Always Live is a major event that celebrates contemporary music across the state. Back for its second year, this live music event promises a stacked line-up. Look forward to over 165 artists, performing in over 60 events, from stadium shows to intimate performances. Find music in every corner of Victoria, from Wodonga to Warrnambool, and all around the Melbourne suburbs. Always Live will kick off with a bang, starting with a one-off performance by Christina Aguilera at Flemington Racecourse on November 25. Always Live will run from Friday November 24 to Sunday December 10.
Always Live – Highlights
Christina Aguilera
Voice of a generation, Christina Aguilera, is performing in Melbourne for one-night only. Back in Australia for the first time since 2007, the six-time Grammy Award winning singer will perform in a special, open-air concert on Flemington Racecourse. This live event follows the 20th anniversary of her album, ‘Stripped’, and will take you through her greatest hits, including ‘Dirrty’, ‘Genie in a Bottle’, ‘Lady Marmalade’ and more. See her perform on Saturday November 25.
Eric Prydz
In an Australia-New Zealand exclusive, Swedish DJ and producer Eric Prydz is bringing his stunning sets and 3D visuals from his acclaimed HOLO show to Melbourne. This internationally acclaimed electronic music show melted minds at Coachella’s opening weekend this year, and is set to do the same in Melbourne. More details about his show will be announced soon.
A.B. Original
Australian hip hop duo A.B. Original is leading Always Live’s Hometown series this year. Hometown celebrates homegrown excellence and sees First Nations artists return to their hometowns to give a free performance. Made from Yorta Yorta rapper BRIGGS and Ngarrindjeri MC and producer Trials, A.B. Original will headline a free show at Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton. Joining them on stage is Miss Kaninna, DRMNGNOW and more.
An Intimate Audience with Jessie Ware presented by Summer Camp Festival
For one night only, 120 people will get to spend an evening with UK Disco-pop star Jessie Ware. She will give a live performance at Victoria by Farmers Daughters in Fed Square. There will also be a Q&A session with ABC’s Virginia Trioli. Over the night, you’ll enjoy Victorian cocktails, wine, food and music.
Shows in Regional Victoria
Amyl and the Sniffers will hit the road on a seven-day tour across Victoria, supported by Dumb Punts. The punk rock band will perform in Meeniyan, Ballarat, Frankston, Warrnambool, Torquay and Wodonga, and end the run in Thornbury Theatre.
Australian rock icon Peter Garrett will debut new music with his band The Alter Egos in Wangaratta.
Australian punk group Cosmic Psychos will celebrate their 40th anniversary by playing three shows in Castlemaine. Local brewery Love Shake will sell Cosmic Psychos branded beers, while The Bridge Hotel will have Cosmic Psychos branded menu items. Support acts include The Chats, Blowers, Affordable Repayments, Dead Clampets, Pat Todd (USA), The Prize, Thee Cha Cha Chas, Southeast Desert Metal and Boondall Boys with more to be announced.
As part of Rises in the East, Amy Shark will perform in The Murray, Tones and I will take over the Mornington Peninsula and Budjerah will perform in the Grampians. This program is produced in partnership with and broadcast on Channel Seven’s Sunrise.
Metro Melbourne
UK-Indian songwriter and producer Jai Paul is coming to Melbourne. Sampled and championed by notable artists like Beyonce and Drake, this legendary artist is taking over 170 Russell.
US alt-pop diva Caroline Polachek will perform in the Forum Theatre. This will be her first time in Australia performing solo, after the release of her album Desire, I Want to Turn Into You.
Head to Victoria By Farmer’s Daughters for An Intimate Audience with Angie McMahon. This rising Australian singer songwriter will perform her mix of folk and indie rock, as well do a live Q&A.
For the second year, BLAKTIVISM is coming back for Always Live and taking over Hamer Hall. See King Stingray bring together a line-up of First Nations artists, including Tasman Keith, Emma Donovan, Uncle Bart Willoughby, Deline Briscoe, Sorong Samarai, Suga Cane Mamas, the Kulin Nations Songwomen, and the Blaktivism house band.
Swifties, head over to Northcote Theatre for Taylor Swift tribute show, Taylor Made. Presented by Clementine Ford and Story Baker, you’ll listen to artists like, Alex the Astronaut, Charley, Clare Bowditch, Emily Wurramurra, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lisa Mitchell, and Sophia J Smith.
Free shows in the CBD
Emma Donovan will perform in the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia Gallery. She will be joined by a stacked First Nations line-up, including Kee’ahn, Kiwat Kennel, Maylene Yinnar, Katie Aspel and Janaya Roach. The show, Emma Donovan and Friends, is free and family-friendly. It’s dedicated to the First Nations works within the gallery.
Pop-up studio SOUNDBOX is returning to the forecourt of Arts Centre Melbourne. This space will have live performances, workshops, song writing sessions, radio broadcasts, artist showcases, podcast recordings and interviews. It will be there from November 24 to December 3.
Presented with JOF and Fed Square, four stages will come to life with 25 emerging bands playing an original song. Many of them are playing for the first time. Garage Band will take place on Saturday October 14.
Suburban performances
Music in the Park is a day-long festival taking over Mornington Park. Look forward to Tones and I, The Cat Empire, The Veronicas, Budjerah, KAIIT and The Pierce Brothers and special guests.
Outdoor music festival Summer Camp is returning with live performances from international and local artists, DJs, drag and dancing. The festival will be headlined by Jessie Ware and US drag icon Trixie Mattel.
In SOUL TRAINS, American soul singer Lee Fields & The Expressions, as well as Coburg’s Surprise Chef, will play at four venues along four different train lines.
Explore the city with End of the Line, and check out two family-friendly festivals in Sandringham and Williamstown.
Also in Williamstown is the Jamaican Food and Music Festival at Seaworks. This event features DJs, artists, live music and, of course, food inspired by and straight out of Jamaica.
Meanwhile, Ballroom Mix Tapes is a celebration of new music from Victorian and Australian artists. This event will take place in Brunswick Ballroom.
More information and details will be revealed over the next few months. To explore the current program and find out more, click here.