Bliss N Eso tour of Coffs, Lismore and Byron brings lockdown cheer

Want something to look forward to once the lockdown is done and dusted? It’s now confirmed another huge act is coming to town.

North Coast music fans will be in for a treat once the lockdown is over, with Aussie hip-hop heavyweights Bliss N Eso announcing a series of regional shows.

On Thursday the trio revealed they will embark on a huge national tour which will include Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Byron Bay and Port Macquarie.

The tour is in support of their seventh studio album, The Sun, which will be released on August 27.

Bliss N Eso have been playing Coffs Harbour venue the Hoey Moey for years and publican Harry Barry said the event offered the community something to look forward to beyond the lockdown.

Mr Barry was praised by the community in July when his investigations revealed a Covid-19 case who visited the pub ventured beyond where NSW Health was aware, prompting them to change their health advice.

The announcement comes off the back of similar big name acts like Paul Kelly locking in gigs on the North Coast and Mr Barry said he was “investing heavily” in a plan to bring live music back to the region.

“Our mission over the next 12 months is to bring live entertainment back to Coffs at a significantly high level,” he said.

“We know we will be working under restrictions but … that is not going to stop us from bringing quality entertainment to Coffs.

“Anything that gets put across our desk, we will give it some serious consideration.

“We have a budget in mind that we are prepared to throw at this and we are winning the battle at the moment – which is a good thing.”

“We are ready to spend the money on live entertainment and get the live entertainment industry back on its feet.”

Publican Harry Barry wants to bring back live music to the Coffs Coast in a big way. Photo: Trevor Veale / The Coffs Coast Advocate

Mr Barry added there were some plans afoot that would be “amazing” if they got over the line and said the organisation was prepared to “have a go” at bringing the music back because he believed they will be supported by the community.

“The town needs something to sets its sights on to get us out of this hole that we’re in at the moment,” he said.

The entertainment industry has been decimated by the pandemic, with Byron Bay’s Bluesfest the most notable victim on the North Coast.

However, there have been some positive signs.

In Coffs Harbour, the Screenwave International Film Festival had its most successful year ever, and a number of big acts announced regional tours.