.jpg) The Face of the Future
Fourteen-year-old Torin Peat, who was the winner of the 2025 Byron Bay Bluesfest Grommets (under-18) Busking Competition, plays his original song, Horseback Blues. I’m not the first to say it, but music crosses boundaries: the boundaries of time and place.
One of the things I always loved about the annual Easter long weekend Byron Bay Bluesfest music festival was the cross-section of ages, styles, and origins, of the performers – and of the audience members. The family-friendly event always billed itself as a collection of ‘Blues and Roots’ music, but in reality, its reach was pretty broad.
With three to four stages playing at any one time across the four days, there was a lot of music to choose from this year. My sampling ranged from the youngest performer, High School student Torin Peat playing blues standards and his original tune, to the old rock-boogie masters George Thorogood & The Destroyers playing the soundtrack of my youth.
As much as I enjoy the music, I love getting close enough to the stages to get portraits of the artists. That was even more difficult than usual this year: the tents felt more tightly packed than ever and the fenced-off areas for the VIP ticket-holders and for the sound equipment seemed to take more space than before.
Still, I got a few pictures that I’m happy enough to share.
.jpg) Passing the Baton
American singer-songwriter Marc Broussard is an example of passing down traditions: this funky bayou-soul artist is the son of acclaimed Louisiana Hall of Fame guitarist Ted Broussard. .jpg) Hands Across the Water
Helping Marc Broussard out on keyboard and hammond organ, Australian musician Clayton Doley keeps the audience moving.  Behind the Scenes
Large portions of the tents are gated off for the sound technicians. (iPhone15Pro) In a Crowded Tent
Either I’ve got shorter, or the rest of the audience has grown taller! Once I work my way around the sound booth, I get a somewhat better view of American blues guitarist and singer Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Razor Wire and Flags
The walk from the carpark into the festival grounds felt longer each day – but we had beautiful weather. (iPhone15Pro) An International Experience
I started my third day with the Clarence Bekker Band in the Crossroads Tent. This joyful group includes musicians from all over. CB Milton
Also known as Clarence Bekker, CB Milton is a Dutch musician from Suriname – currently based in Barcelona. He has had a number of chart singles, alone and with the international Playing for Change band. Channelling Jerry Lee Lewis
Joining the the Clarence Bekker Band was Eric Stang, keyboardist, bassist, singer, actor, and music producer from Chicago. He recently had a successful run as Jerry Lee Lewis off-Broadway in the Tony Award-winning musical Million Dollar Quartet. Francisco ‘el Rubio’ Guisado
Barcelona-based Spanish guitarist ‘el Rubio’ is a key part of Clarence Bekker’s band. Borrowed Drums
This one was a surprise! I’m not sure if I can count the number of times I’ve seen Australian Dave Fester on the drums with different line-ups over the years (eg: Weekly Wanders+Dave Fester). Buckle In!
