Bands booked for 2026 include JB’s Blues Breakers, The Hipshooters, Minnie Marks, LR Marsh, Jane Michele & The Consortium, Red Robyn, Satellite Nights Band, Darren Griffis & The Jukejoint Band (5 piece), Red Robyn. Stay tuned for further updates on our social pages.
River Heads Rocks 2025 sold out for the second year in a row and with the festival capped at just 300 it is not surprising as the audience who do get to experience this boutique rhythm and blues festival continue to return. We are proud to be able to support live music and welcome top quality performers to the bush stage. In the meantime, to secure your spot in 2026
Fundraising this year at our Monster Raffle and Auction – all proceeds go to Just 4 Kids Childrens Charity – check out the raffle so far, with over 50 prizes valued at over $5,400
WELCOME JB'S BLUES BREAKERS TO THE BUSH STAGE 18 JULY 2026
Creating a buzz across the Byron Shire, this red-hot blues and rock ‘n’ roll band is fast becoming a local favourite, building a loyal following among young and old alike.
With a raw and punchy sound inspired by electric Chicago blues and Memphis rock ‘n’ roll, JB’s Blues Breakers are lighting up stages and leaving a lasting impression wherever they play.
Over the past two years, they’ve made their mark on the festival circuit, performing at Blues on Broadbeach, Cooly Rocks Festival, Winter Solstice, Love Lennox Festival, and the inaugural Mullum Roots Festival.
Their all-original debut album — produced by Jordan Power and released exclusively on vinyl — has cemented their reputation as a band that delivers authentic, hard-hitting blues with soul and swagger.
JB’s Blues Breakers deliver a dynamic mix of original tracks and unforgettable covers that will have you dancing from start to finish. The setlist is unlike anything you’ve heard — packed with energy, style, and surprises.
Expect classic cuts and deep grooves from legends like Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Little Richard, Richie Valens, and many more. This is not your average covers band — it’s a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll revival.
Featuring – Grant Gerathy (Drums) – John Butler Trio, Pete Murray, Ray Mann 3, Angus Stone + Geoff Wright (Lead Guitar) – JJ Cale, Robben Ford, Procol Harum, Tina Turner, Ross Wilson, Doug Parkinson, Joe Camilleri, and more + Nic Lemits (Bass) – Marshall and the Fro, Lisa Hunt
With their strongest lineup yet, JB’s Blues Breakers are heading back into the studio to begin work on their second full-length album. Building on the momentum of their vinyl debut, this next release promises to be even more electric, showcasing new material and the band’s ever-evolving sound.
“The raw and punchy Chicago sound is not to be missed. This is a blues and rock ‘n’ roll show you will not forget.”
THE HIPSHOOTERS
Legendary blues & roots band, The Hipshooters formed in 1993 in Auckland and after a few years honing their skills, Anton Elkington & Billy Williams took their music to Australia. Grant Bedford joins the line up on drums. The Hipshooters draw inspiration from the blues and roots legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Winter and Albert Collins.
They are most well-known for their epic live performances – being a long-time favourite at many major music festivals including Byron Bay Blues Fest, Blues on Broadbeach, Woodford Music Festival, Yagubi Multicultural, Narooma Blues Festival, and the Gympie Muster.
Over the past 20 years, The Hipshooters have released four CDs and won two Blues Awards for Best Band and Best Song.
MINNIE MARKS
We are thrilled to announce the inclusion of Minnie Marks to the lineup (as Autumn Blue Band are unable to perform due to unforeseen circumstances).
We caught up with Minnie at the recent Blues on Broadbeach – thats us in the front row – Minnie is a little pocket rocket and we thoroughly enjoyed her show. She has a great range of songs with story telling entwined with a versatile repertoire.
Minnie Marks is not just some blazingly electrified guitar playing freak of nature. She is also a rare and triple threat: Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Some say a ‘sonic tsunami’. Impossible to ignore.
Relentlessly gigging across the globe, armed with her old Goldtop slung over her shoulder and a revolutionary Foot Drum at her feet; Marks consistently pushes musical boundaries with her ferocious, mind-blowing, dynamic guitar wizardry and her insanely powerful, soul soaked voice, that roars out her truth through song as if her own life depended on it. And, if that’s not enough, simultaneously, creates bone marrow shaking grooves with her spare limbs on her Foot Drum kit. Finally all three beasts are married together to forge a mammoth sized wall of sound that must be seen to be believed.
In 2025, Marks’ fierce dedication and unmatched live energy were recognised when awarded the ‘Musician of the Year’ at the Sunshine Coast Music Awards — a new milestone in a career already stacked with accolades. From winning the Bluesfest Busking Competition in 2011, being named ‘Best Guitarist’ at Open Arms Festival, to taking out the ‘People’s Choice Award’ at both Blues at Bridgetown Festival and Nannup Music Festival. Marks is cementing her place time and time again as one of the most unstoppable forces in the scene.
With three studio albums under her belt and one live album recorded in Stuttgart, Germany. Marks’ isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Hang onto your hats, because the best is yet to come: Her next album, due for release in 2026, is already being hailed as her most anticipated and game-changing project yet. You’re going to want to clear your schedule when this one lands. It’s not just an album, it’s a musical explosion that will leave you hanging for more.
