You’ve probably heard by now that this year’s instalment of Soulfest, “Australia’s first neo-soul, jazz & hip-hop festival”, has been cancelled, with organisers confirming the news in an official statement this morning.
As Tone Deaf reported earlier today, promoters blamed poor ticket sales for the event’s cancellation, prompting a wave of vitriol from punters, many of whom booked flights and accommodation to attend the Sydney and Melbourne event.
The event boasted a lineup topped by Mary J. Blige, Miguel, and Lauryn Hill, with a host of supports that makes it easy to see why it was a hot ticket for so many funk, soul, hip-hop, and jazz fans around Australia.
But don’t despair if you’ve taken time off work, hired a babysitter, and booked flights and accommodation. There’s still plenty of music stuff in Sydney and Melbourne to keep you occupied. Here’s just a few options.
Melbourne Festival
One of the biggest events on the Melbourne musical and cultural calendar kicked off earlier this month and is set to feature performances from Courtney Barnett, Flight Facilities, Laura Marling, The Fall, and more.
Organisers have packed this year’s lineup with some super exclusive performances, including a heartfelt homage to one of the world’s most timeless rock albums featuring four of the country’s biggest names and a never before seen collaboration between our premiere electronic export and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Visit here for more details.
Northside Records
Did you know that Melbourne is home to the heart of Australia’s soul and funk scene? Yes, established in 2002, Northside Records will make any funk and soul fan feel like they died and went to heaven.
Located on Gertrude St in Fitzroy, Northside Records is a staple of Melbourne’s music scene, cementing itself as the hub for all things funk, soul, and a variety of other styles. Visit here for more details.
Funk-N-Burgers
On the last Sunday of every month, Sydney’s beloved Hashtag Burgers takes over the Lord Gladstone with FUNK-N-BURGERS, a tribute to good burgers and funky music.
The day features $5 schooners of craft beer, live vinyl DJs from 2pm-10pm, NRL Live in the main bar, a free Toy with every meal. Visit here for more details.
Future Retro
A two-part concert, Future Retro will be both a celebration reflecting on the past 20 years of Ensemble Offspring’s most memorable performances and a special glimpse into the future of Australian music.
Taking place at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Macquarie Street, this will be a must-see for anyone curious about where Australian classical and experimental music is going, taking you into the past and the future. Visit here for more details.
Catch Some Local Gigs
Don’t forget that if you’ve booked flights to Melbourne or Sydney, you’re heading to two of Australia’s premiere live music destinations. It doesn’t take long to find some great local live music happening in either town.
If you need a little help making a decision, keep any eye out for our weekly This Week’s 7 Best Local Gigs Under $15 column, where we shine a spotlight on some of the best local gigs happening around the country.
