Iconic performers bring music back to Melbourne

Daryl Braithwaite is among a raft of iconic musicians helping to bring live music back to Melbourne, with a series of pop-up performances across the city organised by the Victorian Government, Mushroom Group and the City of Melbourne.

Some of Australia's most loved singer-songwriters and performers will make surprise appearances at some of the city's most popular dining locations over the next two weeks.

Diners in Degraves Street were treated to a surprise show from Daryl Braithwaite yesterday in the first performance of the series. Today singer-songwriter and Doctor, Gordi, will perform at a surprise location. 

The pop-up performances are designed to help encourage Melburnians to rediscover what they love about heading into the city, while supporting local shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. 

Performances will be integrated with upcoming events including the Melbourne Christmas Festival and Melbourne Music Week Extended to provide entertainment across the city.

The pop-up performances will also run alongside the ANZ City Vibes program, supporting 40 buskers a day to perform across 20 Melbourne CBD locations until the end of the year.

This initiative is supported by the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne through the $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund.

Quotes Attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp:

"There's nothing more Melbourne than walking down your favourite laneway and discovering something new and exciting," the Lord Mayor said. 

"This program is about bringing back the buzz to Melbourne's city streets and encouraging people to support our local businesses. Our city's economic recovery is only just beginning and we need to do everything we can to keep Melburnians in jobs. 

"We're delighted that some of Melbourne's most iconic musicians have jumped on board this program to create unique city experiences and help the city bounce back. Melbourne is a live music city and the creative sector is critical to the strength of our local economy.

"I would encourage everyone to come into the city over the next fortnight, whether it's for a catch up with friends over a meal or to do Christmas shopping, because you never know what you might find." 

Attributable to Chairman of the Mushroom Group Michael Gudinski:

"Music is in Melbourne's blood and always has been. The fact that you can be entertained at one of our great restaurant precincts by a household chart topper or the next big thing, just illustrates why this amazing city is Australia's music capital. 

"A big thank you to the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne who are supporting our wonderful local music scene by getting music back into the streets."

Attributable to Gordi:

"I haven't played live music in Melbourne in two years so I'm chomping at the bit to play a few songs to real people in this city on Friday night.

"I'll be coming straight from my shift at the hospital across town because…2020."

 

Image: Daryl Braithwaite performing in Degraves Street yesterday.