Blind Boys, Bonnie Raitt, Mavis Staples Announce Bluesfest Sideshows

The 2013 Bluesfest is already looking like a pretty incredible five days of music, following two enormous announcements that have tongues wagging and discerning music fans salivating.Now, there have been a couple of awesome Bluesfest sideshows announced for people who either can't make it to the festival or want another fix of their favourite artist.

The incomparable Blind Boys Of Alabama are one of those acts who have confirmed sideshows already. Ever since their first incarnation sang together 73 years ago, these guys have made people all around the world happy, uplifting spirits with their amazing voices and joyous music. They have announced they will play shows in Sydney and Melbourne with support from Sweet Honey In The Rock, making for an amazing vocal celebration, while Brisbane audiences get the beyond legendary soul and gospel star Mavis Staples for their show.

There's a reason why the music of Bonnie Raitt is so well loved across the board; she's a stunning guitarist, her vocals are constantly flawless and she just knows how to perform a song in such a way that it really resonates. She is also playing a series of Bluesfest sideshows while she is the country, she will have the aforementioned Mavis Staples getting things warmed up!

THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA:

Thursday 28 March - The Tivoli, Brisbane (with Mavis Staples)
Monday 1 April - Enmore Theatre, Sydney (with Sweet Honey In The Rock)
Wednesday 3 April - Hamer Hall, Melbourne (with Sweet Honey In The Rock)

BONNIE RAITT:

Tuesday 26 March - Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (with Mavis Staples)
Wednesday 27 March - State Theatre, Melbourne (with Mavis Staples)
Wednesday 3 April - Enmore Theatre, Sydney (with Mavis Staples)

Stay tuned for a whole heap of announcements about the festival and its accompanying sideshows in the weeks (and months) to come!