Bluesfest 2015 Sideshows: Jurassic 5, John Mayall, Keb’ Mo’ & More

Another impressive collection of Bluesfest 2015 sideshows has arrived, locking in headline dates for more festival acts who will perform around the country in March and April 2015. The announcement confirms headline dates for hip hop icons Jurassic 5, blues man John Mayall, American roots artist Keb’ Mo’, blues and rockabilly outfit Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones, as well as reggae band Rebelution and Canadian indie folk musician Serena Ryder.

Bluesfest 2015 dropped its third artist lineup in late October. Music Feeds readers can stay up to date with the latest Bluesfest 2015 news at our special Feed right here, and find information on all the Bluesfest sideshows right here. Details of newly-announced sideshows are available below.

Jurassic 5

LA hip hop group Jurassic 5 rose to prominence in the late 90s, releasing a string of infectious records behind their signature soulful sound and four emcee dynamic. In 2006 J5 delivered what would be their final album Feedback before going their separate ways.

Seven years later J5 is back. They brought their reunion tour to Australia earlier this year, and released White Stripes-infused single The Way We Do It. Fans can get expect Jurassic 5 to be in fine form when they return for Bluesfest 2015 and their own headlining dates.

Tickets go on sale from 10am (AEDT) on Monday, 1st December.

Jurassic 5 Bluesfest Sideshow Dates

Thursday, 26th March 2015
Panthers, Newcastle
Tickets: via Moshtix

Friday, 27th March – NEW SHOW!
Waves, Wollongong
Tickets: Bluesfest Touring

Saturday, 28th March 2015
Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Tickets: via Ticketek

Wednesday, 1st April 2015
Festival Hall, Melbourne
Tickets: via Ticketmaster

Thursday, 2nd April – NEW SHOW!
HQ, Adelaide
Tickets: Bluesfest Touring

Saturday, 4th April 2015
The Tivoli, Brisbane
Tickets: via Ticketmaster

John Mayall

British blues pioneer John Mayall has been proving for over 50 years why he’s one of the best in the game, and age isn’t going to slow him down anytime soon. To celebrate his 80th birthday Mayall cut A Special Life, his first studio album in five years.

That’s great news for Aussie fans, as Mayall brings along his new material and a chest full of gems from his extensive back catalogue to Bluesfest 2015 and his two headlining sideshows in Sydney and Brisbane.

Tickets go on sale from 10am (AEDT) on Monday, 1st December.

John Mayall Bluesfest Sideshow Dates

Thursday, 2nd April 2015
Factory Theatre, Sydney
Tickets: via Factory Theatre

Sunday, 5th April 2015
Powerhouse, Brisbane
Tickets: via Brisbane Powerhouse

Keb’ Mo’

Multiple Grammy Award-winner Keb’ Mo’ put on a show for Australian fans as the support act for Angelique Kidjo at the Sydney Opera House. This time the master of American Roots is taking centre stage with his own headlining Bluesfest sideshows.

In addition the singer/songwriter and guitarist’s previously announced date at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Keb’ Mo’ will bring the blues to the Factory Theatre in Sydney. Fans can expect fresh cuts from Keb’ Mo’s 2014 album BLUESAmericana.

Tickets for the Factory Theatre, Sydney go on sale from 10am (AEDT) on Monday, 1st December. Tickets for Melbourne Recital Centre on sale now.

Keb’ Mo’ Bluesfest Sideshow Dates

Tuesday, 31st March 2015
Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne
Tickets: via Melbourne Recital Centre

Monday, 6th April 2015
Factory Theatre, Sydney
Tickets: via Factory Theatre

Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones

Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin are on their way to showcase their first LP together after 30 years, Common Ground – The Songs of Big Bill Broonzy. In ’79 the Alvin brothers formed The Blasters, blending blues and rockabilly while rolling out quality tunes like Border Radio and So Long Baby Goodbye.

In ’86 Dave left the band while Phil carried on The Blasters without him. But now the brothers are back together again and, with their backing band The Guilty Ones, are all set to relive the good ol’ days and play their new stuff from Common Ground – The Songs of Big Bill Broonzy for Australian fans.

Tickets go on sale from 10am (AEDT) on Monday, 1st December.

Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones Bluesfest Sideshow Dates

Wednesday, 8th April 2015
The Basement, Sydney
Tickets: via Bluesfest Touring

Thursday, 9th April 2015
Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
Tickets: via Northcote Social Club

Rebelution

California’s Rebelution latest album Count Me In, released this year, makes the third consecutive #1 Reggae Album from the band. With a run like that you bet the Santa Barbara four-piece with get the crowd up and dancing at Bluesfest 2015.

Rebelution have also added their own headlining sideshow to happen at The Corner in Melbourne while also support fellow Bluesfest act Jimmy Cliff at Sydney’s Metro Theatre. Rebelution singer Eric Rachmany says the band is four mates who enjoy playing together. No doubt those good times will translate to the crowd.

Tickets for Rebelution headlining Melbourne sideshow go on sale from 10am (AEDT) on Monday, 1st December. Tickets for their Jimmy Cliff support show in Sydney on sale now.

Rebelution Bluesfest Sideshow Dates

Friday, 3rd April 2015
The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Tickets: via Bluesfest Touring

Thursday, 9th April 2015 – Supporting Jimmy Cliff
The Metro Theatre, Sydney
Tickets: via Ticketek

Serena Ryder

It’s been almost a decade since Canadian indie folk musician Serena Ryder performed in Australia. Now on her way back for Bluesfest 2015, Ryder is bringing her 2012 platinum selling album Harmony, not to mention other past LPs that have been released since Ryder last visited.

Having toured with Melissa Etheridge and playing before national TV audiences when on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ryder has undoubtedly matured as a performer over the last 10 years. Fans heading to Bluesfest or either of Ryder’s two headlining sideshows should be ready to get all warm and fuzzy in the feels.

Tickets go on sale from 10am (AEDT) on Monday, 1st December.

UPDATE 13/03/15: Serena Ryder has announced an updated set of seven Bluesfest sideshows. View her updated tour details in full, below.