Tue 04 May 

The 2nd annual Cairns Blues Festival over the May long weekend was another hit for music lovers in the north. Over 1000 music fans turned out across the two day event to see the cream of the crop of local, national and international blues talent.

After the success of the inaugural festival in 2009, event organisers added an extra day and a plethora of big names to this year's line-up, including an international star in UK blues songstress Bex Marshall.

Backed up by a host of local bands, the 2010 bill included the Backsliders, The Mason Rack Band and their amazing duelling drum talents, Geoff Achison and Chris Wilson. Favourites from the 2009 festival, Dallas Frasca and 8 Ball Aitken also returned for more acclaimed performances.

Festival committee President Pauline Langley said this year's line-up was the perfect mix. "You couldn't ask for better, it was amazing," she said.

"From the Blues Preachers pre-World War II tunes, through to Doc Span and the high energy of Mason Rack and the high quality local acts, it was fantastic."

The local line-up included the likes of Tailgaters, Greenzone and Flamin Canetoads. Production manager Dan Vowles said the local bands proved themselves to be well on par with the touring bands on stage.

"The varying styles of blues meant there was something for all music fans," he said. "It demonstrates that most modern music is blues based and you can go in so many directions."

While the line-up across the weekend was first class, it was Melbourne-based Geoff Achison who stole the show Saturday night with his high energy guitar performance and the return of Dallas Frasca on Sunday night who brought the crowd to their feet.

Mason Rack Band mesmerised the audience with his skilful slide guitar and duelling drum sequence and Bex Marshall had the crowd in the early afternoon eating out of her hand with her strong vocals. In fact, organisers said they would be hard pressed to pick a specific musical highlight.

Pauline said as a two-day event, ticket sales were down on the one-day festival last year, with just under 1500 people through the gate.  However, she said she didn't believe this was a reflection on the talent on show.

"There was lots to contend with, like weather, other events and the long weekend where people have left town to escape the weather," she said. The rain threatened all weekend, with light showers on the Saturday and a brief downpour Sunday night.

The Cairns Blues Festival committee are already enthusiastic about next year's event and are determined to keep the blues alive in Far North Queensland.  "There will definitely be another two day festival next year," Mr Vowles said.

"We believe we can make it through three years and if we can make it through those first three years then the festival will survive. We're calling all punters to come and support next year's event and the roadshows which happen regularly throughout the year. We currently have more than 300 members and would like a 1000 strong membership by this time next year, so show us your support."