Brunswick Music Festival adds new concerts, celebrating International Women’s Day and songs of Brunswick

Melbourne’s Moreland City Council expanded the program of the 30th Brunswick Music (March 4—18).

It will celebrate International Women’s Day on Thursday March 8 with a specially commissioned concert, Wild Fearless and Free at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute.

It features Stella Angelico, Sophie Koh, Jessica Hitchcock, The Black Sistaz and Kathleen Halloran.

The festival’s first ever retrospective, Songs of 3056, celebrates the sounds of Brunswick with a concert on Friday March 16.

Directed by Xani Kolac (The Twoks), it features Thando, Joshua Tavares, Simon Burke, Kylie Auldist, Sal Kimber and Kavisha Mazzella performing a mix of songs written by local artists and repertoire performed at Brunswick Music Festival over the past 30 years.

Research by APRA AMCOS found that Brunswick is the suburb most settled by songwriters in Australia.

For the two weeks of the festival, the Brunswick Mechanics Institute will be transformed into the Festival Hub and a key festival venue.

These include free sets from Audrey Powne (The Do Yo Thangs), Lisa Crawley and Adam Rudegeair in the Brunswick Bitter Hub Bar.

Professional development panels, events and workshop on local issues are hosted by Music Victoria and APRA AMCOS.

There is also a brass workshop with members of the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble; a songwriter’s masterclass with members of Mondo Rock and Cookin’ On 3 Burners, and an in-conversation with America’s Masta Ace hosted by Melbourne DJ Mz Rizk.

Latest of local acts added to events are listed here.

The opening Sydney Road Street Party on Sunday March 4 literally stops the traffic with six stages along the street.

The line-up includes The Cactus Channel, Kutcha Edwards, Jazz Party, The Meltdown, The Do Yo Thangs and more, as well as music all day at legendary Brunswick venues including The Spotted Mallard and The Retreat.

The first ever High Tide Pool Party features a day of music with soul duo Silver Linings, DJ Shio Otani and synchronised swimming performances by The Eastern Sirens.

Finally Music for the People boasts headliners Saskwatch plus Mighty Duke & The Lords in the lush surrounds of Shore Reserve on Sunday March 18.