The Winter Blues had a smash-hit opening night last night across four stages.
Frank Sultana was the first act to perform at this year’s festival, playing the Shamrock Beer Garden stage from 6.30pm until 8pm before the Peter Cornelius Band took over at 8.30pm.
Julian James played the stage at 1895 The Royal solo over two and a half hours, while the Sammy Owen Blues band rocked the stage at the American Hotel.
The first night of the festival closed out with Phil Para Band playing into the wee hours of this morning in the Shamrock Bistro.
Tonight’s programming will feature 15 stages, including the MV Mary Ann and the Echuca Racing Club who will be showcasing three bands and an eight-race program to carry you from afternoon to evening.
Sweet Felicia, Julian James & The Moonshine State, and the Pete Cornelius band will be performing in the club’s pavilion and punters and music lovers alike will have an excellent view of the track for the day of racing.
Radcliffe’s will be hosting the Songwriters’ Studio performers from 4pm until 6pm, featuring around 40 student songwriters from around the region and as far away as Geelong who have been writing and workshopping songs over the last two days.
There has been one change to the line up already, with Dan Dineen, and Dan Dineen and Shorty now unable to attend the festival.
As a result, Gunbower Hotel will no longer have a Friday night performance, The SunBears will perform in Hopwood Gardens on Saturday from 10.30am until 1.30pm, and Bill Barber will perform at the Campaspe Library from 3.30pm to 4.30pm on Sunday.
To stay updated with the festival programming, visit the festival’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WinterBluesFestival or see the full schedule at www.winterblues.com.au