The streets, parks and venues across Broadbeach, QLD will rattle and hum to the sound of the blues once again for the 2020 Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival.
Held across the central Gold Coast suburb over four days (May 14-17, 2020), this is one of the biggest free music festivals in Australia and with sensational dining, world famous beaches and ancient rainforests just a short drive away, this is the perfect event to base a Gold Coast long weekend around.
“Bringing in almost $30 million to the Gold Coast economy every year I’m not surprised to see that the big names keep lining up to be part of this quintessential Gold Coast event,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. “Our calendar of major events continues to grow and Blues on Broadbeach continues to be a favourite among locals and visitors alike.”
This solid 1st lineup boasts some of the best and most diverse blues artists the world has to offer and tips it’s fedora to the elder statesmen and to the new breed.
It’s a first for Tommy Emmanual to perform at Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival.
Returning to Australia and performing for the first time at Blues on Broadbeach is Australian legend TOMMY EMMANUEL who is known as the international master of the acoustic guitar. With a music career that spans five decades, the two-time Grammy nominee has a deep musical diversity that ranges from authentic country-blues to rock. Emmanuel plays at hundreds of sold out shows around the world each year and impresses audiences with his emotional, authentic, and energetic performances.
“Nothing compares to playing at home,” said Tommy Emmanuel. “I’ve been looking forward to performing at Blues on Broadbeach for so long. My brother Phil used to perform there a lot over the years and he told me all about it. See you in May.”
Introducing Grammy award-winning Gaby Moreno
The wonderfully curated line-up also features Guatemalan born singer-songwriter-producer GABY MORENO who wows international audiences with her Latin-inspired music that ranges from blues to jazz to soul. Moreno won a Latin Grammy for ‘Best New Artist’ and has shared the stage with international stars like Bono, Andrea Bocelli, and Tracy Chapman, and sings the theme song and voices a character on multi Emmy award-winning Disney show ‘Elena of Avalor’.
Our home-grown talent round out a diverse first lineup
Joining these artists is ARIA award winner KARISE EDEN whose authentic storytelling and distinctive voice saw her rise to fame in 2012 when she won The Voice Australia. Eden arguably has one of the best female blues voices in the country and has topped the Australian charts breaking the record since The Beatles to have the most singles on the Australian ARIA chart in the top 10 at one time.
The multi-generational line-up will see Australian folk, rock and blues singer KIM CHURCHILL return to Blues on Broadbeach after performing at the festival when he was an emerging act many years ago. Churchill’s memorable sound has been described as “psychedelic whale music, ocean-side blues or cornified Nick Drake” by Vancouver Weekly, and he has gained a strong following among younger audiences.
Adding to the home-grown talent is award-winning quartet BONDI CIGARS, who have established themselves into Australia’s musical heart since their 1989 formation. The blues and roots band has maintained their status as one of the country’s most in-demand touring acts, performing over 150 shows each year and receiving consistent and widespread acclaim from both critics and fans.
“This festival has become part of Broadbeach’s cultural tapestry, the musicians, festival fans and local community all have an ownership over how it’s weaved,” said Festival Director Mark Duckworth. “It’s exciting to invite new acts from Australia and around the world to experience the incredible vibe of this event for the first time, whilst still sharing in the history with the artists who have helped us build it from the ground up.”
2020 Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar, worth $800m to the state’s economy in 2019.
The City of the Gold Coast is also a strong supporter of the festival and has a firm commitment in the Gold Coast becoming Australia’s Events Capital – Blues on Broadbeach goes a long way in making this a reality.