Big smoke kids on the east coast heard the good word today that the annual Sydney Festival would be brining a stack of dance friendly acts this way in summer 2011 including Stones Throw soul singer Aloe Blacc, Slum Village cohort Wajeed and UK bass scholar Benji B.

Now we’ve got some good news for fans around the country with local heroes Niche Productions announcing some national dates today for those three artists.

Speaking to inthemix just last week Aloe Blacc was in high spirits about his impending Australian visit, revealing a green and gold connection close to his heart.

“My wife is actually Australian,” the Los Angeles based singer told ITM. “I haven’t been to Australia since we got married so I’m really looking forward to getting there for the summer and seeing the new crowds at the shows. Then I plan to enjoy the sun and the beaches.”

Check out the tour dates for Aloe Blacc, Benji B and Wajeed below and to see who else will be around for summer with the Sydney festival check out the full 2011 lineup.

2011 tour dates:

Friday 28 January – Beck’s Bar, Sydney Festival [Aloe Blacc, Benji B & Wajeed]
Saturday 29 January – Rocket Bar, Adelaide [Aloe Blacc]
Saturday 29 January – The Bird, Perth [Wajeed]
Friday 4 February – Prince Bandroom, Melbourne [Aloe Blacc, Benji B & Wajeed]
Saturday 5 February – The Bakery, Perth [Aloe Blacc & Benji B]