Blues musicians and songwriters are lining up to play at the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival’s winter showcase.
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The showcase is the major fundraiser for the annual festival and helps ensure its success each year.
Melbourne singer-songwriter Matt Katsis, who has previously played at the BBRMF, said the November event is a highlight of his calendar.
“As a past artist at Bendigo Blues and Roots, being able to support the festival that supported me initially I feel is essential,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to it (the fundraiser). It’s not every weekend artists from across the country bind together through music to show their support, so that come November, the festival weekend can not only go ahead but be a success for all involved.
“I love jumping in the van, and getting out of the big city (Melbourne) whenever I can. A large part of my live playing is based around playing in regional areas.”
Katsis will be joined by 16 other acts including Catfish Voodoo, The Barren Spinsters, Tasha Zappala, William Alexander, Bill Barber & The Revellators and Mr Wilby & Me.
Katsis said regional music festivals are important for musicians, audiences and communities.
“I think it gives audiences – whether from Bendigo, nearby communities or cities a far – the chance to experience a large spread of amazing artists and bands,” he said.
“Not only for the music – it also brings vibrancy to businesses within the community.
“As many will have had experienced, it’s such a great weekend with live music set right across town in more than just the usual hotspots.”
Essentially a one-man band, Katsis plays a mix of blues, roots and folk music.
The Melbourne performer uses live looping and percussive elements of his acoustic to enhance his gigs.
“(I use that) to build up song forms and approach my live playing as a one-man band with foot percussions like kick drum and tambourine,” he said.
“I picked up the guitar almost 20 years ago and have been gigging and recording original music for around a decade now.
“For this fundraiser I am looking forward to playing some new songs I’ve written and come September I’m releasing my new EP As the River Runs.”
The BBRMF is now in its seventh year and is a not-for-profit event run by local volunteers.
The Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival Winter Showcase is on at the Golden Vine on July 16 from noon until 8pm.
Tickets are available at the door on the day and are $15 for adults, $5 for under-18s and free for under-12s.