The high-octane energy brought to the stage by guitarist Kane Dennelly, drummer Jeremy Berg, and double bassist John Gwilliam from 19-Twenty needs to be seen to be believed! Tent Filling
The light is falling under an autumn sky outside, and the tents are filling up further. As the evening draws on, those passageways disappear entirely. Sound the Horns
The orchestra covers the stage with people … The Melbourne Ska Orchestra
… and fill the tent with joyful, bouncy sound. Hands in the Air
The last time I saw the Australian multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd, his song Follow the Sun had only just recently been released. Then, he was playing alone as a one-man-band. On the Big Screen
This year, Xavier’s beautiful set included backup musicians, including Lisa Purmodh on bass. Singing in the Dark
Another popular Australian singer-songwriter, Vance Joy, took to the Crossroads stage next. With backup help, he performed his crowd-pleasing boppy blend of folk and pop. Neil Finn
The last band on stage for the night was the current iteration of Crowded House, fronted by Neil Finn, the youngest of the musically talented Finn brothers from New Zealand. On the Jambalaya Stage
We arrived early on Sunday, the final day of the festival. My first stop was the Jambalaya tent, where young Torin Peat seemed dwarfed by the stage. Torin Peat
But, the fourteen-year-old winner of the 2025 Byron Bay Bluesfest grommets (under-18) busking competition more than held his own. Under Lights in Delta
I wasn’t going to miss the delightful Kim Churchill – a popular Australian folk, rock, and blues singer, songwriter, and musician. Kim Churchill on Guitar
I love Kim’s stories about his early busking days. Lech Wierzynski
The California Honeydrops are irresistable with their New Orleans style laid over their roots, blues, R&B, and soul music. I’ve shared their track When it Was Wrong before: (Click for When it was Wrong by the California Honeydrops)
Popcorn Sky
As the afternoon turned to evening, the tents filled up even further. We sat outside the Crossroads tent (no hope of getting in!) and caught some of the sounds. Fortunately, there was nothing on later that we desperately wanted to see; we headed back to the car and went home early. (iPhone15Pro) Last year, they advertised that the four-day 2025 event would be the last. I suspect we weren’t the only ones who bought tickets for that reason.
And, I think that was why the whole event was so overcrowded.
I am glad that the festival will be back next year – but I won’t be.
I’ll have to find my music some other way.
Until next time …
Photos: 18-20April2025
Posted in Australia,Byron Bay Bluesfest,Music,PortraitsTags: Australia,Byron Bay Bluesfest,environmental portrait,environmental portraits,music,musician,performance,performers,Photo Blog,portrait,portraits,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall
A Bird of Paradise
Youngsters in their traditional costumes are ready to perform for us in the remote and tiny village of Kwatisore on Cenderawasih Bay in Papua, Indonesia. It was a trip I’d been anticipating for a long time: an ocean voyage on a small ship to visit remote West Papuan villages and to snorkel in the marine-rich waters around Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands. The chance to swim with giant whale sharks was what had sold me on this particular itinerary.
We were aboard an Australian ship, the Coral Geographer, and had been in Indonesian waters for five days. After leaving Sorong, we sailed clockwise around the Vogelkop, or Bird’s Head, of New Guinea. We stopped at Mansinam Island to snorkel amid colourful coral and small fish and to visit the village itself (see: Welcome to West Papua).
Unfortunately, on leaving Mansinam Island it became apparent that our ship was not making good headway: one of the azipods that provides the vessel’s propulsion was not working. As a consequence, we had an extra sea day, and arrived late into Cenderawasih Bay.
Cenderawasih (“Bird of Paradise”) Bay is the large body of water that sits between the Bird’s Head and the rest of New Guinea. It is bordered by the Indonesian provinces of West Papua to the west and Papua to the east. Kwatisore Bay is a small part of the larger bay, near where the two provinces meet. It is known for consistently high sightings of whale sharks.
Once we finally arrived, we did get our whale shark experience, and a visit to the little village of Kwatisore – albeit a day late.
We were lucky!
Cenderawasih Bay National Park is Indonesia’s largest marine park, and permits are required by groups wishing to snorkel with the huge fish. Our permit window had not yet expired when we arrived, and the fishermen operating the bagan – the floating fishing platform – we were aiming for, were still willing to chum the water. By prior arrangement, fishermen in the bay throw small bits of food into the water (chumming) to make sightings of whale sharks even more reliable.
Growing up to 18.8 m (61.7 ft), whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest known extant fish species. As a slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet shark, they pose no risk to divers or snorkelers. Swimming amongst these giant creatures was a magical experience.
After our snorkel, we went ashore in the little village of Kwatisore. Following tribal tradition, before entering the village itself we all had to step on a paddle to avoid transporting any bad spirits with us. Once on the village green, we were treated to a musical welcome and a performance of the Birds of Paradise dance, in which a hunter shoots one of those magnificent birds.
