Victoria’s biggest celebration of live music is set to boost tourism and businesses right across the state with the reveal of the Andrews Labor Government’s ALWAYS LIVE program.
Representing a massive coup for Victorians – the iconic Palais Theatre will host UK pop superstar Dua Lipa, with a rare one-off performance for 2,500 fans on Sunday 30 October.
The diverse and extensive program, will feature more than 90 events across 12 regions with more than 150 local and international artists – delivering a massive boost to the state’s live music industry while attracting fans to travel right across the state.
Modern disco delight Sophie Ellis-Bextor will add further international appeal to the program, playing an exclusive show in the idyllic surrounds of the NGV Garden Restaurant on Thursday 10 November.
With two thirds of the program devoted to Victorian artists – international drawcards will feature alongside some of the state’s most celebrated homegrown talent, including Jessica Mauboy, Yothu Yindi and the Teskey Brothers.
Delivering a special concert for the community of Bright, while showcasing an incredible line-up of rising stars, one of the country’s most loved entertainers Jessica Mauboy, will perform at Pioneer Park on Saturday 12 November.
At Hamer Hall on Thursday 8 December, trailblazing legends Yothu Yindi will deliver a special appearance as part of Blaktivism – bringing together established and rising First Nations musical activists.
One of Melbourne’s finest folk exports The Teskey Brothers will take to the stage on Sunday 4 December, headlining Lovely Day at St Kilda’s Palace Foreshore.
These new ALWAYS LIVE additions join previously announced shows including Billy Joel at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis at Hanging Rock, Tash Sultana headlining Ocean Sounds in Phillip Island, and Baker Boy, Isabella Manfredi, Middle Kids and RVG in the Queenscliff Music Festival program.
For full program details go to alwayslive.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“From local talent to some of the world’s biggest names in music, we’re delivering the largest ever live music celebration in Australia while supporting local jobs, businesses, artists and roadies around the state.”
“We’re bringing Victorians the live music experiences they love, to destinations across the state – offering even more reasons to hit the road and crank the tunes while discovering some of the best drawcards our state has to offer.”
Quotes attributable to ALWAYS LIVE Chair Matt Gudinski
“It’s exciting to see the program for ALWAYS LIVE brought to life, a new major event which reaffirms Victoria as the music state of Australia and Melbourne as one of the leading music cities of the world.”
“ALWAYS LIVE was a dream my late father had to reassure our states’ live music roots and I am proud to be part of the team making it a reality. Whether it’s Billy Joel at the MCG, Dua Lipa at the Palais Theatre, Nick Cave at Hanging Rock or one of the many unique events which make up the program, Victoria is the place to be if you love live music.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Southern Metropolitan RegionNina Taylor
“Melbourne is well known for attracting the biggest and best events, ALWAYS LIVE will deliver another drawcard to our state while bringing even more visitors into our vibrant CBD.”
Reviewed 11 August 2022