NARDIA, COLD SNAP, KALIOPI & THE BLUES MESSENERS, DELTA DEB CANDLISH, ANTHEA JEWELS, MARNI ROSE, STELLA ANNING, WOMEN IN BLUES & MORE

Headlining is Hussy Hicks (quartet) & Minnie Marks special solo feature set + Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers (quintet) + Stella Anning (trio) & Steph Fischer-Ivanscy's set culminating to an all-in super jam. Plus Women in Blues showcases & more, over 20 Roots to World Class Acts - Celebrating International Women’s Day on Labor Day. Presented by Double Trouble Blues Sessions - Showcasing National Icons & Unearthing National Treasures to raise the profile and celebrate women in blues music from local, national and international success on Wurundjeri-Willam peoples land of the Kulin Nation. (GA $30-$50+bf & limited $65 ticket includes bf & VIP Afterparty)

• HUSSY HICKS (QUARTET): Critically acclaimed Australian act, Hussy Hicks are a tour de force featuring Leesa Gentz’ powerhouse soul vocals and Julz Parker’s revered guitar skills. Prolific and accomplished musicians, Hussy Hicks have honed their sonic dexterity over the past 12 years with five studio albums, multiple industry awards and more than 1,000 live shows under their belts, from Australia’s biggest blues, roots and folk festivals to 15 plus international tours, which now sell out across Europe. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PPapv9YzoFb3JWZoP_V05gw_Z_o0Jeer/view?ts=67a1884e

• MINNIE MARKS : Relentlessly gigging across the globe, equipped with an old Goldtop in her hands and a revolutionary Farmer Foot Drum at her feet; Marks consistently pushes musical limits with her mind-blowing, dynamic guitar wizardry and her insanely powerful voice, that roars out her truth through song as if her own life depended on it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMbNuK2aIIw

• KALIOPI & THE BLUES MESSENGERS (QUINTET): Drawing from the rich Delta blues tradition of powerful blueswomen with Chicago guitar pioneer influences, “Kaliopi sings with passion as she howls and moans as she plays some sizzling guitar” Blues Blast Magazine Senior writer Steve Jones, president of the Crossroads Blues Society USA. Finalists in Melbourne Blues Appreciation Societies Annual Blues Challenge & Awarded VICTAS 'Emerging Artist' for their current second album, "The Devil's Voodoo Curse” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Uu74vKbzgo

• STELLA ANNING (Trio): Launching her 3rd Album in 2024, Stella performed at Bluesfest with Women of Soul. She has also performed with Guy Sebastian, C.W. Stoneking, Sarah Blasko, and Clare Bowditch, to name a few.

Double Trouble Blues Sessions featuring Blues Troubadour Geoff Achison solo and in full band flight in the newly refurbished 'Leady Bandroom" (The Old Eureka Hotel) on Sunday, July 21 from 3 pm.

Supported by Kaliopi & Blues Messengers, Geoff will open with his world-acclaimed solo acoustic set showcasing new tracks for his much anticipated and long overdue solo album out in October. Followed by Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers story telling favorites from their debut as well as previewing brand new songs from their up-and-coming second Blues Album. Then the final the all-in blues jam led by the King of the blues combining favourites and new collaborations. All in the refurbished Leady Bandroom - by the promoters of Melbourne's best longstanding venue operators with brand new state-of-the-art production and stage lighting to help transform a journey from the delta depths of the Mississippi, to Chicago, New Orleans and Melbourne town - the worlds best blues influences.

Tickets via Oztix Double Trouble Blues Session Proud PBS sponsor

Double Trouble Blues Sessions presents Greek-Australian Blues Woman Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers plus special guests performing favourites from each group before their closing supergroup collaboration set showcasing essential piano clarinet and guitar shuffle rumba and jump arrangements to dance off the events.

Eventbrite

Double Trouble Blues Sessions presents international Bebop piano icon Ezra Lee & his Boogie Woogie band plus Greek-Australian Blues Woman Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers performing favourites from each group before their closing supergroup collaboration set showcasing essential piano clarinet and guitar shuffle rumba and jump arrangements to dance off the events. Saturday, June 8 George Lane from 3pm, St Kilda; and Saturday, July 13 from 7pm, Daylesford.

Tickets via Trybooking & Eventbrite

Brothers & Sisters.Mothers & Fathers, Sons & Daughters, come to celebrate:

Double Trouble Blues Sessions presents: International Womens Day Music Festival   

The Only Women's Music Event Run By Women Musicians

Featuring Blues Women from the emerging to the iconic matriarchs, including:   

Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers,   

Tanya Lee Davies Trio,  

Goddess Grooves Curator Ruth Katerelos & friends

Blues Rock Icon Michelle Parsons,   

Women In Blues Alumni led by Michelle Johns, Lisette Payet, Amanda Jones plus Linda Stainton and Marni Rosenberg & guests  

MC’d by ‘70’s Toxic Shock bassist, Sylvie Leber      at the Richmond Central Club Band Room    Sunday, March 10 from 3 pm      Tickets via Humanitix  

