BLACK & BLUES FESTIVAL

Geelong’s three-day dark beer and blues music festival returns to Valhalla

Æ Malty, musty, rich or creamy, dark beers fill the void caused by winter’s chills and this June one of our favourite local taprooms is hosting an event that’s sure to appeal to anyone that loves a decadent dark beer served with a side of blues music.

From 9-11 June, Valhalla Brewing and Taproom are hosting a three-day dark beer and blues music festival to showcase Australian independent dark beers and local, live blues and roots music.

Taking over the space in the heart of the Geelong CBD, the Black & Blues Festival will see all 10 of Valhalla’s taps pour deliciously dark brews (think stouts, porters, Black IPAs and Pilsners) accompanied by 10 soul-filling blues musicians: it’s a match made in Valhalla.

As for the music, this year’s impressive lineup features 2023/2022 Byron Bay Bluesfest artists Bud Rokesky and Fiona Boyes.

Fresh from his 2023 Bluesfest shows and tour with Matt Corby in late May, Bud Rokesky will bring his heart-on-sleeve stories to the Taproom on Sunday, 11 June. A native of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Rokesky has spent the last few years behind the wheel, mostly in solitude, seeking out stories that dwell in the deepest parts of the soul.

Headlining Saturday at the Taproom, 10 June, Fiona Boyes will bring her sassy and soulful electric and acoustic blues to the stage. Internationally recognised for her deep blues fingerpicking and slide guitar, she is the only Australian ever nominated for the USA Blues Music Awards in Memphis.

Joining these two powerhouse musicians are the likes of Willie J, Jungle Jim Smith, Maggie Alley & Jack Meredith (duo), The Ironbark Brothers, TK Reeves, Trinity Jayne, Kaliopi and Xyla.

Whether or not you’re a fan of dark beer, the lineup of outstanding talent and unforgettable acts is reason enough to go check it out. Limited weekend pass tickets are available online at $79. The ticket includes access to all 10 live blues acts across the weekend, 10 x 200mL glasses of dark beers and one pizza.