Premier Festival, the fabulous publicity team headed by Gaynor Crawford and wonderfully assisted by Leigh McGrane, the entire media team that work behind the scenes to keep us all in order, in particular Scott Ferguson & Sarah Ndiaye, the artists, the fans, and of course, my fellow photographers. Your dedication and passion have been the heartbeat of this festival, and your contributions have made it something truly special.
Though Bluesfest may be a chapter that’s closing, the impact it has had on us all will endure. The friendships forged, the skills honed, and the memories made will continue to shape our work and our lives. As we say goodbye, let’s carry forward the spirit of Bluesfest in our hearts and in our art.
Here’s to the music that brought us together, the moments we captured, and the community that made it all so extraordinary. Farewell, Bluesfest. You will be missed, but your legacy will live on through every photograph, every memory, and every note.
With heartfelt gratitude and a touch of melancholy,
Jason Rosewarne
Photographer, Australian Musician Magazine
The final Bluesfest Byron Bay runs from April 17-20, 2025
https://www.bluesfest.com.au/
