Overview
Just when you thought this year's Melbourne Music Week program was looking very juicy indeed, along comes the final lineup announcement, bringing with it even more musical goodness to add to your calendar.
To complement the array of gigs and parties organised for this year's festival hub at St Paul's Cathedral, a series of al fresco events is also set to grace the historic building's carpark.
Following opening night performances by award-winning Indigenous artist Kutcha Edwards and hip hop rising star Miss Blanks, this unique outdoor space will play host to a diverse program of shows. The makeshift venue will feature acts like Kirin J Callinan, The Cat Empire's Harry James Angus, singer and saxophonist Masego, Albrecht La'Brooy, Sydney pop outfit I Know Leopard and Melbourne singer-songwriter Eilish Gilligan.
This year's festival also marks the return of long-running punk celebration Live Music Safari, which will see ten of the city's most iconic live music venues open their doors for a program of free gigs on Thursday, November 23.
Also back for another year is free all-ages party Live At The Steps, set to take over the steps of Parliament House on November 17 with performances by Mallrat, Skegss, Tired Lion and Baker Boy (who was one of our top picks from BIGSOUND this year).
Meanwhile, the Fed Square Live showcase will celebrate the strength and diversity of local female artists, with performances by Ali Barter, Alice Skye and Hey Mammoth complemented by imagery from the Her Sound, Her Story project.
Punters will once again have the chance to enjoy live music on their public transport commute as part of the ever-popular Tram Sessions, while MMW's Self-Made series will see audiences rocking out to unique music experiences at unconventional venues like North Melbourne's Meat Market and the newly launched MPavilion.
These follow last month's slew of MMW lineup announcements, which includes a new all-ages event at Melbourne Town Hall, a performance by Ariel Pink and Ferdydurke and Section 8's ZOO street party.
Melbourne Music Week 2017 will take place across the city from Friday, November 17 to Saturday, November 25. To buy tickets and view the whole program, visit mmw.melbourne.vic.gov.au.