Words by Marlena Katene

Photography by Simone Gorman-Clark 

It had been a muddy jam-packed few days and I was definitely sad that this epic adventure was coming to an end.  Day 5 here we go..

Juzzie Smith

When I hear the name Juzzy Smith, my mind automatically thinks of his raw warm vocal talent and his one-man-band busking days, playing up to six instruments at once. I first encountered Juzzy some 15 years ago playing at a local market to a small crowd of maybe 10 to 20 people. His enthusiasm, energy, and ability to perform his craft have not slowed down since his humble beginnings. This energy and love of true blues and roots still were present, albeit to a much larger crowd this afternoon, on the Jambalaya stage. Coming on stage the crowd was told, “I have to be honest. Coming on stage still makes me nervous and how I like to get over that is just warm up with my harmonica. Is that ok if I do that?”

With the crowd cheering as jazzy gets straight into the pre-show ritual of waring up before the crowd. Our Gold Coast one-man-band tells the Audience he realizes it has been twelve years since he has performed at Bluesfest and for those that may have not seen him perform before he introduced us to his band. "On my right, I have the tambourine, in the middle, I have my harmonica belt".

Having a career that has seen him tour nationally as well as internationally Byron bay local Juzzy did not have to travel far to perform his set today. He literally told us all “I had to travel 5 minutes to get here tonight”. With the rain starting to intensify outside the already packed seats inside the tent saw a standing crowd all around the Jambalaya stage. The growing crowd get up from their chairs and made their way towards the front barrier. Welcoming the crowd to come inside and make themselves cozy Juzzy then dedicated his next song 'Superheroes' to the people that lift and pick people up.

A special moment was when he welcomed his son Ruby on stage to perform with him. An upcoming talent no doubt we see in the near future this afternoon performed to his largest crowd ever. Father and son performed beautifully with Ruby taking leads on the ukulele with Juzzie backing his son with sweet sounds of harmonica and juggling. Ruby performed a Vance Joys 'Riptide' with Juzzy smashing that cigar box and harmonica.

Allowing the instruments to do the work has been the hallmark of his performances ever since I first encountered his music with long harmonica solo’s being central to the performance. The audience and I were not complaining as we were transcending to a place where only music can take you. His ability to blend and mix the instruments certainly has got the fans and this gig deprived music lover pumped for what is going to be a great Blues festival. Juzzy you have set the bar high and kick-started the event off in true Blues and roots style.

Hussy Hicks

A local favourite and well known to Blank Gold Coast readers, The Hussy Hicks were once again performing at Bluesfest. Walking on stage Leesa Gentz and Jules Parker had their crowd engaged from their first song. Dedicating their set to their “local Lismore community that have been affected by the floods” we were entertained with a mix of old a new songs from the Hussies catalogue. These girls really do typify what Bluesfest is all about. Leesa introduced us to her "new favourite instrument the fishing tackle box which I made myself and it has heaps of interesting stuff in it”. It certainly didn’t disappoint with the sound. A highlight of this set for me was when the girls performed ‘Hide Yourself’ which Jules explained was about “Being comfortable with who you are” and said “I’m sending positive vibes for this one”. With this in mind, I left the Juke Joint encouraged and ready to enjoy the many positive vibes Blues had on offer today.

Troy Cassar-Daly

Upon entering the Mojo stage, it was clear the Bluesfest festival was wrapping up as the crowds were getting smaller. However, from the moment Troy Cassar-Daly entered the Mojo stage, in his denim jeans, buttoned shirt and Cowboy hat, what the crowd lacked in size they made up for with enthusiasm. In the crowd, there were fold-up chairs spread throughout the tent leaving everyone enough room to line dance, boot scoot, or freestyle letting the music take them. After playing ‘Freedom Ride’ Troy shared how he is up for yet another Golden Guitar award next week and if he gets this, he will break the late Slim Dusty’s record for the most guitars. An award he is humbled by and said “Ya know some awards should not be broken. I feel honoured and got a call from Slims widow Joy saying if anyone deserves to break the record it should be you. This makes it even more rewarding”. Upon leaving the Mojo tent there were still people dressed in cowboy hats dancing and having the time of their lives.

Kate Ceberano

Tonight, on the Crossroads stage at Bluesfest seasoned Australian performer Kate Ceberano played her first-ever set at this festival. Coming on stage in a Black dress, fluffy shawl, and sunglasses she positioned herself behind a keyboard. With two female guitarists on either side of her, a female drummer, and three in the horn section it was encouraging to see a group of strong women performers.

“Hello, I am glad to be here. I have never performed at Bluesfest and I thank Peter Noble for making this manifestation come true. Australia it’s because of you I choose to sing and tonight because you guys here I am going to sing my arse off”. Going straight into her hit ‘Brave’ the crowd sang, danced, and were entertained. For the remainder of her set she sang songs from her latest album ‘Sweet Inspiration’ as well as the older classics.

Pete Murray

I knew I was in for a good finale to Bluesfest when I saw Pete Murray was closing the Crossroads stage. Before the show even started the atmosphere in the audience didn't reflect this was the fifth day of the festival even though people were tired. Before Pete entered the stage, I heard a young fan announce “Oh My God he is hot this is going to be awesome”. Surrounded by a dozen of her friends another chimed in “He sure is but he sure AF can play the guitar as well, he is my dream date”. With a group chuckle, they positioned themselves on the barrier ready to end their 2022 Bluesfest on a high.

Coming onstage Pete announced, “I haven’t played Bluesfest in 15 to 16 years and it is so good to be back”. Despite being the closing set Pete still drew a great size crowd and the tent was at half capacity. Playing songs from his album ‘The Night’ it was clear this local has a solid following. Pete was glad to be back performing live shows and summed up the feelings of all that were part of this year's festival he said “it’s good to be back after not playing live for a few years and what better way to do it at Bluesfest 2022. It is the fifth day and you guys are still sticking around you are all crazy but I appreciate it”.