Amazing Sydney Festival 2009 Lineup Announced

The Sydney Festival always brings a host of exciting musical talent to the New South Wales’ capital. 2009 will be no exception.

The Festival First Night is always a highlight for music lovers and tight arses alike, but how could they match last year’s free line-up of Brian Wilson, Paul Kelly, Spank Rock, and Chromeo? Simple. You get Grace Jones, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Santogold, A-Trak, and The Cat Empire. This eclectic bill on Saturday 10 January is sure to have Sydneysiders dancing up a storm.

The party vibes will continue at the Beck’s Festival Bar, with 14 big nights of shows. From January 14-31 catch international acts like Metronomy, Holy Ghost, Throwing Muses, and Java alongside local kids Pivot, Jimmi James, and Dappled Cities.

When Nick Cave organises a festival, you know it’s going to be cooler than the average. All Tomorrow’s Parties will hit Cockatoo Island on January 17 and 18. Nick will be the headliner, along with acts he’s handpicked. Get ready for The Saints, Bridezilla, Spiritualized, Robert Forster, Silver Apples, and heaps more.

That’s all the big stuff taken care of, but it’s not all by a long shot. The concert I’m most looking forward to is the pairing of Academy Award winner Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. I fell in love with these two talented singer songwriters when I saw Once earlier this year, and I’m thrilled at the prospect of seeing the songs live in the intimate surrounds of the Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall. They’re playing with Glen’s band The Frames on January 27 to 29.

For something completely different, catch UK electronic superstar Matthew Herbert. He’ll lead his jazz big band in a night of “live sampling, electronics, and vocals.”

There’s also plenty on at the City Recital Hall. Make sure you check out quirky Parisian Camille (22-23 January), indie-folk icon Bon Iver (21 January), and The Cinematic Orchestra (21-23 January)!

Finally, we couldn’t have Grace Jones visit Australia just for one show, could we? She’ll also play the Enmore Theatre on January 11, 13, and 14.

You can get your tickets for the Sydney Festival shows from November 10 from Ticketek or direct from the venues. With small theatres being the order of the day, you’ll want to get in quick! Sydney’s definitely the place to be in January!

Image source: I Am K.E.B. @ Flickr

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