Fugee-la! Bluesfest is thrilled to announce that Ms. Lauryn Hill (ex-Fugees), one of the most influential artists in the history of R&B, hip hop and soul will play an exclusive set at the 29th festival, next Easter in Byron Bay.

Hill’s iconic album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” changed the face of popular music when it was released in 1998. The album's innovative mix of traditional soul, hip-hop beats and politically charged rap was a revelation. The ablum won 5 Grammys the year it was released and has gone on to be included in dozens of “Greatest Albums Ever” lists such as Mojo’s 100 Greatest Albums of Our Lifetime, Q’s Top 100 Albums Ever, Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and it came in at number 2 on NPR’s 150 Greatest Albums Made By Women.

Hill joins Robert Plant, Lionel Richie, Kesha, John Butler Trio, Tash Sultana, Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crowe, Melissa Etheridge as well as dozens of other incredible artists on Bluesfest’s massive 2018 line up. Organisers warn fans not to wait to buy their tickets as they are selling fast and fans could miss out on seeing their favourite artists if they don’t secure their place at the festival soon. Festival and Camping tickets are now on sale through www.bluesfest.com.au or by phoning the Bluesfest office on 02 6639 9800

Featuring Merrick Watts in his first solo show; Josh Earl, host of Spicks and Specks bringing us family-friendly mayhem with songs, stand-up and cartoons, in a show which is bound to have everyone in stitches; and finally Tommy Little, who has fast-evolved into one of the country’s most exciting comedians. A great weekend for Lismore, held in conjunction with Eat The Street on Saturday, while our pop-up diner on Friday evening will be operated by Secret Chef. "It promises to be a big weekend in Lismore with Eat the Street and Lismore Laughs working together to provide locals and visitors with a weekend of food and fun! It’s a great opportunity to enjoy everything Lismore has to offer in an action packed couple of days in March.” says Mitch Lowe, Lismore City Council Tourism and Events Manager.

Merrick Watts - Friday 9 March, 7:30pm Tickets $25-$49 Josh Earl - Saturday 10 March, 2pm (Ideal for ages 4-10) Tickets $20-$30 Tommy Little - Saturday 10 March, 7:30pm Tickets $25-$36

Lismore City Hall Book Tickets at www.lismorecityhall.com.au or phone 1300 066 722 Bar open from 6pm

The unexpected hit of Sydney Festival this year was New York chanteuse Lady Rizo who floored critics and punters alike with her razor-sharp show ‘Red, White and Indigo’, laying bare her love-hate relationship with America. America is a very bad boyfriend but why do I still love him? If we are potentially witnessing the death of the USA as we know it, New York cabaret superstar Lady Rizo delivers a deeply personal musical eulogy, unpacking the feelings for the country she was born in, cut with her trademark humor, wit and soaring voice. Backed by a choice trio of musicians, Rizo leads us to our own utopian island nation…with no walls, only velvet curtains. Experience the trademark titillating humor and soulful voice that has created a cult fan base around the world when Lady Rizo performs exclusively at NORPA at Lismore City Hall on Saturday 3 March. If you missed her at Sydney Festival, this is your only chance to catch her in the show everyone has been raving about. ‘Cabaret Superstar’ (New York Magazine), comedienne, and chanteuse, Lady Rizo, won her first Grammy in 2010 on a duet with acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma and also sings and records with multi-platinum recording artist Moby. “An anarchist streak still runs through me,” says Lady Rizo, the singer-sophisticate who was once a teenage punk rocker. “I love the idea of claiming something that’s uncool and making it authentic.” To that end, the NYC-based artist has earned a name for herself by transforming nightclub-pop into experiences that are more soulful, more theatrical. A provocateur with an electric wit, Lady Rizo is a vessel for the spirits of Edith Piaf and Freddie Mercury. The New York Times once referred to Lady Rizo (né Amelia Zirin-Brown) as “a formidable belter who can sustain phrases and notes even when sprawled on her back on a piano and scissoring her legs.” They’re not alone in that enthusiasm. Lady Rizo has collaborated with Moby, Reggie Watts, and Yo-Yo Ma, the latter on his Songs of Joy & Peace album, which won a Grammy Award. She’s received a New York Foundation for the Arts fellowship, a Time Out London theater award, and a 2013 London Cabaret Award. She also co-composed music for Adam Rapp’s Los Angeles, as well as theme songs for the Fuse network and E! Entertainment. All of which is to say: Our Lady of Perpetual Creativity is, by design, many things to many people. “I love taking these beautiful, luxurious images or sounds and pressing them up to the very raw pain of existence. Making people feel alive—grand and giant one moment, yet intimate and vulnerable the next,” says Rizo. “That’s why I introduce myself as chanteuse, which Piaf described as someone who takes one song and makes a whole opera out of it. Many of my songs carry a kernel of mystery, and I hope my music makes listeners vibrate with that excitement.” In person, Lady Rizo is a force of nature. Literally. Once, a tornado alarm even went off in the middle of a very dramatic rendering of “Over the Rainbow.” (This was, curiously, in New York City.) “I feed off the hit of the audience, the experience of live performance,” she says. “It is the most present I feel. And anything I do is to feel more present.” LADY RIZO RED, WHITE AND INDIGO Saturday 3 March, 7:30pm

at Lismore City Hall Tickets $25-$54 Bookings: norpa.org.au or call 1300 066 772 Patron advice: Recommended for ages 16+

Staying true to this year’s theme of ‘We Are The Mandala’, Byron Spirit Festival expands its weekend-long programming to include even more teachers and nurturers to assist in your journey of self-discovery and development. Taking place during school holidays, this is the perfect event to bring your kids along to with workshops and concerts for the whole family. So delve in, find your inner zen and Namaste your way to Byron Spirit Festival this April to experience these additional treats ……YOGA PROGRAM

Tymi Howard is an International Yoga Teacher, Certified Holistic Health Coach and Owner of Guruv Yoga Studios in the United States. Pioneering the Vinyasa Yoga movement in Central Florida, Tymi is dedicated to inspiring people to discover their life's purpose through the art of yoga and is known in the yoga community as a "Teacher of Teachers" and a skilful graceful practitioner, students fall in love with her dynamic, playful style of teaching, artistic sequencing and music! She is a self-proclaimed travel junky, blogger, animal rights advocate, lover of God, Life and Yoga. Forever a student and grateful to all of her teachers, students and family who continue to inspire!

Clinical Psychologist, Yoga Teacher and certified iRest Teacher, Dr Lauren Tober is a Mullumbimby local, with a passion for health, healing, happiness and awakening Lauren integrates the best of western psychology with ancient yogic wisdom, both on and off the mat.

Discovering yoga and meditation at the age of 19 as a suggested preventative for back problems,Rachel Zinman has been practising yoga for 30 years and has taught for over 20. Beginning her studies in Sydney before later moving to Byron, her training continued in the Iyengar and Astanga methods, with one of her first teaching engagements taking place at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium in Lismore as the Head of Dance. Also, a published author and writer for many online and print magazines about lifestyle and yoga, she has recently released a book, "Yoga for Diabetes" which references her own journey with the condition and how yoga has helped her to maintain balance.

Finding his calling at a young age, John Weddephol has been teaching yoga since his late teens. Having studied with some of the most influential teachers in the west, in 2004 immersing himself in the tradition he studied with two of India’s time-honoured lineages dating back to the Vedanta lineage of the great revivalist Adi Shankara and Kriya Siddha yoga lineage of Patanjali Siddha. Featured as a presenter on many international festivals including the Bali Spirit Festival, The Berlin Yoga Festival and the Byron Spirit Festival Retreat, Australia, traditional without being atraditionalist, John’s students love his quick wit, sense of humour and down to earth practical approach.

Zoe Braithwaite has worked extensively in local and international communities in Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East at various Festival and corporate event. Zoe and her company YogaJoy will be joining us to share their popular Acro-Yoga classes and will also be setting up an Acro-Yoga play space in the Spirit Village.

MUSIC & SOUND HEALING PROGRAM Prominent live band and Gold Coast locals Tijuana Cartel’s sound is made up of Mexican andLatin-inspired music combined with house and electronic influences. Like a genetic graft of The Chemical Brothers with that flamenco guitarist you once saw killing it in the streets of Seville,Tijuana Cartel's sound is high-energy, guitar-driven, world music for indie kids. Carey O'Sullivan and Paul George met at high school and found their feet in the 1990’s underground venues of Australia's most famous beach city - the Gold Coast. A multi-cultural melting pot with pristine beaches and rainforests framed by skyscrapers and theme parks, it was the perfect place for the duo to perfect their sound: an east meets west wonderland for those seeking sensory overload, euphoria, fat beats and heavy, bass-fuelled electronica Embracing the future without losing sight of the past, OKA draws upon their indigenous connection to place and country to create their signature feel-good Australian earth sound, an irresistible blend of influences spanning house, big beat, reggae-dub, Roots, Jazz and world music. Oka brings to the Festival a mashup of dance & downtempo electro beats marinated in the mystical spirit of the Dreamtime. Acclaimed musician, social entrepreneur and yogi, Edo Khan is passionate about transforming lives, empowering individuals and uniting communities. The co-founder/CEO of A Sound Life, Australia’s first charity to transform the lives of people in need through free music, yoga and meditation programs, since ASL’s inception in 2014, thousands of people facing hardships in healthcare facilities (hospitals, aged-care, disabilities, mental health) and underserved communities (women’s refuges, youth-at-risk, underprivileged children) have experienced renewed wellbeing, personal empowerment and joy. Edo was one half of the much-loved musical duo Edo & Jo who toured extensively (performing at festivals such as Bali Spirit, Byron Spirit, Bhaktifest USA) prior to Jo’s passing in 2015.

Music and senior yoga teacher, Dr Didge Dolphin (Arpana Obrien), brings his joy of life from 28 years as a GP and didgeridoo playing. ShamanaTara-Lungurrma is a sound medicine woman, grandmother, senior yoga teacher, songwriter, psychologist and singer of the ancient whale song lines.

Beth Borowsky is one of Sydney’s most inspiring yoga teachers. She will invite you to a Yoga Ceremony and guide you through a practice that nourishes your body, spirit and soul. Steve Mazabow and Vanessa Forbes are well-known, passionate musicians, specializing in the use of their unique black hemp didgeridoos, Mayan flute and exquisite voice, and are recognized as masters of guiding groups and individuals on sonic sound journeys towards healing.

From a life rich in musical pilgrimage, comes the auditory download of Murray Kyle, a mystic troubadour based in the visionary town of Uki. Get a hit of this contagious soul restoring music that will sweep you off your feet, out of your head, and into your heart.

Calling to the singers, the priestesses, the priests, the ones who carry stories and dreams and words and songs. Spiritsong Shamanic Choir, led by Rebekah Ray, is an experiential workshop that offers a space where one is encouraged to open up to the sacred world of sound that resides within all beings. Bring your medicine drums... Bring your rattles...

Founding member of Wild Marmalade and Dream Drone, Si Mullumby has extensively toured the world, including three concerts at the Sydney Opera House and has been labelled “an astonishing solo player”, by the creative director of Cirque du Soleil Guy Caron. As a young man,Si Mullumby left studying Medicine and single-pointedly dedicated his life to play the didgeridoo. He learned to play as he hitchhiked throughout remote areas of Australia and much like an Australian ‘Into the Wild’, Si spent long times in the wilderness alone, setting the fundamentals of his unique style in place. He has pushed the boundaries of what can be done with the didgeridoo and has inspired a generation of players in Australia and around the world.

Matiu Te Huki has a background in traditional Maori performing arts, theatre and fronting great bands with his powerful yet smooth, unique voice. He has performed with the likes of Fat Freddies Drop, Rhombus, Pitch Black, Tiki Taane, Anika Moa and many more of New Zealand's top artists.Te Huki is known for his amazing vocal skills and energy, his ability to powerfully connect with, hold and lift a crowd and the soul-stirring messages in Matiu's music are positive, inspiring and unifying. His music has a strong Maori flavour using haka, chants and traditional Maori instruments.

CULTURAL & HEALING PROGRAM

Australian medicine woman and owner of Her Voice Heals, Chrissie Fireman has a strong connection to the Andean path of cosmology. She is a home-school mother of 2 children, believing her medicine to be foremost that of a mother. After 13 years of facilitating Empathic Communication sessions, Firemane is incredibly passionate about this modality of healing and is currently preparing a training vehicle for this modality of deep healing. As musician and ceremony woman, she is now singing as Pachamama in the Peruvian band Amaru Pumac Kuntur. Firemane leads spiritual pilgrimages and masters retreats in her spiritual homeland of the Peruvian Andes.

Jeffrey Slayter is a top researcher of Leadership and Self Awareness and its application to the high-performing awakening entrepreneurs who are building businesses for a better world and committed to impacting generations to come. He brings disruptive insights (in a good way) – adventures, coaching, training, events, high-end masterminds, iconic guests, tools, tactics and edgy information, with the intention to turn not just your business – but you – inside-out.

Australian born artist Ella Noah Bancroft is a storyteller, teacher, tantric and mentor, with her Indigenous heritage playing a key role in her story. Her ancestral links have given her a platform for expression within the arts. She studied the art of Indigenous dance from a young age and danced in both the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympic games and the Walk for Reconciliation across Sydney Harbour Bridge. Over the years, Ella has been travelling the world, acquiring new skills, ways of thinking, ancient wisdom and local teachings. She is passionate about re-wilding, sexual engagement within the world and the feminine force and is devoting her life to making this work accessible in the West.

