The Blues and Roots Music Festival continues to pull in the acts, with 155 artists performing in more than 50 venues around the city over four days this weekend.

Artists from 22 countries applied to perform this year – a new record for the music festival run by the community, for the community. 

Festival director Colin Thompson said this was “first and foremost” an event that shows off Bendigo as well as local and independent talent. 

“If it wasn’t for the local musicians, venue operators and community members rolling up their sleeves and pitching in to help, our festival wouldn’t exist,” he said.

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“We welcome visitors from everywhere, but we’re proud to show off ‘Bendigo at its best’ every November and during the other events we stage and co-promote through the year.”

New discoveries this year include Japanese duo Fu-Ching-Gido  – a fast-handed drummer who doubles up on melodica and a euphonium player.

Headlining a four-act show at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre will be superstar Aussie soul band The Badloves on Saturday, November 10. The show will kick off in the foyer/bar, which has free entry for anybody wanting to check out performances of Collard Greens & Gravy and festival debutants Spoonful. The auditorium will be converted to a dance hall for general admission ticket holders, with the front 200 seats removed to make room to boogie. Allocated seating is also available.

The Blues Tram will also take to the road, with gigs on the restored vintage W Class tram featuring White Ligtning (Sean McConnell and Benny Gerrard), a swamp blues-rock band, and Jess Parker & The Troubled Waters (blues/folk).

Most of the venues in the city centre will feature an array of acts, free of charge. 

On Sunday you can also head out to Heathcote, where five venues will host wine, food and fun lunchtime and afternoon concerts. Music will be on the menu at The Shiraz Republic, Merindoc Cellar Door & Bistro, Munari Wines, Bridgeward Grove and Heathcote Winery

For the full programme and tickets go to bendigobluesandroots.com.au

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