Best Five @ Vivid LIVE 2023

Michelle East
18th Mar 2023

VIVID 2023! Are you excited? We're excited! As soon as the VIVID program went on sale our Sydney Scoop team bought tickets. Our Nicki Girlstar Alchin commented on instagram that she's seeing Cat Power, Kimbra, Jen Cloher, Jose Gonzalez, The Necks, Devonte Hynes and Molchat Doma.

And our Michelle East has put together her best five VIVID LIVE at Sydney Opera House picks for you here. 

Sydney Symphony Orchestra collaborations. All of them. If I had to pick one, it would be Max Richter 3 June. New classical, composer, pianist, electronic, all round genius. His 2016 VIVID performance of SLEEP, a 8 hour long sleepover was life changing. This time he brings Ambient Orchestra and soprano Grace Davidson with him for an exploration of orchestra as a medium for ambient music. This time he brings a selection of works, some new to Australian audiences. An excellent primer if you don't know his work, essential if you do. 
 
The Necks. Never miss a performance of The Necks. Pianist Chris Abrahams, drummer Tony Buck and bassist Lloyd Swanton together make transportative music. Experimental jazz, avant-garde and minimalism. Improvised, so each performance is a new revelation.  Go to both the 30 May and 31 May gigs. 
 
Cat Power. She is an indie icon across folk, punk, blues and soul with a penchant for covers.  We last saw Cat Power at VIVID in 2018 celebrating 30 years of her break thought album Moon Pix. This time she covers Bob Dylan's 1966 'Royal Albert Hall' show aka when Dylan went electric.  This show got rave reviews in London.  Another 31 May gig, difficult choice to make.
 
Alfa Mist. UK pianist, rapper and producer blend hip-hop, soul and contemporary jazz. Supported by Swooping, an improvised jazz/funk side project out of Hiatus Kaiyote and Ella Haber, an up and coming r'n'b/soul singer. Perfect VIVID night out: 31 May see The Necks, then head over to Alfa Mist. Alternatively, see the Hiatus Kaiyote SSO collaboration first, followed by Alfa Mist. 
 
Sleaford Mods. UK cult post-punk duo, unapologetic champions of working class anger. Just released album UK Grim says it all. Not just rage, erudite and scathing lyrics.  As Billy Bragg was the antidote to Thatcherite Britain, Sleaford Mods are to post-Brexit Britain. 2 June.