Festive Cheer

Since 1938, Vision Australia’s Carols By Candlelight has been a yule-time favourite for wee ones and kidults alike. Hosted this year by Sonia Kruger and David Campbell, the line-up features carolling faves Denis Walter, Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino and Anthony Callea. It’s a bit dorky, but it is a true Melbourne tradition and always fun. It also raises funds for children experiencing low vision and their families. Pack a picnic, prepare for all weather conditions and get ready to sing your heart out.

WHEN 24 December

WHERE Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Cherry On Top

Genre-bending chanteuse Neneh Cherry has nailed everything – hip-hop, jazz, R’n’B and pop –since her hit first album Raw Like Sushi was released just shy of 30 years ago. Now, with her fifth solo record under her belt – 2018’s Broken Politics – the Swedish-born Cherry is as raw and relevant as ever. Continuing her political streak, Cherry’s new album, which features large on this tour, covers everything from gun control through the refugee crises.

WHEN 22 January

WHERE Melbourne Recital Centre

Wrestle Mania

If you’ve got fond memories of watching WWE in your PJs as a kid, it turns out wrestling is an even more fun when it’s live and you’re a grown-up – think pantomime but with body slamming. Wrestlerock features pro-wrestlers, a full-size ring and a live rock ’n’ roll soundtrack, provided courtesy of metal heads Mason ahead of their Japan tour. This is some sweaty, raucous fun.

Image: Digital Beard

WHEN 19 January

WHERE Corner Hotel

National Treasures

Rapper, actor and comedian Briggs is teaming up with legendary singer-songwriter Archie Roach (pictured) on a bill for the ages as part of the annual Zoo Twilights program. Briggs, who has collaborated with everyone from Paul Kelly to Midnight Oil, as well as opening for the likes of 50 Cent, is a politically charged powerhouse. Roach, meanwhile, is one of Australia’s best-loved songwriters and indigenous activists, with a career spanning nearly three decades since his debut release Charcoal Lane. Proceeds go towards saving the eastern barred bandicoot from extinction.

Image: Wayne Quilliam

WHEN 26 January

WHERE Melbourne Zoo

Friday On Our Mind

With the summer blockbuster exhibition Escher X nendo: Between Two Worlds as a backdrop, NGV Friday Nights are paying homage to the impact of Johann Sebastian Bach’s repetitious works on Dutch graphic artist Escher. The line-up of Aussie composers, musical artists and DJs includes electro duo Albrecht La’Brooy and Joelistics’ side project, Film School Collective (pictured).

Image: Tania Groba

WHEN Until 5 April

WHERE NGV International

Chambers Extravaganza

Australian Music Vault is celebrating Aussie country singer-songwriter Kasey Chambers’ overdue ARIA Hall of Fame induction with a free display exploring her importance in our musical landscape and the influences that shaped her. Including personal items spanning handwritten lyrics, awards and costumes, the exhibition considers Chambers in a broader context, including her cultural impact. After all, when she posed the question ‘Am I Not Pretty Enough’ she sparked an important conversation about mainstream success and the shackles of an homogenous ideal of beauty that continues today.

WHEN From December

WHERE Australian Music Vault