“You know, we just wanted to show the best of Bendigo and I think we have achieved this with the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival.”
The brainchild of renowned Bendigo musician and promoter Colin Thompson, The Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival enjoyed it’s inaugural appearance in November 2011 and, after successful runs in 2012 and ’13, it returned once again to fill the streets of Bendigo with music on the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th of November 2014.
Colin wasn’t aiming to brag when I spoke to him, but I encouraged him to acknowledge the impact that his team of passionate volunteers has created for the live music scene in Bendigo, and really the whole community of Bendigo!
Starting with small events, this humble grass roots festival has grown to re-invent how public spaces are used in Bendigo and attracted huge support for local musicians, from business and audience.
“I know it sounds cliché, but: ‘be the change you want to see’ – that’s the attitude of our crew.” Colin shared with me. “It is hard at first when you need help and a leap of faith! We slowly built trust and credibility with our supporters and successfully attracted help from sponsors and partners along the way. It is a cool thing to be apart of something that evokes the spirit of people. We aim to enrich the local culture through music and, when it looks like we’re getting it right, it feels great!”
Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival host events regularly – stay in touch with them on facebook.
Their first show for 2015 is at the Old Church on the Hill on February 7 (feat: Kyle Taylor + Marta Pacek + Famous Will + Sherri Parry) and February 28 (feat: Lucie Thorne + Jojo Smith + Aaron Wales), so there’s plenty to look forward to in 2015, right from the get-go. Keep your ear to the ground for further singer/songwriter showcases at the Old Church, as well as regular Blues Trams, not to mention the bigger Showcase/Fundraiser events (featuring up to 18 acts per show) at a variety of venues as the year rolls on.
