The Blues Cruise with Rusty Pinto
Saturday 21st November

RUSTY PINTO’S FINAL PERFORMANCES EVER!

The Blues Cruise — An Intimate Rockabilly Cruise

This is something very special.

Rusty Pinto — one of Australia’s finest true rockabilly and blues performers — is taking to the river for what will be among his final performances ever.

You don’t get much more soul than Rusty Pinto.

For this very special afternoon, Rusty strips everything back. Joined by Jordan on double bass and Justin on percussion, he’ll bring the raw blues of the Mississippi right down to the Clyde River in Batemans Bay.

No big stage. No huge crowd. Just Rusty, his band, the river and the music.

Before he unleashes the full show at the Saturday night Crank It Up headline concert at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, escape the festival crowds for two hours and experience the history of rockabilly and its deep blues roots in a truly intimate acoustic performance.

🚢 CRUISE THE CLYDE WITH RUSTY PINTO

The cruise itself is an experience.

Departing from the jetty right beside the Crank It Up Festival site at Innes’ Boatshed, the Escapade will cruise approximately 15km along the beautiful Clyde River and up towards Big Island, before returning to the festival precinct.

Rusty Pinto will create the soundtrack on board, with a small dance area for those who simply can’t sit still when the rhythm kicks in — or sit back, relax and let the music, river and scenery take over.

This is rockabilly in its rawest and most intimate form.

ONLY 60 TICKETS

This is deliberately a small and intimate experience.

With a maximum of 60 guests, there will be no packed-out concert crowd and no fighting for a view. You’ll be right there with Rusty as he delivers a stripped-back performance in one of the most unique settings of the Crank It Up weekend.

Saturday 21 November 2026
11:30am – 1:30pm
15km Clyde River cruise
Departing from Innes’ Boatshed, Batemans Bay

The Escapade will return you to the festival site with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of Saturday afternoon before the evening festivities begin.

DON’T MISS THIS ONE

If you love rockabilly, blues, roots music — or simply want to experience something completely different from the festival crowds — this is one cruise you won’t want to miss.

Book your spot on the Escapade and roll on the river with Rusty Pinto.

Only 60 places available.

♿ ACCESSIBILITY

Please note that the Escapade river cruise does not have wheelchair-compliant access or wheelchair-accessible toilets.

As the vessel is accessed from a non-floating dock, boarding requires navigating steps and a narrow ramp.

For more information about the cruise and vessel, visit Clyde River Cruises.