Despite the myriad of challenges imposed by COVID-19, Blues on Broadbeach is back! In just 3 more sleeps an incredible line-up including Grammy Award-winning Aussie rock legends Wolfmother, critically acclaimed Christine Anu and Blues icon C.W. Stoneking Blues on Broadbeach 2021 will see a re-imagined and innovative COVID safe festival design come to life in Broadbeach on May 20-23.
To ensure an enjoyable and safe festival experience that aligns with the most up to date COVID safe requirements, the Blues on Broadbeach festival organisers have carefully and creatively implemented COVID safe measures across the event without compromising what we all love about Blues on Broadbeach.
Festival Director Mark Duckworth can’t wait for the return of live music to the Gold Coast.
“It was fantastic news for the Blues on Broadbeach’s COVID Safe Plan to be given the tick of approval, as the planning for 2021 has been a totally new experience for us. It is a credit to the whole team. We had so much support from the fans and artists to keep at it. We’re so excited to share it with you. I know it’s going to be a special event.”
With the support of the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government initiative, the event will return safely for attendees and artists, featuring a combination of park stages, Dine & Watch precincts and partnered venues.
The festival’s program promises an incredible and diverse display of performances ranging from Blues and Roots to Folk and Rock.
Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist Lloyd Spiegel is among the first acts performing, with the first of his two shows on Thursday the 20th from 5:00pm.
He returns the next evening, along with the “Jimi Hendrix of the Hammond Organ” Lachy Doley and The Horns of Conviction. As well as Melbourne outfit Jazz Party, and blues rock guitarist Hamish Anderson.
Saturday the 22nd vows to be a spectacular evening, with West Aussie rock juggernaut The Southern River Band performing at 5:15pm as the perfect pre-cursor to Aussie rock icons and headline act Wolfmother (pictured below), with the legends who brought you “Joker and the Thief” showcasing their electric talent at 8:45pm.
The last day of the festival on Sunday the 23rd is shaping up to be a more relaxing, yet no less riveting day in Broadbeach. Sydney Blues guitarist and vocalist Ray Beadle, fresh from his first performance the evening before, will be returning to stage at 3:30pm, followed by the idiosyncratic C.W. Stoneking, with the blues marvel performing at 5:15pm.
And finally, what better way to conclude a truly exceptional weekend than to spend the evening with the vibrant and gorgeous Christine Anu (pictured right), performing the Aretha Franklin Songbook from 7:00pm.
The icing on the cake, or rather, the froth on top of the festival, has also been locked in. Blues on Broadbeach is excited to announce a terrific new partnership with Wingman Beer! The official beer of Blues on Broadbeach 2021, will be providing limited edition ‘Blues on Broadbeach’ Wingman Beer cans on sale at the festival, including in their pop-up bars in the festival precinct.
Will Chambers, General Manager – Wingman Beer said:
“We are thrilled to be announced as the Official Beer of Blues on Broadbeach. Like most people, we have eagerly anticipated the return of live entertainment, and to celebrate Wingman Beer’s first foray into supporting the music industry, we are excited to launch a limited edition can of the Wingman 3.5% mid-strength beer, which will be available to patrons at the Wingman Bars in Kurrawa Park and Victoria Park. Having relocated the business from NSW to South East Queensland in mid-2020, we are keen to build partnerships and support initiatives which drive visitation to the Gold Coast, and we will be showcasing the new Blues on Broadbeach can at events in NSW in the coming weeks.”
Blues on Broadbeach 2021 is also delighted to reveal a new partnership with mental health and wellbeing support organisation, Beyond Blue.
With the enduring impact of the pandemic, the need for mental health and wellbeing support is more important than ever. In this time of uncertainty, Blues on Broadbeach and Beyond Blue hope their partnership can help to alleviate and combat anxiety, depression, and other related mental health concerns.
Andrew Stockdale, singer and guitarist of headline act and Australian rock icon Wolfmother, expressed his optimism for the power of music and connection in nurturing wellbeing:
“The past year has been very tough on everyone and I know so many people in the music industry who have really struggled financially and mentally due to COVID. It’s great to finally be able to come together again as performers and fans to celebrate at a live festival, Musc is a powerful force for connection, and it can lift our spirits in challenging times. As a performer, creating music and sharing it with others is a big release and having this outlet is an important way I keep on top of my own wellbeing.”
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman welcomed the new partnership and acknowledged the important role music plays in our lives.
“If the last year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of music and the events that bring us together. That’s why we’re so excited about this partnership as we start to open up and reconnect. I want to thank Blues on Broadbeach for this partnership and for encouraging music fans, performers and staff to make mental health a part of everyday conversations.”
In addition to Beyond Blue, Blues on Broadbeach is grateful for their sensational sponsors, The Oracle Boulevard and Network Ten.
The luxurious boulevard at the Oracle precinct will be closed to vehicles all weekend as they present a solid program of blues entertainment in the ‘round on Oracle Boulevard. Forming part of 2021 Blues on Broadbeach “Dine & Watch precinct” offering, fans can book into their favourite Oracle Boulevard restaurants and bars and kick back to some of the best blues musicians in the country.
Network Ten were due to commence a two-year deal with Blues on Broadbeach in 2020, prior to the cancellation of the festival due to COVID. However, after a buoyant year, they are back in 2021, ready to promote their popular shows; MasterChef, Have You Been Paying Attention, Survivor Australia and more, in association with Blues on Broadbeach.
Blues on Broadbeach is supported by the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland and is a feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.