In late June the 2014 lineup for Brisbane Festival was announced and as usual it contained a diverse array of music, arts, theatre, dance and comedy events.
Held from the 6th until the 27th of September over 440 performances and 73 productions will be hosted throughout the event. With a mammoth selection of events the lineup can leave punters with a little too much choice for their own good.
From Grinspooon frontman Phil Jamieson to Argentinian singer-songwriter Juana Molina and the universally loved Urthboy, there is plenty on offer regardless of your taste.
So where do you start? What are the essentials must sees? These are the burning questions you’ll no doubt be asking yourselves.
But don’t fret we’ve made things a little easier by selecting a few music highlights that you almost certainly cannot miss.
Urthboy
Where? The Telstra Spiegeltent, Cultural Forecourt, SouthBank
When? 7.15pm, Saturday 6th September
Why? Sure the hip-hop artist has toured the country several times over, but for Urthboy fans his Brisbane Festival set is the chance to see something he’s never done before. The rapper will curate and present a mixtape-styled performance inspired by the first time you venture overseas. The performance will also celebrate the practice of making mixtapes with a few special guests thrown into the mix to enhance the stories and the role music played within them.
For more information head this way.
Com Truise
Where? The Telstra Spiegeltent, Cultural Forecourt, SouthBank
When? 7.15pm, Thursday 11th September
Why? You may not know Seth Harley or his moniker, but we’re betting you’ve probably come across his remixes of Sky Ferreira, Foster The People and Flight Facilities in the past. The New-York based synth king released two albums in 2011 and 2012, Galactic Melt and In Decay respectively. Expect the musician to draw from those releases and his many remixes as he turns the Spiegeltent into a sweaty electronic dance haven.
For more information head this way.
Gareth Liddiard
Where? The Telstra Spiegeltent, Cultural Forecourt, SouthBank
When? 7.15pm, Tuesday 23rd September
Why? This man really needs no introduction or any real explanation as to why his performance at Brisbane Festival is unmissable. Deemed by one of our very own scribes who experienced his tour in Melbourne earlier this year as one of Australia’s greatest songwriters, this statement is exemplified and most commonly experienced through his work on The Drones’ five studio albums, few gigs at Brisbane festival will be as chilling as this. As a solo act Liddiard released his acclaimed debut LP, Strange Tourist, in 2010. You can expect a few of those songs to make it onto the set list and maybe even some new ones?
For more information head this way.
American Music Club
Where? QPAC, Cascade Court, Cnr of Grey & Melbourne streets, South Bank
When? Opens 8.30pm, bands from 9pm, Monday 15th of September to Sunday the 21st and Tuesday the 23rd to Saturday the 27th.
Why? Buzzing after witnessing a Brisbane festival performance? Undoubtedly, you won’t want to end the night there. This after-show destination will celebrate the eclectic nature of American music and theatre with an extensive offering of free live music. Just take a look at schedule over at the festival website to find out which night you’ll get to experience either jazz, music theatre, blues, soul, swing, latin, dance or big bands.
For more information head this way.
Bombay Royale
Where? The Telstra Spiegeltent, Cultural Forecourt, SouthBank
When? 7.15pm, Wednesday 24th September
Why? If you’ve ever spoken to anyone who has seen a Bombay Royale show you’ll no why. Brisbane festival are on point when they describe the Australian Bollywood inspired 11-piece as “ brash, brassy, bodacious and often cacophonous, but never boring”. They’ve taken their unique brand of vivacious and seriously entertaining show to Glastonbury and beyond. With the release of their sophomore record, The Island Of Dr Electrico, in 2014 there has never been a better time to experience them live.
For more information head this way.
Juana Molina
Where? The Telstra Spiegeltent, Cultural Forecourt, SouthBank
When? 7.15pm, Thursday 25th September
Why? When you’ve got the likes of David Byrne, Feist and Will Oldham clamouring over themselves to recommend this Argentinian singer-songwriter you know she must be something worth checking out. The commendations by Rolling Stone and New York Times are correct in their celebrations of Molina’s unique music and entrancing performances.
For more information head this way.
