It’s summer in Sydney, we survived the Christmas festivities and recovered from New Year’s celebrations so now what? If you haven’t already heard, then you must be doing a social media hiatus because the Sydney Festival is back on for its 40th year and it’s fantastic. Whatever your tastes are, the Sydney Festival has you covered.
Feeling a bit short on cash and want a break from the January Sales bombardment? Then check out some of these awesome free events. There’s the two major and ever popular Domain Concerts, Symphony in the Domain (16th January) and Opera in the Domain (23rd January) so bring a picnic and blanket or pick up a treat at one of the foods stalls and then lie back and listen. If movement is your thing then Soul of Sydney is a must. They’re an independent artist collective from soul, hip hop and funk genres. Join them on their inclusive dance floor for some party classics, popping, locking, soul-training Sundays 17th, 24th and Australia Day.
Though if that’s not moving enough for you, head to the new parklands at Barangaroo Reserve. A flying fox has been set up with a first in first served on site ticketing system (most days till 24 January, 1.30-8pm). While you’re there take a time out to watch the Skateboarders vs Minimalism video by Shaun Gladwell; Sculptural artists Donald Judd, Carl Andrew and Dan Flavin created forms for Gladwell to launch off, flip from and generally skate like mad across (most days except Mondays, 8-9pm).
Chill out on Tuesdays (12th and 19th) and Wednesdays (13th and 20th) at Hyde Park North for the Late Night Library as four top curators bring the best in comedy, storytelling and more. Tomorrow night from 7-8 pm they reflect on Queerstories, curated by cabaret masterminds, blackcat productions.
Ghanaian contemporary visual artist El Anatsui’s first major exhibition in Australia is being hosted by Carriageworks. It’s free to wander through and on now till 6th March.
If you’re back at work this week and wanting something to look forward to then here’s some good news. Back together on stage for the first time in three years, Australia’s underground instrumental rock band, Dirty Three are performing this Friday 15th at the State Theatre, tickets from $69 + bf.
Did you catch Birdman at the theatres last year? Loved it? Missed out? Need to see it? Watch it January 16 at the iconic State Theatre with modern jazz, drummer and composer Antonio Sanchez doing his largely improvised performance combined with the movie virtually as he did in the original movie score. Tickets plus bf from $55.
For a dirty laugh or just a good chance to possibly learn something new, check out the seniors at the Opera House for their romantic and not so romantic sex stories in All The Sex I’ve Ever Had, 21-24 January, $49 + bf. Share a giggle and learn from their wisdom.
South African Superstar DJ Black Coffee is teaming up with Okmalumkoolkat (Jo’burg rapper, DJ and producer) for a rare and incredible night of electronic music, Sunday 24th, tickets $49 + bf at the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent.
Indigenous culture meets contemporary dance with a twist of multimedia and storytelling in Djuki Mala’s performance on next week 19-24 January at Hyde Park North. They’re bringing Yolngu Culture to popular dance – remember their viral 2007 ‘Zorba the Greek’ clip?
Head out west to Paramatta’s Riverside Theatre for an up close and personal chance to watch and almost join in Cypher as director Nick Power’s hip hop crew break dance and battle. This celebration of hip hop reveals the energy of breakdancing, demonstrating the bboys’ artistic and skilled movements. January 19 – 24.
In between all these performances and activities, when you work up your appetite, Sydney Festival has you covered with its Fast Festival Feasts. Together with some of Sydney’s hottest restaurants near the venues they’ve organised $30, $55 and a la carte options to suit your pallet, wallet and Festival ticket. Check out our article for details here.
For these and more events go to http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2016/ for further details and tickets. This year their site also gives you the My Festival option where you can log in and set up an events calendar for all your experiences and then share them with friends and social media.
What: Sydney Festival
Where: Sydney
When: Now till January 26th
Online: http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2016/
Join the conversation: #SydFest, @sydney_festival
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