Geoff Achison
Wendouree Centre for the Performing Arts, 1220 Howitt Street, 3355 Ballarat Central Directions
Sun 16.08.2026 15:00
BALLARAT BLUES FEST 2026
THE MAIN EVENT
Ballarat are you ready for this? The Best in the Scene are getting together to give you a ONE-OFF SPECTACULAR LIKE NEVER BEFORE!!!
The Main Event has wowed audiences year after year, expect an exceptional FEEL GOOD EVENT full of the music you know and love as the cream of the Aus blues scene plays tribute to their favourite acts!
Headlining the show are Aus Music Legends JOE CAMILLERI (Black Sorrows) & the WILBUR WILDE ROCK ROYALY REVUE.
This is a Special One-Off show just for us! The Band feature Brett Garsed (John Farnham band), Angus Burchall (John Farnham Band), James Black (Rockwiz, Mondo Rock), Craig Newman (John Farnham Band). WOW!
International Blues legend DAVE HOLE will blow the audience away and show why this slide player is "the Real Deal!" "There's no more explosive Blues guitar player in the world." - ESQUIRE" U.S.A
"An outstanding guitarist. Evokes favourable comparisons to Albert Kings and Stevie Ray Vaughan." GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE U.S.A
******EXCLUSIVE******
Just for Ballarat's Main Event The Best in the Scene are bringing the fire with....
GEOFF ACHISON pays tribute to The ALLMAN BROTHERS
NINA FERRO pays tribute to BONNIE RAIIT
JIMI HOCKING with John McNamara paying tribute to GARY MOORE
ANDREA MARR pays tribute to ETTA JAMES
BRETT GARSED pays tribute to RORY GALLAGHER
SAMMY OWEN pays tribute to STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN
The Jam will have to be seen to be believed!
BOOK YOUR SEAT TODAY! for the best value ticket going around and feel the Power of the Blues.
LIVE MUSIC AT ITS BEST
LOCATION:
Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts
1220 Howitt Street, Wendouree, 3355
Performers
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Geoff AchisonInducted into the Australian Victorian Blues Music Hall of Fame! Equal parts New Orleans Funk, driving Blues, jazzy Soul and outback Mojo, Singer/songwriter Geoff Achison creates original southern blues/roots music from deep south Australia. His 14th album comes out Feb. 21, 2025. He’s been chosen one of the “Top Ten Hottest New Guitarists” by Guitar Player Magazine followed with making the “Top 100+ Guitarists You Should Know” roster. Moreover, he's listed as one of the “Top 50 Australian Guitarists of All Time.” Jorma Kaukonen's (Hot Tuna) has invited him to be a Guitar Instructor for 18 years at his Fur Peace Guitar Ranch, and took him on tour as well. He's an exciting festival favorite featured on PBS, NPR, the BBC and CNN. Frequent tours of the US have seen him playing with folks like The Allman Brothers, George Porter, Jr., Wood Brothers, Col. Bruce Hampton, Randall Bramblett, Delbert McClinton, John Mayer, and many others.
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The Black Sorrows
“Jo Jo Zep brought soul to Oz rock and The Black Sorrows did it again” Rolling Stone Australia Jan 2017
Formed in Melbourne in 1984 by Joe Camilleri, The Black Sorrows continue to be one of Australia’s most enduring touring bands, earning the reputation as a dynamic live act and festival favourite. Their musicianship and energy appeals to music fans everywhere. On stage, frontman Joe Camilleri steers the band through an infectious interplay of solid grooves that mixes blues, soul, old school R&B and gospel, with flashes of jazz, country and Brill Building pop.
Awarded “Living Legend” status by Australian Rolling Stone, Joe Camilleri has kicked a staggering number of goals during his 50+ years in music as a singer, songwriter, multi-talented musician and producer. Joe first came to prominence as leader of seminal 70’s band, Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons. Considered one of the most genuinely talented figures in Australian music, Joe was inducted into the ARIA Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
The Black Sorrows have a legion of loyal fans throughout Australia and Europe. There have been hit records and multi-platinum albums and relentless touring. Joe’s songwriting skills are much in demand with greats, Elvis Costello and John Denver having recorded versions of his songs.
Along with Joe Camilleri (vocals/guitar/sax/harp) the band boast a formidable lineup with Claude Carranza (guitar/vocals), Mark Gray (bass/vocals), James Black (keyboards/vocals) and Tony Floyd (drums).
“Catching The Black Sorrows brand of raw, rootsy, hip-shaking rock’n’roll feels like discovering the best bar band in the world” The Dubai National
“…you know you’re in the presence of a real thumping, jangling, Mississippi-by-way-of-Melbourne rock n’ roll band”
The Skinny Edinburgh
“Camilleri is an Aussie rock legend and one of this nation’s finest performers..the epitome of a hardworking entertainer who knows how to connect with his audience.” Sydney Morning Herald
