We can picture it now – the sun is shining, we’ve got a bev in hand, and we’re at the glorious Royal Botanic Gardens ready to enjoy some live music. It’s an idyllic daydream, but it’s one that could soon become a reality. All you have to do is snap up tickets.
Live at the Gardens is a brand new gig series popping up in Melbourne, where the lush, expansive lawns of the Royal Botanic Gardens will host up to 5,000 people for an eclectic mix of musical acts. The concerts will kick off across two weekends in November, with more gigs planned for March in what is set to become an ongoing series.
The line-up for the debut Live at the Gardens session has been announced, as has the date of Friday, November 15. We’ve got our fingers crossed for blue skies and a gentle spring breeze. Dancefloor legends The Presets will take the stage, supported by Midnight Juggernauts DJs. Haiku Hands and Joey Lightbulb will also be out in force, creating a well-rounded line-up.
Next up, Crowd favourite and dual ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter Matt Corby will headline on Saturday, November 16, with support from ARIA Best Rock Album winners Middle Kids. This one-night-only affair will also be Corby’s only Victorian show.
Fast-forward to Friday, November 22 for indie legend Chet Faker, who will celebrate the tenth anniversary of Built on Glass with support from Mildlife and Phoebe Go.
Alternatively, rock up on Saturday, November 23 for singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and activist Xavier Rudd. The Torquay local turned global star will be supported by multi-award-winning songwriter and Warnindhilyagwa woman Emily Wurramara, and Calypso Cora, a four-piece led by Rudd's son Finojet Rudd. As with Matt Corby's show, this will also be Xavier Rudd's only Melbourne show as part of his Freedom Sessions Australia Tour.
If you'd prefer a Sunday sesh, Tash Sultana will play on November 24, with support from Coterie, South Summit and Little Green.
As for what’s in store for the other Live at the Gardens dates, we’ll be staying tuned for updates. Tickets for the first two shows are on sale now over at Ticketmaster.