After managing Powderfinger's travel for the best part of a decade, Stage and Screen helped the sun set gracefully on the band's final, historic tour.
The 28th Anniversary Bluesfest will take place over the Easter long weekend from Thursday 13th to Monday 17th April 2017 and features headliners Santana, Zac Brown Band, Patti Smith, Buddy Guy and Mary J. Blige. With 12 hours of music each day, an eclectic range of food and market stalls, and a variety of onsite camping options, Bluesfest Byron Bay is a festival that rivals the best the world has to offer.
But long before the first festival-goers start pitching their tents, two of Stage and Screen's music loving Travel Managers will take up residence in their own festival digs. As full-time Bluesfest implants, they will be working alongside festival organisers to manage the travel requirements of the artists.
For over 10 years Stage and Screen has been getting some of the world’s biggest names in rhythm and blues, to and from the festival. The 2017 highlights include Jimmy Buffet making his only Australian appearance, and Patti Smith and her band making their last ever Australian appearance.
This year’s pilgrimage to Byron Bay will be the culmination of months of travel planning for over 29 bands and some 250 musicians and support crew. With the performers flying in from around the globe and across the country, it’s fair to say the pressure is on.
Fortunately our Travel Managers are seasoned festival-goers – and planners - and they know the importance of keeping their organisational energy levels as high as those of the performers. The perils of an outdoor festival mean that should the weather gods turn angry, the schedule can get a bit interesting! Which is why our crew is embedded onsite to meet with organisers, rejig travel plans as required – and to keep the status quo.
In addition to getting their heads around flight and show times for the musos appearing at Bluesfest, our Travel Managers also manage all of the flights, accommodation and cars for artists touring with side shows across Australia before and after the festival. And that often also means making special arrangements for priceless instruments and all their gear too.
Come April 13 when the first act takes to the stage, our crew will be bunking down for the long haul. And while they might be on call 24/7 you’ll also find them enjoying the rewards of their labour – seeing the artists they have been booking for do their stuff and experiencing the magic that is Bluesfest!
THE BLUESFEST TEAM REVEAL THEIR TOP THREE TIPS FOR AN EPIC FESTIVAL
1. Always put the music first!
2. Put together a great team – and anything is possible.
3. Don’t be afraid to take risks.
