Overview
No longer just the realms of year three excursions where your mum came as chaperone, Melbourne Zoo Twilights — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps one of the best summer nights out, as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven it's got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. After all, the event has hosted headliners such as Kurt Vile, José González and Ben Folds over the last few years. And this summer the event will return with a series of live sets every weekend from Friday, January 25 through Saturday, March 9.
After announcing headliner Cat Power, February 9, earlier this month, Melbourne Zoo has now dropped (almost) the entire Twilights program for 2019. Pastel pop duo Client Liaison kick off the program, and are joined on the lineup by other loved local acts Vera Blue, rapper Briggs and Twilight regular The Cat Empire. New Zealand balladeer Marlon Williams will fly over across the ditch for a night, while R&B singer Aloe Blacc and neo-soul group The Internet will make the journey down from the States.
A few big throwbacks are also on this year's program, including an MMMBoppin' performance from Hanson, a twilight gig from famed Indigenous singer Archie Roach and a early February show from every dad's favourite singer Daryl Braithwaite. Only one more show is left to be announced, with the final performance still a secret.
Picnic-bringing is encouraged, but there'll also be handy gourmet hampers available on-site, as well as a slew of food trucks to choose nosh from. Either way, it's one of the best dates in Melbourne. Plus, all proceeds from Zoo Twilights go back into Zoo Victoria's ongoing conservation work to help fight the extinction of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot.
MELBOURNE ZOO TWILIGHTS 2019 PROGRAM
Friday, January 25 – Client Liaison, supported by Kira Puru
Saturday, January 26 – Briggs and Archie Roach, supported by Alice Sky
Friday, February 1 – Sampa the Great and REMI, supported by Thando
Saturday, February 2 – Daryl Braithwaite and Ross Wilson
Friday, February 8 – Vera Blue, supported by Kesmar
Saturday, February 9 – Cat Power, with special guests
Friday, February 15 – The Cat Empure, supported by The Meldown
Friday, February 22 – Aloe Blacc, supported by Kaiit
Saturday, February 23 — Rufus Wainwright, supported by Mojo Juju
Friday, March 1 – Hanson, with special guests
Sunday, March 3 – The Internet, with special guests
Friday, March 8 – Marlon Williams, supported by Laura Jean
Saturday, March 9 — TBA
Melbourne Zoo Twilights will return to Melbourne Zoo from January 25 until March 9, 2019. Tickets go on sale at 8am on Tuesday, October 30 at zootwilights.org.au.
Image: Ian Laidlaw.