This year, music lovers can expect a diverse and exciting range of experiences across the Vivid Music program, from free outdoor concerts to ticketed events in exclusive, heritage-listed buildings. There is something for everyone – from nine to 90, from around the globe and around the corner. Check below for music curator Julian Ramundi’s top picks, in his own words.

Julian Ramundi, curator and producer, Vivid Music

Tumbalong Nights, Tumbalong Park

“Tumbalong Nights is the beating heart of the festival, with a diverse range of free entertainment every night. We’ve got DJs, headline talent like Budjerah and Mallrat, First Nations voices like 3% feat. Jess Mauboy, along with sounds from around the globe in various languages like our K-Indie and Afrobeat nights, and so much more! You can dance or sing showtunes with Club Broadway – we’ve even got a kid’s program. It’s all live and it’s all free.”

Ngulmiya, Machine Hall

"Ngulmiya will put on an incredible and profound show. This Arnhem Land song man uses his powerful, pure voice to sing in language, accompanied by chamber music. Critics around the world herald his shows as nothing short of revolutionary.”

Club 4A x Eastern Margins, Machine Hall

“4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art are known for their excellent Club 4A nights that meld the world of art and dance-floor revelry. This Vivid Sydney exclusive will be a genre-mash of artists from the Asian diaspora including Melbourne hyper metal artist Daine and Chinese Australian guzheng composer Mindy Meng Wang, along with Sydney's 700 Feel and Dylan Atlantis. A party like no other.”

Deerhoof, Machine Hall

“Deerhoof’s performance is set to be a catalytic fusion of sound and surprise, typical of their experimental and wild approach to music and their live shows. The legendary, indie band from San Francisco will perform their quirky Japanese-language album Miracle-Level. It’s going to be great.”

Vivid Sydney Supper Club, Mary’s Underground

“The Supper Club program this year is a fantastic smorgasbord of live music, comedy and spoken word. Hosts Rhys Nicholson and Georgia Mooney are roping in their long list of famous friends, from Mo'Ju and Zoe Coombes Marr, Michael Hing to Annabel Crabb and Julia Zemiro to Paul Capsis. There are nights celebrating the great divas of history to a spectacular game show, a night of (adult) bedtime stories to a kids play date for grown ups, it’s going to be a riot.”