Shot Notes
These are the magic fingers of Taj Farrant on the Delta stage on the Welcome Wednesday of Byron Bay Bluesfest 2024. Taj is a young Aussie blues guitar prodigy who can shred with the best of them. He began his set with Hendrix-Red House and SRV-Tightrope. These songs are familiar to anyone who has picked up a guitar and followed the blues greats. I remember learning Red House almost 40 years ago. It is reassuring that these blues standards are still inspiring kids today. Mastering these songs led to his first record deal at age 10.
Taj Farrant has been confirmed to play next Easter at the very last Byron Bay Bluesfest.
I am still reeling from the news that Australia’s best music festival will end. It has been such a big part of my life. At least there is one last chance to see my friends again and celebrate “blues, roots & beyond” in 2025, tickets are available via the Bluesfest Website.
UPDATE: In 2026 Bluesfest will be the last in a line of major festivals closed from increasing headwinds. This began before covid, with the previous state government’s legislative “war on festivals“. The new government risks letting this trend continue through inaction. However, you can change this. If 20,000 signatures are received, the NSW Parliament must debate Bluesfest’s future. #savebluesfest if you live in the state Sign up here. For everyone else, there is an international petition on change.org Sign up here.
Kids got skills!
Signed! #savebluesfest
YES #savebluesfest Soooooo many good memories.