The Redlands Coast Blues Festival had its origins in 2014 when a former councillor, disappointed that the local regional park wasn’t used for any major events, decided that a music festival would do well. He approached the Capalaba Rotary Club and the blues festival was born, continuing as a popular annual event – peaking at 10,000 plus visitors in 2020 – until it was flooded out in 2022, which saw its demise for the following two years.
“With Council and Rotary Club support we redeveloped and rebadged the event, and this year on the fifth of April we’ll be celebrating its return at the Redland Showgrounds,” says a spokesperson from the festival reignite team.
The festival will open in full swing with food stalls, a bar, stage performances and roving players. There will be events for children (who can attend free of charge) including face painting and a petting zoo. Purchase of a ticket will allow free entry to the popular Redland Museum.
In a first for the event the program will feature an acclaimed headline act from Sydney, Ray Beadle, who – in the festival’s words – “will light up the stage!”
Ray’s distinctive style has made him a favourite with blues and music fans. A first-class guitarist, singer/songwriter and all-round performer, Ray’s talents have been recognised in the Chain Blues Awards with Best Album, Best Song, and Best Male Artist. His life as a musician started at the age of nine and for the next two decades he played with – and learned from – some of the best in the blues genre, including a three-month residency with the house band in BB King’s Memphis club.
Other performers include Mojo Webb, BlueSkillet Rovers, Shade Hadie, Shotgun Sam, Dezzie D and the Stingrayz Official Band, The Honey Sliders, Blues Arcadia, Shotgun Sam & His World Famous Blues Band, and Dezzie D and the Stingrayz.
The day of non-stop blues music, flavoured with rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, soul, boogie and country – what’s not to love? – lifts off at 11:30am and runs until 9:00pm on Saturday April 5 at Redland Showgrounds. For more information – and to take the opportunity to volunteer – check out the Redlands Coast Blues Festival Facebook page.
