Overview
After another year chock full of closures and lockdowns, Melbourne's summer gig calendar is filling up joyfully fast. And here's another beauty to add to your hit-list: the return of Arts Centre Melbourne's concert series Live at the Bowl.
Back for its second edition from Wednesday, January 5–Monday, April 25 after debuting in 2021, the event will see a diverse lineup of local and international artists descend upon the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for a jam-packed program of performances. It's set to deliver good stuff for punters of all ages, covering everything from live music and dance, to circus and comedy.
Firing up the iconic openair stage with a solid dose of live sounds will be big-name international acts including London Grammar, Peggy Gou, Kings of Leon and Thomas Schumacher, along with local stars like Flight Facilities, Lime Cordiale and The Jungle Giants. Electronic fans can get their fix with concerts such as Piknic Électronik and Synthony, and the MSO's famed free gigs will also be making their return.
Elsewhere in the program, Soju Gang and Footscray Community Arts will team up to present a showcase of exciting talent in SorBaes: Double Dip, Songlines hosts its annual celebration of the survival of First Nations people for Share the Spirit and a special all-ages booze-free gig will serve up sounds from the next generation of local artists. Freestyle dance battles and the family-friendly Shaun the Sheep circus show are also in the mix, with more to be announced soon.
Indigenous grazing box by Jason Lau
Most of the events will be operating at the full capacity of 12,000 guests, with punters invited to pack a picnic rug to lounge on the rolling lawn or venture down in front of the stage for a boogie. Yep — dancing is allowed once again, folks. That said, in keeping with government requirements, you'll need to show proof of vaccination or a medical exemption to head along to any of the events.
Meanwhile, the bar will be slinging a menu of wine, beer, spirits, seltzers and cocktails, alongside alcohol-free options from the likes of Lyres and Sobah. A rotation of food trucks will be on hand for when you've worked up an appetite dancing, plus select shows will also offer a couple of curated hampers — a cured meat selection from Andrews Choice and an Indigenous grazing box courtesy of Pawa Catering.
Live at the Bowl returns to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl from Wednesday, January 5–Monday, April 25. To check out the full program of events and nab tickets, head to the Arts Centre Melbourne website.
Top image: Ian Laidlaw.