Top picks of the Brunswick Music Festival
This year, soul musician, broadcaster and DJ Chelsea Wilson has taken the helm as music programmer of the Brunswick Music Festival. For two weeks, Melbourne music labels will throw parties and artists will perform in rarely seen locations around Brunswick.
Sydney Road Street Party
If you only do one thing, make it the BMF’S famous one-day opening party, sprawling across six stages down Sydney Road and featuring more than 200 musicians playing rock, hip hop, reggae, soul, jazz, gospel and more. Hop between stages and duck into venues including the Brunswick Green, Penny Black and Spotted Mallard. Expect plenty of food trucks and market stalls. Sydney Rd, Brunswick 3056. Noon. Free. Sun Mar 5.
Aziza Brahim
Born a refugee in Western Sahara, the Sahrawi singer has been dubbed ‘Queen of the Desert Blues’. Her music traverses her desert roots, early years spent in Cuba, and her adopted home in Spain. Brunswick Town Hall, 233 Sydney Rd, Brunswick 3056. 8pm. $45-$50. Thu Mar 16.
Hope Street Records Party
Brunswick-based soul and funk music label Hope Street Recordings is throwing a huge party at Howler. Dance to the Afro-beat rhythms of the Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, get down to jazz funk from the Cactus Channel, groove to the Putbacks and listen to the future soul by the Do Yo Thangs. Howler, Enter via carpark opposite Brunswick Baths, 7-11 Dawson St, Brunswick 3056. 8.30pm. $27-$32. Sat Mar 18.
Unity: International Women’s Day Concert
Celebrate International Women’s Day with a rocking line-up of female vocalists including Kylie Auldist, Chelsea Wilson and Emily Wurramara. Brunswick Town Hall, 233 Sydney Rd, Brunswick 3056. 7.30pm. $37-$42. Wed Mar 8.
Dereb the Ambassador
Backed by his seven-piece ensemble, Dereb blends ’60s and ’70s Ethiopian jazz-fusion sounds with dirty rhythms and a powerhouse voice. Brunswick Town Hall, 233 Sydney Rd, Brunswick 3056. 9pm. $32-$37. Fri Mar 10.