Geoff Achison

Geoff Achison

Wendouree Centre for the Performing Arts, 1220 Howitt Street, 3355 Ballarat Central Directions

Sun 16.08.2026 15:00

BALLARAT BLUES FEST 2026 – THE MAIN EVENT 🎸 Sunday 16 August 2026 📍 Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts 1220 Howitt Street, Wendouree ⏰ 3pm – 6pm EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ON SALE NOW! Ballarat, are you ready? The cream of the Australian blues scene is coming together for a one-off spectacular like never before! Headlining this feel-good event are Australian music legends Joe Camilleri and the Wilbur Wilde Rock Royalty Revue, featuring Brett Garsed, Angus Burchall, James Black and Craig Newman. Also appearing: international blues legend Dave Hole, plus incredible tribute performances from Geoff Achison, Nina Ferro, Jimi Hocking, John McNamara, Andrea Marr, Brett Garsed and Sammy Owen. Expect the music you know and love, powerhouse musicianship, and a blues jam that has to be seen to be believed. 🎟 Book your seat today: https://share.google/lXIbbfd8kwv3fGtHG Ballarat Blues Fest 2026 Live music at its best! #BallaratBluesFest #WilburWilde #JoeCamilleri #DaveHole #AustralianBlues #LiveMusic #BallaratEvents #BluesMusic

Performers

  • Geoff Achison
    Geoff Achison
    Inducted into the Australian Victorian Blues Music Hall of Fame! Equal parts New Orleans Funk, driving Blues, jazzy Soul and outback Mojo, Singer/songwriter Geoff Achison creates original southern blues/roots music from deep south Australia. His 14th album comes out Feb. 21, 2025. He’s been chosen one of the “Top Ten Hottest New Guitarists” by Guitar Player Magazine followed with making the “Top 100+ Guitarists You Should Know” roster. Moreover, he's listed as one of the “Top 50 Australian Guitarists of All Time.” Jorma Kaukonen's (Hot Tuna) has invited him to be a Guitar Instructor for 18 years at his Fur Peace Guitar Ranch, and took him on tour as well. He's an exciting festival favorite featured on PBS, NPR, the BBC and CNN. Frequent tours of the US have seen him playing with folks like The Allman Brothers, George Porter, Jr., Wood Brothers, Col. Bruce Hampton, Randall Bramblett, Delbert McClinton, John Mayer, and many others.
  • The Black Sorrows
    The Black Sorrows

    “Jo Jo Zep brought soul to Oz rock and The Black Sorrows did it again” Rolling Stone Australia Jan 2017

    Formed in Melbourne in 1984 by Joe Camilleri, The Black Sorrows continue to be one of Australia’s most enduring touring bands, earning the reputation as a dynamic live act and festival favourite. Their musicianship and energy appeals to music fans everywhere. On stage, frontman Joe Camilleri steers the band through an infectious interplay of solid grooves that mixes blues, soul, old school R&B and gospel, with flashes of jazz, country and Brill Building pop.

    Awarded “Living Legend” status by Australian Rolling Stone, Joe Camilleri has kicked a staggering number of goals during his 50+ years in music as a singer, songwriter, multi-talented musician and producer. Joe first came to prominence as leader of seminal 70’s band, Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons. Considered one of the most genuinely talented figures in Australian music, Joe was inducted into the ARIA Music Hall of Fame in 2007.

    The Black Sorrows have a legion of loyal fans throughout Australia and Europe. There have been hit records and multi-platinum albums and relentless touring. Joe’s songwriting skills are much in demand with greats, Elvis Costello and John Denver having recorded versions of his songs.

    Along with Joe Camilleri (vocals/guitar/sax/harp) the band boast a formidable lineup with Claude Carranza (guitar/vocals), Mark Gray (bass/vocals), James Black (keyboards/vocals) and Tony Floyd (drums).

    “Catching The Black Sorrows brand of raw, rootsy, hip-shaking rock’n’roll feels like discovering the best bar band in the world” The Dubai National

    “…you know you’re in the presence of a real thumping, jangling, Mississippi-by-way-of-Melbourne rock n’ roll band”

    The Skinny Edinburgh

    “Camilleri is an Aussie rock legend and one of this nation’s finest performers..the epitome of a hardworking entertainer who knows how to connect with his audience.” Sydney Morning Herald