Event History

 

The Forth Valley Blues Festival had its origin in a discussion between local publicans Chris & Maureen Bramich - long time patrons of live music - and Victorian Bluesman Brian Fraser. It was agreed over a few beers (as are many things around here!) that Tassie was in need of a great blues event and that Forth would be the ideal venue. So, with these initial thoughts, the first of many annual Blues Festivals started in 1998, and now, with the next Festival well on the way, these first thoughts have certainly been proved correct!

The initial fundraising purpose of the event was to provide for facilities improvements to the Forth Recreation Ground which caters for the local football, cricket, and tennis clubs, and is the Festival site. This has been highly successful and continues, as well as donations now being extended to other community groups, service clubs, and local schools.

The organisation of the annual Festival is a wonderful exercise in community involvement. An active, hardworking committee is supported by many local groups and individuals providing time, expertise, and labour, both prior to the event and on the big day.

The Festival's musical program has developed into a well-recognised format of over 12 hours of great blues & roots music (12.30pm - 1.30am), with most acts performing two(2) sets, one afternoon, and one evening. This provides full value for patrons attending who may wish to partake in a more laidback family-friendly afternoon session, and for those who want to crank things up and rage on after dark!

The Festival has showcased some of the very best in Australian Blues & Roots music talent, with both home grown Tassie acts and great mainland names. There has also been international performances from artists such Britain's Rod Garfield, New Zealand's Mike Garner, and Japanese blues rockers The Outloop way Blues band and Eddie Baytos from the USA.

Turning Blue, The Muddy Puddles, Pale Riders, Bo Jenkins, Rockbottom, James & The Detonators, Collard Greens and Gravy, Salty Dog, The Chrome Daddies, Psycho Zydeco, Mallee Roots, Brian Fraser, Mike Elrington, Matt Corcoran, Harper, and Kate Meehan are just some mainland acts well known to lovers of blues music who have performed at past Festivals.

Great Tassie talent has included Pete Cornelius & the Devilles, Shake Sugaree, Voodoo Blues, Black and Blues, The Barflies, The Rythm Gliders, and Full Tilt Boogie.

Other Performers at the Forth Valley Blues Festival have been Eddie Baytos, Chain featuring Phil Manning, Geoff Achison & The Soul Diggers, The Darren Jack Band, Pete Cornelius & The Devilles, Liquid Nails and The Middletones.

 

"This is Tassie's Premiere Annual Blues Music Event & The Best Value Festival Around"

...don't miss it!!