Byron Bay welcomes the blues
Fri 28 April 2006
Gail Loader, Journalism
Instead of spending Easter in church, thousands spent the long weekend in Devil’s Park worshipping the god of music at the 17th annual Byron Bay Bluesfest.
Spanning five days, the oldest music festival in Australia showcased many amazing international acts and impressive Aussie talent. Thousands descended on Byron Bay to join the festive atmosphere, with standing room only for popular artists’ shows.
Clouds of herbal smoke lingered in the air and alcohol was consumed in copious amounts despite the monopoly on prices. Colourful seahorses roamed amongst the crowds, while a voracious dragon prowled the skies closely followed by a jolly octopus and glowing tropical fish. A festival market and endless food stalls, along with a side show ride, provided for all festival-goers needs.
On Good Friday a common theme seemed to flow through many of the performers’ lyrics. Dreadlocked American Michael Franti and friends performed funk and reggae songs of rebellion with anti-war and social issue themes. Brisbane band Engine Three Seven, with sounds reminiscent of an early Pearl Jam, rocked out the smallest stage at the festival with anti-establishment songs, getting the crowd to join their chants of “No Plastic People”. That night soul diva India Arie’s heartfelt songs moved the spirits of many as she declared, “I’m no supermodel”, her lyrics highlighting alternatives to mainstream pop-culture.
A gold watch lost on the path to the festival, miraculously found its way home to its owner in the midst of crowds of more than 20,000, making for a Easter Saturday filled with positive Karmic energy.
Aussies became the highlight of the festival as Xavier Rudd and The Cat Empire played that evening. Ever aware of the native history of our country, Rudd had the traditional owners of the land welcome all to the festival, although the elders were a little overwhelmed by the enthusiastic crowd response. During Rudd’s joyful performance as a one-man-band incorporating didgeridoo, guitar and stomp box rhythms, aboriginal artists performed traditional dances, including making fire from a twig and rock. 
The Cat Empire had the crowd on its feet grooving along to the horn section of its big band ensemble. With broad Aussie accents and party-like performances the Cuban-inspired musicians further entertained crowds by busking in Byron the next day.
The downpour around midnight on Saturday drenched those who stayed for the final performances of the day. But even the rain could not dampen the spirits of festival-goers on Easter Sunday. Gumboots became the new fashion as young girls teamed bright Wellingtons with short skirts to tramp along the muddy paths.
International artists shined on Sunday as a collective of artists attempted to raise awareness and funds through New Orleans Band Aid. That evening, Juan De Marcos’ Afro Cuban All Stars with their crisp white suits and smooth dance moves had many in the crowd dancing to their rumba rhythms.
They were followed by the tribal beat of Nigerian Femi Kuti and the Positive Force. A shirtless Femi Kuti delivered a powerful performance of African-inspired songs raging against the AIDS epidemic and social issues of alcohol and drugs. Traditional styled dancers, sporting diamond-like sparkling tassels, shook and shimmied their way through the group’s energetic show.
Crowds who flocked to see the performance of legendary Bob Marley’s son, Damien ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, were not disappointed by the upbeat reggae performance. With possibly some of the longest dreadlocks in existence, Junior Marley continued the themes of his father’s music, with songs of rebellion against mainstream culture. As he danced around the stage another Rastafarian, who proudly danced and waved the Jamaican flag joined him.
With barely room to move during the peak performances, a surprising spirit of tolerance, understanding and peace flowed through the thousands of music lovers enjoying the incredible cultural and musical experience that is the Byron Bay Bluesfest.
Image(s) designed by Gail Loader
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Submitted Comments
Power to the peaceful!
Alison Plater
Gail, your ability to express the feeling of the festival is evident in your article. It certainly fuelled my interest in wanting to experience the festival also.
Jenny Hammer