Bluesfest 2011 Sideshows

FEATURING TRUCKS & TEDESCHI, ROBERT RANDOLPH,
BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, MAVIS STAPLES, IRMA THOMAS

Mavis Staples

Bluesfest today announced its first run of festival sideshows for Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide based audiences. And, what an electrifying array of musical delights it is, featuring some of the best world-class blues, roots, gospel, and soul talent announced so far for Bluesfest 2011.

For the first show, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band will be ably supported by the amazing funk soul pedal-steel master guitarist Robert Randolph and the Family Band in Sydney on April 21 at the Enmore Theatre, and Melbourne on April 22 at the Palace Theatre.

This next show is ‘A Gospel Celebration!’ with Blind Boys of Alabama featuring Aaron Neville. Opening proceedings will be none other than Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and legendary vocalist Mavis Staples. The dates are April 20 in Melbourne at The Palais and April 25 in Sydney at the Opera House.

The third festival sideshow will include Irma Thomas. The soul queen of New Orleans will be traveling down under for her first ever Australian tour. This “N’awlins Soul Sister No 1” is responsible for cutting some of the finest ever soul music in the history of New Orelans music including “Time Is On My Side” later recorded by the Rolling Stones, and “Ruler Of My Heart” which was changed to “Pain In My Heart” and recorded by Otis Redding. This sideshow is scheduled for April 21 at The Factory in Sydney.

Click here for all information related to Bluesfest 2011 in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia.