Turning up the heat on one of the world’s most vibrant music cities, The Eighty-Six celebrates Melbourne and its love of music.
There are more venues along High Street between Northcote and Preston than in any other street in Australia, possibly more than any street worldwide.
From 23 – 31 October 2023, the festival will activate and amplify the existing venues: the theatres, record stores, bars, restaurants and bocce and bowls clubs that regularly present music along the 86 tram route.
Collaborating with the small businesses at the heart of Melbourne’s quintessential late-night culture, The Eighty-Six is a music lovers’ paradise. Here are the latest announcement:
Theo Parrish (Detroit/Sound Signature) – All Day Long
Northcote Theatre: Sunday 29 October
Few DJs command as much awe and respect as Detroit’s Theo Parrish. His first trip to town in 5 years will be at The Eighty-Six, opening and closing his own party. Early bird tix exhausted – 2nd release on sale now!
Ros Bandt & Ariel Kalma (Australia/France) – Australian Exclusive
Northcote Uniting Church: Monday 30 October
Two icons of their respective musical yards, Ariel Kalma and Ros Bandt come together for a night of sonic transportation at the Northcote Uniting Church. French artist Ariel Kalma’s music collapses distinctions between “electro-acoustic”, “biomusicology”, and “ambient” categorisation. Melbourne sound artist Ros Bandt performs on her self-made instrument, the ‘flagong’, a three-tiered vertical glass marimba she made in 1978, as heard on the recently reissued Soft & Fragile. Presented in partnership with Efficient Space.
Unknown T (UK) – Australian Premiere
The Croxton Bandroom: Thursday 26 October
The most distinctive voice in UK drill – Unknown T on The Eighty-Six for his first trip down under. Presented in partnership with Astral People & Handsome Tours.
Bez (UK) In Conversation – The Nine Lives of a Happy Monday – Australian Exclusive
Thornbury Theatre: Monday 23 October
Every band needs its own special chemistry. And Bez was a very good chemist – Tony Wilson. The one and only Bez in conversation will be a very Happy Monday at the Thornbury Theatre.
Dennis Bovell (UK) – Australian Exclusive
Bar 303: Friday 27 October
A founding father of lovers rock, sound system don and producer of some of dub reggae and post-punk’s finest moments. A true giant of modern music, Dennis Bovell will be in residence at The Eighty-Six.
The Preston Records Revue – A Tribute to Graeme Thomas
Thornbury Bowls Club: Sunday 29 October
A free Sunday arvo shindig in tribute to a local music hero – Graeme Thomas. Founder of Preston Records, Preston Studios and member of The Prestones. The Northern Suburbs answer to Sam Philips? The Straight 8’s, Ezra Lee & His Rockin’ Piano, The Wraylettes and The Breadmakers will perform live in tribute to Graeme with DJ’s Peter Thomas and Jamie ‘Dingo’ Supa.
Running 23 – 31 October 2023, The Eighty-Six has been made possible with support from the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and in partnership with Darebin City Council. For more information, visit: www.theeightysix.com for details.
Image: Bez (supplied)