Bluesfest 2025: 4th Artist Announcement with Chaka Khan and Toto
Toto
Bluesfest Byron Bay 2025: A Celebration of Music, Legacy and Community
As the countdown to Easter 2025 begins, Bluesfest Byron Bay is gearing up for another epic edition of Australia’s premier music festival. From 17–20 April 2025, the iconic festival will once again light up the Byron Bay hinterland with world-class music, unforgettable performances and the vibrant energy that has made it a must-attend event for music lovers worldwide.
The Fourth Artist Announcement: Chaka Khan, Toto and More
Bluesfest’s 36th festival is shaping up to be a monumental celebration of music, with the announcement of a stellar fourth wave of artists. Chaka Khan, the legendary ten-time Grammy winner, will be bringing her unparalleled vocal prowess and soulful hits, including "I’m Every Woman" and "Ain’t Nobody", to the stage in a career-defining performance celebrating over 50 years in music.
Joining Chaka Khan is the rock powerhouse Toto, whose iconic hits like “Africa”, “Hold The Line” and “Rosanna” have resonated across generations. With more than 50 million albums sold, Toto remains one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
Also announced is Christopher Cross, whose timeless melodies like “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind” have earned him multiple Grammys, an Oscar and a Golden Globe. His set will be a beautiful journey through decades of musical excellence.
Adding to the diverse lineup, Maoli brings the vibrant sounds of Hawaii to the festival with their signature blend of reggae and island music. For those craving an eclectic mix, the Clarence Bekker Band, Hussy Hicks, Eric Stang and many more will round out this exciting artist announcement.
A Snapshot of the Incredible Talent at Bluesfest 2025
Chaka Khan: Ten-time Grammy winner, celebrating 50+ years in music, known for hits like "I’m Every Woman" and "Ain’t Nobody".
Toto: Rock icons with timeless anthems like “Africa”, “Hold The Line” and “Rosanna”.
Christopher Cross: Timeless songs like “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind”, with multiple Grammy wins and an Oscar.
Maoli: Hawaii and Polynesia’s top independent recording artist, bringing reggae and island vibes to Byron.
Clarence Bekker Band: A blend of soul, funk and pop, led by the charismatic Clarence Bekker.
Hussy Hicks: Fresh from their win at the Gold Coast Music Awards, blending blues, roots and folk.
Eric Stang: Known for his explosive energy and versatility, performing with legends like Selena Gomez.
The Steele Syndicate and The Royals: Winners of the 2024 Bluesfest Busking Competition, showcasing the next generation of musical talent.
Bluesfest 2025: A True Byron Experience
Bluesfest continues to uphold its reputation as Australia’s most iconic music festival, with a commitment to delivering world-class music, diverse genres and a celebration of the community spirit that defines Byron Bay. Held at the stunning 300-acre Byron Events Farm just 11 km north of Byron Bay, the festival is set to offer a power-packed experience across four days, from 17 to 20 April 2025.
Over the years, Bluesfest has hosted an incredible array of legendary artists, from Santana and James Brown to Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. The festival’s legacy is firmly cemented in the hearts of festival-goers and music lovers worldwide. With over 50 years of excellence, it continues to be a shining example of the magic that happens when music, community and nature come together.
Tickets and Information
Bluesfest 2025 promises to be an event not to be missed. With a line-up of legendary artists and emerging talent, it will be a true celebration of the incredible diversity of music that the festival is known for. Early ticket sales are highly recommended as demand is expected to be high.
For ticket information, full lineup details and more, visit Bluesfest Byron Bay.
About Bluesfest Byron Bay
Bluesfest Byron Bay has been Australia’s premier contemporary Blues, Roots, and Beyond music festival since 1990. What started as a humble celebration of Blues & Roots music has grown into one of the most significant music festivals in the world. Of our many awards being recognized in the top 10 music festivals of the world from Pollstar, demonstrates the significance of this festival not just locally but around the world.
Over the years, the festival has hosted an incredible array of iconic artists, including Blues legends like BB King and Buddy Guy, music legends such as Santana, Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples, Paul Simon, Bonnie Rait and Robert Plant, and contemporary greats like Dave Matthews Band, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, John Mayer, Mary J Blige and Kendrick Lamar, who made his first festival appearance in Australia at Bluesfest. Let’s not forget the amazing Australian artists that have played such as Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Kasey Chambers and Crowded House, and so many more.
The final Bluesfest will be a four-day event, offering a power-packed experience that will close the curtain on this legendary institution. Held over the Easter long weekend from April 17 to 20, 2025, at the beautiful 300-acre Byron Events Farm, just 11km north of Byron Bay, the festival will continue to uphold its commitment to quality, featuring multiple stages and a diverse lineup that spans the best in Blues, Roots Music and Beyond.
This final edition is not just the end of an era, it’s a celebration of everything that Bluesfest has stood for over the past 35 plus years – music, community and unforgettable experiences.
Recognised globally for its excellence, Bluesfest has earned numerous accolades, making it the most awarded music festival in the Australian entertainment industry.
Awards include:
1 WIN at the Keeping the Blues Alive Award Memphis for Bluesfest Director Peter Noble
9 WINS at the NSW Tourism Awards for Major Festivals and Events - (6 Gold, 3 Silver)
Induction into the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2019 for three wins a row.
8 WINS at the North Coast Tourism Awards for Major Festivals & Events
4 WINS at the Helpmann Awards for Best Contemporary Music Festival (Ceremony for Australia's most talented and celebrated performers and industry)
1 WIN at the Helpmann Awards for Best International Contemporary Concert
8 WINS at the Australian Event Awards for Best Cultural & Music and Event of The Year
6 NOMINATIONS for NSW for Major Festivals & Events at the Australian Tourism Awards (2 Silver, 1 Bronze)
10 NOMINATIONS at the Pollstar Awards (USA) for International Festival of the Year (No other Australian Festival nominated in this or last decade)
1 WIN at the Pollstar Awards (USA) for International Festival of the Decade with a top 10 finish in 2021.
1 WIN at the first Variety Awards for Festival of the Year