 | SYDNEY BLUES SOCIETY |
NSW BLUES ARTISTS
If you are not on the list and think you should be then please, please complete the form below - basically we need your help.
This list is a work in progress and it clearly not complete. Do not read any prejudice at this point in time if you have been omitted, we are volunteers trying to get it done asap, so please bear with us.
Also we are not going to be arbiters of what is, or isn't a Blues Artist, if you identify as a Blues performer then we are OK, that being said, if Slipknot of Lil Dicky submit a bio we might have second thoughts!
Jump to Bands Jump to Performers
BANDS
12 Bar DUdes
12 Bar Dudes is a 3 piece (or 4 piece) acoustic blues band based around Sydney and regions since 2018. It features double bass, guitar and saxophone which gives us a unique blues sound with a mixture of originals and contemporary blues tunes from Australian and international artists. Our debut EP “Shake Off The Blues” features six original tracks, was released in November 2022 reached #8 on the Australian Blues and Roots charts and is still getting plays on blues radio shows in Australia and the UK. Our latest album “What Went Wrong” featuring 10 original tracks, was released in April 2024 and is getting airplay here and abroad.
12 Bare Dudes are: Graeme Druce: Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Phil Laxton: Vocals, Saxophone, Guitar, Ross Johnston: Double Bass, Greg Ohlback: Drums
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/12bardudes
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Ain't My Style
Ain't My Style are a Sydney based Australian Blues band. The band formed in mid 2022 having similar interests based on good times and solid bluesy grooves. Described as a throwback to the days of John Matayall and Cream like Terry Zakis (guitar & vocals), Greg Johns (drums), and Dave Harves (bass)
Facebook: facebook.com/aintmystyle
ALLAN WATTs BLUES BAND
Allan Watts Blues Band are a hard hitting, refined and imperfectly impressively professional Texas blues band. Hailing from Bega, the industry experienced trio are fronted by Lead guitarist and vocalist Allan Watts. Allan takes centre stage to showcase intricate, melodic, riff heavy electric guitar that marries seamlessly to his punchy and emotive vocals.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alland
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/allanwattsbluesband
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BARREL DAWG
With all the rumble of an old Holden V8, Barrel Dawg are from Port Macquarie and Lithgow, travelling between the two areas; and are known for their unique music. They are storytellers, a bit rootsie, a tad swampy, somewhat mountain style gritty blues with a hint of dark country… what! We tread the line between Swampy Mountain Blues, Countrified Soul, Dark Folk and Juke Joint Rock! We play original music with our own unique foot stomping style and feature a variety of Cigar Box Guitars.
Website: www.barreldawg.com.au Facebook: facebook.com/BarrelDawgBand
BLUE CHEESE RATS
A Sydney based blues band featuring many original songs and a mix of favourite covers. Great feel and positive energy. A blend of funky, punchy full bodied riffs and licks with a good helping of attitude. We call it "Blues that's good for your soul". The band consists of Jason Douglas on drums, Milan Milanovic on harp, Dave Harves on bass, Max Harper on keys and Terry Zakis on guitar and vocals.
big mama & the hanged men
Members Choice Award Winner 2020. Category: Best Streaming Performance.
Big Mama & The Hanged Men are a high energy funky blues band from Sydney featuring International Blues Powerhouse Fran "Big Mama" Liddle on vocals, highly acclaimed musical director George "Medicine Man" Rigatos on guitar, internationally recognised drummer and arranger Ed Rodrigues and the king of all that is funky and blues Serg Coniglione on bass. Big Mama has been described as having the voice of an angel who has found the key to the liquor cabinet. There are people who can sing and people who have pipes and Big Mama has PIPES! Big Mama is a favourite for her comical quips as well as those pipes and combining them with the virtuoso performances of George, Ed and Serg this is a Sydney band you don't want to miss.
Bondi Cigars
Rarely has an Australian band received as much consistent and widespread acclaim from critics and music fans alike. With more than a half a dozen albums under their belts and years of constant touring, this award winning quartet have well and truly worked their way into Australia's musical heart. The Bondi's consistently deliver the goods: with Down In The Valley nominated in the 2003 ARIA awards for Best Blues & Roots Album, 1995’s After Closing Time awarded Best Blues Album at the 1996 Lithgow Blues Festival, and two of their songs, Lead Me Not Into Temptation and Intensive Care, chosen to feature on the popular ABC Seachange album. As with all great bands, the sum of the whole exceeds the sum of the parts and the Bondi Cigars are no exception. Members include: Frank Corby, Eben Hale, Shane Pacey, Alan Britton
Website: www.bondicigars.com
Blues Collective
Blues Collective has been performing Swamp and Chicago Blues since its inception in 2015. Fronted by Angela Mac on vocals and Chris Martin Murphy on vocals, guitar and harmonica, the other members are Martin Skipper on guitar, Ina Chisholm on bass, Marty Davison on saxophone and Bruce Stephens on drums. Blues Collective performs its own arrangements of Swap and Chicago Blues songs written by Tony Joe White, Dr. John, JJ Cale, Taj Mahal, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, BB King, Solomon Burke, Etta James, Jimmy Reed, Robert Johnson, Elmore James, Freddie King, Bonnie Raitt and Others.
BONNIE K & THE BONAFIDES
Bonnie Kay, a contemporary American signer/songwriter from Philly uses acoustic, finger-picking, slide-guitar techniques, plus a voice reminiscent of blues icon Bonnie Raitt's to deliver her own red-hot, sassy blues and roots. Her Bonafide companions? Wayne Rigby on saxophone and flute, Catherine Golden on double bass, Calvin Welch on drums, Claire Hollander on trumpet and Illya Szwec on electric guitar and you’ve got blues with the additional elements of jazz, soul and funk - sometimes smooth and jazzy, sometimes gritty and raw- taking the dance to a sobbing heap on the floor and then lifting it up into a foot-stomping, hollering hootenanny . It’s a Bonafide Band with a capital B. That, there, is the triple truth, Ruth! Sydney based band, Bonnie Kay and the Bonafides have played 17 music festivals around the country in the last 5 years including Blues at Bridgetown in WA, 2 years in a row at Echuca Winter Blues festival in Victoria and Agnes Blues, Roots and Rock Festival in Queensland.
Blue Rock
Blue Rock are a 2 piece band that plays their own brand of blues with a rock edge in Sydney, Australia. The band features Caelan aged 19 who sings, plays guitar and drums with his feet (via 6 foot pedals) at the same time. The use of complex beats on the foot drums in conjunction with blazing guitar, bass grooves and vocal harmonies give the band a rich sound despite being a 2 piece band.
Blue Rock are a new band, however they have already recorded and released an album which has received favourable reviews internationally. Caelan was selected by the Sydney Blues Society to play at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee as part of the Youth Showcase.
BlueSTA
Bluesta is a collection of seasoned artists covering the complete world of electric blues from all the legends as well as bluesed-up takes of classic songs and a spattering of original material. Based on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Bluesta is led by song writer / producer and bassist Steve 'Songsta' Marquis. Bluesta will get you moving to the music of Ray Charles, Willie Dixon, Robert Johnson, all the Kings, Louis Prima, Jimmy Reed, Rufus Tomas, Stevie Ray & more.
Website: https://songsta.com.au/bluesta.html
cj raggart duo
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2016. Category: Solo/Duo.
Chris J Raggart and Kelvin Carlsson.
Continental Blues Party
Continental Rob's latest project is a soul/blues/down home funk combo "CONTINENTAL BLUES PARTY" who have been turning on audiences with their electrifying, soul charged, R'N'B workouts. Mixing "Continental" Robert's own blues & soul compositions (including "Soul Kind of Feeling") with show-stopping versions of tunes from the greats like - Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, James Brown, Joe Simon, Curtis Mayfield, BB King to name a few!!
CBP have released an album "On The Soul Side" on Vitamin Records. The Continental Blues Party features "Continental" Robert Susz - lead vocals & harmonica And hotshots like; "Hit Single" Adam Pringle - guitar & vocals, Illya "Cossak" Szwec - guitar, Clayton "Teenager" Doley - organ, Robert "The Hungry" Woolf - organ, electric piano & vocals, Rowan "Express" Lane - bass, Antero "Skinny Jr" Ceschin - drums & vocals. And in recognition the passed and dearly missed Vito "Mr Showbiz" Portolesi - bass & vocals.
