Music News: Bluesfest 2008

Bluesfest is set to be big in 2008

Like chalk and cheese, the New Orleans based outfit Galactic and Texas born Michelle Shocked could not be more different in almost every way. The unparallel acts are the newest editions to an already stellar Bluesfest side show line-up which is sure to keep every music enthusiasts calendar full throughout much of March.

Galactic make contemporary funk that just happens to feature hip-hop vocalists. The band has developed a unique sound as a result of their influences, including: hip hop, Go-Go, electronic, world music, Latin music, rock, blues and jazz. Many of their songs include performances by other artists, like hip-hop artists Gift of Gab of Blackalicious and Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 who will join the group when they play Bluesfest. Boots Riley from The Coup will also join the band on stage for these very special performances.

Far from being down and out in Anchorage, Michelle Shocked is a blues & roots songwriting legend. As Rolling Stone says, “A decade before Ani DiFranco emerged as this generation’s hardcore female troubadour, Michelle Shocked escaped the hills of east Texas (via Amsterdam and San Francisco) to play her revolutionary folk blues”.

Bluesfest presents...

Galactic
featuring Chali 2na (of Jurassic 5) and Boots Riley (of The Coup)

Tuesday 18 March – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Tickets through Ticketek 132 849, www.ticketek.com.au or Enmore Theatre 02 9550 3666

Thursday 20 March – East Brunswick Club,  Melbourne
Tickets through East Brunswick Club www.eastbrunswickclub.com or 03 9388 9794

Michelle Shocked
Tuesday 25 March – Prince Of Wales, Melbourne
Tickets through Ticketek 132 849, www.ticketek.com.au or Prince Bandroom 03 9536 1168

Thursday 27 March – The Basement, Sydney
Tickets through Moshtix 1300 GET TIX (438 849) or Basement Box Office 02 9251 2797

ALL TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY 24 JANUARY