Bluesfest 36 will be filled with music legends and classic hitmakers.
In a massive fourth announcement for its 36th edition, Byron Bay Bluesfest has pulled out the big guns, revealing funk royalty Chaka Khan will headline the Easter long weekend festival alongside rock veterans Toto and yacht rock pioneer Christopher Cross.
The 10-time Grammy winner and recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee will bring her five decades of soul-shaking hits to the Byron Events Farm this April, treating festivalgoers to an exclusive Australian performance. With bangers like I’m Every Woman and Ain’t Nobody in her arsenal, Khan’s appearance marks a coup for the festival’s farewell edition.
Byron Bay Bluesfest fourth artist drop
- Chaka Khan
- Toto
- Christopher Cross
- Maoli
- Clarence Bekker Band
- Hussy Hicks
- Eric Stang
- The Steele Syndicate
- The Royals
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They’ll be joined by stadium rock titans Toto, whose earworm Africa continues to dominate streaming platforms with over six billion plays. The Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams-led outfit brings their treasure chest of hits including Hold The Line and Rosanna to the Byron Bay stage.
For those seeking smoother sounds, Christopher Cross will sail into the festival with his Grammy-sweeping catalogue. The Oscar and Golden Globe winner behind Arthur’s Theme and Sailing rounds out a heavyweight international contingent.
Adding island vibes to the mix, Hawaii’s reggae kings Maoli make their way down under following a sold-out February tour. Led by Glenn Awong, they’re bringing their chart-topping blend of island sounds fresh from conquering the US and New Zealand circuits.
The announcement also welcomes viral sensation Clarence Bekker Band, whose Playing For Change collaborations have racked up over 200 million views. They’re joined by Gold Coast Music Award winners Hussy Hicks, fresh from topping the AIR charts, and Million Dollar Quartet star Eric Stang, known for sharing stages with Selena Gomez.
Rounding out the drop are 2024’s Bluesfest Busking Competition champions The Steele Syndicate and The Royals, proving the festival’s commitment to emerging talent remains strong until the end.
This fourth artist announcement adds to an already stacked lineup for what will be Bluesfest’s final chapter. The four-day festival runs from April 17-20, 2025, at Byron Events Farm, located just 11km north of Byron Bay. Given the festival’s reputation for selling out and its status as one of Australia’s most awarded music events, punters would be wise to sort their tickets sooner rather than later.
Find out more about Byron Bay Bluesfest and get your tickets here.