Clayton Doley’s Bayou Billabong
Clayton Doley’s Bayou Billabong captures the essence of the New Orleans Blues piano tradition while fusing contemporary Australiana and Americana with all the might and power of a 10 piece band. Featuring a powerful 4-piece horn section, the ‘Hi-Fi-Doley-T Horns’, and the ferociously sweet vocals of the fabulous ‘Clay-tones’. Clayton's latest album was recorded in New Orleans and features The Monster Gentlemen as the band as well as the amazing marching band brass of The Treme Funktet with members of Galactic and Trombone Shorty's Orleans Avenue.
Christina Croft BAND
Christina is described as "Lucinda Williams meets Rory Gallagher down under' and to those familiar with her muscular blues/rock lead and slide guitar playing coupled with her bright and light country tinged vocal style it's a fitting description.
A familiar face on the Sydney blues scene for many years, Christina has also appeared on many Australian high profile festivals including Blues on Broadbeach, Thredbo Blues Festival and Echuca Winter Blue Festival to name a few.
Christina has developed a distinct style which has manifested in several well regarded studio albums, the most recent of which 'Just How Love Feels' debuted at #2 in the ABARAC and remained in the charts for over 14 months.
Website: www.christinacrofts.com
CRYSTAL BLUES BAND
Bringing the juke joint back with our unique style of Chicago, Delta, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues. Crystal Blues Band comprises of seasoned musicians from Sydney. Crystal Moore - Blues songwriter, Vocals and Rhythm guitar, Rob Lutzow - Lead Guitar and vocals, Nathan Mychno - Bass and Henry Sliwka on drums.
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DADDY LONGLEGS AND THE SWAMP DONKEYSFrom the murky depths of the Balgowlalooga swamp, rises the smokey mud stained rhythms of the Swamp Donkeys.
Riding astride the donkeys like a golf ball balanced on eight toothpicks is the auburn vagabond known as Mr Daddy Long Legs. He can be heard growling his “Gut Butter Blues” throughout the urban forest.
When these creatures of musical madness step together, the sound of their march is like an infusion of blues/rock/rambles.
Their journey has taken them to various festivals and venues throughout the distant corners of Australia.
Once bitten by their muscular mating songs, the venom spreads through your system with an addictive force causing its victim to dance like a possessed penguin on crack. A musical experience that has to be seen to be believed. They are: Aaron ‘Daddy Long Legs’ Houston – Guitar/vocals, Jay McCray – Harp, Krishaan Wright – Drums, Dougal Scott– Bass
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daddylonglegsandtheswampdonkeys
DARREN JACK BANDSydney Blues Challenge Winner 2012: Category: Band - (Darren Jack Hammond Organ Trio)
Multiple award-winning blues artist Darren Jack has been electrifying audiences with his signature powerhouse Rock'n'Blues and original music for the last twenty years. Jack has taken out 5 Australian Blues Music Awards and has won the Sydney Blues Challenge an unprecedented two times in 2012 (Band Category) and in 2014 (Solo Category). He has represented Australia in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee in 2013, and also in 2015. His music will take you from blistering, gut wrenching blues to smooth melodies that will soothe your soul. Jack's honesty and commitment are the real deal.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/darrenjackmusic
DEFENDERS (WARDS XPRESS)
The Defenders ( formerly Wards Xpress ) were first formed in 2018 after band-leader Ross Ward ( Guitar/Vocals) had taken a well-earned break after 25 years of running Wards Xpress. Based on the Central Coast now the band last played the Girrakool festival . The Defenders released a cracking version of JJ Cale's 'Tijuana' in 2019. The band is a vehicle for Ross' original songs and are looking forward to returning to regular gigs post COVID.
DOMINIQUE MAURICE COMBO
A Blues, Soul band based in Sydney.
Dominique is a seasoned singer/songwriter/guitarist. She has performed at many large corporate gigs around Sydney and Asia and at blues festivals. She has recently recorded her third album.
Martin plays guitar and has played in many English, Scottish and Sydney bands.
Marcel plays bass and was in a well know 80s band featuring a female singer.
Dave is a drummer/vocalist and has played in many bands, blues festivals and at Byron Bluesfest.
The band members carry a wealth of experience in performing to large audiences and in intimate settings.
Drey Rollan Band
Energy, rhythm and sheer audacity paints the Blues rock landscape of the Drey Rollan Band, that is set to both move and engage the listener. With their rocking vocals, explosive guitar licks and funky rhythms that shape a driving musical force that is both dynamic and unique. Providing a healthy dose of Rhythm & Blues, & Rock to audience’s throughout Sydney. The Drey Rollan Band have played up and down the East coast, capital cities, festivals and everywhere in between.
The Drey Rollan Band has performed at Frankie's Pizza by the Slice (Wednesday night residency), Byron Bay Guitar Festival, Sydney Guitar Festival alongside the likes of Kaki King, Derek Gripper, Nathan Cavaleri, Daniel Champangne, Turner Brown, Marc Ribot & Z Star Trinity. He has also performed at Throttle Roll Street Party, Garter Belts & Gasoline Festival, Hot Rod & Customs Auto Expo and Sydney’s Rock N Roll Alternative Market’s.
Website: dreyrollan.com Email: dreyrollan@gmail.com
Django Blackheart
Django Blackheart are a Sydney guitar and harmonica band who play original songs and covers in a style infused with the bluesy, rootsy overtones reminiscent of the early seventies era. Their debut EP "Unlocked" offers five, lyrically-driven, original songs exploring love, loss, protest and addiction. They are currently working on an album as well as gigging regularly.
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Foreday Riders
Members Choice Award Winner 2019 & 2020. Category: Local Blues Band
A working band since 1967, the Foreday Riders have picked up the label ‘Sydney’s University Of The Blues’, owing to longevity and the parade of outstanding players who have ‘done time’ in the ranks over the years. The musical foundation of the Riders is the electric Chicago Blues of the 1950s and 60s, but the band draws on many other sources, including jump blues, soul jazz, Texas and West Coast styles, even a touch of New Orleans. Original members, brothers Ron King (harmonica/vocals) and Jeff King (guitar/dobro) are still with the band, as is the enduring rhythm section of Rosscoe Clark (drums since 1982) and sleepy Stan Mobbs (bass guitar since 1990). Popular front man Shane Pacey (guitar/vocals) has been with the band a mere 7 years. The band has always stuck with the outlook it started with: If the band is having a ball, so probably too are the punters….
Website: www.foredayriders.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/377111099013682/
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George Washingmachine Blues Band
Girdlestone, KIM
Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist
With a voice rich, distinct and emotive, Kim Girdlestone hits the crossroads of Blues, Folk and Soul.
Website: www.kimgirdlestone.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/kimgirdlestone
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ILLYA SZWEC'S GROOVE DEPOT wITH pat powell
Illya Szwec's Groove Depot are over on the funky-blues side of town, playing their favourite tunes from Memphis, Muscle Shoals & New Orleans! Up there onstage, you're likely to see high profile musicians playing with the Groove Depot who have performed with Jimmy Barnes, The Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Kingtide, Katie Noonan and Guy Sebastian. The band has played all over Sydney as well as performed at festivals at Narooma, Bellingen and Thredbo. Lead vocals courtesy of Pat Powell, and groovy guitar courtesy of Illya Szwec!
