Australian Open’s summer of music: Your guide to lineup

Get set for a summer of sport and music with the AO Live Stage concert series at the 2018 Australian Open

Daria Gavrilova of Australia during the Womens Singles match against Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic in round four on day eight, at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 23, 2017. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

IT’s that time of the year when the world’s best tennis stars descend upon Melbourne for the Australian Open.

And back for a second year is live music series AO Live Stage, featuring an amazing lineup of local and international artists over 15 days.

The series kicks off on Sunday 14 January 2018 with the first ever Smash MND, a fundraising event headlined by Aussie icon Jimmy Barnes to raise funds for official charity partner FightMND.

The Smash MND campaign aims to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease, an affliction former players Brad Drewitt, Angie Cunningham and Peter Doohan have all succumbed to.

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Head to Birrarung Marr for the AO Live Stage where the likes of TLC, Client Liaison, Tina Arena and Rudimental will perform.

Here’s everything you need to know about who’s playing when and where, transport options and how to get tickets.

THE BASICS

The series will run from the eve of the Australian Open on Sunday 14 January to Sunday 28 January 2018.

Concerts will start at 5:00pm weekdays, 3pm weekends and 10:00am on Coopers Saturday.

Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult while Coopers Saturday on the 20th of January is strictly for those 18 and over. Bring photo ID.

Access to the AO Live Stage is subject to capacity restrictions.

Jimmy Barnes will be kicking off the AO Live Stage with a fundraising concert. Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

GETTING THERE

The AO Live Stage is on Birrarung Marr. Easiest access is through the AO festival entry along the Yarra River.

If arriving by tram or train, stop at Flinders Street station and access Birrarung Marr through Federation Square, using the signed pedestrian route.

There is a free tram service for Australian Open ticket holders operating on Route 70 from the CBD to tram stops at Hisense and Rod Laver arenas.

The tram service will operate until one hour after the end of play each day while trains will run from Flinders St station until around midnight during the week. Use the journey planner at ptv.vic.gov.au for further information.

There is a taxi rank at Flinders St station while for those driving there is a pick-up and drop-off area at Olympic Boulevard outside Hisense Arena.

Public car parking is available at Yarra Park Car Park, accessible via Wellington Parade and Punt Road. There is a $10 daily rate and the car park opens two hours prior to when the main entrances open.

COST AND TICKETS

The Smash MND fundraising event headlined by Jimmy Barnes is $50, with tickets available online through the Australian Open website and Ticketek.

The remaining concerts are all included in a Ground Pass ticket at $49.00 for adults and only $5.00 for kids. Head to the Australian Open website to buy tickets.

SCHEDULE

14 JANUARY - JIMMY BARNES supported by Dallas Crane

15 JANUARY - VERA BLUE supported by Dean Lewis

16 JANUARY - THE JUNGLE GIANTS supported by The Creases

17 JANUARY - JAMES REYNE PLAYS AUSTRALIAN CRAWL supported by Ash Grunwald

18 JANUARY - MEG MAC supported by Angie McMahon

19 JANUARY - HOODOO GURUS supported by Davey Lane

20 JANUARY - ILLY supported by Kuren

21 JANUARY - RUDIMENTAL supported by Jakubi

22 JANUARY - DARYL BRAITHWAITE supported by Pierce Brothers

Darryl Braithwaite joins the AO Live Stage lineup

23 JANUARY - THE RUBENS supported by Gretta Ray

24 JANUARY - CLIENT LIAISON supported by Northeast Party House

25 JANUARY - To be announcedsupported by Rojdar

26 JANUARY - BLISS N ESO supported by Dylan Joel

27 JANUARY - TINA ARENA supported by Ali Barter

28 JANUARY - TLC supported by DJ Horizon