Following the performance, I broke away from the larger group to wander around the tiny village. Do join me!
The Bagan
Fishing and tourism in Cenderawasih Bay National Park is regulated, and official permits have to be negotiated ahead of time. Fortunately, as I was part of a group, this wasn’t my problem! The floating fishing platform we snorkeled around was ready and waiting for us. (iPhone15Pro) Whale Shark – Rhincodon Typus
In preparation for this trip, I had bought a waterproof silicone phone cover. It kept my phone dry; unfortunately, it also rendered the phone pretty unresponsive to my commands! That – plus the chum in the water – led to focussing issues. (iPhone15Pro) Whale Shark Below
Snorkeling with these giant creatures – about the size of a large bus – was an experience I won’t soon forget! (iPhone15Pro) Kampung Akudiomi Waterfront
After a quick shower, we were shuttled to the nearby village for a visit. There is not much clear land here! Dense jungle rises up steeply behind the houses. Kampung Akudiomi Housing
Many of the simple wooden houses are colourfully painted. Welcome Music
All across the island of New Guinea, face paint and feathers feature hugely in the traditional dress. Blowing the Conch Musicians Youngster
I love the clear, unaffected gaze this youngster gave me as I lifted the camera. Young Dancer Portrait of a Bird
A school boy sports his bird of paradise costume with pride. Young Boys
The locals are as fascinated by us as we are by them! Dancing Birds
Birds of paradise mate for life; the boys and girls dancing here are paired off. Birds of Paradise A Hunter in Pursuit
Oh no! Here comes a local hunter!
Looking at all the feathers used in traditional Papuan costumes, I’m always amazed that there are any birds of paradise left on the island. The Hunter and his Bird
The female bird lies dead, the male bird is left to pine, and the hunter pays his respects to the beautiful creature he has killed. A Cross on the Door
Christian missionaries made huge inroads into the communities of Papua and West Papua; some version of Christianity is common in these tiny villages. Wooden House
There is some electricity, but houses are simple here. Breadfruit – Artocarpus Altilis
The local food supply quite literally grows on trees … Wandering Fowl
… or scratches around under foot. Shopkeeper and his Shop
Naturally, there is also a small convenience store. Tourists in the Mainstreet Our Ship on the Horizon
Life here is wedged between the forest and the sea. Roofer
Meanwhile, there are new houses being built. And yes, he is in bare feet. After the Performance
When I made my way back to the village green, the performers were still gathered around. Smiling Bird Hunter Ukulele Officials
I made a point of saying hello the the government officials who had travelled from the local administrative offices to oversee our visit. They were happy to be photographed in their uniforms. Evening Skies
We returned to our ship – and to the unwelcome news that, because of our engine difficulties, we were headed back to Sorong instead of to the atolls of Raja Ampat. But, as day turned to evening, we had food, drink, and wonderful skies over the Taman Nasional Teluk Cenderawasih – Cenderawasih Bay National Park. (iPhone15Pro) We might have lost a part of our itinerary, but we were safe and well-fed. I went to sleep dreaming of those beautiful gentle marine giants.
 Until next time,
Safe Sailing!
Pictures: 24March2025
Posted in Indonesia,Portraits,TravelTags: architecture,dance,environmental portrait,environmental portraits,housing,Indonesia,marine park,National Park,New Guinea,people,performance,travel,Travel Blog,under water,Ursula Wall,West Papua,whale shark
Hussy Hicks and Friends
On the tiny outdoor Busking Stage at the Australia’s Byron Bay Bluesfest, the irrepressible Hussy Hicks – with help from friends (l-r) guitarist Minnie Marks, rapper Triple Nip, singer Chris E Thomas, and harp player Greg Parker – bring us to tears with their powerhouse performance of Wilsons River Blues/Washed Away (sound clip below); just one example of the cathartic power of music. Music can serve to both describe our pain and lift us out of it.
