SUNDAY MUSIC KICKS OFF WITH EPIC FIRST NATIONS LINE-UP HOSTED BY FLWENT
Fremantle Arts Centre has the pleasure of announcing the return of both Sunday Music, a free outdoor concert series, and Fremantle Community Bank as its major sponsor.
The 2024/25 season opens on Sunday 6 October with, FLEWNT presents The New Wave – a high energy all ages Hip Hop Party introducing the “New Wave” of emerging WA Hip Hop excellence! Hosted by FLEWNT, Noongar| Wongi rapper, mentor and activist, the show will feature JJ VACANT with special guest Taija, and introduce Adriel , KingOTB, and The Proud Noongar Boys with DJ Optamus (from Downsyde) on the decks.
This year’s superbly curated program promises to be a celebration of diversity; an eclectic mix of local and national artists spanning genres from soulful country and indie rock to Afro beats and experimental jazz.
As the local music landscape continues to shift post the COVID-19 pandemic, Sunday Music offers a solid platform that supports both emerging and established talent, providing a rich and dynamic music experience for the community.
Director of Creative Arts and Community for the City of Fremantle, Pete Stone, commented, “We are thrilled to announce this highly anticipated season of Sunday Music that reflects the diversity and energy of music in Australia. Courtyard Music at Fremantle Arts Centre began in 1981, 23 years on Sunday Music has become a cornerstone of the Fremantle music scene. It provides unique opportunities for audiences to connect with artists and it’s a joy to see our community come together in this beautiful setting to celebrate our incredible local and national musical talent.”
Debra Rule, Chair of Fremantle Community Bank shared their excitement, ‘We’re very proud to be supporting Sunday Music; a remarkable program that brings our community together, provides a platform for emerging and established local musicians and celebrates the best that Freo has to offer.”
The 2024 program will see Fremantle audiences treated to a wide variety of musical acts:
- OCT 13 Experimental jazz-fusion group GunFu, whose members draw on influences from jazz, West African, and Cuban music. Sharing the stage with them will be Fremantle’s own Butter, a seven-piece neo-soul collective known for their infectious rhythms and modern boom-bap sound.
- OCT 20, the spotlight turns to country music as Jonny Fritz and Nashville’s Joshua Hedley bring their unique blend of honky-tonk and western fiddle to the stage, joined by Tasmania’s Ange Boxall, whose ARIA chart-topping album “Skipping Stone” has cemented her as a leading figure in the country music scene.
- OCT 27 is a wild female line-up with WA Badass Gospel Choir (Abbe May, Ofa Fotu and Joni Hogan) singing all your pop favs from the 90’s + 2000’s while Veronikka will finish off the set with healing good vibes.
- NOV 3 Kim Salmon, often referred to as the “Godfather of Grunge”, will take to the stage showcasing his legendary rock influence alongside Claire Birchall.
- NOV 17 features Timothy Nelson and The Infidels, celebrating their 10th anniversary, alongside rising star Finn Pearson and his band, who have been making waves in the alt-country pop genre with their emotive, folk-inspired sound.
- NOV 24 will be all about folk sounds with Heathcote Blue and Nika Mo tapping into nostalgic feels with a playful energy.
- DEC 8 as the holiday season approaches, Dave McCormack of the iconic Australian band Custard (and more recently voicing the beloved dad, Bandit Heeler, in Bluey) will revive his famous, off-the-rails Christmas show, promising all the charming chaos and quirky energy fans have come to expect.
- DEC 15 features high-energy performances from the TTT Afro Band, whose rhythmic, percussive sounds are sure to get audiences dancing. The band is led by master percussionist Moses Odartei and promises to deliver a powerful Afro-beat experience that transcends borders and unites music lovers.
- DEC 22 Sunday Music offers an unforgettable Christmas special on December 22, headlined by Fremantle’s Natalie Gillespie and FAC’s own community choir, FAC Yeah!
Sunday Music is a family-friendly, free event from 2pm – 4pm in FAC’s front garden. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic or enjoy the food trucks and bar, soaking up the sunshine while enjoying the impressive range of musical talent.
Keep an eye out in November for the 2025 Program.
SUNDAY MUSIC 2024 PROGRAM
OCT 6 FLEWNT presents The New Wave
OCT 13 GunFu | Butter
OCT 20 Jonny Fritz + Joshua Hedley | Ange Boxall
OCT 27 WA Badass Gospel Choir | Veronikka
NOV 3 Kim Salmon with Claire Birchall | The Macho Men
NOV 17 Timothy Nelson & The Infidels + Finn Pearson Band
NOV 24 Heathcote Blue + Nika Mo
DEC 8 Dave McCormack + Emily Barker
DEC 15 EDWARD + TTT Afro Band
