Photos by Jason Rosewarne
Ballarat turned on a fabulous weekend of blues across 15–16 August, with the Ballarat Blues Festival bringing a broad mix of established Australian artists, international players and local talent to venues throughout the city. The festival’s Main Event at Wendouree Centre for the Performing Arts featured Australian music legends Joe Camilleri and the Wilbur Wilde Rock Royalty Revue, alongside international slide guitar heavyweight Dave Hole and a series of tribute performances celebrating artists including the Allman Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, Gary Moore, Etta James, Rory Gallagher and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Elsewhere, free shows, intimate showcases and late-night performances spread the festival atmosphere through Ballarat, with the Women in Blues Showcase (featuring The McNamarr Project, Rudy Edgeley, Salty Dog and Rhiannon Simpson), The Painted Lady’s two-day program and performances at The Hop Temple, and Nat Allison at Aunty Jacks adding to a weekend that highlighted both the depth of Australia’s blues community and the enduring appeal of the genre.
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