Throughout February, Fed Square is presenting a curated program of free entertainment so that Melburnians can enjoy a superb summer of sun, sound and cinema.
Summer at the Square will turn up the volume throughout the week with silent films with live-scores on Tuesdays, outdoor cinema on Wednesdays, live music by candlelight on Thursdays and live music on Saturdays.
The program promises epic performances from local and international talent in the iconic sandstone square – open to all ages and completely free. From candlelight cabaret to Afro- Carribean beats, some of Australia’s most exciting original artists and global sensations alike will take to Fed Square’s Main Stage in February.
Live music Saturdays
Spanning four Saturdays in February, Fed Square will showcase a huge bill of free live music performances for all ages, featuring local and international artists on our Main Stage.
BMW’s Opera For All (3 February) returns to Melbourne, exclusive to Fed Square. This one-hour open air concert in partnership with Opera Australia features popular traditional and contemporary opera performed by some of Australia’s most talented opera singers and Opera Victoria musicians sure to take your breath away, whether you’re an opera aficionado or new to the genre.
Fed Square and Triple R present Sounds of Aotearoa (10 February) – a choice all-Kiwi line-up of big talent from across the ditch in celebration of Waitangi Day, with chart-topping NZ sensation SIX60 headlining alongside famed exports Muroki, Ladi6 and Riiki Reid set to bring fans in droves to the Main Square.
The inaugural Afro Caribbean Carnival (17 February) run in partnership with Stick Mareebo Productions is a larger-than-life music, food and cultural celebration not to be missed. In true Carnivale spirit, the festival will encourage fans to adorn vibrant costumes and join in partying to soundtrack led by legendary reggae sound system Saxon Sound System (UK) and UK Hip Hop and Drum and Bass pioneer Spikey Tee (Jamaica), plus four local Melbourne DIY sound systems, (El Gran Mono, D.I.Y.HiFi, Housewife’s Choice and Heartical Hi Powa). Expect big sounds, energetic crowds and a whole lot of fun.
On Saturday 24 February, Fed Square with support from Yo CiTY presents an all-ages Afro HipHop, AfroBeats, Afro-House, Afro-pop night featuring talented artists before the acclaimed headliner Sampa the Great brings her powerhouse performance of dynamic vocals, poetic rap, multi-layered instrumental grooves and RnB beats to the Main Stage.
Silent films with live scores Tuesdays
Thanks to a partnership with ACMI and InsiteArts, Silent films with live scores returns for its third consecutive year with a program of classic silent films set to bespoke live scores performed by some of Australia’s most exciting electronic, jazz and breakthrough composers and musicians.
Highlights include: the enchanting 1918 Australian romantic classic The Sentimental Bloke accompanied by a live score by Paul Mac (13 February), a quartet screening of Experimental Shorts with a cross cultural contemporary jazz score by Peter Knight and Dũng Nguyễn taking audiences on a cinematic and sonic journey (20 February), and the timeless 1923 American film Our Hospitality with an original live score by 5-piece ensemble Blue Grassy Knoll (27 February).
Outdoor Cinema Wednesdays
Every Wednesday night, Fed Square will transform into a free outdoor cinema, screening modern classics on the Big Screen that’ll make your heart sing. Pack a Valentine’s Day picnic for a romantic screening of six category Oscar award-winning musical, La La Land (14 February) harp back to 1969 Harlem with Oscar award-winning music documentary Summer of Soul (21 February) and shimmy the night away with AACTA award-winning Australian musical The Sapphires (28 February).
Live music by candlelight Thursdays
Back by popular demand, Thursday evenings during February will bring live music by candlelight, an intimate and illuminating way to see some of Australia’s most exciting original artists. This year returns with an impressive lineup including ARIA award-winning, Coodjinburra artist Budjerah (15 February); the King of Cabaret, Rueben Kaye (22 February) and Triple J Unearthed High winner, JACOTÉNE (29 February).
Taylor Sheesh
Renowned Filipino drag queen and viral internet sensation, Taylor Sheesh will take centre stage at Fed Square on 16 February. This free performance provides a rare opportunity for Sheesh fans and Melbourne Swifties to experience the captivating blend of glamour, humour and artistry that has earned Sheesh a global following.
Don’t miss a beat this summer at Fed Square. To explore the full Summer program and for details of each event, visit Fed Square’s website: fedsquare.com/events/summer-at-the-square
