For the third year, Always Live brings an epic statewide celebration of contemporary live music, set to take over Victoria this November-December.
From Gippsland to Geelong, Ballarat to Bendigo. . . The programme includes a huge array of free and low-cost events, putting grassroots and regional venues centre stage. Punters can expect everything from one-off shows and underplays, to podcasts, conversations and workshops.
Always Live continues its mission of championing the state’s live music ecosystem, further cementing Victoria’s reputation as ‘the live musical capital’ of Australia. There will be more than 289 artists, including 208 from Victoria, in more than 65 events across the state. This year, 35 per cent of the programme takes place throughout regional Victoria.
“This year’s Always Live programme not only reinforces our status as the music capital of Australia but brings an extraordinary array of unique and exclusive experiences to audiences across the state,” Always Live Chair Matt Gudinski says.
“I am incredibly proud to be part of delivering this year’s programme, and continuing to build the legacy of Always Live. It’s a privilege to contribute to Victoria's rich music history and to support our live music sector.”
Always Live brings the genre-defining Anyma to Australasian shores for the first time ever for ‘Anyma presents Genesys – Melbourne/Naarm’, following his critically acclaimed debut albums ‘Genesys’ and ‘Genesys II’.
The Offspring join the fun for a one-night-only show at The Forum Theatre, as they bring their raucous sound to Melbourne in a rare opportunity.
Over at Mornington Racecourse, Tina Arena marks the 30th anniversary of her certified ten times platinum break-out smash album ‘Don’t Ask’. She’ll perform alongside co-headliner Richard Marx, with guests like Daryl Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano, Southern Sons, and 1927.
Missy Higgins will cap off her sold-out national tour in celebration of the 20th anniversary of ‘The Sound Of White’ at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, joined by Dan Sultan and Mia Wray.
In collaboration with Summer Camp, seminal Irish pop-disco icon, singer, songwriter and producer Roisin Murphy will perform a headlining club set at ‘TRAMP’ for an LGBTQIA+ party at PICA (Port Melbourne Industrial Centre For The Arts). Joining her will be Rico Nasty (USA), Bimini (UK DJ), Jaguar (UK), The Big Wett Absolute (UK) XXXperience and a cast of legendary locals like Bendy Ben, Confide, Tanzer x Butch Le Butch, DJ Gay Dad, and more.
US rock powerhouse St. Vincent will headline at the Palais Theatre and the newly refurbished Her Majesty’s Theatre. . . And then, as part of the ‘An Intimate Audience With…’ series, St. Vincent will perform high above the city skyline at The Aviary, Crown Melbourne.
Always Live continues with Live At The Gardens, presenting Chet Faker with special guests Mildlife, and Tash Sultana with support from Coterie (NZ), South Summit, and Little Green.
Jack White (USA) will play The Corner Hotel in Richmond, as well as Ballarat’s Civic Hall.
BLAKTIVISM returns with renowned First Nations superstar Baker Boy headlining, alongside a line-up of local and interstate First Nations artists including Uncle Bart Willoughby, Yung Warriors, Selwyn Burns, Amos Roach, Uncle Robbie Thorpe, Kulin Nations Songwomen, Deline Briscoe, Suga Cane Mamas, Tasman Keith, Brothers in Arms, Yirrmal and special guests.
Those looking for a free, accessible music experience need look no further than the Always Live offerings like End Of The Line, a family-friendly musical party at the last stop of Melbourne Metropolitan train lines – this year delighting audiences in Frankston and Belgrave.
Then, for its final weekend, Always Live begins to wrap things up with Garage Band at Federation Square, with more than 20 bands comprising of more than 100 young musicians, aged between 16 and 21. Also at Federation Square is Yerambooee – an inclusive, interactive First Peoples celebration of traditional song and dance using projections, lighting, smoke and fire.
Check out dates and details for each event.
Always Live Victoria is on from 22 November-8 December.
