Three international multi-genre talents concluded this year’s thrilling Open Air series, asserting music’s power to empower culture and build connection.
It’s always a joy witnessing the CBD bustling with activity, especially at its heart: Fed Square, the iconic cultural hub for lively events and activities. Already doing so last year with great success, Fed Square returned its Open Air at the Square program to the city’s centre from 2–28 February for more multifaceted summer fun.
As usual, this month-long festival of eclectic music, cinema and performance art was free and open to all ages, providing the public the chance to revel in remarkable artistry. Even before any artist set foot on stage, a transcendent conclusion was imminent – the warm weather and large crowd forming made that clear. What followed were three musical virtuosos from around the world who farewelled this year’s series with uplifting positivity.
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Starting the night early with the sun still out was New York-born and Tamil Nadu-raised singer Ganavya, who led a compelling, meditative performance that left Fed Square in a profound stillness. Solely backed by double bass and harp, this sparse backing gave plenty of space for her transfixing, lullabying voice to soar. She sang devotions in her Tamil language, with the seated crowd thoughtfully absorbing her spiritual jazz pilgrimage unfolding in front of them. Each song calmly flowed until petering out to its natural conclusion. Her song Land with words from Palestinian-American Suheir Hammad’s poem of the same name, was a particularly tender highlight.
Ganavya coyly revealed her new pregnancy to cheery applause, but acknowledged her body and voice rapidly changing – even so, whatever struggle she felt wasn’t obvious. She expressed that singing together is a foundation of her culture. However, it took until the last song for the audience to accept her invitation to sing along, which was a heartwarming rendition of the folk standard 500 Miles Away from Home. Ganavya’s rejuvenating performance was a breathtaking display of deeply human storytelling.
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Once the sun began to set, many heads were in view at the Square. The Greek pop singer Σtella set a lighter, more playful tone as she excitedly dashed to the stage for her debut Melbourne performance. Everybody watching got a taste of Greece and its modern music scene through Σtella’s lush, retro synth-pop sound courtesy of her band, putting the Square in high spirits.
Dreamy, layered guitars and synths backed her cool vocals singing words on love and its troubles, while the sound embodied a distinctive traditional Greek music style. She even sang some entirely in Greek, transporting listeners to the Mediterranean country’s glistening islands through her swaying, upbeat music. It’s no wonder that she’s at home on the Sub Pop label – her celebratory music and culture are effortlessly cool.
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The high energy was still strong when the much anticipated main draw made his way on stage: The legendary François K, an old-school prolific DJ and remixer who’s pioneered house music since the ‘70s. The French, New York-based DJ traded his usual turntablism for a more innovative act – his unique Live Stems DJ set, in which he manipulates, pieces together and mixes tracks in real time. It’s incredible how François still has something new under his belt decades later – seeing him meticulously control the DJ decks was like watching a master at work.
Most importantly, he confidently fulfilled dance music’s promise of bringing on the party. People of all ages were boogieing to François’ improvised, stretched-out renditions of disco, soul and pop hits. The technicolour set matched the equally vibrant visuals, with notable reimaginations of Kate Bush, Talking Heads and Wham! tracks elevating the crowd in their immersive, elongated forms.
François was invited back for an encore – a soulful Ashford & Simpson instrumental – but his closing words affectingly spoke to the soul: In today’s world, we need music with a positive energy more than ever. This string of timeless music brought together people across generations and borders, everyone collectively relieving stress. The closing night’s seasoned performers wonderfully provided that for all of Melbourne. Without a doubt, Open Air will be just as inspiring when summer rolls around next.
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