Mana that will move you

New Zealand’s blues scene is about to get a significant dose of mana when Grant Haua takes the stage at the New Zealand Blues and BBQ Festival. This absolute legend is the full package: incredible voice, fantastical guitar riffs, and skilful storytelling that resonate deeply with his Māori heritage and personal experiences.
Celebrating the depth of the blues

Joanne Melbourne and Mike Garner offer performances that blend rich vocals with authentic blues instrumentation, celebrating the depth and diversity of the blues tradition.
Nothing short of electric

The Dave Tewi Teka Band is a powerhouse of talent led by the multi-instrumentalist and frontman, Dave Tewi Teka. The group has earned a loyal following for their high-energy performances, smooth musicianship, and genre-spanning sets that effortlessly blend blues, soul, funk, rock, and classic Kiwi favourites.
Joining the lineup: Theory 89

Theory 89 are a dynamic electric Blues band based in Rotorua. They have a wide range of musical experience from playing overseas in Europe, the UK & locally in Aotearoa. Theory 89 play an eclectic mix of Classic Blues tracks and their own original material, from the virtuoso harmonica solos to the cutting, slashing guitar work all […]
Joining the lineup: Robert Lock’s Loaded

Journeyman blues player Robert Lock returns to the Bay of Plenty with his rhythm & soul outfit ‘Loaded’. With a voice that spans the Stax back-catalogue, and a guitar style to match, Robert has shared stages with Australasian blues royalty, including Lloyd Spiegel (Australia), Darcy Perry & The Flaming Mudcats, and many more. This year […]
Joining the lineup: The Dirty Tones

We are thrilled to announce The Dirty Tones as part of our 2023 lineup! The Dirty Tones based in Auckland New Zealand are one of NZ’s best blues bands. They’ve recorded four EPs, had international radio play, headlined festivals and their song Can’t Stop Drinking Blues went to number 4 on a global blues chart. […]
Youth Festival: Fun for the whole family!

Don’t Miss Our Free Kids Day at the NZ Blues & BBQ Festival! Calling all families and friends, young and old! Sunday is all about the kids, and we’re turning up the fun at the NZ Blues & BBQ Festival! Kids Blues Competition: Do you know a young talent ready to shine on our stage? […]
Joining the lineup: Rehaab

Introducing the newest sensation to be added to our music lineup, Rehaab! This dynamic group is poised to make their mark at this year’s festival, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. Rehaab hails from Tauranga Bay of Plenty and has been making waves with their unique blend of musical genres, undeniable talent, and an energy […]
Joining the lineup: Legacy Band

The Legacy Band trio is a 3-piece band from Whangarei that plays a huge mixture of Blues, Soul, R & B and Funk. Introducing Shilo Barbarich, a phenomenal guitarist-singer-song writer who ignites this power-trio. His influences range from Stevie Ray Vaughn, Joe Bonamassa, Dereck Trucks, John Mayer, William Bell; just to name but a few. […]
The Tattooed Butcher

We hope you’ll be at the festival on Saturday afternoon because you don’t want to miss out on the Tattooed Butcher’s demo!
Headliner 2023: Fiona Boyes

Fiona Boyes plays deep Blues, influenced by a myriad of traditional regional styles. She has carved an international reputation as a blues guitarist, bandleader, vocalist and songwriter. International reviewers have described her as a ‘musical anomaly’ and ‘Bonnie Raitt’s evil twin’!