The annual fiesta is back, transforming the St Kilda precinct into a bustling blues party.
The beloved St Kilda Blues Festival is right around the corner, set to deliver three big days of booming horns, groovy percussion and silky-smooth vocals.
Now in its sixth year, the festival’s vision is to bring the music and spirit of blues to one of Melbourne’s most beautiful neighbourhoods, for everyone to enjoy.
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The latest edition, running from March 1 to 3, will feature more than 70 gigs in venues spread throughout St Kilda, spanning genres such as slide, fingerpicking, folk, punk, alternative, blues and country.
On the lineup this year, find heavy hitters including Hoodoo Mayhem, Dom Turner & The Rural Blues Project, Mike Rudd’s Spectrum, Geoff Achison & The Soul Diggers, Murray Cook’s Soul Movers and Rod Paine & The Fulltime Lovers.
All gigs are free and there’s so much to see – stroll down Fitzroy St and check out what’s happening at Ellora, Banff, Freddie Wimpoles or The Cross or wander Acland St to visit Abbey Rd, Jimmy O’Neils or the Acland Plaza. From the Bowlo to the Blessington St Stage, it’s blues all across the board.
And it’s not just tucked away in the venues – the energy will pour out into the streets. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the yearly Street Swamp Second Line offers a party in the park, featuring travelling funk and brass bands and opportunities to boogie down with the whole family.
Taking inspiration from the city that created blues – New Orleans – the street parade is a Mardi Gras-like experience full of colour and song. Costumes are encouraged!
“The St Kilda Blues Festival is yet another reason to visit St Kilda, Victoria’s first Live Music Precinct. It’s fun, free and a great way to celebrate the timeless spirit of the blues at lively local venues,” Mayor Heather Cunsolo said.
To find out everything you need to know about the St Kilda Blues Festival, running from March 1 to 3, head here.
