5mbs would like to congratulate River Blues presenter Tess Coleman (Sista T) for winning the Paul Hay Award 2022. It was presented to Tess Coleman on Friday the 21st of October at The Semaphore Workers’ Club.

The Paul Hay Award is presented annually by the Adelaide Roots and Blues Association for excellence in service to the local roots and blues scene.

During her more than 20-year career as a blues music presenter, Tess has worked at four community radio stations. Her programs have included “True Blues” (5BBB, Tanunda) and “Saturday Blues” (Radio Adelaide). Her current programs are “Groovin’ with Sista T” (Three D Radio) and River Blues on 5MBS.

Tess’ radio shows have always contained lots of local and Australian content. She has interviewed hundreds of blues performers and has promoted many live shows across her career. In addition to presenting her own shows, Tess has mentored many of the younger blues presenters who host the various blues programs broadcast in South Australia.

Tess has always encouraged new and emerging acts and shared her deep knowledge of blues. Her encouragement has not been restricted to just her radio work; Tess is a regular at local gigs and has never expected free tickets. All of the radio and judging work that Tess has done over the years has been voluntary.

Tess has also been a long-time judge in the ARBA Blues and Roots Albums of the Year awards and the ARBA Memphis Blues Challenge.

Tess Coleman has made an extremely valuable contribution to the local Blues scene. She is a very worthy winner of the 2022 Paul Hay Award and we extend our hearty congratulations.

Well done, Tess!