Busy Bookings

The first quarter of 2012 is fast filling up downunder.

Roger Daltrey performing “Tommy” is one of the highlights of Bluesfest’s first announcement of artists.

The festival, held outside Byron Bay April 5-9, also announced sets from Earth Wind and Fire, Maceo Parker, Buddy Guy, The Pogues, John Butler Trio, My Morning Jacket, Yes, G3 featuring Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Steve Lukather, Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot! and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

Also announced were Jonny Lang, Yann Tiersen, Bettye Lavette, Steve Earle, Justin Townes Earle, Trombone Shorty, Great Big Sea and The Jayhawks.

Some acts, including The Pogues (Blue Murder and Destroy All Lines) and My Morning Jacket (Love Police) also announced club shows in other states.

Seal will do six arenas and a winery Feb. 9-18 on his Soul 2 tour through Dainty Consolidated Entertainment.
Chugg Entertainment brings Beth Orton back after six years on a solo acoustic theatre trek Jan. 15-25.

Chugg Entertainment also has old-school R&B group Vintage Trouble debuting downunder with a three-day stint at The Spiegeltent, Sydney Jan. 27-29, and a Melbourne club date Jan. 31.

Chugg Entertainment and Rob Potts Entertainment Edge have also upgraded the sellout Tim McGraw and Faith Hill double-header to a triple threat by adding Eli Young Band to the seven arena/winery dates March 14-27.

Niche Productions & Live Nation team up for three Erykah Badu shows Feb. 19-25. It’s her first headlining stint downunder.

Ryan Adams’s first solo run here Feb. 25 to March 9 is through Frontier Touring. He’ll do four theatre shows in Australia and two in New Zealand.