Moomba artists to pay tribute to Michael Gudinski

This year’s Moomba festival will serve as a tribute to the late music legend Michael Gudinski as the city gets set for one the first major event since the lockdowns.

Grace McKinnon

2 min read

March 4, 2021 - 8:11PM

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Victoria

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Moomba will serve as a tribute to Michael Gudinski with the late music legend having locked in dozens of artists to perform at the Melbourne festival this weekend.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the city for the four-day festival — one of the first major events since Melbourne emerged from its lockdowns.

Top Australian musicians, including Vance Joy, The Rubens and Kate Ceberano, will stage surprise performances across the city, thanks to a partnership with Gudinksi’s Mushroom Group.

The music industry has been reeling since Gudinski’s shock death on Monday.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the music icon personally organised for many of Moomba’s acts to perform.

Music legend Michael Gudinski. Picture: Aaron Francis

“We’re excited to get Melbourne’s heart beating again with activities across the long weekend as well as year round attractions such as our food, dining, galleries, theatres and shopping,” she said.

“The late and great Michael Gudinski personally programmed more than 24 music performances that will happen over the long weekend.

“Michael gave so much to Melbourne’s music community and we’re honoured to work with the Mushroom Group to bring music back to our streets.”

Mia Wray, Josh Teskey and Ash Grunwald, Chris Cheney, Shane Howard and Emma Donovan, Thomas Headon and Richard Clapton are also expected to stage secret performances with locations revealed before each gig.

More than 80 buskers, including Tim Scanlan, will also perform at Degraves Street, Flinders Street Station, Queensbridge Square and other locations.

More than 40,000 people have snapped up tickets to the booked-out “Moomba Carnival”, which includes skateboarding and scooter events, live music and rides.

But Cr Capp urged people to make the most of free events, street performances and art installations across the city.

Tickets are still available for events at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, with The Cat Empire to perform on Saturday night.

Despite the subdued program — after the festival was cancelled and then reinstated — police will maintain a big presence following the 2016 Moomba riots.

Victoria Police spokesman Sam Bidey said most revellers came to Moomba with the “right attitude”, but extensive planning and preparation would “ensure everyone can enjoy the magic of Moomba”.

“Day and night there will be a strong, dedicated and consistent police presence throughout the city and surrounds,” he said.