Bluesfest Final Announcement + ticket giveaway

The third and final line-up for Bluesfest is here with 5 local acts completing the line up, Paul Ubana Jones, Herbs (Unplugged), Darcy Perry, Kokomo and Twinset.

The full line up is:
Buddy Guy, KT Tunstall, Keb Mo, Wilco, Ian Brown, Xavier Rudd, Newton Faulkner, Sugarland, Midge Marsden, Hollie Smith, Herbs (Unplugged), Paul Ubana Jones, Pluto, Little Bushman, Darcy Perry, Kokomo, Twinset and The Checks.

PAUL UBANA JONES - Paul Ubana Jones is more than a bluesman. He's an international troubador who has graced the stages of global festivals, supported a plethora of international acts and has released 4 studio albums (and a Best of) thru Pagan Records in New Zealand. Paul is currently on tour now, sharing his soulful voice and sprightly guitar inspiring audiences around NZ. “Trying to describe just how good Paul Ubana Jones is, is like trying to define why the Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the world words pale in comparison.” -- Evening Post www.paulubanajones.com

HERBS (UNPLUGGED) – The one and only Herbs, iconic NZ reggae featuring Dilworth Karaka, Tama Lundon and Thom Nepia, bring to Bluesfest NZ a truly pacific interpretation of Blues and Roots music Aotearoa style. One of our most loved bands, Herbs produced a stream of hits in the 80’s – most memorably French Letter, Long Ago and Sensitive To A Smile. Others such as Slice of Heaven with Dave Dobbyn, Parihaka with Tim Finn and See What Love Can Do with Annie Crummer became hits that combined their muscial style with some of NZ’s premier artists. Herbs have also worked alongside UB40, Taj Mahal, Tina Turner, Neil Young and Stevie Wonder, and are considered pioneers of the pacific reggae sound after having paved the way for contemporary NZ reggae groups such as Fat Freddy’s Drop, Katchafire and the former Trinity Roots. Dilworth, Tama and Thom will grace Bluesfest NZ with their popular acoustic set of truly legendary NZ favourites. Not to be missed. www.myspace.com/herbspacificreggae

DARCY PERRY BAND – Darcy Perry is renowned for his live shows, performing with passion, intensity and a ferocious band that includes Norway’s finest blues piano player Simen Taylor and New Zealand harmonica master Craig Bracken. In the early 90’s Perry became part of the New Zealand blues scene as bass player for Manawatu bluesman Tura 'Bullfrog' Rata. A decade later he released his debut album as a guitarist, Blues 4 Dad, dedicated to his father Ross Perry (who died of Cancer in 2002). The rave reviews that followed its independent release saw the formation of the Darcy Perry Band. Like a bolt of lightning they established themselves on the underground blues scene as a force to be reckoned with, igniting audiences all over the country. The subsequent albums struck like wildfire too; Don’t Hold Back, Heavy Rain and Too Many Hard Miles have garnered righteous acclaim from critics and roots music fans alike. With a strong work ethic (a fifth album is due October) and a loyal following from their travels, 2008 will see them touring internationally. If you want to experience electric blues in its purest form, this band will deliver. Set after blistering set. www.darcyperry.co.nz

KOKOMO - Kokomo are renowned for their dynamic acoustic blues live shows, smart distinctive song-writing, and unique harmonica / trumpet horn section. During the last 17 years, Kokomo has toured extensively throughout New Zealand, performing at all the country’s major rock, blues, jazz and folk festivals, gaining a reputation for playing some of the finest blues in New Zealand.

Having just released their 9th album - a collection of Bob Dylan songs, Kokomo continues to play all over New Zealand with a policy of “we play anywhere” that keeps them on the road for the majority of the year. Bluesfest NZ welcomes Kokomo and their traditional blues mixed with “a little country, a bit of rock and roll, a touch of jazz and a sniff of gospel” – a perfect addition to an already outstanding line-up. “These guys are a must to see - blues at its best.” BOP Times www.kokomo.co.nz

TWINSET – Wellington’s own soul-jazz trio Twinset, play a style of music which originated in America in the 1960s, and was pioneered by legendary Hammond organists like Jimmy Smith and Big John Patton, and the people they played with such as saxophonist Lou Donaldson and drummer Idris Muhammad. The sound is characterized by the pulsing organ bass which Christopher plays with his left hand, rich textural chords played with his right, and a driving R+B style beat provided by Paul. The music has a large improvisational component, with both Christopher and Daniel using the grooves as a vehicle for extended solo sections. This is feel good music and unlike some other types of jazz comes more from the heart than the head. Having released their latest album Flavour Country mid 2007, accompanied by a winter tour, Twinset have started 2008 with a whole bunch of new supporters. www.twinset.co.nz

BluesfestNZ
The Coromandel Peninsula Blues & Roots Music Festival
Saturday 22nd, March, 2008
Dakota Fields, Whitianga
Gates Open from midday. Plenty of on site parking available. Campsites available from Fri 21 March
Tickets on sale now

Tickets from 0800 Ticketek (0800 84253835) www.ticketek.co.nz , www.bluesfest.co.nz or Real Groovy Records, CD’s4Nix, Golddiggers, Blackjack Surf Shop, Funktion and the Whitianga Information Centre

For full festival information - www.bluesfest.co.nz

PLEASE NOTE: BluesfestNZ is an R18 event. We are family friendly and we encourage family groupings, but under 18’s need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to restricted bar areas.

PRIZE DRAWN