Welcome to Devonport Blues & Roots
Devonport Blues & Roots 2026 brings raw rhythm, storytelling and soul to the heart of winter, running alongside this year’s Devonport Jazz Festival from July 23–26.
In 2026, we’re expanding our Blues offering into a dedicated Blues & Roots program, embracing Blues, Roots, Folk and a touch of Country, a natural evolution that reflects both the strength of local Tasmanian talent and the growing love for these sounds.
At its core, Blues & Roots is about connection, to place, people and story. It’s music that feels authentic and lived-in, set against the warmth of winter gatherings, intimate venues and shared moments with friends.
Expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere filled with rich live music, local food offerings and quality Tasmanian drinks, all coming together to create an experience that’s as much about community as it is about sound.
There’s a laid-back energy to the weekend, the kind where you can settle in, discover new artists, and stay a little longer than planned.
From cosy indoor settings to vibrant social spaces, every moment is designed to feel easy, inclusive and enjoyable.
Whether you’re a long-time blues lover or simply looking for a great winter outing, there’s something here for everyone.
Across the weekend, the program showcases outstanding local artists and captures the easy, soulful feel of a Tasmanian winter, where good music, food and company go hand in hand.
After work @ the Central
Featuring Don’t Come Monday (Rob Rose, Grant Hearps, Fin McCullough, Rick Lovell)
Thursday 23 July | 5.30pm-7.30pm
Formby Hotel – The Central Bar, 82 Formby RD, Devonport
Free entry (no bookings Required)
Ease into a relaxed after-work session at The Central Bar, a great spot for live music, good food and an easy pub atmosphere.
With meals available from 5–8pm and a full bar on hand, it’s the perfect place to grab a drink, settle in and enjoy some live, local music.
Don’t Come Monday are a Tasmanian four-piece who have built a strong following across the North West since forming in 2015.
Known for their original music and engaging live shows, the band blend blues with rock, folk, funk and country influences to create a sound that’s both distinctive and easy to connect with.
With years of experience and a strong presence on the local scene, they bring a lively, feel-good set that mixes originals with familiar favourites.
A welcoming, social session and a great way to spend your evening.
Please note: Under 18s must be accompanied.
No under 18s after 9pm.
Blues on the Wharf
Featuring M.T. Blues (Matt & Troy)
Friday 24 July | 5.30pm-7.30pm
Live at the Wharf, 3 Wharf RD, Ulverstone
$8 or $5 for members (Pay cash at the door, no bookings Required)
Ease into the weekend with a laid-back evening of blues by the water in beautiful Ulverstone.
This relaxed early session invites you to unwind with great music, good company and fresh sea air.
Bring a plate of nibbles, to share or grab a bite from The Pier on site, with drinks available to purchase from the bar. (no BYO alcohol)
M.T. Blues are a powerhouse duo delivering raw, roots-driven blues with heart and grit.
Blending Delta blues traditions with modern rock influences, their sound is expressive, textured and deeply authentic, brought to life through slide guitar, rich vocals and a captivating mix of originals and classics.
Jazz it up at Spreyton
Featuring King Cake (Pete Cornelius, Randal Muir, Beau Thomas)
Friday 24 July | 6pm -9.30pm
Spreyton Cider, 6 Melrose RD, Aberdeen
Cost $65pp – Including 2 course meal. – Bookings essential
Warm up your Friday night with a feel-good night of blues and rhythm at Spreyton Cider Co., where rich music meets crackling fire pits, cosy indoor spaces and some of the region’s best local food and drink.
Settle in and indulge in a menu of delicious local fare alongside award-winning ciders.
King Cake are serving up a deep groove of jump blues, New Orleans funk and Hammond-driven organ sounds.
Led by acclaimed guitarist Pete Cornelius, the band delivers music that’s raw, warm and full of character, the perfect pairing for a winter night in Spreyton.
Molly’s Midday Session
Featuring: M.T. Blues (Matt & Troy)
Saturday 25 July | Noon-2.00pm
Molly Malones Irish Pub, 34 Best street, Devonport
Free entry (Tables reserved for dinners only, bookings recommended ph: 6328 3367)
Kick off your Saturday with live blues at Molly Malones, Devonport’s beloved Irish pub, known for its lively atmosphere, hearty meals and strong reputation for live music.
With a spacious layout and welcoming vibe, Molly’s is the perfect spot to settle in for lunch or an afternoon session.
M.T. Blues bring their unmistakable sound to the stage, combining driving rhythms, slide guitar and expressive vocals.
Their live performances are engaging and full of energy, delivering blues that feels both raw and deeply connected to its roots.
