The City of Melville is ushering in the warmer weather as the highly anticipated Melville Summer Music returns for its fourth annual season on Saturday, 9 November, with the first concert kicking off on the lawns of Atwell House & Gallery set against the backdrop of the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River).
From November 2024 through to March 2025, the City will host ten free, family-friendly concerts spread across five stunning parks, offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy live music as the day winds down and the sun's glow dips into the surrounding nature.
The series will feature performances from beloved WA acts, and a visit from the Northern Territory, including the return of the popular bluegrass pioneers - the Hamilton Hillbillies, the high-energy funk and soul band Randa and The Soul Kingdom, the roots, rock and soulful melodies of Tom Fisher and The Layabouts, and the nostalgic soul-pop sensation, Sgt Hulka.
Whether you’re beneath the towering trees of Yagan Mia Wireless Hill Park or nestled in the green expanses of Kadidjiny Park, Melville Summer Music is an invitation to share a picnic, connect with the community, and experience the best of local live music.
This year’s program promises another incredible season, with a selection of West Australian artists spanning a wide range of styles, from indie-pop and funk to folk, soul, and rock.
It’s a summer soundtrack designed for everyone to enjoy, whether you're a dedicated fan or just looking for a fun evening out with friends and family.
Audiences will also enjoy a rare guest appearance from The Sandridge Band, who hail from the town of Borroloola in the Northern Territory.
Blending rock, reggae, roots and blues, their songs capture the unique spirit and sound of their community, combining Indigenous languages, contemporary sounds and a rich, danceable experience for Melville Summer Music audiences to enjoy.
Melville Summer Music Series Co-programmer Duncan Strachan said he was looking forward to debuting the diverse range of talent in this year's lineup.
“We always want to ensure that Melville Summer Music appeals to a wide range of audiences, so no matter the artist or genre, everyone is guaranteed to have fun,” said Strachan.
“Whether you feel like dancing, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it's the perfect way to enjoy the golden hours of a summer afternoon outdoors with friends and family.”
Each concert offers attendees a one-of-a-kind experience to see free live music by incredibly talented musicians in their local park.
With no repeated shows and every park boasting its own distinct atmosphere, each performance will be a unique opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.
"It’s all about the here and now — each concert is a moment you won’t want to miss," said City of Melville Events and Programming Marcus Dickson.
"Each performance offers something special, so we encourage everyone to come along and make the most of each of these very special community events.”
The program is a celebration of talent, from a contemporary jazz orchestra to a remote Northern Territory rock and reggae band, through to soul-pop big bands and bluegrass battles, each performance offers something special and fun, set against the backdrop of Melville's iconic green spaces.
“There’s nothing better than settling in with a picnic and listening to live music as the sun sets,” said Dickson.
“This year’s lineup, combined with our beautiful parks, will make for some really memorable evenings.”
The City of Melville encourages eventgoers to walk, ride, or carpool, with sustainability and accessibility at the heart of this annual event.
Each location will also feature the best local food trucks, offering a range of delicious options for those wanting to grab a bite to eat while enjoying the music.
Melville Summer Music is a free concert series that runs from Saturday, 9 November through to Saturday, 22 March.
For the full program, artist and venue information, visit
melvillecity.com.au/melvillesummermusic Image: Hamilton Hillbillies. Photo credit: Melissa Mills