Double Trouble Blues Sessions proud sponsors

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN BLUES M.C. MAMA BRONNIE GORDON LEADS THE AFTERNOONS PERFORMANCES OPENING WITH MARION TURNER & STEVE PLATTER (OF SALTY DAWG BLUES BAND) FOLLOWED BY KALIOPI & THE BLUES MESSENGERS THEN MBAS WOMEN IN BLUES GRADUATES, LINDA STAINTON, ELLE BRINDUSE, EVANGE, SUE & MORE TAKE BOND FOR A SPECIAL SET BEFORE THE ALL IN JAM TO CLOSE THE AFTERNOON. THIS IS AN EVENT YOU WON'T WANNE MISS

Double Trouble Blues Sessions present ARIA Award feature guest artist, Ian Collard, supported by Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers at the iconic Central Club Hotel, Sunday, April 30 from 3pm.

In the exclusive format, Ian will open with a solo set, followed by Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers before returning as bandleader to finish out the afternoon.

As part of Aria award-winning Blues trio Collard Greens and Gravy, singer and Harmonica player Ian Collard has established himself as one of Australia’s leading blues artists. Attracted to the harmonica at an early age Ian found himself drawn to the music of Harmonica greats such as Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson and Sonny Terry and to the world of the Blues that inspired him to pursue a life in music. Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers have just celebrated their 1st year anniversary performing at the St Kilda Blues Festival after officially launching at the Glenmaggie Blues & Roots Festival in 2022 to vibrant audiences throughout the year. Drawing from the great delta blues tradition of powerful blueswomen who made it their own and bluesmen strong enough to love, Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers have recently released their debut single 'When the Levee Breaks' with raving reviews, national airplay, and support as they roll out their second original single 'Troublin Blues' from their debut studio album.

Double Trouble Blues Sessions is delighted to be showcasing Australia's new Hammond Combo featuring Liam Kealy's Off-The-Grid trio. The trio was formed from a line up of session musicians consisting of Shane Gilbert Guitar and Vocals, Liam Kealy Hammond Organ, and Dave Clark on Drums. The trio formed while recording in the studio with Geoff Achison and John McNamara in November 2022. Off-The-Grid was then invited to open for the Matt Schofield Trio Australian Tour show at MEMO hall. These pro musicians have all played in a variety of bands across Australia and toured internationally performing with or supporting such artists as Geoff Achison, John McNamara, Kirk Fletcher, Matt Schofield, Chris Cain, Darren Jack, Simon Kinny Lewis, and Ray Beadle, Steve Boyd Rum Reverie Plus many more. Their repertoire is a fusion of blues jazz rock, & Originals with some funky jams in between

Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers have just celebrated their 1st year anniversary performing at the St Kilda Blues Festival after officially launching at the Glenmaggie Blues & Roots Festival in 2022 to vibrant audiences throughout the year. Drawing from the great delta blues tradition of powerful blueswomen who made it their own and bluesmen strong enough to love, Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers have recently released their debut single 'When the Levee Breaks' with raving reviews, national airplay, and support as they roll out their second original single 'Troublin Blues' from their debut studio album.

EXCLUSIVE TRIPLE THREAT BLUES W/ PAUL BUCHANON (DUO) + KALIOPI & THE BLUES MESSENGERS + MATT DWYER

Australian blues-roots artist best known for his guitar playing and songwriting. Geoff began his apprenticeship with legendary Australian bluesman 'Dutch' Tilders establishing himself as a fine lead guitarist before striking out with his own. He released his debut album in the early 90s and began touring throughout the USA, UK & Europe.

Geoff's music has been compared favourably to major artists such as Eric Clapton, JJ Cale, and the Allman Brothers Band having a solid foundation in the blues whilst embracing a variety of music styles. He has won awards for his guitar playing, songwriting, and live performances and was honoured in 2011 as an official Patron Of the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society. In 2020 Geoff was inducted into the "Blues Music Victoria Hall Of Fame"

Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers officially launched at the Glenmaggie Blues & Roots Festival early in 2022. Kaliopi draws from the great delta blues tradition of powerful women who made it their own since graduating from MBAS Women In Blues program in 2021. Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers have just released their debut single with raving reviews and their unique texture using the fretless bass like a sousaphone with flavours of early Dixieland piano, interwoven clarinet and Delta Blues guitar over swing groove shuffles with Kaliopi's powerful soulful vocals.

Our EOY special XMAS festival features two of Melbourne's hottest guitarists Jimi Hocking & Geoff Achison who will each perform both solo sets before a guitar-slinging band jam together supported by Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers as the host band.

Jimi has been thrilling audiences with his astonishing guitar prowess for many years both locally and internationally. Besides his role as lead guitarist with Aussie rock giants The Screaming Jets, he also won the 2003 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, USA, and has kept up a hectic pace with his solo career playing brilliant one-man acoustic shows and rocking the scene with his group, the Blues Machine.

