Mundubbera Blueberry Festival
It’s refreshing to witness an artist like Queensland’s Blake Beneke, who returned to the festival stage, captivating the crowd with his distinctly Australian warmth, humour and down to earth performance just as he did at the inaugural festival two years prior. Beneke’s laid back personality pulls his audience in and his earthy delivery and ‘comfy familiarity’ echoes of the way Paul Kelly breaks down that third wall between storyteller and listener, whispering ‘you’re just like me’. After that it’s easy sailing as a punter as everything is relatable.
Blake’s set boasted his beautifully crafted original country songs, plus some gorgeous covers done in his unique laid back style. A stand out being his rendition of Good Light In Broome, by Neil Murray of My Island Home fame.
Blake is the definition of authenticity on stage, settling in like he’s found his favourite armchair. His relaxed approach is one of his most endearing and likeable qualities, alongside a warm and enticing voice that makes everyone feel at home.
His solo performance is kept vibrant and full with loop pedal layering and a mix of guitar percussion, fingerstyle playing, strumming, stomp box, as well as harmonica.
Blake continues to be a favourite with audiences here, as his shows just keep getting better. This is an artist who will always be invited back, what’s not to love.