For me, the highlights of this year’s annual Easter long weekend Byron Bay Bluesfest were the “story artists”: those musicians whose performances feel personal, and for whom the lyrics are as important as the music.
Hussy Hicks, whom I’ve been watching for many years (eg: Wanders + Hussy Hicks), are a dynamic and compelling duo, comprising the charismatic vocalist and instrumentalist Leesa Gentz and the blistering guitarist Julz Parker. They are often (and currently) backed by Ali Foster on drums and Tracy Stephens on bass. Classed as folk, they are so much more than that: straddling blues, country, rock, and roots. Their songs tell stories – political and personal – and their more popular anthems (eg: Pirate Flag) are requested by their passionate followers every time they perform.
During the horrific 2022 floods around their studio in Lismore in northern New South Wales, Australia, the band lost all their recording equipment, including microphones, pre-amps, and studio monitors (see: ABC News Hussy Hicks). They managed to help a neighbour, before all being rescued by boat. Some of the trauma around this period – and the healing power of community that helped them through it – is written into the songs Wilsons River Blues/Washed Away. Their performance of this, with guitarist Minnie Marks, rapper Triple Nip, singer Chris E Thomas, and Julz’ dad, harp player Greg Parker, on the tiny outdoor Busking Stage was for me the pinnacle of this year’s four day festival.
And, I was lucky to catch it! Fortunately, I was alerted to their performance by the App: the printed program didn’t include the Busking Stage. Naturally, I had already made a point of scheduling their other performances into my plan.
Another example of singing through the pain came from Allison Russell, a Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter (Eve Was Black) and multi-instrumentalist from Canada. She references her traumatic personal childhood experiences in the music she delivers with sweetness and power. She was new to me: I only caught a little of her set in Delta Tent on Day 2 of the festival, and made a point of marking her into my diary for the following day.
Join me for some sound-stories in pictures:
Friday Morning
We were so lucky this year: we had another beautiful, blue-sky, day as we entered the grounds early on the second day. Melody and Bass
The Chicago based blues-guitarist singer-songwriter is a formidable cross between Tina Turner and Jimi Hendrix, with a dash of Prince and Chuck Berry. Camera Man in Mojo Tent In The Crossroads
Australian blues musician Ash Grunwald is another story-teller – one whose focus is the protection of the environment and the natural world around us. That Smile!
I’ve enjoyed Ash before – but it’s been a long time (see: The Local Lineup). His music, his smile, and his comfortable interaction with the audience and his guest performers – his young daughter, and performer Kim Churchill, who I also first saw back in 2016 – reminded me why I loved his performances. Fanny Lumsden
Next up in the Crossroads was Australian country performer Edwina Margaret Lumsden, professionally known as Fanny. In her pure, sweet voice, she told stories about the hardships and joys of life in the farming communities of remote NSW. Portrait of Fanny
Her energy was amazing! In the Delta Tent
On the strength of the write-up in the Bluesfest program, I ducked across to catch a bit of Allison Russell. Allison Russell
She and her Rainbow Coalition Band blew me away with deceptively sweet and melodic stories of trauma and survival. Telling her Own Stories
Allison Russell has recorded a number of albums with previous bands, including songs co-written with her with now-husband Jeremy Lindsay (JT Nero) as part of Birds of Chicago. On the Saturday, I enjoyed her full set in Crossroads. Close-Up of Allison Russell On the Busking Stage
It’s a clear night and getting cool – but Hussy Hicks warm the crowd up quickly. (iPhone15Pro) Chris E Thomas with Hussy Hicks
One of the great joys of festivals is the cross-pollination that happens. Performers mix and match and join in with each other. Leesa Gentz
The next day in the Delta Tent, Leesa lets loose with her soaring vocals. Julz Parker
Julz is an electrifying award-winning guitarist … Leesa Gentz
… and Leesa delivers soaring vocals. Greg Parker
Julz’ dad Greg is often invited to play his harp, or add vocals. Chris E Thomas
Australian singer-songwriter Chris E Thomas adds her voice to Hussy Hick’s Ain’t it a Shame. Hussy Hicks in Delta
On the Sunday, I have one last opportunity to enjoy my favourite band. Leesa Gentz and her Rain Shaker Leesa and Julz
Leesa and Julz play off each other: I suspect that this chemistry is part of why they go from strength to strength. Meeting the Fans
In the old days, there was a merchandise tent, where you could actually check out the offerings, and a signing tent where selected bands meet with fans. When I asked, I was told: “We haven’t done that for years!” But, Hussy Hicks made the effort to come out and meet people – and I got my latest CD signed. (iPhone15Pro) Some musicians just connect.
