Tag: Sydney Festival

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Musicians Go LIVE at Sydney Festival Art Installation

There are so many exciting musical acts winging their way to New South Wales’ capital for the annual Sydney Festival. Emmylou Harris, Sufjan Stevens, and Paul Kelly’s A to Z shows are grabbing all the headlines, but I think one of the most interesting events is LIVE: An Intimate Video Study of the Art of Performing.

It’s an installation which features some of Australia and the world’s most exciting musicians captured on film. Each artist has performed a song of their choosing against a simple white background. Visitors wear wireless headphones to choose the artists they want to hear, while they watch the visuals projected on one of four large screens.

The idea is that by stripping away the lighting, the screaming crowds, and the theatrics, we get closer to the heart of the song and the performer presenting it.  So many fantastic and fascinated artists are represented here, including Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Jarvis Cocker, Peaches, Juliette Lewis and our own Jimmy Little, Clare Bowditch, and as seen in this video snippet, Gareth Liddiard from The Drones.

Gareth will also perform on the LIVE opening night, along with Sarah Blasko, Kram, and Laura Jean. Tickets for the January 13 opening cost $45. If you can’t make it for that night you can see the LIVE installation from January 14 to 23 for $15, or $12 for concession holders. All tickets are available from the Sydney Festival website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brian Wilson To Headline Sydney Festival

The Sydney Festival has a rich tradition of bringing rock royalty to Australia, after delivering Elvis Costello and Lou Reed to the masses in recent years. 2008 won’t be any exception, with news The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson will headline the arts event.

Brian Wilson will play a huge free (that’s right, free) concert in The Domain on January 5 to open the festival. The night promises to offer plenty of Beach Boys hits, including “Surfing USA,” “I Get Around,” “Help Me Rhonda” and “Good Vibrations.” Could there be any better music for a steamy summer night?

He’ll then perform two different shows over the 21-day event. The first will showcase the tracks from the Beach Boys’ influential 1966 release, Pet Sounds. The second show will feature his new album, The Lucky Old Sun (a Narrative). On his official site, Brian said the album “will consist of five ’rounds’ with interspersed spoken word.” Sounds interesting!

Dates for Brian Wilson’s Sydney Festival shows will be announced on November 1.

Image source: Greg2600 @ Flickr.com