Blue Skies, Blue Beats

Yes, a change from the reports from the snow laden slopes of Japan.

Another fantastic Thredbo Blues Festival (the 22nd) has filled the high alpine in the Snowy Mountains with smiling faces.

Mother Nature came to the rescue just in the nick of time. From 30C+ temps early in the week to torrential downpours on Wednesday and Thursday, by Friday the temperature was very pleasant indeed and the sun was out. The forecast snow didn't eventuate but you did need a fleece if venturing up the chairlift. Otherwise it was T shirts, sun hats and sunnies, fine wine, cold beer, great food and an even greater atmosphere with music all around the village.

The Thredbo music festivals are generally more intimate than what you might find at large events. With several small venues around the village both artists and devotees get up close and there is a real sense of sharing the moment.

Simon Kinny Lewis enjoying the outdoors of the Village Square

The Shane Pacey Trio played at lunch in Eagles Nest Restaurant to an enthusiastic full house

This was the wildest blues gig I have seen in Thredbo but as they say ...
What happens in Eagles Nest stays in Eagles Nest ;-)

Local performers, The Hip Replacements, also in the Village Square
with our own Thredbo resident Wayne Kirkpatrick on drums

The Foreday Riders in the Community Centre where great food was also on offer

Dan Dinnen, not the only solo act at the Festival

The new big marquee by the hotel pool providing more shade for bands and BBQ & bar staff

Harry Brus Band
Along with George Washingmachine, Harry (on the right) is a mainstay at Blues

Fiona Boyes Band in the Kosi Room. Fiona is one of the five nominees for
the 37th Blues Music Awards in the Koko Taylor Award (Traditional Blues Female) category

Christina Crofts Trio in the Schuss Bar last night - awesome

There were many acts that I simply didn't get to photograph, including the return of the Real Thing, Russell Morris. Click here to see last year's report.

A big THANKS to all the artists, Yalumba and the other sponsors, the roadies, the sound crew, the organisers, the guests, the village staff and the volunteers for putting on another wonderful weekend.

I will be back with more spectacular photos from Japan tomorrow in my next report :-)