Belco Blues Festival 2026
About
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of blues, roots and rock at the First Annual Belconnen Blues Festival!Headlined by the powerhouse Darren Jack V8 Blues Trio, this stacked lineup also features the electrifying James Southwell Band alongside Sydney rock favourites Necko, acclaimed bluesman Bill Barber, the cheeky, soulful charm of Divine Devilles, the raw and captivating songs of Marji Curran, and the intricate blues and roots stylings of Minh Ha.
From gritty blues and soaring guitar solos to soulful songwriting and high-energy performances, this is a celebration of incredible Australian live music you won’t want to miss.
One stage. Two days. Don’t miss the first-ever Belconnen Blues Festival! Artist Bio’s
Darren Jack V8 Blues Trio - DARREN JACK V8 BLUES TRIO A powerhouse ensemble that commands the stage with their dynamic blend of blues, rock, and soul. Led by the virtuosic guitar prowess of Darren Jack, accompanied by a tight-knit rhythm section, with Scott Greenaway on bass and Michael Eyb on drums, they deliver electrifying performances that leave audiences spellbound. With a repertoire spanning from gritty blues classics to original compositions, this trio brings raw energy and undeniable talent to every stage they grace, making them a must-see act for music enthusiasts of all tastes. James Southwell Band - James Southwell is a powerhouse performer who has been electrifying audiences across Australia and New Zealand for nearly two decades. Blending raw blues, funky grooves, and rock 'n' roll energy, James and his world-class band command the stage with unforgettable performances. With a career rooted in a deep love of blues and a fearless approach to pushing musical boundaries, James has become one of Australia's top blues and rock acts. Necko - Australian trio Necko draw on the sounds of 1970s stadium rock: atmosphere, catchy hooks and extended guitar solos. The three Sydney boys go from a whisper to a roar with Alek Necko’s delicate R&B-flavoured falsetto and vintage wail, Reno Torrisi’s explosive drumming and Alex Damon’s dextrous bass and keys tap-dance. Their eponymous debut EP launched the band into over two years of touring across Australia, including support slots for The Radiators and a finals appearance at Bluesfest Byron Bay’s Busking Competition. And now, the fanbase that’s been built as a result sees the group release the eagerly anticipated ‘You’ve Got What I Want’: the lead single from Necko II.
Bill Barber - Hailing from the Victorian goldfields, singer, songwriter and guitarist Bill Barber is at the forefront of a new generation of Australian blues music Playing live since his early teens, it wasn't long before Bill was playing shows across Australia and being mentored by some of the most legendary names in Australian blues. 20 years, 6 albums, thousands of shows and 5 Aus Blues music awards later, Bill has managed to cram what most would expect from a seasoned veteran all before the age of 30. Whether with on his own, or as the front man of Southern Rock titans The Holding Cell. Bill is a mainstay of Blues festivals across the country and prominent figure in the conversation of Australian blues music . What sets Bill apart is his dedication to the Blues. While most young artists enter the Blues through the roots music movement, Bill's passion is for Blues in its true form. "Next in line to become one of Australia's Blues greats" - Lloyd Spiegel Divine Devilles -
With decades of dedication to the heart and soul of Australian and local Blues music scenes, Ali Penney and Dorothy-Jane are a powerhouse and vivacious duo uplifting audiences with their original songs, vocals, keys and blues-harps plus bags of cheek and charm.
"These two gorgeous gals are hilarious! With hard luck tales enough to break your heart or knock you off your chair with laughter! Oh my gosh! From Aussie!" - Jocelyn Aydon, Fringe West Films NZ
Marji Curran - Marji Curran is an Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist from Canberra whose voice and stage presence have made her a standout in the nation’s blues and roots scene. Known for her powerful vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and dynamic performances, she has built a reputation for shows that are raw, high-energy, and deeply engaging. She first came to prominence fronting The Adam Hole & Marji Curran Band (2004–2018), a roots-blues powerhouse hailed as “one of Australia’s most exciting new roots acts.” With raunchy slide guitar, driving rhythms, and Curran’s commanding vocals at the helm, the band toured extensively across Australia and New Zealand, performing at major festivals including the Bay of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival (NZ) and the Toyota Gympie Muster (QLD). Respected for her authenticity and magnetic presence, Marji Curran remains a vital voice in Australian blues and roots—an artist whose songs are lived-in, powerful, and impossible to ignore.
Minh Ha - Minh Ha is a solo artist who blends a concoction of sounds to create his raw blues and roots feel for his audience. His intricate use of finger picking on the acoustic and slide guitar, along with the percussive style, has people wanting more. With the added sounds of the didgeridoo, harmonica, vocals and stomp box, he has taken his music to a new level. Minh writes about his own experiences and can only explain his true thoughts through his songs. His main influences in particular with his guitar playing derives from artists such as John Butler, Jeff Lang, Kim Churchill, Ben Howard and Harry Manx. Minh has also played in many festivals around the ACT and NSW region including the National Folk Festival, Regen Festival, and Dragon Dreaming.
Date
Friday 2 October 2026 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM (UTC+10)Location
Potbelly Bar
26 Weedon Close, Belconnen ACT 2617
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Belco Blues Festival 2026
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