Top blues artist headed for the Mountain

The Pete Cornelius Band

Internationally acclaimed blues artist Pete Cornelius is set to bring his band to Mangrove Mountain next month as part of his Big Island tour.

Blues on the Mountain organiser Ryan Howard said Cornelius grew up as far away from the Delta heartland as is almost humanely possible.

“He’s never picked cotton, never hitched a ride on a freight train, nor traded with the Devil,” Howard said.

“Yet the Tasmanian is one of the most experienced young bluesman in the country, with more live shows and festival appearances, album releases and awards under his belt than most performers twice his age.

“From the age of six, he started studying and writing songs on his parents’ piano.

“By the time he was nine he had picked up the guitar and at 11 he was performing at The Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival.

“The young bluesman released his first album, Steppin’ Out In Blue, at 13.

“The album featured 11 original tracks with Pete playing all the instruments.

“He sold out all 500 of its limited release.

“His first band, Double Shuffle, was formed around the same time, playing venues and festivals across Tasmania, before hitting the national festival circuit with his new rocking blues band, Pete Cornelius and the DeVilles.”

Cornelius has since become one of Australia’s best blues guitarists, and has performed at almost every major blues and roots festival in Australia including multiple times at Byron Bay Bluesfest, Falls Festival, Blues on Broadbeach and The Great Southern Blues Festival.

He has also opened for international acts including Joe Bonamassa, Eric Bibb and Joanne Shaw Taylor along with performing at the world famous Chicago Blues Festival.

“The Pete Cornelius Band is nothing short of world class, with a style that is steeped in heartfelt blues, greasy funk and soul with Americana overtones, fronted by Pete’s soulful vocals and tone full guitar licks for an authentic and original sound,” Howard said.

The Pete Cornelius Band will perform for one night only at the historic Mangrove Mountain Hall on Friday, February 3.

The show is all ages and family friendly, with a limited number of campervan/caravan sites also available for those who would like stay the night (bookings essential).

Food and light refreshments will be available for purchase on the night, or BYO.

Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available through trybooking.

Source:
Media release, Jan 6
Blues on the Mountains