Website: www.illyaszwec.com/groove-depo
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Jack Derwin & The Ragged Gents
Album: Money in my Jar by Jack Derwin & The Ragged Gents
Jack Derwin, along with ragged gents Michael Huxley on drums, and Warren Ambrose on bass guitar, derive their unique sound of blues and roots from jack’s originals and unique delivery, bordering on blues, jazz and country blues, the sound is earthy with twists of electric, acoustic, resonator guitars and blues harp. include tight rhythmic grooves from the gents, over urban and outback themes; somewhere near the crossroads.. This is the debut album by Jack Derwin & The Ragged Gents. Check out Oh my Darling”, full of resonator guitar and blues harp, this is a song about the recent struggles of the Darling River. Other tracks like “Money in my jar” gives hope amongst the images of coastal and rural Australia. While “Lockdown haze”, also looks for the positivity in a restricted time. Some dirty blues here with “I feel a wave”, yet with a more sense of positivity too. Jacks’ deep vocal tones are hugged by rhythm and grooves, jangling, resonating and acoustic guitars and haunting blues harp. These songs don’t fit into a typical category of blues or other genres, yet have an accessible nature that may just get you “Stuck in the blues”
Website: www.jackderwin.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083190917219&mibextid=LQQJ4d
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Kate Lush BAND
Most recently winning U.S Blues Blast honorary mention, 2020 unsigned only best blues, 2020 Canada's Blues & Roots Best Blues Band and 2020 Chain Award Nominated for Best Blues Artist & Best Album & Best Single. Kate Lush ha charted alongside the likes of Norah Jones, Tedeschi Trucks, Samantha Fish, Taj Mahal and Robert Cray. Kate is one of Australia's most outstanding Blues & Soul vocalists. Gritty, soulful & straight from the heart. Think Tedeschi with a touch of Aretha's soul and Bonnie Raitt's harder rock edge! Blues, old school Funk, Rhythm & Soul... with a New Orleans twist.
Website: www.katelush.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/10ve4y0u
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Lightning Ground
LIGHTNING GROUND are a Sydney based Original Blues band. This creative team of musicians blend a variety of ideas to put forward some unique and imaginative music and lyrics. Lightning Ground perform some TUFF blues and release all this as raw energy through their live performances.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightningGroundLisa Ohlback and the Mercy Train
Liza's powerful earthy voice is inspired by the great southern Gospel and Soul singers. Her unique blending of Soulful Blues/Gospel with a taste of New Orleans Infused Jazz grooves, along with her witty tales, have seen her win Triple Chain Awards and achieve no. #1 albums in Aus and #2 in The US. Liza has also toured nationally as the lead of the theatre documentary, Pearl - The Janis Joplin Story.
Youtube: www.lizaohlback.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU6epBderoI
Lachy Doley Group
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2014. Category: Band.
In 2010 Lachy began recording and playing under his own name and has now become one the World’s most recognised Hammond Organ players and Blues artists. With the release of the first album, people would assume Lachy was just a solo singer/songwriter thus he added GROUP to the his title which then created The Lachy Doley Group. Over the years The Lachy Doley Group has had over 100 musicians play for and contribute live including Australian’s Jan Bangma, Adam Church, Byron Goodwin, Jackie Barnes, Joel Burton and also many great players picked up locally when touring Europe and North America. Lachy and his group have graced the stages of Bospop Festival NL, Montreal Jazz Festival CA, Swiecie Blues Festival PL, Blues on Broadbeach AU, Culemborg Blues Festival NL, Bejar Blues Festival ES, Donnacona Blues Festival CA, Woodford Folk Festival AU, Caloundra Music Festival AU, Atri Blues Festival IT, Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival GB, Augustibluus EE, Wine and Blues Festival PT, Kitchener Blues Festival CA, Embassy Festival NL and so many more. Collectively Lachy and the Lachy Doley Group have now released 6 Studio albums, 2 Live albums and a Live DVD plus countless other singles and viral Facebook and YouTube videos.
Leanne Parish Band
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Mal Eastick project
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2013. Category: Band.
Mal Eastick, one of Australia's finest blues rock guitarists, has a passionate, explosive and soulful style that has been featured with some of Australia's biggest recording and performing acts for over 30 years.
With a career that is now into its 5th decade, Mal Eastick has played alongside renowned musicians such as Johnnie Johnson – Chuck Berry’s keyboard player, Joe Walsh, Tommy Emmanuel, Phil Emmanuel, Phil Manning, Ian Moss, Junior Wells, Little Charlie and & the Night Cats and Lonnie Mack. He was the guitar player in The Animal’s Eric Burdon’s 1989 Australian tour, recorded an album and toured with Broderick Smiths Big Combo, as well as touring with Cold Chisel, The Party Boys and Chain.
With his own band, Mal has supported many others including Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Robert Cray, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Joe Louis Walker and Charlie Musselwhite
Website: mal-eastick.com
Mark 'N the Blues
Let Mark’s passion for the blues take you on a journey to the deep south where the Delta blues was born, through the ages and styles from past to present. In his show Mark incorporates instruments such as the Resonator guitar with slide, Cigar Box guitar and a stomp box to keep the beat.
Mark Bishop has always had a deep seated passion and love for the acoustic blues. This passion was cultivated when he met John Morris (Brother John) from the Blues Preachers, who developed in him a love for songs from Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Mississippi John Hurt and many others from the era along with originals in the same genre. Mark has now put together his new solo act, ‘Mark ‘N the Blues’, where he uses the acoustic guitar and resonator to punch out classic delta and country blues in a unique picking style he learnt from Brother John.
In duo or trio format Mark is joined by local harmonica players and drummer David Rowlands on washboard. The Mark ‘N The Blues show has appeared at venues around Sydney and Central Coast as with various folk and blues festivals including the Sydney Blues Festival in Goulburn.
Website: www.markntheblues.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/markntheblues
MATT ROBERTS TRIO
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2015. Category: Band.
MICHELLE VAN DER MEER'S MIDNIGHT RAMBLERS
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2010. Category: Band
MILENNA BARRETT BAND
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2018. Category: Band.
Members Choice Award Winner 2019 & 2020. Category: Female Vocal
Members Choice Award Winner 2020. Category: Band
For lovers of authentic blues and soul, the sonic shockwave that is Milena Barrett is like a rip in the space-time continuum. Considered by many as the wild child of Etta James and Steve Marriot, her voice is a time machine transporting us back to a jumping back-woods BBQ shack somewhere deep in the Delta but with a sensitive touch of Parisian nights.
Whether she performs in London, Memphis, or Sydney, the Aussie-born, British singer resonates all the way through the blues, soul and roots rock era. Milena delivers a mystic blend reminiscent of the late, great Janis Joplin, but don't be fooled, it's also a voice of today, a knowingly street smart power that evokes the spirit of Amy Winehouse touched with the sensitivity of Adele.
So while Blues Time Magazine compares her with Aretha Franklin, Glen A Baker describes her as 'One of Australia’s most talented Blues & Soul female vocalists, an outstanding Talent like no others' and Steve Arthur of the LA Weekly writes 'Milena’s voice will transport you to this cherish place where only true lovers go, her voice is loaded with pure, genuine and spontaneous passion”
Muddy Legs
Muddy Legs is a Sydney based Australian Blues, Soul, Country and Gospel band founded by guitarist/songwriter Ben Chakravorty along with soulful singer songwriter Ariel Abetted. Currently working in the studio on their debut album for this project , their repertoire of songs spans a wide spectrum with influences from American roots , delta swamp blues , southern gospel , soul to country rock music. Its an absolute treat to watch them playing live, the energy of the band will get you grooving and stomping away!
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NEW SOUTH TRIO
Members Choice Award Winner 2020 & 2021. Category: Young Band/Performer
Fronted by Harry Tompsett and Aidan Glover and powered by the force that is Ed Rodrigues, The New South Trio have built a unique sound reminiscent of Corby, Mayer, Gary Clark Jr, Clapton and John Butler.
Incredible musicians with seven years of performing live together, The New South Trio have showcased their original music with two singles.
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/thenewsouthtrio/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNewSouthBand
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P J O'Brien Band
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2005 & 2016. Category: Band
Members Choice Award Winner 2019. Category: Best Monthly House Band.
Driven by PJ’s fat and funky guitar and accompanied by his smooth, soul-filled vocals, PJ’S music is receiving widespread acclaim. His Blues exude both a retro and modern feel, delivering award-winning songwriting and spine-tingling dynamics. Tom Hyslop of Blues Revue USA has labelled PJ ‘a talent to watch’ and Al Hensley of Rhythms Magazine Australia recently named him ‘one of the brightest talents to emerge on the Aussie Blues scene in a long while….an international blues star on the rise’. PJ's album, Jefferson Blues debuted at No. 1 on the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Chart. The CD has received fantastic reviews in Australia, the UK and the US and is currently receiving airplay in Australia, Europe and the United States. PJ's music has featured in Blues Revue (USA), Blues Blast (USA), Blues Matters (UK), Classic Rock's 'Blues' (UK), Rhythms (AUS) FHM (AUS) and Australian Guitar Magazine.
