Kingston Arts is excited to present Moorabbin Music + Arts – a new annual festival of music, art, culture, and community.
Free to attend and featuring the likes of Thndo, Kee’Ahn, Jarabi Band, Rita Satch, Polite Mammals, and Trash Puppets, and workshops, exhibitions, roving performers, craft makers and more, the festival is set to bring the Kingston Arts Centre in Moorabbin to life on 23 – 25 February.
This diverse program of contemporary and global music, family theatre and fun, creative workshops and arts offers something for everyone, providing opportunities to connect, reflect and glow in a manner that will resonate well beyond the weekend.
Friday 23 February
Friday Night Live, 6pm – 10pm
Moorabbin Music and Arts Festival opens with a night of R&B, Soul, Jazz, Rock and Alternative Pop at Kingston Arts. Featuring Thndo, Kee’Ahn, Velvet Bloom Duo and Joshua Batten.
- Thndo – Zimbabwean-born, ‘First Lady of Soul and R&B,’ Thndo has received rave reviews and stunned sold-out audiences speaking truth about growing up black in Australia through potent lyricism and powerhouse vocal performances, interwoven with elements of Afrobeats, RnB and Hip Hop.
- Kee’ahn – Kee’ahn is a First Nations musician from Northern Queensland whose name derives from the Wik word meaning to dance, and to play. Effortlessly blending the sounds of soul, R&B and pop throughout their music, Kee’ahn weaves lush melodies and words reminiscent of heartbreak and healing.
- Velvet Bloom Duo – Support comes from Velvet Bloom Duo, fusing delicate songwriting with a luscious and vibrant sound.
- Joshua Batten – Joshua Batten is a modern-day troubadour whose personal brand of Roots-Rock is characterised by passionate vocals, accomplished guitar playing, layered arrangements and inspirational lyrics.
Saturday, 24 February
Global Sounds, 1.30pm – 6.30pm
Experience the rhythmic intricacies of Guinean Fusion through to the vibrant rhythms of Latin Jazz and the lively beats of Mauritian Sega, showing us what happens when people from the farthest flung corners of the world find themselves living shoulder to shoulder in a new environment. Pre-register to secure your spot.
- Jarabi Band
- Jaspora
- Iaki Vallejo
- Vardos
- Tim McMillan & Rachel Snow
Polite Mammals – The Wholesome Hour Show, 3pm & 6pm
Award-winning kids’ comedy group The Wholesome Hour presents a show about animals: stinky ones, sparkly ones, real ones, and imaginary ones. Get ready for singing, dancing, puppets, poo jokes, and 20+ animal-inspired characters in under an hour! Recommended for ages 5+.
Retro Disco with Matt Bradshaw & G-Force, 7pm – 9pm
Get your crimping tongs ready and your fluoro tees and legwarmers out: it’s time to go old school! Killer six-piece band Matt Bradshaw and G-Force will perform infectious, high-energy classics from the 80s and 90s. Come dressed in your finest late-century fashion and get your groove on to the iconic tunes of the era.
Sunday 25 February
Kids’ Disco, 11am & 12pm
It’s the kids’ turn to dial up the disco fun. With cool beats and interactive games, this is one party you won’t want to miss! Suitable for ages 4–12.
Community Showcase Concert, 11am – 2pm
Take a seat in the Blackbox Theatre and enjoy the melodies and sounds of local community groups as they seize the spotlight. With a diverse range of performances, you’re likely to encounter something wonderfully new.
- Longbeach Ukes
- Melbourne Zhiyin Choir
- Unified Filipino Elderly Association
- Red Chamber Chinese Art Group
- Rosita’s Flamenco Centre
Lounge Grooves, 2pm – 6pm
On Sunday the fun continues with markets, live music, and family friendly activities. Ease into the afternoon with acoustic sets, jazz-tinged funk, and bluesy vocals from this sensational line-up.
- Rita Satch
- The Deans of Soul
- Social Street
- Matt Bradshaw
Trash Puppets Live! Show, 4pm – 5pm
Trash Puppets get seriously creative about recycling and sustainability and have a lot of fun along the way. All ages.
What else is happening at Moorabbin Music + Arts?
In addition to live music performances, the weekend festival is also packed with arts, culture, markets, and kids’ activities.
- Markets
- Dialogues: Producer Talk
- Intro to Pottery Workshops
- Artz Blitz 24-hour Creative Competition: The Creator Studio
- Paint & Sip (booked out)
Children and Families
Children’s programs will run throughout Saturday and Sunday. Please see individual programs for specific date, time, and admission information.
Pre-register to secure your spot at Polite Mammals, Kids’ Disco, and Trash Puppets.
If you’ve ever wanted to make your own comic strip, create a puppet, make music, have a dance-off, or a rock out with a reptile, we have something for you! All activities are free, but registration is recommended for some events as they will book out.
- Kids Disco
- Polite Mammals
- Trash Puppets Live!
- Make Your Own Comic Strip
- Mini Golf
- Creature Creation Workshop
To find out more about Moorabbin Music + Arts and pre-register to secure your spot at ticketed sessions, head to kingstonarts.com.au/upcoming-events/all-events/moorabbin-music-and-arts.
