From Busker to Bluesfest - Northern Star Newspaper Article
MUSICIANS dream of performing at internationally renowned events like Bluesfest. That's why Mick McHugh of Eureka is so excited. He is part of a strong contingent of local performers who will take to the stage at this year's festival.
Others include Claude Hay, Mick Thomas's Roving Commission, Mason Rack Band, Daniel Champagne, Bobby Alu, Dan Hannaford, Round Mountain Girls, Mojo Bluesmen, Harry Healy, Blackbirds, Minnie Marks and Young Sounds of Byron.
McHugh, an Irish singer-songwriter who performs acoustic folk pop, scored his gig at Bluesfest after performing at the busking competition last year. "I had no idea what to expect from the gig," he said. "I thought I would have my wife and 10 mates there cheering me on; my rent-a-crowd. But I had more than 150 people there dancing along, it was brilliant. I had so many wonderful messages on Facebook and comments about the show. So when I sent in my application for this year, I sent all of my reviews, messages and the YouTube video so they could see the reaction I got last year. Obviously it worked and I got the call a month ago."
McHugh said getting that call for Bluesfest was a "buzz and a huge honour". The final Bluesfest announcement rolled in yesterday with John Fogerty filling the space left by Roger Daltrey. Fogerty will now perform his Creedence Clearwater Revival album Green River in full, as well as the band's hits on the closing night. The performance will be the second for Fogerty who was already scheduled to perform on the Saturday night.
Also announced, Californian genre-bending blues, reggae, punk fusion act Slightly Stoopid; guitar rockers The Hands and Aussies Weddings, Parties, Anything. Headlining the Easter weekend festival are Fogerty, Cold Chisel and Crosby, Stills and Nash. Bluesfest is held at the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm April 5-9.
McHugh will perform on the Thursday night at 7pm at The Cavanbah Stage.