Saturday Blues & Brews
The Bard, The Sketches, King Cake, Raccoon Dog
Saturday 25 July | Doors 5:30pm
Market Square Pavillion, Devonport
$20 or $35 weekend pass (inlcudes Sunday Wind Down Session)
All ages
Tickets: BLUES & BREWS – paranaple arts centre
This is where Saturday night hits its stride.
Live, local Tasmanian music, four standout performances, and everything you need for a great night out.
A drink in hand, music in the air and a space that feels instantly welcoming the Pavilion sets the scene for great tunes and good company.
As the evening unfolds, each act builds the energy, drawing you in and keeping you there from first set to last.
In partnership with Island State Brewing, this is local at its best.
Featuring:
The Bard:
A seasoned performer who knows how to read a room and take it with him, The Bard moves effortlessly from laid-back blues and country into big, familiar rock moments.
This special set also features a Gary More Tribute that channels the powerful blues-rock energy of Gary’s Still Got The Blues era, with a touch of Thin Lizzy woven through the night.
It’s the kind of set that draws you in early and has you singing along before you know it.
King Cake:
(Pete Cornelius, Randal Muir + Beau Thomas)
Deep grooves, rich tones and a nod to the golden era of blues, King Cake bring a sound steeped in tradition but alive with energy.
With Hammond organ, driving rhythm and masterful guitar, their set feels warm, immersive and impossible to stand still to.
The Sketches:
(Josh Durno, David Dixon & Mark “Wookiee” Gunton)
Full of personality and storytelling, The Sketches deliver a set that’s equal parts heartfelt and high-energy.
Their blend of folk and humour creates a connection with the crowd that’s immediate, genuine and unmistakably Tasmanian.
Racoon Dog:
(Ben Wilson, Rudy Valentino, Henry Rippon, Dan Lizotte & Kyle Lizotte)
With grit, soul and a sense of journey in their sound, Raccoon Dog bring a powerful live presence shaped by years of playing far and wide.
Their music blends driving rhythms, textured guitars and soulful vocals, moving from stripped-back, reflective moments into full, rolling grooves.
There’s a rawness and honesty at the core of their sound, with rhythms that build, lift and get the crowd on their feet.
It’s the kind of set you can settle into or dance along with, leaving a lasting impression long after the final note.
Folk & Roots at Molly’s
Featuring: The Sketches (Josh Durno, David Dixon & Mark “Wookiee” Gunton)
Sunday 26 July | Noon-2.00pm
Molly Malones Irish Pub, 34 Best street, Devonport
Free entry (Tables reserved for dinners only, bookings recommended ph: 6328 3367)
Settle into a classic Sunday session at Molly Malones, a traditional Irish pub known for its warm hospitality, lively atmosphere and love of live music.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of food, drinks and entertainment in one of Devonport’s most welcoming venues.
The Sketches, bring their signature mix of folk, roots and storytelling with a laid-back Sunday feel.
Expect rich harmonies, engaging banter and a performance full of character and charm.
Sunday Wind Down Session
Sunday 26 July | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Market Square Devonport
$20 or $35 weekend pass (Includes Saturday Blues & Brews)
All Ages
Tickets: SUNDAY WIND DOWN SESSION – paranaple arts centre
A gentle close to a big weekend.
Settle in for a laid-back Sunday session of live, local Tasmanian music, good food, cold drinks and an easy-going atmosphere.
Whether you’re catching up with friends or soaking up the final sets, it’s the perfect way to round out the festival.
Easy, welcoming and full of life, your last chance to enjoy the music and everything that makes Blues & Roots what it is
Featuring:
Amy Pegg:
With a voice that balances strength and subtlety, Amy Pegg creates an intimate and expressive atmosphere, blending jazz, blues and soul with ease.
Neil Gibson:
A respected figure in Tasmania’s blues scene, Neil Gibson delivers smooth guitar work, relaxed grooves and a deeply authentic sound that draws listeners in.
Mallee Roots:
Mallee Roots bring their raw, character-filled take on early blues back to the stage.
Originally a touring trio in the early 2000s, they return with a sound that’s loose, lively and full of personality.
With gritty textures, driving rhythms and a slightly off-centre edge, their set creates a fun, easy-going atmosphere that’s hard not to get caught up in.
Zac Henderson:
An award-winning singer-songwriter, Zac Henderson blends folk, blues and soul into music rich with storytelling, warmth and character.
Backed by a talented band, his live performances move effortlessly between intimate, stripped-back moments and fuller, more dynamic arrangements.
With a natural connection to the audience and an easy stage presence, Zac and his band deliver a set that feels both uplifting and genuine.
A perfect way to close out the festival.
