The Rotorua Blues Festival

Rotorua becomes the Home of the Blues over Queen’s Birthday weekend. The Rotorua Blues Festival, running from Wednesday June 1st – Monday June 6th 2011 presents an eclectic mix of blues bands playing downtown in bars and restaurants. Entry to most venues is free.

The weekend will also feature a range of ticketed events including a one-off concert with our headline act from Los Angeles Doug MacLeod, two specialist workshops with Doug, and a blues cruise on the fabulous Mississippi style paddle boat The Lakeland Queen, with full bar service, nibbles and two hours of old style acoustic blues from some of our most respected musicians.

Programme includes:
* Downtown carnival – blues bands in bars across town (all weekend)
* Songwriting workshop with Doug MacLeod (1pm Saturday)
* An exclusive concert with Doug MacLeod from Los Angeles. (6pm Saturday)
* Blues guitar master class (9am Sunday)
* Blues cruise on Lake Rotorua (2pm Sunday)
* Youth blues guitar workshop and competition (Sunday)
* Locals’ jam session (3pm Monday)

Musicians/bands confirmed so far include Doug MacLeod (Los Angeles), Sydney Blues Performer of the Year (twice!) Alison Penney, The Flaming Mudcats (Auckland), The Blues Buffet (Wanganui), Carol Bean and Dave Murphy (Wellington), The Downhome Blues Revue, The Mike Garner Band, Brilleaux, The Rob Gillies Trio, Peri Grant and Bill Ward (all Bay of Plenty).