With the official program at the printers and final preparations taking place, the only thing organiser Geoff Bell is hoping for is a ray of sunshine.

“It’s all happening,” he told the Post on Friday. 

“We just need some nice weather!” 

Mr Bell outlined a few key events for those wanting a taste of the festival, including the annual Australian Blues Music ‘Chain’ Awards, a rare performance by the Bondi Cigars and the chance to see one of the most respected names in Australian blues, Jeff Lang.

The Australian Blues Music Awards are held each year to recognise excellence in Australian Blues Music, based on recorded product, and are now recognised as the industry’s most prestigious honour.

This year they will be held at the Workers Club on Thursday night, free of charge.

“The awards night is a great way to get along and rub shoulders with some of the best in the blues industry,” Mr Bell said.

“It’s an informal event but very highly regarded among the artists.” Canberra blues band Nightless Lover will perform on the night.

Representing a good cross-section and balance of acts from different styles of the Blues and Roots genre, Mr Bell said that the weekend will offer something for everyone.

On Friday night for something full on funky head to the Bondi Cigars show.

Widely regarded as one of Australia’s premier blues and roots bands, the ticketed show is a rare opportunity to see the band and an opportunity not to miss according to Mr Bell.

“They are a world-class Australian band and have played alongside the likes of Mental as Anything and the Aussie Crawl.” 

“We also have multiple Aria award winner, Jeff Lang in town to perform on Saturday night at the Workers Club and Dreamboogie on Saturday night as well.” 

Thirteen buskers have signed on for the annual busking competition, which will take place on Saturday along Auburn Street.

Judges will pick the top four who will progress on to play between 5-7pm at the Tatts for the title.

“It’s free entry and a great venue; the winner will receive a paid spot at next year’s festival,” Mr Bell said.

He told the Post that the weekend was a great way for up and coming blues artists to expose their talents and network with influential people from the industry.

“John Durr from Black Market Music will be there on the night.

He comes to the festival every year,” he said.

“It’s all about creating an opportunity for these artists to be shown.” In the case of wet weather, all will go ahead with minor changes.

The outdoor performances from Belmore Park will be moved to the Auburn Street lounge of the Workers Club.

“Get out and enjoy it, a lot of people will be pleasantly surprised,” Mr Bell said.

The official 2013 program will be on sale from Thursday at various places around town including the Visitors Information Centre, Café Book, the Workers Club, Coffee Guru, Centro Food Court and the Railway Bowling Club.

For more information about the event, please visit www.australianbluesfestival.com.au.

Keep up to date with the Blues Fest on our website. There is an interactive message board, videos of the talent and loads of galleries from previous years to check out.

Head to our Blues feature for more and let us know what acts you’re keen to see.