As Sydney’s annual festival of lights turns it on again this year over May and June for its 10th anniversary, we look at some of the must-see music events.
One of the most popular events on the Australian calendar, Vivid Festival is expected to bring in over two million visitors into Sydney’s CBD over the next few weeks. If you can handle the crowds, the payoff is amazing with amazing light shows, great music and also some heavy-weight speaking events.
Whilst you only need your eyes to become enamoured in the lights there’s so much on event-wise that we thought we’d make it a little easier for you by picking out some of the musical highlights at this years festival. These are the shows that are definitely worth navigating the crowds for:
DREAMS @ The Opera House – May 29th, 30th.
Fresh from their powerful performance at Coachella, Luke Steel and Daniel Johns AKA DREAMS are certainly riding a high. These shows will be their first Australian appearances for the eccentric duo as DREAMS and we wouldn’t be surprised if they have something extra special in store for attendees of the Aus debut. Who knows what might happen? Tickets here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke45q34ILfE
Young Hearts Run Free – Romeo + Juliet Soundtrack Party @ The Enmore – June 7th.
Time to bust out the Hawaiian shirts, long white dresses and fake guns for this one as The Enmore hosts the 90’s throwback event of the year. The full soundtrack will be performed live by a stellar line-up of musicians fronted by Tom Dickins, with a spectacular line-up of guest artists including Ella Hooper (Killing Heidi), Jonathan Boulet, Abby Dobson (Leonardo’s Bride), Hayley Mary (The Jezabels), iOTA, Jordan Raskopolous, Billie Rose, Cash Savage, Laura Imbruglia, Andy Golledge and Jake Stone (Bluejuice) – so be sure to bring your dancing shoes – tickets here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agc-h7mnW6c
Phanosland @ Golden Age Cinema – June 8th
Sydney’s own Phanosland AKA Phanos Proestos is definitely worth catching when you can (especially when it’s free!). His synth-laden tunes with dark lyricism and moody performances have earned him a reputation as an enigmatic force of the underground scene. Golden Age is the ideal location for the dramatic performance that punters can count on – register for tickets here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtPTw8vlU7A
The Brian Jonestown Massacre @ The Metro Theatre – June 8th, 9th
The ever-entertaining 60’s revivalists/masters of drone are back in Australia for a limited time. As one of the most influential groups over the past 20 years, you may find it hard to look at your current favourite psych bands the same way after attending a BJM show. Yes, it’s that good – tickets here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StV9lElcvAY
St. Vincent @ Carriageworks – June 17
The Grammy award-winning artist will be bringing her MASSEDUCTION show to Sydney for one night only and you can expect to see all the trimmings from the art-pop queen as she explores the dark corners of the human psyche – not to mention a bit of shredding on guitar, of course – tickets here.