PJ has won numerous music awards over the years and in 2006 received an Australia Council grant to represent the Sydney Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN. In February 2017 the PJ O'Brien Band again represented the SBS at the 2017 International Blues Challenge reaching the semi-finals from a field of over one hundred and twenty American and International acts. He has played multiple times at Australia's premier Blues festivals such as Blues at Bridgetown (WA), Great Southern Blues Festival (NSW), Thredbo Blues Festival (NSW) Gympie Muster (QLD), Darling Harbour Jazz and Blues Festival (NSW), Blues on Broadbeach (QLD) Echuca Winter Blues Festival (VIC) and the Australian Blues Music Festival (NSW), as well as top Sydney music venues including the Basement, The Vanguard and the Factory Theatre.
PACEY, KING & DOLEY
When three of our best local Australian musicians come together, Shane Pacey, Sally King and Clayton Doley, one needs to stand back and just savor the moment in time, this is going to be worth every moment. Featuring David Green on Bass Guitar & Vocals (Lana Cantrell, Hot City Bump Band, Seals and Croft, Sally King Band) and Davo Fester (Shane Pacey Trio, Glenn Cardier, Bondi Cigars, Foreday Riders ) on Drums.
SHANE PACEY has had over the last four decades, an outstanding career in music and with recent accolades from the Sydney Blues Society as 2019 Best Male Vocalist and Song Writer any more justification on his extraordinary talent and love by audiences all over this land. Shane Pacey is the lead vocalist / guitarist and songwriter for the Bondi Cigars, Shane Pacey Trio, and the legendary Foreday Riders.
SALLY KING is considered blues royalty and a pioneer of women in blues in the Sydney blues scene. She has worked with the likes of Bo Diddley, Jimmy McGriff, Hightide Harris, Jacky Orzarsky. Sally is truly blessed with an irresistibly authentic voice that settles into the groove from the first note. Whether singing her own beautifully crafted songs or putting a unique stamp on classic - audiences warm instantly to Sally’s vibrant stage presence. The fabulous Sally King is the real deal.
CLAYTON DOLEY is one of Australia’s most in-demand singer, keyboard player and songwriters, brandishing all things Hammond and beyond. Clayton won the 2019 Sydney Blues Society Keyboard Player of The Year. His skills’ have brought him international recognition having shared the stage with some of the world’s biggest names in music including Steve Cropper, Donald Duck Dunn, Joe Bonamassa, Dan Aykroyd, Jimmy Barnes, The Divinyls, Richard Clapton and Harry Manx, to name just a few. PACEY KING & DOLEY together, are to be backed by a stellar rhythm section.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pkandd
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Ray Beadle Trio
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2007
Ray Beadle was born in Fairfield Hospital on May 5 1978 in the western suburbs of Sydney. Ray's first memory of guitar was hearing his father Ray Snr play at home. Listening to his father strumming on his acoustic sparked something inside which would cause an obsession with the six stringed instrument for the rest of the young Ray Jnrs life!
Coming from a family of music lovers, it seemed inevitable that Ray would play music.
Blues and Jazz were styles introduced to Ray by his uncles who taught him to learn guitar solos and chords by listening to records and finding the notes by ear.
Website: www.raybeadleband.com
Red SLIM
Red Slim Power Trio brings to the stage a mind blowing performance that includes a range of music from original pieces to a special selection of Blues Classics, going from Freddie King, T-Bone Walker, Howlin’ Wolf, BB King, Albert King, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy all the way to Red’s main influence Jimi Hendrix.
Red is known for playing slide blues wirelessly mid show using whatever he can grab (lighters, glasses, beer bottles, mobiles, shoes, spoons, chairs, etc…) The performance features the classic guitar tones & sounds from the late 60s. Vintage Stratocasters, Fuzz Faces, Univibes, etc… and the band is already one of the most exciting blues acts in Australia having done two US Tours. Definitely not to be missed!
WebSite: https://linktr.ee/Redslim
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/red.slim.II
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SALLY KING & THE REPEAT OFFENDERS
A brand new outfit with a pedigree line-up of old hands who just keep on coming back with a vengeance, the Repeat Offenders will stand and deliver a set of good times blues & swampy southern soul that is guaranteed to get you in the groove for some hip shakin', toe tappin' fun. You will hear classic tunes from the likes of Keb Mo, Big Maybelle, Bobby Bland, Betty Harris, Solomon Burke, Bonnie Raitt and Albert King plus some high quality originals blended into the mix.
Featuring:
SALLY KING
- soul and blues diva on vocals (PACEY KING & DOLEY, The Champions
- veteran performer and pioneer of women in blues in the Sydney blues scene
- Sydney Blues Society Winner Favourite Female Singer 2021
GARY LOTHIAN
- lead and slide guitar (Cyril B Bunter Band 1972 - 1985, 2013 - 2021)
- highly regarded by many blues musicians as one of our finest guitar players.
ROSSCOE CLARK
- drummer extraordinaire (Dom Turner's Urban Blues Project, Foreday Riders, Cyril B Bunter Band, Ali Penney & the Money Makers)
- Sydney Blues Society Winner Favourite Drummer 2020, 2021, 2022
DAVE GREEN
- Bass grooves (PACEY KING & DOLEY, Hot City Bump Band, Seals & Croft)
- 5 string bass aficionado.
SHANE PACEY TRIO
Members Choice Award Winner 2020. Category: Local Blues Band & Best Monthly House Band
The Voice and Guitar of the Bondi Cigars, One of the country’s finest Blues Triple-threats’ (Singer/Guitarist/Songwriter)
Shane Pacey - Guitar and Vocals with Paul Blasi - Bass and Dave Fester – Drums.
Although Shane’s other band, The Bondi Cigars is still very much a going concern, Shane recently felt the strong urge to revisit the music that turned him on when he first started playing. In a time when the Blues is in great danger of being swallowed by the all-encompassing term “roots music,” the very concept of a Blues band seems to be almost a quaint idea. The SHANE PACEY Trio…are that rare (and becoming rarer!) thing… A dedicated Blues band, rather than a solo star with supporting musicians. Shane states “The main aim is to create something totally different to The Cigars”, a no-nonsense trip through the Blues back pages, all played with Shane’s customary attack and passion.
(CBS review November 2017) “The role of the SPT is for Pacey to indulge his instinct to revisit his roots, by way of the music that first inspired him to pick up a guitar and play, as well as sing, the blues. For him, it means Peter Green and the sounds of Chicago’s legendary Chess label, in particular. Happily, we get to go along for the ride. Of course, it takes more than company to make a trio: it takes a crowd and the pistol-like rhythm section of bassist Paul Blasi and drummer Dave Fester which ensures the tunes land right in the solar plexus……”
“No one throws down the blues gauntlet more robustly than this trio, which, next to its own, make songs decades old live all over again….”
Website: http://www.shanepaceytrio.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063561131312
Simon Kinny-Lewis Band
Australian blues artist SIMON KINNY-LEWIS has performed and recorded with the cream of the Blues crop including Robben Ford, Chris Cain, Josh Smith, Kirk Fletcher and many others. His Australian band, Tony Boyd on drums and Rob Ewan on bass, have both also have toured with Eric Steckel, Josh Smith and others). “An incendiary guitarist who simmers and burns!”– Bucky O’Hare, Blues Blast Magazine (USA).