I’m beyond thrilled an honoured to be finalist for both ‘ARTIST OF THE YEAR’ and ‘MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR’ at the Sunshine Coast Music Awards held by the amazing crew at Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective
After taking home ‘Musician of the Year’ last year, it feels pretty wild to be back again amongst so many killer artists and humans from the Sunny Coast region for this wonderful event
This year the awards are happening at The Shed at the Banana Bender Pub on June 7th!
We are thrilled to welcome Minnie to the Bush Stage at River Heads Rocks 2026. Check out her music.
DARREN GRIFFIS & JUKE JOINT (5 piece)
JUKEJOINT is the songs of Darren Griffis. After 38 years of playing, 3 albums and countless shows, Darren has put together a cracking line up to deliver these songs live.
With Australia’s only bass/harmonica player Gary Graham and the solid old school drums of Gary Scheiwe, these boys are on a mission to make every venue their own JUKEJOINT for the night. These guys have played festivals including Gympie Muster, Wolvi Stomp and Blues on Broadbeach.
LR MARSH
Australian blues/rock powerhouse L.R. Marsh blends the raw timeless soul of delta blues with electrifying modern rock riffs and energy. L.R. has spent the last four years touring Australia relentlessly, bringing his unique sound and performance style to stages across the country. His show has been featured at renowned festivals such as Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival, Mitchell Creek Rock n Blues Festival, Wolvi Stomp, Dooralong Blues & Roots Festival, Port Noarlunga Blues Fest, and more. He has also performed across Europe, appearing at festivals and venues in Austria, Portugal, and France.
L.R. Marsh’s sound is a signature combination of gritty slide guitar, upbeat blues grooves, and the riff-driven power of classic rock and 90’s desert/stoner rock, citing influences from Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and RL Burnside, to rock icons such as AC/DC, The Black Keys, Rage Against the Machine, and Jack White. What sets L.R. apart from conventional “solo” acts is his ability to create a sound that has been described as “fuller and more dynamic than a 4-piece band” entirely live without the aid or use of any loop pedals or backing track recordings. With a home-built setup of foot-operated drums and percussion pedals, and his dynamic guitar playing, L.R. delivers an unforgettable live experience – raw, real, and live. In addition to his unique one-man-band act, he also performs as a duo with Chloe Marks on drums, and with the L.R. Marsh Trio, which features Chloe Marks (drums) and Ellen Hartwig (bass guitar).
In addition to his festival highlights, L.R. has shared the stage with notable acts like Wolfmother, Nick Oliveri (of Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss, and Mondo Generator) (USA), Ross Wilson, Ash Grunwald, Tex Perkins, Truckfighters (SWE), Radio Moscow (USA), 1000mods (GRE), Jeff Martin (of The Tea Party) (CA), and more. His career has also led him to record in Ashland, Oregon USA with legendary producer Sylvia Massy (Johnny Cash, Prince, System of a Down, Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers). His studio album Inside Outlines, recorded in Brisbane, Queensland, garnered national and international recognition, with the single “Devil & The Black Dog” reaching number 9 on the AMRAP national charts in its first week.
L.R.’s music resonates with a wide range of listeners, from fans of traditional blues to those who crave the heavier side of rock. His versatile catalog also includes acoustic folk and blues songs, offering a more intimate, soulful side to his music.
Now living on the road full-time, L.R. continues to reach fans far and wide across Australia and has plans for a new album and international touring in 2025/2026. Whether on stage in a packed venue or in a small intimate setting, L.R. Marsh’s live shows are a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and the timeless energy of blues and rock.
Jane Michele & the Consortium
Jane Michele & The Consortium Perform their tapestry of sound, styling in broad sub-genres of Blues. Award winning Originals, sultry, sassy, heart-wrenching & storytelling. What a voice!
We saw Jane Michele and the Consortium at the Wolvi Hall and had to share these talented musicians with you all.
Satellite Nights Band
Hailing from Gympie, Satellite Nights are a four-piece originals band blending the raw edge of rock, the soul of blues, the heart of country and the spirit of Indie that becomes a sound that is unmistakingly theirs. Formed through a shared love of original music.
Another great band discovered at the Wolvi Hall.
OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH RED ON SAX
On Friday night we always have a great time discovering new talent and this pocket rocket on the Saxaphone is no exception. Red will be performing her original material and then you are invited to perform. In 2025 we discovered Ray playing original songs and we are looking foward to hearing him play again in 2026.
Everyone has to start somewhere and this is a golden opportunity for anyone who wants to jump up and play on the River Heads Rocks Stage.
You never know, you could be the next star at River Heads Rocks.
RIVER HEADS ROCKS T SHIRT COMPETITION
Pictured is Tanya in her River Heads Rocks Tshirt at Mitchell Creek. Have you got a photo of you in your River Heads Rocks Tshirt in a great spot. Win a ticket to River Heads Rocks in 2027. Check out the entries so far on the River Heads Rocks T shirt competition page.