Geoff has been a fixture on Melbourne’s blues/roots scene since playing with veteran bluesman Dutch Tilders in the 90s. He later formed his own group and headed overseas winning the Albert King Award in Memphis in 1995. He has since spent many years touring extensively playing acoustic & electric shows in the USA, UK & Europe. In 2016 Geoff released his album Another Mile, Another Minute recorded with his outstanding R&B combo The Souldiggers. During and since lockdown Geoff and the Souldiggers have continued to record and release outstanding original relevant music on yet another level.

Double Trouble Blues Sessions - Acoustic Loops, Stomps, and Hollering Blues with a special weekly guest throughout November. Kaliopi (Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers) will host an acoustic intimate and organic blues performance together for two sets in the round. Check Double Trouble Facebook for weekly guest details. (https://www.facebook.com/doubletroublebluessessions)

Kaliopi, is an Australian Blues Artist, guitarist, and singer-songwriter drawing from the great blues tradition and the powerful blues women who made it their own. Solo, Kaliopi will be performing with live loops, arrangements of material just recorded with her band 'The Blues Messengers' for their forthcoming studio album showcasing a selection of songs from Memphis Minnie as well as some originals and a Koko Taylor favorite.

Alsion Ferrier joins me tomorrow night for this Tuesday Night Acoustic Blues in the Round Launch. London-born and raised singer/songwriter/guitarist/violinist, Alsion has released three solo albums and is currently touring and releasing music with the highly regarded Opelousas, alongside Kerri Simpson and Anthony Shortte. What an absolute privilege to be playing with her - Sugar Glider Bar Fitzroy 8-10pm

Double Trouble Blues Sessions - Acoustic Loops, Stomps, and Hollering Blues with a special weekly guest throughout November. Kaliopi (Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers) will host an acoustic intimate and organic blues performance together for two sets in the round. Check Double Trouble Facebook for weekly guest details. (https://www.facebook.com/doubletroublebluessessions)

Kaliopi, is an Australian Blues Artist, guitarist, and singer-songwriter drawing from the great blues tradition and the powerful blues women who made it their own. Solo, Kaliopi will be performing with live loops, arrangements of material just recorded with her band 'The Blues Messengers' for their forthcoming studio album showcasing a selection of songs from Memphis Minnie as well as some originals and a Koko Taylor favorite.

Alsion Ferrier joins me tomorrow night for this Tuesday Night Acoustic Blues in the Round Launch. London-born and raised singer/songwriter/guitarist/violinist, Alsion has released three solo albums and is currently touring and releasing music with the highly regarded Opelousas, alongside Kerri Simpson and Anthony Shortte. What an absolute privilege to be playing with her - Sugar Glider Bar Fitzroy 8-10pm

Double Trouble Blues Sessions - Acoustic Loops, Stomps, and Hollering Blues with a special weekly guest throughout November. Kaliopi (Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers) will host an acoustic intimate and organic blues performance together for two sets in the round. Check Double Trouble Facebook for weekly guest details. (https://www.facebook.com/doubletroublebluessessions)

Kaliopi, is an Australian Blues Artist, guitarist, and singer-songwriter drawing from the great blues tradition and the powerful blues women who made it their own. Solo, Kaliopi will be performing with live loops, arrangements of material just recorded with her band 'The Blues Messengers' for their forthcoming studio album showcasing a selection of songs from Memphis Minnie as well as some originals and a Koko Taylor favorite.

Alsion Ferrier joins me tomorrow night for this Tuesday Night Acoustic Blues in the Round Launch. London-born and raised singer/songwriter/guitarist/violinist, Alsion has released three solo albums and is currently touring and releasing music with the highly regarded Opelousas, alongside Kerri Simpson and Anthony Shortte. What an absolute privilege to be playing with her - Sugar Glider Bar Fitzroy 8-10pm

Double Trouble Blues Sessions - Acoustic Loops, Stomps, and Hollering Blues with a special weekly guest throughout November. Kaliopi (Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers) will host an acoustic intimate and organic blues performance together for two sets in the round. Check Double Trouble Facebook for weekly guest details. (https://www.facebook.com/doubletroublebluessessions)

Kaliopi, is an Australian Blues Artist, guitarist, and singer-songwriter drawing from the great blues tradition and the powerful blues women who made it their own. Solo, Kaliopi will be performing with live loops, arrangements of material just recorded with her band 'The Blues Messengers' for their forthcoming studio album showcasing a selection of songs from Memphis Minnie as well as some originals and a Koko Taylor favorite.

Alsion Ferrier joins me tomorrow night for this Tuesday Night Acoustic Blues in the Round Launch. London-born and raised singer/songwriter/guitarist/violinist, Alsion has released three solo albums and is currently touring and releasing music with the highly regarded Opelousas, alongside Kerri Simpson and Anthony Shortte. What an absolute privilege to be playing with her - Sugar Glider Bar Fitzroy 8-10pm

Double Trouble Blues Sessions. Willie J Maxwell (from Willie J and the Bad Books) will open with a solo acoustic set before Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers perform their newly recorded album set. Finally, they will collaborate for a third Jam set in the Blues tradition to conclude the event.