Website: www.sklblues.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/SKLBLUES.OFFICIAL
SqueezeBox Boogaloo
Upbeat Zydeco/Cajun – blues, roots and folk from the bars of Bourbon Street to the bayous of South West Louisiana. Featuring Geoff Tofler (piano accordion and button accordions), who spent 13 years in the USA with numerous trips to Louisiana (his Boston band opened for Buckwheat Zydeco at the Harpers Ferry Blues Festival), Eric Richard (guitar), French native from Bordeaux, David Hoffman (fiddle and rubboard) familiar with the genre from his native USA, and Raoul Hawkins (saxophone, rubboard and triangle), Michéle Bruet (bass) and Rob Coady (drums) all steeped in blues, folk and world music traditions.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00SCQlaY5Hg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SqueezeboxBoogaloo/STEVE EDMONDS BLUES QUARTET
STORMCELLAR
Members Choice Award Winner 2019 & 2020. Category: Local Blues Band
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2019. Category: Band
An iconic Sydney mix of Roots, Blues, Rock & Folk, Stormcellar have achieved local and international recognition for 13 years worth performance & production, with three #1 albums on the local Australian Blues & Roots Charts and chart positions in the US & France. Stormcellar have produced 11 albums, been reviewed in Living Blues & No Depression, gained a spot for their self produced viral videos on the Today Show & ABC's RAGE and continued recording with some of the top talent in AUS & the US, touring with DC Bellamy (Aretha Franklin), recording, writing for and backing Millage Gilbert (Elmore James Band), Danny Cox (Brewer & Shipley), writing with Rick Lyons (Awarded US Midwest Poet), Larry Crane (Cougar Mellencamp Band), Mike 'Fettler' Kerin (Slim Dusty Band), Harry Brus (Renee Geyer), Bukhuchulun Ganburged (Mongolian Khyrgraa Master), Dr Geoffrey Gartner (Sydney Ballet Orchestra), Marina de Tomayo (Flamenco Australia) and the Enmore Solidarity Choir. While they were at it, Stormcellar wrote & recorded the theme song 'Return of the King' for Five Dock’s own wrestling sensations AWE (Australian Wrestling Entertainment). Stormcellar has played US & Australian Festivals & Community events, bars, clubs and street fairs from Tamworth to Nashville, Chicago, Indianapolis, Wollongong & can be found anywhere from late night bars in Newtown to market mornings in Bowral, or lost on a highway in the US Midwest.
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THE ARC RIDERS
It all began in 2016 when, after 50 years, on and off, as a professional musician, singer Tony Cini finally decided it was time to cut an album of original blues-based songs. Heading into the studio with the three-piece Chase The Sun, led by singer and guitarist Jan Rynsaardt, with some additional organ work courtesy Lachy Doley, the result was a powerful ten-song rock-blues album. Since it was as much a band as a solo record, rather than put it out under his own name, Cini decided to release it as The Arc Riders on his own Bad Penny Records. The Arc Riders CD topped the Australian Blues n Roots Charts and stayed in that charts for six weeks.
- Tony Cini Vocals
- Ewen Lund Guitar
- Mikki Dunne Keys
- Jed Wesley - Smith Bass
- Mick O’Shea Drums
Website: https://thearcriders.com/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonycinisarcriders/
THE DURHAM PROJECT
The Durham Project are a breath of fresh air in the Sydney live music scene. Great original songs played by seasoned musicians mixed in with classic covers. The band plays throughout Sydney.
Website: www.thedurhamproject.webs.com Youtube: https://youtu.be/tlKPf-JAXKO
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheDurhamProject/
12 BAR DUDES
12 Bar Dudes is the newest musical venture for four veterans of the Sydney music scene. Great players with years of experience, 12 Bar Dudes have put together a repertoire of finely-crafted original acoustic blues tunes along with a fine selection of contemporary blues tunes from Keb Mo, Jonny Lang, Ray Beadle, Eric Bibb, and Eric Clapton.
Regular gigs at Sydney’s blues focused venues both large and small have endeared 12 Bar Dudes to regular followers keen to hear quality music in fun contemporary settings. The band’s members have previously been successfully received at many festival events around Australia (Thredbo Blues, Goulburn Blues, Narooma Blues, Broadbeach). Band Members are: Phil Laxton (sax, acoustic, vocals), Graeme Duce (acoustic, vocals), Ross Johnston (double bass, vocals), Greg Ohlback (drums, vocals).
TROUBLE PEOPLE (THE MIGHTY REAPERS)
The Trouble People (previously known as The Mighty Reapers). The band changed its name out of respect for the former (passed) member, the one and only 'Mr Showbiz' Vito Portolesi (bass player genius) . The original band have been around since 1987 and still occasionally perform when all the remaining members are in the same city. A funky blues & soul band who put out a series of award winning albums in Australia & the USA. The Reapers also had a big live following around Australia. They have opened the show for greats like BB King, Buddy Guy, Albert King & were the band of choice to back touring USA Blues & Soul artists like Lucky Peterson (organ/guitar/vocal prodigy), Louisiana Red (down home Blues guitar & vocal master), Hubert Sumlin (Howlin' Wolf's longtime genius guitarist).. as well as Big Jay McNeely (honkin' saxophone legend) & Margie Evans (powerhouse Soul, Blues, Gospel singer) both of whom the Reapers have recorded albums with.
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WWALKING CANE
Walking Cane play a mixture of Southern Rock, Blues and Soul. They always get a place jumping, presenting a professional and very entertaining show that is always well received.
Email: john-macdonald@bigpond.com
weirdassembly
David Weir (Saxophone/Vocals) leads the self named band 'Weirdassembly'. They play the blues from the funky side of town. Albert King, Albert Collins, Bill Withers , Lou Rawls, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles to name a few of the inspirations for the Blues they play. They have had residency at the Macquarie Hotel, the Civic Hotel, perform regularly at Sydney venues and have performed at festivals in Darling Harbour and the Hunter Valley.
Band members include: David Weir - Vocals/ Sax, Carmel Mesiti - Vocals, Juanita Tippins -Vocals, Alex Hewetson - Bass/ Vocals, Lachlan Doley - Keys/ Vocals, Ivan Jordan - Drums, David Longo -Guitar, Ray Cassar -Trumpet, Dan Barnett -Trombone.
Whiskey Empire
Whiskey Empire is a six piece blues/soul powerhouse fronted by not one but two mighty mean blues women - Leslea Clements and Shannon Carswell. The band has been performing since 2018 and has wowed crowds in all of Sydney's top blues venues including the legendary Basement.
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Indiviudal PERFORMERS
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Al Britton
Members Choice Award Winner 2019 & 2020. Category: Bass Player.
bass guitar, vocals
Al has played with some of the country's foremost roots outfits including the Mangrove Boogie Kings, the legendary Dynamic Hypnotics, The Foreday Riders, The Bondi Cigars and PJ O'Brien. His instinctive feel for a grove and his ability to ride the rhythm lay the base for any band.
Angela McCloy
vocals
Angela (better known as AMac) hails from North East Scotland, went to the same school as Annie Lennox, started performing in cover bands across Scotland at age 16 and then won Best Vocalist in a Regional Battle of the Bands Competition. Now calling Sydney home, AMac has fronted Project Red, guested with the Chris Turner Band and is a member of Picture Book. She now adds her versatile, emotive, and sultry vocal style to Swamp & Chicago Blues with Chris, Martin, Marty, Ian and Bruce in Blues Collective.
Antero CESCHIN
drums, vocals
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Bridie King
piano
Surrounded by her parents love of New Orleans jazz and blues and their involvement in the Sydney Jazz Club, Bridie King was destined for a musical career from a very early age. Whilst she studied classical piano for some sixteen years, it was the Afro-American rhythm’n’blues and soul traditions which really captured her imagination. By her early twenties she had formed the band Mona & The Wail and was quickly making a name for herself around the pubs of Balmain and inner city Sydney. Yet It was Bridie’s recording of ‘Piano Frenzy’ on The Hippos' album ‘Hippocracy’ in 1988 that really alerted nationwide music fans to her budding talent. Together with The Hippos she toured nationally including a support for Robert Cray at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Bridie then went on to form her own band, The Boogie Kings and play a record nine year residency at Rozelle’s Bridge Hotel. By 1999 Bridie had recorded her first CD under her own name titled ‘My Blues’, receiving widespread radio airplay on the ABC and community radio. Numerous club and festival appearances followed and by the early 2000s Bridie had embarked on a whole new range of music and recording projects including the critically acclaimed ‘Blue Ivories’ released in 2012. These days, whilst maintaining a solid teaching schedule, Bridie has a renewed enthusiasm for both recording and live performances, with a number of exciting new projects, including her new album on vinyl and cd by her new retro boogie band "Bridie King's Old Skool R'n'b".
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Chris O'Connor
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2013 & 2019. Category: Solo/Duo.
acoustic guitar
CHRIS OKUNBOR
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2015. Category: Solo/Duo.
