tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17259284.post5887816009010215088..comments2023-04-14T08:52:53.528-07:00Comments on Barry McGloin: Byron Bay Bluesfest 2009 – the ratings and rundownBARRY MCGLOINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11530577772616491513noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17259284.post-16338779521622781112009-05-21T19:37:30.556-07:002009-05-21T19:37:30.556-07:00I haven't been to Bluesfest since I played there i...I haven't been to Bluesfest since I played there in 1994 - I think that may well have been the start of the switch to the style of festival it is now.<br />While we paid abyssmally and treated like shit by comparison to the international acts, I had a great time backstage drinking and talking with people like Taj Mahal, Terrance Simien, John 'Big Bad Smitty' Smith, the Holmes Brothers and a few others - all were very friendly.<br />I'm afraid that I really don't like the direction that the festival has taken since those days as I belive that a Blues Festival as such should have music that at least has Blues or Jazz as a basis for the artists it presents and, while I agree wholeheartedly about just how good Spearhead, Angelique Kidjo, etcetera are, I am unhappy with the fact that it has become so overpriced and that the bulk of the acts now appear to be more 'Pop' orientated.<br /><br />BTW - I thoroughly enjoyed reading of yours and Denice' escapades with Max, Kathy and Gill during the fiftieth birthday meanderings through Leichhardt and still remember seeing yourself and Chris on many occasions at Taverner's and elsewhere.<br />I do hope that Max, Chris, John, <I>et alle</I> are well and wish you all the very best.BEACHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02442907746076319586noreply@blogger.com