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By Cathy Vaughan
Hawkesbury talent could be found last weekend as the 2026 Goulburn Blues Festival brought the soul, grit and groove of the Blues back to the Southern Tablelands.
From February 6 to 8, Goulburn came alive with the sound of Blues once again, drawing strong crowds across multiple venues and reinforcing the strength of regional live music. After several challenging years for the industry nationwide, the festival marked a confident return to packed rooms, dancing audiences and late-night jam sessions.
Among the acts were Hawkesbury musicians proudly representing the region on stage.
Leading the Hawkesbury charge was Richmond-based Blues rock four-piece Working Poor. Their set blended Blues with rock swagger, delivering the kind of performance that defines a great regional festival atmosphere.
Their appearance highlighted the growing reputation of Blues in the Hawkesbury and the growing reputation of local acts beyond the district.
This year’s event was spearheaded by organiser David Rowlands, working in partnership with The Goulburn Pub Group, led by Simon Paterson, and supported by the Goulburn Club.
Across venues including the Southern Railway Hotel and the Goulburn Club, audiences were treated to a diverse lineup of Australian Blues acts. Artists included Frank Sultana, Simon Kinny-Lewis, James Southwell and Garth Prentice, alongside a range of emerging and established performers.
From gritty roots Blues to Blues-infused rock and soul, the program showcased the diversity within the genre while keeping the unmistakable Blues heartbeat running through every session.
For Hawkesbury musicians, festivals like Goulburn’s are more than just gigs they are vital platforms for connection, collaboration and growth. Regional Blues festivals create space for artists to reach new audiences while strengthening creative networks across NSW.
Live music in regional areas has faced significant challenges in recent years, but strong, community-backed events like the Goulburn Blues Festival demonstrate what’s possible when venues, organisers and musicians work together to keep the Blues alive and thriving.
For those wanting to catch Hawkesbury Blues closer to home, there is no shortage of local talent. Keep an eye on the Hawkesbury Gazette’s What’s On Guide for upcoming gigs, venues and live Blues across the district.
