Melbourne Zoo’s Twilights concert series returns in 2015, with a huge lineup of local and international artists. Led by Paul Kelly, James Reyne, Powderfinger’s Bernard Fanning, Sarah Blasko, Dan Sultan, Connor Oberst and The Cat Empire, the 2015 itinerary will spread 12 all-ages shows across five weekends beginning 30th January.
The 2015 Twilights program is an eclectic mix of genres, including rock, folk, blues, disco, reggae, Afro-funk and Bollywood. James Reyne will be playing the music of iconic Aussie band Australian Crawl, whilst singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko and Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning will both be performing solo, debuting new songs from forthcoming releases.
Paul Kelly is set to present brand new album The Merri Soul Sessions featuring Clairy Browne, Kira Puru, & Vika and Linda Bull. Dan Sultan is also ready to belt out his powerhouse pop anthems, while reggae-soul group The Cat Empire will tear up the stage in smooth Cat Empire style.
Melbourne’s Bollywood rockers The Bombay Royale will be joined by thirteen-member soul outfit The Budos Band, while Spiderbait take the rock vibes up a notch. The program’s international roster is lined by former Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus and his band The Jicks, as well as Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes fame) and 70’s disco idols Village People.
The massive lineup is only complimented by the prospect of perfect starry nights and many cuisines to sample. You can even set up your own picnic, although there’s no BYO alcohol or glass. All tickets also include full access to the Zoo, and proceeds from the performances will be used to help save the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, which is now extinct in the wild.
Melbourne Zoo’s 2015 Twilights program begins on 30th January and runs until 7th March. Program dates and ticket information is available below.
UPDATE: 28/11/14 Paul Kelly has sold out his first Merri Soul Sessions date on Saturday, 7th February. A second Kelly show has been added on Sunday, 8th February. Tickets on sale now. Full program details below.
Watch: Paul Kelly Presents The Merri Soul Sessions
Melbourne Zoo Twilights 2015 Program
Tickets on sale to general public at 9am Tuesday, 28th October
Zoo members receive a 20% early bird discount until 3rd November, and then 10% thereafter
Friday, 30th January 2015
James Reyne plays Australian Crawl, with special guest Jack Carty (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria
Saturday, 31st January 2015
Bernard Fanning, with special guests Little May (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria
Friday, 6th February 2015
Sarah Blasko, with special guest Luluc (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria
Saturday, 7th February 2015 – SOLD OUT
Paul Kelly presents the Merri Soul Sessions featuring Clairy Browne, Kira Puru, Vika and Linda Bull, with special guests Hiatus Kaiyote (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria
Sunday, 8th February 2015 – NEW SHOW
Paul Kelly presents the Merri Soul Sessions featuring Clairy Browne, Kira Puru, Vika and Linda Bull, with special guests Hiatus Kaiyote (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria
Friday, 13th February 2015
Dan Sultan, with special guest Benny Walker (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria
Saturday, 14th February 2015
Boys In The Band (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria
Friday, 20th February 2015
The Budos Band and The Bombay Royale (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria
Saturday, 21st February 2015
Spiderbait, with special guest Jen Cloher (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria
Friday, 27th February 2015
Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks, with special guests Twerps (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria
Saturday, 28th February 2015
Conor Oberst, with special guests The Felice Brothers (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria
Friday, 6th March 2015
Village People, with special guest DJ Andee Frost (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria
Saturday, 7th March 2015
The Cat Empire, with special guests Dorsal Fins (Doors open 5:30pm)
Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Tickets: Zoos Victoria