Here’s to the stories …
… and the music!
Pictures: 18April2025
Juniper on the Mountainside
A steep and rocky path runs from the Azzaden Valley, up through the twisting junipers, over the Tizi Oudid, around the flank of a mountain, and down into the village of Imlil. The High Atlas Mountains of Morocco stretch out all around, as far as the eye can see. We were starting out early: my Berber guide Mohammed was worried about the impact of the hot autumn sun on our steep climb from the trekking lodge (Azzaden Trekking Lodge) near Tizi Oussem in the Toubkal National Park in Morocco, to the mountain pass we needed to cross.
I was worried too!
I had found hiking in the High Atlas Mountains more difficult than I had anticipated, and spent much of the time struggling and cursing to myself as I walked over the rough and rocky paths strewn with rubbish, donkey droppings, and loose scree. Of course, in the evenings, after a hot bath or shower and over a fragrant tagine of freshly cooked food, all pain was forgotten.
In theory, I was rested. We had only hiked six-and-a-bit kilometres (3.8 mi) the day before, taking a picturesque circuit around the Azzaden Valley (see: Walking in the Azzaden Valley). But, even when I was young, I was no good on up-hills, and the first two kilometres of this day – a 12-km trek through the mountain pass known as Tizi Oudid (Tizi n’Oudid) to the town of Imlil – was mostly uphill.
We set off at 8am. The mountain valley was still in shade that gave the jagged rocks a purple hue. But as Mohammed had promised, before long the sun was up, beating on our backs through an almost-completely-clear sky.
We reached the pass – which sits at 2,219 metres (7280 feet) – before 10am; from there the path flanking the mountainside is as much down as up. That was good news!
The other good news was that we would pass through the town of Imlil itself, giving me a chance to look at some genuine Berber carpets before returning to my accommodation for the night.
That thought, and the breathtaking views (and some nuts and chocolate), kept my spirits high.
Early Morning over Azzaden Valley
As we set off, I have extensive views over the valley from my lodgings. The sky is light, but the sun has not yet reached over the mountain peaks. Rocks on a Steep Hillside
Everything has a purple hue in the low light. The rocks in these mountains are a mix of volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic types, and are scattered across the arid landscape. Shelter from the Storms
These rough huts are common in the mountains where herders and their goats might get caught out by inclement weather or need overnight protection from predators. Cairn on the Hill
The path rises steadily, up through the rocks – some of which have been piled into cairns. Nature’s Sculpture : Bent and Twisted
I was endlessly fascinated by the twisting trunks and tangled roots of the native Spanish juniper trees (Juniperus thurifera). More Rocks on the Hillside
As the sky gradually lightens, the colours in the rock become more dramatic. Spanish Juniper – Juniperus Thurifera
These native junipers are hardy trees that cling to the rocky slopes, leaning into the winds. Prickly Juniper – Juniperus Oxycedrus
This Mediterranean High Atlas Juniper Steppe is a montane grass and shrubland ecoregion, home to several types of juniper and cedar. (iPhone15Pro) Rocky Path
The track around the flank of the mountain is rough under foot and often vague. Good boots and a local guide are essentials! Shadow Selfie on the Hill
We’ve been on the track just over an hour and the rising sun sends strong shadows over the rough terrain. Light in the Junipers
The angled morning light sets the rocky ground and the juniper trunks aglow. Nature’s Artworks : Twisted Trunks Cairns at the Top
