Another Massive Round Of Bluesfest Sideshows Drop

First thing's first, the next announcement for the 2013 Bluesfest will take place on this coming Sunday and organisers say that it might well be as big as the huge Robert Plant announcement of a couple of weeks ago! But we do have a little Bluesfest info we can reveal to you today.

The team at Bluesfest had already put together a whole bunch of sideshows for those who either can't make the Easter event in Tyagarah or just need to make their fix of the fine music being brought to the country last for longer than the festival's five day duration.

Today there are a heap of sideshows announced in a heap of different places to satisfy music lovers of all different dispositions. And here they are...

Jimmy Cliff

The legendary Jimmy Cliff is one of the biggest names in the history of reggae music and is one of the best live exponents of the genre kicking around today. A couple of intimate club shows have been announced alongside his Bluesfest slot which will be simply unmissable for fans of this master.

Wednesday 27 March – The Corner, Melbourne              
Thursday 28 March – Metro Theatre, Sydney

Jon Anderson

Jon Anderson was the voice of prog-rock group Yes for decades until recently going solo and it is by himself that we see him on our shores next March and April. He doesn't just play the great songs he has been responsible for lending his vocals too, he also tells a whole heap of stories from life on the road making for a real well rounded evening of entertainment.

Thursday 28 March – Brisbane Powerhouse
Wednesday 3 April – Lizottes, Newcastle
Saturday 6 April – Factory Theatre, Sydney         
Wednesday 10 April – The Corner, Melbourne
Sunday 14 April – The Gov, Adelaide

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

We'd already announced Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue would be playing some smaller shows in the company of the masterful Tedeschi Trucks Band, but they have just announced a real special one-off gig in Newcastle to bulk up the national tour.

Monday 1 April – Lizottes, Newcastle

You can also see them at the following shows

Tuesday 26 March – The Arts Centre, Hamer Hall, Melbourne (with Tedeschi Trucks Band)
Sunday 31 March – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (with Tedeschi Trucks Band)

Wanda Jackson

The undisputed First Lady of Rockabilly returns to Australia for the first time in a while and, listening to her recent records, it sounds like we might have a bit of a reinvigorated Wanda Jackson on our hands at East next year. No rock'n'roll fan should miss seeing this legendary performer live as she plays tunes from throughout her career.

Tuesday 19 March – The Gov, Adelaide
Wednesday 20 March – The Corner, Melbourne
Saturday 23 March – Factory Theatre, Sydney
Monday 25 March – Lizottes, Newcastle                                              
Wednesday 27 March – The Old Museum, Brisbane

Bettye LaVette

The power of Bettye LaVette's live performances became very obvious to us earlier this year when she finally made it to Australia after 50 years in the industry. Her return is most definitely a welcome one as one of the most incredible voices in soul delivers another set of heartwrenching performances.

Thursday 4 April – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Friday 5 April – The Factory Theatre, Sydney

Jake Shimabukuro

Well Jake Shimabukuro hasn't actually been announced for Bluesfest yet, but we guess organisers are just happy to let this one out of the bag. It has been a couple of years since this ukulele prodigy treated us to a tour, so it's nice to see his return. If you've not seen him, then you have never seen a uke played in this way and you must witness it with your own eyes.

Wednesday 27 March – Brisbane Powerhouse
Sunday 31 March – Lizottes, Newcastle
Monday 1 April – Lizottes, Central Coast
Wednesday 3 April – Lizottes, Sydney   
Thursday 4 April – The Basement, Sydney
Friday 5 April – The Corner, Melbourne
Saturday 6 April – The Gov, Adelaide

Shawn Colvin

The dark, folky Americana of Shawn Colvin has been missing from Australian venues for years now, but Bluesfest are bringing her back in 2013 for shows at the festival and a couple of sneaky sideshows in Melbourne and Sydney.

Sunday 31 March – The Basement, Sydney
Monday 1 April – The Corner, Melbourne

Seth Lakeman

He won a whole bunch of new fans with his recent Bluesfest slot, so why not get Seth Lakeman back? As well as a return to the Tyagarah festival, Lakeman will play a run of shows in and around the Sydney area in the lead up to the event.

Wednesday 20 March – Notes, Sydney
Thursday 21 March – Lizottes, Sydney
Friday 22 March – Lizottes, Kincumber
Saturday 23 March – Lizottes, Newcastle
Sunday 24 March – Brass Monkey, Sydney

Ben Caplan

Something of an unknown entity in Australia up until now, Ben Caplan will woo you with his grizzled charm that calls to mind artists like the great Tom Waits and, more recently, Seasick Steve. This young Canadian has plenty to prove but we're led to believe he has the goods, find out at these shows.

Wednesday 3 April – Notes, Sydney
Thursday 4 April – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne

Tickets for all of these events are on sale Monday 12 November from 9am. You can get all ticketing details through the Bluesfest Touring website.