Brisbane Festival unveils 2025 contemporary music program
Brisbane Festival has revealed its 2025 contemporary music program.
The announcement:
Brisbane Festival is tuning up for one of its most dynamic years yet, today unveiling the full contemporary music program for 2025, including a bold line-up of support acts who will share the stage with some of Australia’s most exciting headline artists and accomplished musicians.
Returning for another blockbuster season, Tivoli in the Round transforms Brisbane’s most legendary live music venue into an immersive 360-degree arena, placing audiences nose-to-nose with their favourite artists. Kicking off the series on 5 September is hometown hero Mallrat, whose shimmering pop hooks and razor-sharp lyricism have captivated fans from Coachella to Splendour. Opening the night is ethereal pop outfit Sissy, and 2Charm, the new project from Cub Sport’s Tim Nelson and Sam Netterfield.
On 9 September, beloved garage-pop trio Phantastic Ferniture returns from hiatus, bringing their playful, groove-heavy sound back to the stage, supported by Juice Webster, whose atmospheric and emotionally rich indie-folk has quickly made her one to watch. The following night sees a very different kind of time travel, as bluesman C.W. Stoneking takes audiences on a journey through early 20th-century jazz, calypso, and gospel on 10 September. Supporting him is Freya Josephine Hollick, a cosmic country siren whose powerful vocals and spiritual songwriting make her a fitting counterpart to Stoneking’s vintage stylings.
Techno fans will find sanctuary on 12 September when Scottish producer Franck brings his rave-ready sound and magnetic persona to the Tivoli stage, supported by ISGWAN, Emma Moon, and SF Fudge, while electronic music trailblazer Odd Mob closes out Tivoli in the Round on 13 September with his chart-dominating blend of house, bass and club chaos.
Elsewhere across the festival’s sprawling music offerings, Brisbane Powerhouse will see a fusion of the contemporary and classical, as renowned violinist, Véronique Serret, uses her voice for the first time in a live performance of her ARIA-nominated album, Migrating Bird on 14 September. She will be joined by special guest William Barton, bringing the haunting sounds of the yidaki/didgeridoo. Also on 14 September, a site-specific performance featuring 100 electric guitarists from communities across the city will unite to create an unforgettable surround-sound spectacle in 100 Guitars. Founded by renowned Canadian composer and guitarist Tim Brady in 2015, this special performance will feature Brisbane’s own Topology, infusing the experience with their signature rhythmic virtuosity.
Set in the intimate confines of Powerhouse’s Underground Theatre, JADE Ensemble will premiere its groundbreaking work, 響和 Kyo-Wa, Harmonic Resonance on 18 September, featuring the combined artistry of Wakka Wakka didgeridoo artist/musician David Williams, Japanese koto master Takako Haggarty, Nepalese tabla virtuoso Dheeraj Shrestha, and guitarist/composer Anthony Garcia. Then on 20 September, accomplished vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and Brisbane local Hannah Macklin and her band will thread together songs from her new album, plus elements of improvisation, in this unique sonic exploration of dreaming, nature and regeneration.
On 26 September, multi-platinum artist Winston Surfshirt brings the party to Brisbane’s heritage gem, The Princess Theatre, with his signature blend of R&B, funk and hip-hop, while on 27 September, Kahani and Kunal Merchant of Indo Warehouse, the formidable tastemakers of New York’s electronic scene, will showcase their masterful control of the dance floor through their innovative blend of organic percussion, South Asian cultural elements and club aesthetics.
Performances already sold out include globally renowned guitarist and songwriter John Butler; the no frills, no polish English rock band, Wunderhorse; and nationally revered singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko, who has added a second show on 23 September at The Princess Theatre in a rare staging of her two seminal albums The Overture & The Underscore and What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have.
This year’s bumper program will also welcome a brand-new outdoor concert event, Night at the Parkland, taking over Brisbane’s spectacular Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre from 12–21 September, featuring performances from some of the country’s finest headline artists including ICEHOUSE, Lime Cordiale, Xavier Rudd, GRINSPOON, Cut Copy, Amy Shark, and James Johnston.
Meanwhile Brisbane Serenades returns in full flourish, offering a vibrant series of free outdoor concerts that bring music to life in parks, gardens and neighbourhoods across the city. This joyful celebration of Brisbane’s rich cultural diversity weaves together traditional melodies and contemporary rhythms, spotlighting both homegrown talent and global influences. This year’s program includes Pasifika Made at Brisbane Powerhouse on 7 September, Manly Serenades at George Clayton Park on 12 September, Moorooka Block Party at Peggs Park on 13 September, and St Lucia Serenades at the University of Queensland on 20 September, each event a distinct reflection of the communities that call Brisbane home.
Once again the Festival Club will be the ultimate late-night hangout this September, as QPAC’s Melbourne St Green plays host to live music, a vibrant food and drink scene, with Resident DJs Richie Lestrange, GALLEON and QUIVR leading an eclectic line-up of high-energy, after-dark entertainment.
Brisbane Festival 2025 continues to champion Australian music in all its forms – from breakthrough acts to legends, sweaty dance floors to soulful acoustic sets. These sensational acts, some new and some returning, will ensure every show is an unforgettable night of discovery and celebration.
Source: Common State
Keep up to date with the latest in media and marketing
Have your say