Tarra Blues festival

Music lovers will be spoilt for choice in the Rural City of Wangaratta this weekend, with the two-day Tarra Blues festival complimenting the 35th Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.

In its third year in 2025, Tarra Blues will again be held in the grounds of Tarrawingee's Plough Inn, from 4pm on Saturday and from 11am on Sunday.

The Saturday session is designed to get patrons up on their feet, grooving to a collection of blues music, from Sons of Motherless Goats, the Macnamar Project, Sammy Owens Blues Band and Blues Roulette.

Sunday's program features Charlie Bedford, Hey Gringo, Fiona Boyes and the Fortune Tellers, and the Jimi Hocking Trio.

Tickets for the two-day event can be secured at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1361898

Festival free community stage, other events

Meanwhile in Wangaratta, the free community stage at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues hub at Holy Trinity Cathedral will kick off at 12 noon on Saturday with the Wangaratta High School Band.

They will be followed at 1pm by the Army Band, at 2.30pm by Royal Motown Revue, and at 4pm by Gusto Gusto.

On Sunday, following the 10am Jazz Mass in the cathedral, which will feature Bob Sedegreen and the Amelia Evans Quartet, the community stage starts up again at 12.30pm with High Society, followed by Cope Street Parade at 2pm, The Blues Brothers at 3.30pm and the Geoff Achison Band at 5pm.

On Saturday and Sunday, people of all ages are invited to visit the festival hub between 12 noon and 3pm to be part of 100 Guitars - A Tribute to BB King (who was born 100 years ago).

A collection of 100 guitars has been created by a team of community volunteers, and they will be ready and waiting in the colourful guitar shelter for people to decorate and take home.

The community engagement project is free, and all materials are supplied.

Participants under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and collaboration is encouraged.

Festival volunteers will be on hand to supervise and offer suggestions, and 50 guitars will be available each day, until stocks run out.

It's a chance to have fun while learning about a true music legend.

In addition to the annual Oxley Bush Market on Saturday, and the Jazz Riverside Market in Apex Park on Sunday - both starting at 9am - Old Faithfulls Brew Bar will host its second pre-loved clothing Hanger Club at the Faithfull Street business on Sunday from 9am to 12 noon.

More on Monday too

On Monday, during the 'Milawa Monday' of the jazz festival program, Lancemore will host a free-entry lounging jam session from 4pm, with cocktails, drinks and food available to purchase; other Milawa events will be held at Milawa Cheese Factory and Henley's Wine Bar and Kitchen (both ticketed).

There's a veritable feast of entertainment, both ticketed and free, for locals to enjoy over the weekend.