Clayton Doley
Members Choice Award Winner 2019 & 2020. Category: Keyboard Player.
piano, Hammond organ and vocals
A master musician, a killer boogie woogie piano player, a super funky Hammond player, and a remarkable singer/songwriter with a passion for creating new works that could have been recorded by the R&B greats from the 50’s and 60’s. Clayton has been invited to play some of the biggest festivals in the world such as Montreal International Jazz Festival, Byron Bay Blues Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival and Tremblant International Blues Festival to name a few. “Clayton Doley understands the groove to a T - Booker T., that is”. Steve Leggett - All Music (USA) “Doley matches his rock-solid chops with sophisticated songwriting and wraps a class-act production around it”. Duane Verth - Roots Music Report (USA) Clayton Doley digs into blues, jazz and groove and he does it with a great charm and good taste. A marvelous singer and an especially fine organ player, gifted with a huge talent”. Vincent P. Zumel - La Hora Del Blues (Spain) “Clayton’s material is everything from amazing in a traditional sense to outright mind-blowing”. Bill Wilson - Reflections in Blue (USA) “Songs that will brighten your mood and leave you wishing it were a double CD”. Greg Victor - Parcbench (USA) “ If you’re a fan of the Hammond Organ, then you need to become a fan of Clayton Doley. He’s totally mastered the instrument”. Peter Lauro - Mary4Music (USA)
CRYSTAL MOORE
Vox, Songwriter, Rhythm guitar
A talented Singer and Songwriter of Blues, Crystals voice has been described as sweet and sexy, that hits you right in the Soul. Crystal has a passion for Chicago, Swamp, Delta, Jazz and Rhythm and Blues that she brings to her audiences with her band The Crystal Blues Band.
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Darren Jack
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2014. Category: Solo/Duo.
guitar, vocals
Multiple award-winning Blues artist Darren Jack has been electrifying audiences with his signature powerhouse Rock'n'Blues and original music for the last twenty years. Jack has taken out 5 Australian Blues Music Awards and has won the Sydney Blues Challenge an unprecedented two times, in 2012 (Band category) and 2014 (Solo category). He has represented Australia in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee in 2013, and also in 2015. His music will take you from blistering, gut wrenching blues to smooth melodies that will soothe your soul.
Dave Fester
drums / percussion
Blessed to enjoy a professional career in Drumming, Percussion and Event Management both in Australia and the U.S. since his teens, "Davo" is also the Australian Ambassador for “Playing For Change”. His efforts bringing the world Class band and the global movement to Australia.
Davo tours and gigs most of the year with some of Australia’s finest musicians, having played every major Music Festival in Australia – including 7 years in a row at Bluesfest Byron Bay. Yelling to the stars -"I love what I do...and so fortunate to do what I love!". He has played drums full-time (in no order) with Pacey, King & Doley - Shane Pacey Trio - Glenn Cardier and The Sideshow - Genevieve Chadwick Band - Leanne Paris Band and PJ O'Brien Band. He has also appeared part-time with Bondi Cigars - Foreday Riders and went on tour with international guitarist Kirk Fletcher. Other bands he has worked with include John Field Band, Craig Calhoun & the Brothers of OZ and Clarence Bekker Band (Spain).
A major force in Event Management: The last 20 years saw a creative mind move into running community and sustainability focused Festivals and Events around the country enjoying great success. Director of The Bondi Music Festival (2002 – 2013), Peats Ridge Festival, Earth Festival. The Love Jam – and Sydney’s regular “All Blues Monthly” at The Iconic, Basement – Basement Blues Society.
“Please Life” … just keep poodling along like this!
Website: http://www.davofester.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davof
david weir
Members Choice Award Winner 2020. Category: Other Instrument (Saxophone).
saxophone, vocals
David Weir has been a part of the Sydney blues scene for over 20 years. Playing with the most well known and loved players and exponents of blues in Australia . He has recorded , performed and contributed to writing horn lines for performers such as Wayne Jury’s Dry bones, Liza Ohlback's Mercy Train. Jackie Orszaczky, Ray Beadle, Steve Edmonds, Lachlan Doley, Adam Pringle's Red Beans, Fran Liddle’s Hanged Men, Robert Susz, Pat Powell, Kara Grainger and the Foreday Riders. He leads the self named Weirdassembly who play regular gigs many blues venues in Sydney.
DON HOPKINS
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2011. Category: Solo/duo (Don's Double Dose with Rob Grosser. They were place second at the International Blues Challenge at Memphis in 2012).
piano, vocals
DOM TURNER
guitar, vocals
Drey Rollan
guitar, vocals
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Eben Hale
guitar, vocals
A driving force behind the successful Blue Mountain Blues Club, playing in the house band at the Club’s meetings as well as taking a behind-the-scenes role booking acts and ensuring their events ran smoothly. Eben’s burgeoning songwriting talents and effusive guitar lines add an extra dimension to the already vibrant sound of the Bondi Cigars.
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Fran Liddle
vocals
Fran Liddle better known as "Big Mama" has been described as having the voice of an angel who has found the key to the liquor cabinet. There are people who can sing and people who have pipes and Big Mama has PIPES! Big Mama is a favourite for her comical quips as well as those pipes and combining hem with the virtuoso performances. She performs with numerous musicians throughout Sydney and heads the funky blues band "Big Mama and the Hanged Men".
Frank Corby
drums
From Boston, Massachusetts, USA, now a resident in Australia who cut his teeth in various Drum Corp, Swing and Funk bands before playing in various original rock, R&B and funk bands touring all over the USA. Since arriving in Australia he has lent his awesome skills to acts such as Gangajang, Floyd Vincent and the Childbrides, Guy LeClaire and Latin big band Babalu. He was the resident drummer with the Blue Mountains blues jam band where he played regularly with soon-to-be Bondi Cigar, Eben Hale.
FRANK SULTANA
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George 'Medicine' Rigatos
guitar, vocals, bass
George “Medicine” Rigatos plays blues and funk guitar with the swagger of someone who absorbs all that is music. Medicine Man Rigatos currently performs with numerous bands including powerhouse 'Big Mama & The Hanged Men' and 'Midnight Ramblers' as well as solo on a number of projects in Sydney. He has toured Australia the US, the Netherlands, France and the UK, & is highly respected among his peers as an up-&-coming Music Director. George also plays with The Marvelous Hearts (original Folk/Roots), has played bass for Matt Ross & The Gospel Storms as well as with Finn.
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Isaiah B Brunt
vocals, guitar
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2012. Category: Solo/Duo.
Illya Szwec
guitar
Illya Szwec is one fortunate individual! He’s played with his and maybe even your favourite blues and roots artists over the past 20 years, onstage and on records! These include Don Hopkins, Declan Kelly, Clayton Doley, ‘Continental Robert Susz, Wendy Saddington and The Wolverines, as well as a few international musos that used to be in Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne and Gary Moore bands.
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JACK DERWINVox/guitars/blues harp
On slide, resonator, unique vocals and rack harp; add some progressions over amplified finger style and stomp-box, you have Jack Derwin performing an eclectic blend of blues covers and originals. He gives an audience the best in Nu Kool Blues & Roots with a dynamic edge.
Three of Jack’s albums have reached the no 2 position on 3 consecutive occasions on the Australian Blues and Roots charts and continues to receive support from regional radio all around Australia and overseas.
With a slew of festivals right around Australia, NZ and Asia scattered behind him, 3 Chain Award nominations for best album, song and male vocalist, songs on global collections and QANTAS playlists, Jack’s song list, pitches somewhere between non-purist old school blues, outback sunsets and urban & coastal themes.
Jack grew up in North west NSW, where much of his song writing developed, drawing on inspiration from the harsh yet beautiful surrounds of Kamilaroi country, the birthplace of his Mother.
Jack moved to the Central Coast from Sydney in 2016 and resides at Umina Beach. His latest album titled Umina Blue was a collaboration involving local musicians, receiving good reviews and airplay and entered into the Australian blues and roots charts.
Website: http://www.jackderwin.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackDerwinmusic/
Jeff King
guitar , dobro
Founding member of The Foreday Riders
Website: www.foredayriders.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/377111099013682/
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Kate Lush
vocals
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Lachy Doley
keys, vocals
World renowned blues musician, keyboard player and singer Lachy Doley was born in Adelaide in 1978. Moving to Sydney at the age of 18 to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Clayton who had already moved to Sydney a few years prior. Specialising in the Hammond Organ and Rock’n’Roll Piano, Lachy took over Clayton’s role in ‘The Mighty Reapers’ and the ‘Jimmy Barnes’ band for a couple of years while Clayton was in the US and has continued to play with Jimmy on and off ever since. In 2003 Lachy was asked to play on Powderfinger’s Vulture Street album and consequently began touring with them until they called it quits in 2010. From there, Lachy began recording and playing under his own name and has now become one the World’s most recognised Hammond Organ players and Blues artists. Annually touring North America, Europe and the UK as well as Australia. Lachy has now released 6 Studio albums, 2 Live albums and Live DVD plus countless other singles and viral Facebook and YouTube videos.
