Barnett is a Melbourne-based singer, guitarist and songwriter who has built a growing legion of local devotees through a series of DIY releases on her own label Milk! Records and now it seems the rest of the world has embraced her – having sold out her most recent tours to rapturous audiences in the UK and USA. Her special guest spot at Festival Hall and Bluesfest set are Barnett’s only scheduled shows for 2017.
She joins a commanding list of female performers at the festival this year including Patti Smith and Her Band’s final Australian shows, Mary J. Blige, Bonnie Raitt, Mavis Staples, Rickie Lee Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae, Beth Hart, Laura Mvula, Rhiannon Giddens, Nikki Hill, Joan Osborne, Melody Angel and Irish Mythen.
Patti Smith and Her Band have announced that Bluesfest 2017 will be their last Australian festival performances, making them all the more special. The announcement comes just days after Bluesfest Touring added a final concert to Patti Smith’s touring roster, where her special guest will be Courtney Barnett. Bluesfest is thrilled to announce that Courtney Barnett will also be playing at the festival on Thursday 13 April.
The five day Easter extravaganza that is Bluesfest will be held once again at its lush 120 hectare home, just outside Byron Bay. Bluesfest delivers up to 12 hours of music daily across multiple undercover stages, as well as offering an abundance of food and market stalls, several bars, parking and camping on site.
The festival promises more artist announcements in the coming weeks.