DANCE PROGRAM Sacred chant artist, ecstatic dance DJ, singer-songwriter, producer and student of the sacred Rob Webber has been uplifting souls in Bali for over ten years. The resident DJ for legendary ecstatic dances at the Yoga Barn, he also leads cacao ceremonies, kirtans and sound healing sessions. He is also the musical director of our sister Spirit Festival in Ubud, Bali.

Paul Dumais has been studying martial arts for over 20 years and Qi Gong with Master Liu for over 15 years, through whom he is accredited as a Level 2 Instructor. He has a knack for getting complete beginners to perform high-level forms and thus has had great success teaching at many festivals. West African performer Gabriel Otu offers contemporary/ African dance performance and workshops, vocals and percussions for his band Happy Africa. Happy Africa offers the crowd an array of percussion on the balafone, djembe, doun doun, kick bass, shakers, bells along with guitar and a groovy bass. This high-energy world music has the crowd bouncing and the soul singing.CONSCIOUS RELATING + MEDITATION

One of Australia’s pioneers of integrative and holistic medicine, Professor Marc Cohen is on a mission to realise worldwide wellness and help people tame their toxic load, so they can live long happy and healthy lives. A registered medical practitioner with degrees in western medicine, physiology and psychological medicine and PhDs in Chinese medicine and biomedical engineering, he is currently Professor of Health Sciences at RMIT University where he supervises research into wellness and holistic health including studies on nutrition, herbal medicine, yoga, meditation, saunas, hot springs, lifestyle, elite athletic performance, the health impact of pesticides, organic food and detoxification. He is the author of ‘Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidenced-Based Guide’, and ‘Understanding the Global Spa Industry’, as well as haspublished more than 90 academic papers, chapters and articles on holistic health.

Greg Lahood (Dr G) has been involved in the transpersonal psychology movement for 30 years. He has degrees in cultural anthropology and psychotherapy and has written many scholarly articles on transpersonal healing, women's birth shamanism, the way of Beauty and the Sha'heed. He lives locally in Byron Bay and co-facilitates an ongoing co-inquiry into the healing dimensions of attunement, awareness, and the immediacy of spirit. Lahood's first book will be published this year: Sha'heed: Loves' Inquiry and Seven Sacred Relationships as a Path to Beauty With over 15 years’ experience, Gary Gorrow has worked with thousands of people from all walks of life. His innovative meditation and mindfulness programs are sought after by some of the world’s leading companies. Gary’s students come from a range of backgrounds and include celebrities, CEO’s, health practitioners, lawyers, creatives, grandparents and children. He is passionate about empowering people with techniques that enable them to re-engineer their lives inside and out. His approach synthesizes the best of modern science and ancient consciousness-based practices. Franko Heke is on a mission to raise consciousness through his music and workshops. Drawing on ancient mantra in combination with his own cultural roots, Franko’s devotional sessions are bound to coax your own divine voice into the open with his distinct fresh sounds for today. With years of touring rock music under his belt, his compass has drawn him north toward a movement, which brings people together, celebrating our unique gifts, our connection to one another and to mother earth. Sought after for yoga, meditation and transformational festival events, Franko’sboundless energy for the betterment of all beings. With a background in pole dancing, ballet, tap and musical theatre, dance has always played a major role in Nikki Rhodes life. Her own personal journey has revealed the therapeutic benefit of movement as an erotic expression. Deeply moved by the rhythms of Latin America, Nikki is passionate about sharing the transformational magic of dance as a powerful tool for emotional release.

Hailing from Arnhem Land, Canada, Papua New Guinea, Asia and the Pacific, the artists on this year’s line up will amaze with their unique voices, brilliant dance moves and soulful stories. Managed and programmed from an Aboriginal perspective, Boomerang is a dedicated First Nations program that showcases excellence through performance and culture. Boomerang Festival Partners Peter Noble OAM and Rhoda Roberts AO have once again joined forces programming a wave of new sounds and quality Indigenous cultural exchanges, dance and workshops that everyone at Bluesfest can interact with and enjoy.

Bluesfest 2018 is proud to welcome the following artists to Boomerang:

Bluesfest Director Peter Noble OAM, on the importance of the Boomerang Festival:

“Yirrmal is pure world music, that is inspired from ancient Songlines, entwining the oldest language, instruments and spirituality. His music fits perfectly within has been adapted to Blues and Roots music, and enhancing the Australian music sce growth, that is Australian Music in 2018”.

Boomerang Director Rhoda Roberts AO, shares her excitement about this year’s festival:

"The Boomerang Festival sitting within Bluesfest, is vital precinct that increases the visibility of our culture, I want everyone to hear the music, witness the dance , sing the song and listen to the story. Come visit and play with us in 2018."