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Blues on Broadbeach returns to the Gold Coast for its 22nd year this May; boasting an array of talent and artistry that has earned the beachside festival a reputation as one of Australia’s most beloved music festivals, and now one of the country’s largest.

Featuring more than 50 acclaimed international and homegrown artists performing across multiple outdoor and indoor stages, Blues on Broadbeach is guaranteed to be all about the music, all the time.

With 20 additional artists added to an already classy bill, the 2023 festival is promising a musical experience that is as diverse as the fanbase.

Joining the likes of Tommy Emmanuel, Don Walker, Emma Donovan and the Putbacks and The Kevin Borich Express, the second line up welcomes Melbourne Ska Orchestra – who will be returning to the Blues on Broadbeach stage after nearly a decade hiatus. The Living End front man Chris Cheney will also be debuting his first solo album, as well as sharing the stage with swamp-pop legend Tommy McLain (USA), joined by long-time collaborator C.C. Adcock. The second line up also features  Memphis’ own Marcus Scott and the Bo Keys, Blue Shaddy, Albi & the Wolves (NZ), Little Georgia, 8 Ball Aitken, Julian James and the Moonshine State, Ian Collard, Mike Elrington plus many more…

“The Blues on Broadbeach team has put together a line up for 2023 that will appeal to all our festival fans; Blues’ aficionados who have been coming to the festival for more than 20 years and new fans just discovering the genre,”  -said Major Events Gold Coast Director of Festivals and Events, Mark Duckworth.

“Our festival has always been about the music and celebrating excellence in Blues’ craftsmanship, and that is what we have become known for both by the artists who perform on our stages, and by our audiences.”

And where better to enjoy four days of incredible music and family-friendly fun than at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. Swinging into action from 18 May, the 2023 festival will take over four blocks of the beachside precinct, enabling Blues on Broadbeach fans to find their rhythm as they weave between the colourful and unique parks, venues and streets of this iconic location.

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Melbourne Ska Orchestra // Photo – Iam Laidlaw

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Melbourne Ska Orchestra are back bigger, bolder and more bombastic than ever, and this year they’re celebrating their 20th Anniversary… so audiences can expect an extra special treat of a show. Formed in 2003, this juggernaut act is comprised of 18 – 36 members, lead and directed by the energetic and charismatic Nicky Bomba (John Butler Trio, Bustamento, Bomba). With seven albums under their belt, including ARIA award winner ‘52 Fridays – One Year of Ska’, the band are guaranteed to inject their signature energy into their dynamic live show and get crowds feeling the rhythm.

“Melbourne Ska Orchestra are super excited to share our ramshackle train of mayhem at Blues on Broadbeach this year. I’ve got great memories of performing there and seeing it’s our 20th Anniversary tour, it’s going to be next level fun! Put on your dancing feet and get down to the party…and you guys know how to party! “  – Nicky Bomba, Melbourne Ska Orchestra

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Chris Cheney

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With countless sold out shows across Australia, nine albums (including two number one records) and international touring credentials with his iconic band The Living End, Chris Cheney has released his debut solo album; ‘The Storm Before the Calm’. Written and recorded between Nashville, LA and his Melbourne garage, this intimate record displays a more personal side to Cheney’s rock and roll roots. Cheney’s expansive career has earned him a reputation for exceptionally powerful live vocals and prowess on the guitar- none of which will want to be missed at his Blues on Broadbeach debut.

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Tommy McLain and C.C. Adcock (USA)

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Hailing from central Louisiana USA, few artists can boast the breadth of experience and skill garnered by Tommy McLain. With a career spanning over five decades, at 82 McLain has shared stages with the likes of Otis Redding, Bobby Vinton, the Byrds and the Yardbirds. His fans include the likes of Elvis Costello, who he collaborated with on two tracks ‘My Hidden Heart’, and ‘I Ran Down Every Dream’. Costello was quoted in Rolling Stone magazine saying; ‘With Tommy, you are going to hear a man singing from his soul, a beautiful man. He is one of the great unsung heroes of American vocalising, and he still sounds as good as he did when he cut ‘Sweet Dreams’ in 1966’. With his first solo album in 40 years, Tommy McLain will be joined on the road by his producer and guitarist, C.C. Adcock. The dynamic duo will be performing at Blues on Broadbeach as part of their first Australian tour in 11 years- embodying more than 60 years of classic, authentic swamp pop into every performance.

Due to health reasons, Don Bryant will not be able to travel to Blues on Broadbeach 2023.. The good news is, in partnership with Memphis Tourism, legendary soul outfit The Bo-Keys will now be joined by the electrifying, soulful and compelling ‘Memphis Soul Man’ Marcus Scott. Recently performing as the lead singer for Tower of Power, Marcus is the real deal and a truly elite soul singer.

With this change, the Don Bryant Masterclass will now be a Memphis Masterclass with Marcus Scott & The Bo-Keys – an in-depth discussion about the home of blues and musical legacy that changed the world.

With stages around every corner and a truly eclectic lineup of diverse artists, the 22nd edition of Blues on Broadbeach will undoubtedly be a festival to remember.

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Blues on Broadbeach is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, and is a feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

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AMNPLIFY – ML