It’s been a roundabout international journey for JoJo Smith from her native New Zealand to her fourth Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival this November.
From smoky night clubs in Austria to getting slung in jail in Spain for busking in a subway, JoJo now calls Violet Town home, “clean air and a nice peaceful vibe there” she says.
She’s a big fan of our festival, “…thing I like about this festival is it is family orientated and caters for all ages. It encourages and offers stages to younger musicians trying to make their way. I really enjoy collaborating with other musicians at the festival… it’s a joy to be a part of.”
JoJo was an early starter in musical terms. “I think I sang before I spoke,” she says, “which led me to piano, led me to ukulele, to guitar, to drums…”
Watching and listening to JoJo perform I’m not surprised to learn how much soul music has influenced her. “Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack… ooooh there’s a list!” she says enthusiastically.
We can expect JoJo to mine her four album back catalogue in November with favourites Tempt Me With Love and Let Somebody Know sure to be in her set list.