Lisa Ohlback
vocals
Liza's powerful earthy voice is inspired by the great southern Gospel and Soul singers.
Her unique blending of Soulful Blues/Gospel with a taste of New Orleans Infused Jazz grooves, along with her witty tales, have seen her win Triple Chain Awards and achieve no. #1 albums in Aus and #2 in The US. Liza has also toured nationally as the lead of the theatre documentary, Pearl - The Janis Joplin Story.
Website: www.lizaohlback.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU6epBderoI
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MAL EASTICK
guitar
Mal Eastick, one of Australia's finest blues rock guitarists, has a passionate, explosive and soulful style that has been featured with some of Australia's biggest recording and performing acts for over 30 years.
With a career that is now into its 5th decade, Mal Eastick has played alongside renowned musicians such as Johnnie Johnson – Chuck Berry’s keyboard player, Joe Walsh, Tommy Emmanuel, Phil Emmanuel, Phil Manning, Ian Moss, Junior Wells, Little Charlie and & the Night Cats and Lonnie Mack. He was the guitar player in The Animal’s Eric Burdon’s 1989 Australian tour, recorded an album and toured with Broderick Smiths Big Combo, as well as touring with Cold Chisel, The Party Boys and Chain.
With his own band, Mal has supported many others including Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Robert Cray, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Joe Louis Walker and Charlie Musselwhite
Website: mal-eastick.com
MARK BISHOP
Guitar, Resonator, Cigar Box, Banjo
Let Mark’s passion for the blues take you on a journey to the deep south where the Delta blues was born, through the ages and styles from past to present. In his show Mark incorporates instruments such as the Resonator guitar with slide, Cigar Box guitar and a stomp box to keep the beat.
Mark Bishop has always had a deep seated passion and love for the acoustic blues. This passion was cultivated when he met John Morris (Brother John) from the Blues Preachers, who developed in him a love for songs from Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Mississippi John Hurt and many others from the era along with originals in the same genre.
Mark has now put together his new solo act, ‘Mark ‘N the Blues’, where he uses the acoustic guitar and resonator to punch out classic delta and country blues in a unique picking style he learnt from Brother John. In duo or trio format Mark is joined by local harmonica players and drummer David Rowlands on washboard.
The Mark ‘N The Blues show has appeared at venues around Sydney and Central Coast as with various folk and blues festivals including the Sydney Blues Festival in Goulburn.
www.markntheblues.com www.facebook.com/markntheblues
MARTIN BASSMAN
lead guitar
Currently playing lead guitar with Blues Collective. Martin has performed as a bass player in many UK bands including most recently the Mick Clarke Band which included ex-Rory Gallagher sidemen Wilgar Campbell, Rod de'Ath and Lou Martin as well as Mark Feltham (9 Below Zero). Martin had also performed on Feltham's second LP.
martin davison
saxophone and vocals
Martin's studies and dedication allows him to play across all popular styles of music and he found himself playing in a wide range of bands… from his self-led trio to backing major Australian artists, live, TV appearances and even working with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra! Central to his success is his ability to read an audience. As a front man or the Sax Man, Martin “owns” his role on the stage and delivers high octane entertainment.
Currently playing with Blues Collective & The Oz Blues Brothers, Martin’s talent has been featured in many successful bands & tribute shows over the years including Bringin' Home the Bacon, the Vince Martin Band, Horn Starts, Cocker Down Under, The Dusty Springfield Show and The Buddy Holly Show. His most recent success has been his self-written and directed theatre show – The Ten Saxes. This critically acclaimed production received standing ovations at each performance and was featured on Ch7’s The Morning Show. Off stage, his knowledge of music and his personal demands for excellence make him the perfect Music Director and Arranger/Composer for any project. Martin is the founder & director of School Bands Australia. He is passionate music educator & works tirelessly to ensure that children have access to the joy & benefits of learning music.
MATT ARTHUR
Lead Vocalist/Guitarist.
Matt’s life as a musician started at age 8, playing many years from his late teens onwards within the rock cover scene of Sydney. Since Matt’s move to Orange NSW in 2014, he has become an integral part of the music scene in the Central West of NSW, performing regularly at venues across the region. 2023 will see the release of Matt’s first original album “Then And Now”. An album of engrossing and intriguing songs reflecting on Matt’s past and present. Matt will be planning on performing gigs in Sydney again, as well as touring the rest of the State.
Website: www.mattarthurmusic.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattarthurmusic1
milena Barrett
Members Choice Award Winner 2019 & 2020. Category: Female Vocalist.
vocals
For lovers of authentic blues and soul, the sonic shockwave that is Milena Barrett is like a rip in the space-time continuum. Considered by many as the wild child of Etta James and Steve Marriot, her voice is a time machine transporting us back to a jumping back-woods BBQ shack somewhere deep in the Delta but with a sensitive touch of Parisian nights.
Whether she performs in London, Memphis, or Sydney, the Aussie-born, British singer resonates all the way through the blues, soul and roots rock era. Milena delivers a mystic blend reminiscent of the late great Janis Joplin, but don't be fooled, it's also a voice of today, a knowingly street smart power that evokes the spirit of Amy Winehouse touched with the sensitivity of Adele.
So while Blues Time Magazine compares her with Aretha Franklin, Glen A Baker describes her as 'One of Australia’s most talented Blues & Soul female vocalists, an outstanding Talent like no others' and Steve Arthur of the LA Weekly writes 'Milena’s voice will transport you to this cherish place where only true lovers go, her voice is loaded with pure, genuine and spontaneous passion”
Michael Barry
harmonica, vocals
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P J O'Brien
guitar, vocals
Driven by PJ’s fat and funky guitar and accompanied by his smooth, soul-filled vocals, PJ’S music is receiving widespread acclaim. His Blues exude both a retro and modern feel, delivering award-winning songwriting and spine-tingling dynamics. Tom Hyslop of Blues Revue USA has labelled PJ ‘a talent to watch’ and Al Hensley of Rhythms Magazine Australia recently named him ‘one of the brightest talents to emerge on the Aussie Blues scene in a long while….an international blues star on the rise’. PJ's album, Jefferson Blues debuted at No. 1 on the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Chart. The CD has received fantastic reviews in Australia, the UK and the US and is currently receiving airplay in Australia, Europe and the United States. PJ's music has featured in Blues Revue (USA), Blues Blast (USA), Blues Matters (UK), Classic Rock's 'Blues' (UK), Rhythms (AUS) FHM (AUS) and Australian Guitar Magazine.
PJ has won numerous music awards over the years and in 2006 received an Australia Council grant to represent the Sydney Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN. In February 2017 the PJ O'Brien Band again represented the SBS at the 2017 International Blues Challenge reaching the semi-finals from a field of over one hundred and twenty American and International acts. He has played multiple times at Australia's premier Blues festivals such as Blues at Bridgetown (WA), Great Southern Blues Festival (NSW), Thredbo Blues Festival (NSW) Gympie Muster (QLD), Darling Harbour Jazz and Blues Festival (NSW), Blues on Broadbeach (QLD) Echuca Winter Blues Festival (VIC) and the Australian Blues Music Festival (NSW), as well as top Sydney music venues including the Basement, The Vanguard and the Factory Theatre.
Paul Blasi
bass guitar
One of Sydney's most respected players…with an expanse of knowledge and talent to add to our Blues world. Paul has played with many great artists. (Including Bullfrog - Slewfoot – B’Dussy – The Leanne Paris Band - The Bluetongues and Red Slim).
