Kenny and Amanda Bartley take to the stage with their band The Midnight Feast at the 2024 Beats for the Blues festival in Port Kembla. Photo: Sariah Hardwick.
A unique festival to celebrate the therapeutic benefits of music and art will rock out Port Kembla on Sunday 18 May, when Beats for the Blues returns for its third year.
The inspiring community festival breaks new ground in how we approach mental health awareness and connection, blending live music, interactive art therapy and mental health education.
This one-of-a-kind event will take place at the Servo Food Truck Bar from 11:30 am to 6:30 pm, and is proudly funded by One Door Mental Health, sponsored by Wave FM, and organised by Illawarra harpist Yasmine Russell.
Beats for the Blues remains one of the only community-led festivals in the country to fully integrate creative performance, therapeutic engagement, and direct dialogue with mental health professionals and those with lived experience into a single, accessible experience.
Yasmine, the event’s founder, said the festival had grown from the seed of an idea into a beacon of hope.
“Beats for the Blues started as a local idea to bring people together through music, but it’s become something much bigger — something that destigmatises mental health through a safe and welcoming environment,” she said.
“Every part of this festival is designed to open conversations, create safety, and build resilience. Whether it’s dancing to a band or asking a question during our panel, people walk away feeling more connected and less alone.
“Thanks to the generous support from One Door Mental Health, we’re able to offer this experience for free and keep it going strong into its third year — and hopefully beyond.”
The festival offers free or ‘pay what you feel’ entry options to remove financial barriers to attendance and welcome people of all backgrounds, ages and experiences.
Whether you’re looking for support, community, or a good day out with purpose, you’re welcome at Beats for the Blues.
Live local music from El Capitano BC, Ross Knight, CMYK and Michigan Water will soundtrack the day.
Interactive activities include art therapy sessions and an African drumming workshop that focusses on regulating the nervous system through rhythm.
There will also be a live Q&A panel with local mental health professionals, with the option for anonymous participation, and a short film screening by Illawarra filmmaker Christopher Daw.
One Door Mental Health, Choice Mental Health, Talk2MeBro and New Access will have community resource stalls open on the day.
To RSVP head to humanitix or Facebook.
Beats for the Blues will be held at the Servo Food Truck Bar in Port Kembla on Sunday 18 May from 11:30 am to 6:30 pm. Entry is free, or you can choose to make a contribution.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.