More rocky cairns mark the pass. Mountain views stretch in all directions. 2219 Metres – 7280 Feet Rounding the Bend
Berber villages dot the valleys as we follow the goat tracks around the mountain. Mountain Peaks
The High Atlas stretch out into the distance. The path itself is loose and rocky underfoot. Red Mountainside
The mountainsides show off their striations of colour as the sun sits high in the sky. Black Beetle
In the absence of any other wildlife (we could hear goat herders’ dogs higher up), I got excited by a common darkling beetle. Imlil Below
The Imlil Valley is fed by the Rehraya River, and is lush with fields of barley and corn, and orchards of walnuts, apples, and cherries. Leaf Beetle – Chrysomela Populi Loaded Mule
The little mules and donkeys who service these rough tracks seem to carry their body-weight in goods. Into Imlil
Finally! We draw into Imlil, where damage from the devastating September 2023 earthquake is still visible. Red-Billed Chough – Pyrrhocorax Pyrrhocorax
Everywhere you look, repair and rebuilding is taking place. In a Village Street
Imlil is at the end of the paved road from Marrakesh and caters to the tourists who come to hike in nearby Toubkal National Park. Souvenirs and Talismans
The shops are full of arts, crafts, and souvenirs. I was on the hunt for my own Berber rug. Stairs to the Kasbah
The Kasbah du Toubkal, where my walk will end, sits atop a hill on the outskirts of Imlil. The Kasbah Shop
Admiring more carpets makes for a good excuse to stop after the short, steep climb. (iPhone15Pro) Fattah Albaz
The shopkeeper is always ready to offer cups of mint tea and have a chat. My four days of hiking in the High Atlas ended here: with a hot shower, a tasty tagine, and one last night at the Kasbah before travelling back to Marrakesh the next day.
As reminders of my trek, I had sore muscles, a sense of accomplishment, and a nice new Berber rug.
Until next time!
Photos: 12October2024
Posted in Africa,Morocco,TravelTags: architecture,blog,environmental portrait,environmental portraits,High Atlas,landscape,Morocco,mountains,National Park,nature,people,Photo Blog,travel,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall,walk
Maoli on the Crossroads Stage
Maoli means ‘native’ or ‘indigenous’ in Hawaiian, and signifies authenticity and genuineness. Under the name Maoli, Kana Akiu-Corpuz, Glenn Awong, and Nuu Kahalehau play a blend of reggae, roots, and country – all with Hawaiian overtones. You don’t get much more boundary-crossing than that! Any visitor to these pages knows I love my music festivals.
While small festivals (eg: Thredbo Blues, Thredbo Jazz, and Vancouver Island Music Festival) have their charm, the granddaddy of them all is the annual Easter long-weekend Byron Bay Bluesfest. I first attended back in 1999 when it was a three-day celebration of local and international blues and roots music. It featured an incredible number of my favourite artists and introduced me to some wonderful ‘new’ names.
My penultimate attendance was back in 2019 (Byron Bay Bluesfest 2019). I bought tickets for 2020 before going home. Of course, that one was cancelled on account of Covid19. But, I hung in there, and bought tickets for 2021. That year, the festival was Covid19-cancelled again – but at the last minute this time: less than 24 hours before commencement. By then, after long days of driving, I was already lodged in Byron Bay. As I sat for a week watching the rain falling outside my modest cabin, the heart went out of me and I collected my refund.
Last year, they advertised that the four-day 2025 event would be the last. I had great sympathy for the organisers: staging an event of this size in this new, uncertain world is a fraught and risky business. So, I contacted a friend, and together we decided to take the plunge.
