Another successful Thredbo Blues

Blues lovers united in the Snowy Mountains for the 22^nd annual Thredbo Blues Festival this past weekend. Featuring twenty-five of Australia’s greatest blues acts including Russell Morris, Andy Just (USA) and Gail Page, Thredbo came alive from 15^th to 17^th January as more than 15 indoor and outdoor venues hosted one of the nation’s most unique blues festivals.

The spectacular weekend kicked off on Friday night with the Snowy Mountains’ very own band, The Hip Replacements, lighting up the Village Square for a captive audience As the night progressed, venues throughout Thredbo Village quickly filled with eager music lovers, all keen to witness the impressive back-to-back performances from the talent on show.

In a first for Thredbo Blues, The Pearl Show hit the Keller Bar – delving into the music, obsessions and passions of Janis Joplin. Celebrating a woman who exploded onto the music scene in the late 1960s and quickly became the queen of rock ‘n’ roll and mother of thrift shop vintage funk, fans re-lived Joplin’s rebellious lifestyle and her distinctive voice through the group’s powerful renditions.

The entertainment continued throughout Saturday, with blues fans kicking back to the sweet sounds of Fiona Boyes and The Foreday Riders whilst enjoying a few drinks poolside at Thredbo Alpine Hotel. By Saturday afternoon blues fans were spilling onto the street as Richard Perso packed out the courtyard at House of Ullr –  playing a cool mix of covers and originals – while Dan Dinnen had fans up and dancing at The Denman with his signature guitar-harmonica groves.

Chart topping artist and Australian icon Russell Morris was back by popular demand; delighting crowds on Saturday evening with some of the most enduring blues hits this country has ever seen. Up next, Andy Just and the Third Degree took to the stage and preached the blues, harmonica in hand, as the sun set over Thredbo’s peak.

Throughout the weekend, many of Australia’s top ladies in blues were showcased  including Gail Page and Andrea Marr. Once again, Thredbo Blues was a huge success thanks to the impeccable music, clear blue skies and welcoming vibes over the weekend.