Global blues phenomenon Canned Heat triumphantly returned to Broadbeach last night to close out the mighty Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival where they were joined by Australian blues royalty Kevin Borich for their finale song. Their incredible performance left crowds with no doubt they are still one of the finest blues bands of all time, a testimony to why they are on the Woodstock 50th Anniversary wishlist in 2019.
Early indicators suggest that attendance this year has risen by an estimated 10 percent from the 171,000 who attended last year. With the 2018 festival providing a $21 million boost to the local economy, this figure is expected to increase this year due to the growing number of patrons.
This year’s event saw more international acts in the line-up than ever before, with artists from the USA, UK, Canada and NZ describing this as a must-do event on their global touring calendars due to the vibrant atmosphere, huge numbers, loyal fans, and friendly locals that bring the event together each year.
Blues on Broadbeach has grown to become one of the largest music festivals in Australia and provides a huge boom for local businesses, with accommodation occupancy at 90 percent before the event began on Thursday. Cafes, bars and restaurants were packed throughout Broadbeach as patrons enjoyed the spoils of this sophisticated music festival.
“It has been quite extraordinary to experience the wonderful relaxed vibe of the festival with the fans commenting how special this festival is,” said Broadbeach Alliance CEO, Jan McCormick. “Every year we carefully plan our line up and the experience the fans will have when they come and in 2019 the team really nailed it.”
“This festival contributes to the local economy significantly. The festival alone employs 250 crew and imagine the numbers of additional employee hours that are generated by the restaurants, accommodation and retail outlets, some of which traded well into the nights.”
Kicking off proceedings of the four day event on Thursday morning with huge crowds was the energetic soul/blues force of The Lachy Doley Group, led by Lachy Doley who has been dubbed the Jimi Hendrix of the Hammond Organ. The energy escalated over the four days with US blues legends like Chris Cain, Eric Bibb and Cedric Burnside as well as local favourites including The Bamboos and Harts captivating audiences with their heartfelt, upbeat and inspiring take on the blues.
Last night’s line-up included Kevin Borich who has over 40 years touring under his belt and had the crowd primed and pumped at The Star Stage on Surf Parade, ready for US headliners Canned Heat where Borich joined them for their final song.
With some of the most well-respected and notable blues musicians filling the sunny streets, restaurants, parks and bars with incredible tunes, both locals and visitors had an amazing experience, as did our international musicians.
But hey, don’t take our word for it…let’s hear from the people that matter!
The happy music fans who travelled from near and far:
A four-day music smorgasbord! Great venues, production team, bars and cafes…and world-class performers sharing their passion with all ages. Fun and free! I’ve been every year…see you next year! Pam Foster (Tugan, QLD)
What a fantastic festival of all types of music. I enjoyed every moment. The quality of musicianship was incredible and extremely awesome to me and my many NZ friends who travel here to have fun and soak up the very infectious atmosphere. The organisers need credit for the selection of artists, the timings and venues…see you next year! John Bell (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Our ‘first timer’ international artists:
“Blues on Broadbeach is such a different festival, it’s so sophisticated and has this really luxurious edge to it. What an incredible thing to have, a free festival, to draw people to such a beautiful spot. And that’s a lot different to any festival that I’ve ever performed at anywhere in the world.” Tami Neilson (NZ)
“Blues on Broadbeach was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had at a festival. To walk on a stage and see so many smiling faces is something I will never forget, and the treatment of the individuals that were playing was beautiful.” Chris Cain (USA)
Broadbeach retailers who’ve been run off their feet:
“The crowd hung around long after the last bands finished. On Friday night we were serving coffees at 1am! Such big crowds. It was amazing!” (Natasha Doumani – 3 Beans, Surf Parade)
“I have been the Manager here for 13 years and Saturday was our biggest day of business we have ever had. Since Thursday we have not stopped. The crowds are incredible.” Derya (Food Focus, Oasis Shopping Centre)
With such a successful Blues on Broadbeach this year, plans are well under way for 2020 so stay tuned for some very cool developments. If you’re looking for an incredible music experience in the next few months, why not attend the sister event…Groundwater Country Music Festival on July 26-28.
The exciting Groundwater line-up features top country artists including 37-time Golden Guitar winner Lee Kernaghan, international act Davisson Brothers Band, reigning Queen of Country Beccy Cole, Graeme Connors, The Wolfe Brothers, Adam Eckersley Band, fan favourites Casey Barnes, Fanny Lumsden, Drew McAlister, Felicity Urquhart, and many more.
Blues on Broadbeach is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar, worth $800m to the state’s economy in 2019.
The City of the Gold Coast is also a strong supporter of the festival and has a firm commitment in the Gold Coast becoming Australia’s Events Capital – Blues on Broadbeach goes a long way in making this a reality.
Your perfect next event is in Queensland, where live events combine with the most incredible destinations, and life is beautiful one day, perfect the next.
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