Of course, the event sold out and was absolutely jam-packed. And, as we found out later: they never believed it would be the last.
Festival photos (especially without a Press Pass!) are taken under challenging conditions: stage lighting is unpredictable; the tents are dark and crowded; and great swathes of space in front of the stage is reserved for VIP ticket-holders. But, surmounting those challenges is usually part of my enjoyment. I love getting that “one” picture that I’m happy with.
While this year’s lineup included some of my local favourites, there was very little by way of international offering that was high on my list. Looking back at my photos, I have difficulty sorting out my feelings about an event which was so crowded that tents were – at times – dangerous, and which – although it offered lots of good music – featured fewer high-points than usual.
So, to keep life simple, I’ve started chronologically: with some of the performers I saw on the first day – the Thursday afternoon.
I hope you enjoy the pictures:
Bluesfest Tents
We got ourselves to the grounds nice and early; the big tents were ready to be filled with music. (iPhone15Pro) Welcome to Country
An Arakwal elder from the local Bundjalung Nation welcomed us to country. Dubay = Women
This troupe is made up of young local Indigenous women who dance both traditional and newly choreographed pieces. Electric Cadillac in Delta Tent
After the Welcome, I wandered over to the Delta Tent for my first taste of blues. Rocking the Delta Tent
Electric Cadillac is a four-piece blues-rock band from Jakarta, Indonesia. (iPhone15Pro) Frontman and Lead Guitar
Under Kongko Bangun Pambudi, Electric Cadillac play a mix of blues, funk, and soul: originals as well as old standards. Chasing Bubbles
Bluesfest has always been family-friendly. This year, there seemed to be many more children than previously. Introducing the Players
Electric Cadillac frontman Kongko introduces the rest of the band. M Ade Irawan
Described as a jazz and blues pianist, blind virtuoso keyboard player Ade Irawan lifts Electric Cadillac to greater heights. Pierce Brothers
Billed as a folk duo, these twin brothers from Melbourne brought plenty of energy to the Delta tent. “They Gonna Know my Name”
Reminding me of Stevie Wonder, young Budjerah had the audience in the palm of his hands. Budjerah
Budjerah’s name means first light: he was born just before morning sunrise. The son of licensed pastors, he grew up singing gospel music in his parent’s churches around Fingal Head in the far northeast of New South Wales. Budjerah Julum Slabb
The young Coodjinburra man from the Bundjalung nation is a multiple-award winning singer-songwriter; he supported Ed Sheeran on his 2023 Australian tour. Maoli
The next performers in the Crossroads tent were these Island/country/reggae artists from Maui, Hawaii. Glenn Awong
Maoli was formed in 2007 by the Hawaiian musician Glenn Awong and has since become one of the most influential and celebrated commercial recording artists across Hawaii and the rest of Polynesia. Drummer with Maoli
Drummers often get hidden in the background – I couldn’t even find the name of this one, but I liked the backdrop. Tones and I
This was one I was looking forward to: Toni Watson is SO much more than the “Dance Monkey” hit that launched her into world view. Toni and I on Stage
Toni started performing in 2009 and spent years writing and busking before launching to fame in 2019 with her first single Johnny Run Away and the record-breaking Dance Monkey. On the Big Stage
Tones and I won a busking competition in Byron Bay in 2019; now they command a whole stage production. I hadn’t realised how many of her great songs I would recognise. The Crossroads tent was packed: I was a long way back, with a 200ml lens, and the photos have had some heavy cropping! It was late, but people were still arriving into the grounds. We decided to make an early get-away and not stay for the last acts – after all, we had three more days of music coming our way.
We danced our way back to the car …
Let’s all dance!
Photos: 17April2025
Posted in Australia,Byron Bay Bluesfest,Music,PortraitsTags: Australia,Byron Bay Bluesfest,environmental portrait,environmental portraits,music,musician,performance,performers,Photo Blog,portrait,portraits,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall
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