It’s overcast as we return to the Bluesfest site but fortunately the rain holds off for most of the day allowing for another unfettered smorgasbord of top-notch roots music. Heading to the Juke Joint upon arrival we catch the end of the set by rising Warnindhilyagwa artist Emily Wurramurra. I remember first seeing her here at Bluesfest’s Indigenous offshoot Boomerang Festival about five years ago and being super-impressed but she’s grown exponentially as an artists since then, commanding the sta

By the time we check into our digs and catch the bus to the beautiful Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm site things are already well under way, but just the relief at walking back into the festival fray after a two-year enforced lay-off is tangible and immediate. Things are a bit squelchy underfoot – given how much rain has fallen in the region of late the drainage around the site has been incredible – but nobody seems to care a jot, everyone just happy to be back amongst the vibrant throng of music lovers

A decent throng has turned out early to catch a brief warm-up set by local musician Greg Charles fronting his titular four-piece band. Charles first came to attention when he was awarded the inaugural Grant McLennan Fellowship back in 2007 and he’s been a mainstay of the scene ever since – whether operating under either his own name like tonight or fronting bands like the Ex-Catholics – and his accomplished set is testament to that experience, utilising double-bass, violin and drums to bring his