When Vivid Sydney starts on May 27, the city will be filled with not just light and ideas, but also music. The 23-day program includes some of the most acclaimed and beloved artists from across the world.
Whether you want to be entranced by soulful singing, move to some new-age hip hop or catch a classic international act on their return to Australia, we’ve got you covered with the pick of the shows.
Who to see?
Vivis Sydney Supper Club
For a brand-new Vivid experience, book in for the Vivid Sydney Supper Club. Held late on Friday and Saturday nights at Mary’s Underground, the cabaret club will feature jazz, cabaret, burlesque and comedy performances from a carefully curated list of talent. Some stand-outs include Genevieve Lemon, who has 25 years of cabaret experience; the soulful ballads of Ursula Yovich; and frontman of The Whitlams Tim Freedman taking over the stage.
When: 10pm-1am, Fridays and Saturdays, from May 27 to June 18
Where: Mary’s Underground
Tickets: from $54
Baxter Dury
For a little bit of disco, a little bit of indie and a lot of grooving, enjoy the funky bass lines and melting harmonies of British singer Baxter Dury. With lyrics that on closer listening are personal and interwoven with personal struggles, the music sneaks up on you through infectious and catchy hooks.
When: June 4
Where: The Metro Theatre
Tickets: from $71.90
Marcia Hines
Marcia Hines has been a leading name across Australian music and television for more than 30 years and now she’s bringing her soul-piercing gospel to Macquarie Street. Performing with a 12-member choir and live band, you can expect an intimate yet exhilarating experience, as you get taken through her journey with gospel music that began at age 10 in Boston’s churches.
When: June 9-10
Where: St Stephen’s Uniting Church
Tickets: from $80
Spiritualized
Legendary British rockers Spiritualized will take you to the stars with their space-rock, psychedelic-infused tunes. The nine-piece band and their frontman J Spaceman are fresh off their critically acclaimed 9th album Everything Was Beautiful. With a melancholic sound that slowly creeps into anthemic croons, expect a live show but also a mind-bending experience.
When: June 16
Where: The Big Top, Luna Park
Tickets: from $89
Cakes Da Killa
Bringing an eclectic mix of gritty New York hip-hop with flamboyant queer showmanship, Cakes Da Killa is one of the leading voices in the new wave of hip-hop. On his first ever tour Down Under, you can expect an artist that’s overflowing in charisma with the talent to match. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a star before they become a superstar.
When: June 17
Where: Oxford Art Factory
Price: From $60
To book tickets, head to vividsydney.com
Drink, Dine and Stay at Crown Sydney
To complement your choice of Vivid shows, treat yourself to a meal at Crown Sydney with one of the Vivid Sydney deals on offer.
Starting from $85 per person during Vivid, The Waiting Room (TWR) has a special high tea, where you can enjoy a meal while looking over Sydney Harbour. You can help yourself to Swiss cheese and pastrami sandwiches, quail scotch eggs, crispy duck tostadas, lavender mousse and blueberry scones, as well as of course a traditional tea or coffee pairing. You can even trade the hot tea for some chilled champagne and celebrate that way.
If you love a cocktail, you’ll need to visit Woodcut’s Hickory Bar and try the Vivid-inspired cocktails, neatly paired with bites such as Almas caviar, Iberico jamon and lobster rolls.
Upscale favourite Teahouse is also shaking up some Vivid-inspired cocktails – expect special spirits such as lavender gin and hibiscus vodka to be the superstar of your cocktail. Add infusions like butterfly-pea syrup, blue curacao and elderflower syrup and you have some of the best cocktails in Sydney.
Combine your fine dining with one of the best stays in Sydney, Crown Towers, which is the perfect base for your Vivid exploring. You’ll look over the lit-up harbour from as bed of luxurious linen, and enjoy a front-row seat to Sydney’s greatest light show. Starting from $1100 per night during Vivid in an Opera King room you can expect the red carpet to be rolled out with a buffet breakfast at Epicurean, a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, a 12pm check-out and valet parking. Available for stays from May 27 to June 18.
Explore more: crownsydney.com.au
