Songhoy Blues Join 2016 Bluesfest Sideshow Roster

We already know that ascendant African collective Songhoy Blues will bring their ebullient brand of 'powerful desert-rock' to Australia for next year's Byron Bay Bluesfest, but local audiences will be extra-spoiled with the opportunity to enjoy a pair of headline shows — one on either side of the country — when the band makes their debut visit in March.

The acclaimed Malian outfit — who came together as war-affected refugees and now carry a torch of celebration for their displaced people and culture — will treat the west coast with a show at Perth's Astor Theatre on Wednesday 9 March, heading way east to the hallowed halls of the Melbourne Recital Centre the following week, on Wednesday 16 March.

So in-demand are Songhoy Blues that these won't even be Aussie punters' only chances to catch them in action — they're also putting in time with Port Fairy Folk Festival, Golden Plains Music Festival and WOMADelaide 2016 next year, making their trip — and performance — all but guaranteed to be one to remember for a lifetime.

Tickets for both Bluesfest sideshows go on sale from 10am (AEDT) this Thursday, 29 October, via their respective venues (Perth/Melbourne).

For full details regarding Port Fairy Folk Festival, Golden Plains or WOMADelaide, see the Festivals tab; if you're after more information about Bluesfest specifically, see our dedicated event page.

See the full list of Byron Bay Bluesfest sideshows here.