Blues/Roots musician Claude Hay is fast becoming a legend in the blues scene. His addition to the 3rd annual Cairns Blues Festival line-up marks this impressive artist’s return to Cairns after his support appearance at Tanks Arts Centre last year with local blues icon Carinda Christie, and his super charged late night set at the Mission Evolve Festival in October.

Hay bases himself in Katoomba, which is situated in amongst Australia’s renowned Blue Mountains and comes to this year’s festival fresh after the release of his second album, Deep Fried Satisfied, which debuted on the US Billboard Blues charts at a very impressive #9. He brings years of touring experience to his performances and manages to captivate audiences worldwide. Hay’s song, How Can You Live With Yourself reached #1 on Triple J’s Roots Unearthed, firmly cementing the artist as a charting success locally and internationally.

In a unique take on music, Hay not only pens his own music, but also builds the instruments he composes with. Throughout his performance Hay manages to create richness in sound all on his own that would more often than not be associated with an entire band of musicians. This full sound incorporates slide guitar, sitar, bass and electronic percussion in what’s described as a ‘loop-driven’ performance. With this, Hay portrays a very addictive traditional blues sound that provokes a positive response from his audience. Hay has a wonderful variety of listeners yet manages to receive the approval of, and remain very appealing to, the true blues aficionados.

This is one of the last opportunities to see Claude Hay perform before he jets back over to the US to support his most recent album’s release. Touring the US also gives this acclaimed musician the chance to spend some time with his very adoring record label, Ingot Rock based in Ashville, NC who believe Hay has the capability to appeal to a big mainstream audience. It seems there are only huge things are on the cards for this talented and innovative artist. 
Let it be said that this is a performance not to be missed. Claude Hay is set to perform at 6.45pm on the Hill Top Stage. Pre-sold tickets are available through Ticketlink for $50 and any remaining will be available on the gate on the day for $60 for adults, $30 for those aged under 17 and free of charge for those under the age of 13.

Cairns Blues Festival will be held on Saturday 7th May at Fogarty Park, The Esplanade, Cairns. Tickets are available from www.ticketlink.com.au from March 1. Gates open at 10am, for an 11am start, with the festival wrapping up at 10pm.
For more information, please visit www.cairnsbluesfestival.com.au