Australian Blues Music Festival returns on February 9-12

The Foreday Riders are celebrating their 50th year as a working band with two of its original members the King Brothers, who have been with the band since its inception in 1967. 

The festival returns to Goulburn on February 9-12 for its 21st year.

Other well-known artists who are playing include Dreamboogie, Phil Manning from Chain, Fiona Boyes and Canadian songstress Ann Vriend.

The annual event is held over four days and audiences will be treated to over 70 performances across 11 free venues in Goulburn.

Organiser Geoff Bell said he had focused on ensuring there was a diverse range of acts in the festival.

“It is a great lineup. When curating such a festival you are looking to ensure there is diversity in the acts,” Mr Bell said.

“The Foreday Riders have been around as long as the Rolling Stones and are very highly regarded in blues circles. Fiona Boyes is touring with major blues acts in the USA and Chain founder Phil Manning will also be here next year.” 

“All of the performances are free next year and many venues are on board,” he said. 

These include the Goulburn Soldiers Club, Goulburn Workers Club, Astor Hotel, Hibernian Hotel, Tattersalls Hotel, 98 Chairs Restaurant, Goulburn Bowling Club, Southern Railway Hotel and The Goulburn Club.

The APRA-AMCOS stage in Belmore Park will bring a family-friendly feel to the festival as well as markets in the park all day Saturday and Sunday. The annual busking competition will return, with 2016 winner of the Busking Competition Daniel Hopkins playing at the ‘Blues and Blessings’ in St Saviour’s Cathedral on the Sunday.

The Australian Blues Music awards or the ‘Chain Awards’ will also be awarded during festival. With artists vying for the titles of Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Artist of the Year, Duo or Group of the Year, New Talent of the Year and Producer of the Year. 

For the full line-up of artists for next year’s festival or further information visit www.goulburnaustralia.com.au