Pat Powell
Members Choice Award Winner 2020. Category: Male Vocal.
vocals
Pat swings with kings and untouchables alike. With a career that spans over four decades and right across the globe, Pat Powell is one of Australia’s most accomplished vocal talents. He is the artist that everyone wants to work with, to name a few there’s Margaret Erlich, Jenny Morris, Paul Mac, James Freud & Michael Hutchence’s Max Q. Pat has supported James Brown, Queen, The Eurhythmics, Boy George, Crowded House, Spit Enz, Horace Andy and Luciano, Tina Arena, George Benson and more. In the late eighties & nineties he toured Australia, Asia & Europe as Kylie Minogue’s primary backing vocalist and since then in more recent years he’s toured extensively throughout Australia, Canada, America, Turkey and the UK. Pat has recorded over 18 singles, featured on over seven albums, and as an actor been in a myriad of classic Australian films. Pat’s current projects include: The Melbourne Ska Orchestra The Pat Powell Band The Protesters Illya Szwec’s Groove Depot Jazrie Sound System Bill Withers Tribute Chocolate Jazz: From the blues to bebop DJ: Jazz/Funk/Reggae/Soul & Blues Pat Powell singing for The Melbourne Ska Orchestra has been nominated for 5 Aria’s and taken 2 of them home, plus 4 nominations for The Victorian Age Music Awards and won 3.
Paul Read
guitar, slide guitar and vocals
Lead guitarist with Stormcellar.
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ray beadle
Sydney Blues Challenge Winner 2019. Category : Solo/Duo
Members Choice Award Winner 2019 & 2020. Category: Guitarist.
guitar, vocals
Ray Beadle was born in Fairfield Hospital on May 5 1978 in the western suburbs of Sydney. Ray's first memory of guitar was hearing his father Ray Snr play at home. Listening to his father strumming on his acoustic sparked something inside which would cause an obsession with the six stringed instrument for the rest of the young Ray Jnrs life! Coming from a family of music lovers, it seemed inevitable that Ray would play music.
Ray's guitar and vocal styles evoke numerous blues legends, whilst concocting a breathtaking style all of his own. It is not by chance that Ray has become a favorite amongst Australian blues and music fans.
Richard Ashby
Guitar
Originally from NZ, Richard Ashby has lived in Sydney for the past 12 years. He has performed around the country with a variety of groups ranging from Blues, to Jazz to Gypsy Jazz. His latest project the Tonewheels is a 4-piece Blues Rock group with influences ranging from 1960's guitar greats Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page through to modern performers such as Oz Noy, Greg Koch and Matt Schofield. The Tonewheels perform mostly original music with some arrangements of classic rock and blues songs.
http://www.instagram.com/richardashbymusic http://www.facebook.com/richard.ashby.376Robert Susz (cONTINENTAL ROB)
Members Choice Award Winners 2019 & 2020. Category: Harmonica.
vocals, harmonica
As a teenager, in the late 1960s, Rob started collecting Soul & Blues records from artists like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Otis Redding (on the Soul side) & Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy & Jr Wells, Little Walter, BB King (on the Blues side) and was lucky enough to have seen some of these greats perform live in the 1970s . Deciding he wanted to play similar music after years of practicing & jamming he became the lead singer, harmonica player & songwriter of The Dynamic Hypnotics, who dominated the national charts in the In the mid 80s with Robert's composition the SMASH HIT "Soul Kind Of Feeling" . They toured extensively, playing to packed houses all around the country! In 2021 Robert can be found playing many Sydney venues in a number of different band configurations such as ''Juke Joint Three' and 'The Continental Blues and Boogaloo Party' and continues to have a strong following of supporters.
RON KING
harmonica , vocals
Founding member of The Foreday Riders
Website: www.foredayriders.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/377111099013682/
ROSS WARD
Guitar, vocals, songwriter
Ross is a full-time musician/performer/singer-songwriter with an extensive history dating back to 1969. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the country. As band-leader for ‘Wards Xpress’ and as a solo performer he has appeared at every major festival in the country. He’s produced two consecutive no 1 CD’s ( Aust. Blues & Roots charts), and the ‘Man Of the Road’ video made it to no 15 on the CMC ‘most requested’ chart in 2016.
ROSSCOE CLARK
Members Choice Award Winner 2019 & 2020. Category: Drummer.
Drummer (Stinger)
Genres: Blues Jazz Rock Funk.
Current Bands: The Foreday Riders, The Cyril B. Bunter Band, Midnight Ramblers, Ali Penny and the Money Makers, Dom Turner and Supro and The Darren Jack Band.
Email: r_bclark@optusnet.com.au
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Sally King
Vocals
Sally King is Sydney blues royalty, a pioneer of women in blues and veteran of the Sydney rhythm’n’blues scene from late ‘70s to the present. Sally King has performed in major venues in Sydney, ACT and Melbourne as front person for her own bands Mona and the Wail, The Champions, Sally King Band, The Mustangs, Sametribe and PACEY, KING & DOLEY. Sally has done guest artist appearances with overseas blues acts including Bo Diddley, Jimmy McGriff, Big Jay McNeally, High Tide Harris and local legends The Foreday Riders, Jacky Orzarsky, Dynamic Hepnotics, Cyril B Bunter band and her sister Bridie King.
Sally King is a soul and blues diva blessed with an irresistibly authentic voice that settles into the groove from the first note. Whether she’s singing her own beautifully crafted songs or putting a unique stamp on classic blues tunes, audiences warm instantly to Sally’s vibrant stage presence. Still going strong since 1977, Sally now fronts Sally King & Repeat Offenders.
Winner SBS favourite Female vocalist 2021.
SAMUEL BUCKLEY
electric, acoustic guitar, resonator guitar, vocals
Originally from Barraganyatti, on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Sam Buckley has lived in Sydney and Melbourne for the last 16 years performing in high-level bands. He toured nationally, internationally and performed at many music festivals in Australia. In recent years, he performed in Dreamboogie, who were a highly polished and dynamic live Blues band, led by charismatic singer Rebecca Davey. The band’s innovative sound incorporating electronic loops resulted in wins at the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society’s Blues Performer of the Year Challenge in 2016 and Band of the Year at the 2018 Victorian-Tasmanian Blues Awards.
Sam is currently embarking on his solo career and recording his debut album, Blue Ocean, with Lester Snell and Royal Studios in Memphis. This is a very exciting time and a privilege to be working with industry luminary Lester and the Stax players behind the success of artists such as Albert King and Al Green. Sam is sometimes called 'Jimi Hendrix' and 'Stevie Ray-Vaughn' - he is infamous for his electric guitar bends, warm vibrant tone and roaring groove. Blue Ocean is set to be released around August this year.
Website: sambuckleymusic.com
Shane Pacey
Members Choice Award Winner 2019. Category: Male Vocal.
Members Choice Award Winner 2019 & 2020. Category: Songwriter.
guitar , vocals
SHANE PACEY has had over the last four decades, an outstanding career in music and with recent accolades from the Sydney Blues Society as 2019 Best Male Vocalist and Song Writer any more justification on his extraordinary talent and love by audiences all over this land. Shane Pacey is the lead vocalist / guitarist and songwriter for the Bondi Cigars, Shane Pacey Trio, PACEY KING & DOLEY and the legendary Foreday Riders.
Website: www.shanepaceytrio.com.au/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063561131312
Stan Mobbs
bass guitar
Simon Kinny-Lewis
guitar, vocals
Australian blues artist SIMON KINNY-LEWIS has performed/recorded with the cream of the blues crop including Robben Ford, Chris Cain, Josh Smith, Kirk Fletcher and many more. His Australian band is Tony Boyd - Drums and Rob Ewan - Bass, both who have toured with Eric Steckel, Josh Smith and more “An incendiary guitarist who simmers and burns!”– Bucky O’Hare, Blues Blast Magazine (USA).
Website: www.sklblues.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/SKLBLUES.OFFICIAL
Steve Edmonds
vocals, guitar
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TAJ FARRANT
Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter
Taj Farrant is a young Australian guitarist and singer who rose to fame after his impressive cover of "Tennessee Whiskey" went viral on social media. Born in 2009 in New South Wales, Taj has been playing guitar ever since he saw AC/DC live at the age of 7 and has already played at several music festivals and events. He has appeared on many Australian TV shows including Australia's Got Talent and The Today Show, he has also already toured the US headlining his own Blues Shows showcasing his incredible talent. Taj is known for his love of Blues and draws a-lot of inspiration from Gary Moore and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Website: www.tajfarrant.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tajfarrant
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Michelle Van Deer Meer
Vocals
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George Washingmachine
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