THE Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival got into full swing last night with 20 venues hosting acts from the evening until past midnight.
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Rocks on Rosalind, The Shamrock's balcony and The Exchange proved to be among the most popular venues last night.
Rocks on Rosalind staff member Finn Vedelsby said the venue had lucked out with their acts.
Venues are packed and full of smiling faces and that's what it's all about.
- Colin Thompson
"It's just magnificent. All the acts have been so professional and fun and talented," he said.
"Our guests are having a fun time and life is good."
The Rocks on Rosalind courtyard has already proven successful in other Bendigo events.
"We had a little bit of practice with other events and we wanted to go all out with this one," Mr Vedelsby said.
"We just want to entertain the masses. I love music and anything we can do to promote live music in Bendigo is fantastic."
Festival director Colin Thompson even found a few spare minutes to enjoy some acts as well as feature in some sets.
"It's like this every year, We're two days in and I don't know whether I'm Arthur or Martha," he said.
"We have a huge volunteership thought and that has helped thing happen."
Mr Thompson said people had started to roll into to town.
"Venues are packed and full of smiling faces and that's what it's all about," he said.
"I've only been to a small number of gigs that I need to or want to get to tonight."
Earlier in the day Mr Thompson had played sets with Urban Creatures, the Bendigo Bank Blues Jam.
"It was just a bunch of the boys from work having a crack," he said.
"Playing is a nice escape for a moment. My two escapes over the weekend will be getting a hug from the kids and wife and when I get to have a play (on the drums).
"Other than that I'm just trying to be a good host."
For more Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival stories see pages 36-37 or log on to the entertainment page at www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au