From intimate shows at local record shops and bars to grand performances at theatres and churches, The Eighty-Six is set to transform High St between Northcote and Preston.
Due to overwhelming demand, The Eighty-Six have added new shows and acts to their already stacked lineup.
Melbourne’s live music scene is set to be taken to new heights with the arrival of The Eighty-Six, the city’s newest festival. Running for a full week from October 23 to 31, this nine-day extravaganza will celebrate Melbourne’s deep-rooted love for live music and will be hosted at various venues along the iconic 86 tram route.
The Eighty-Six
- When: October 23 to 31
- Where: Various venues along High Street
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
New acts just in…
Theo Parrish
Irreverent and unconventional, yet deeply groovy: few DJs in the world command the awe and respect that Detroit’s own Theo Parrish does. Opening and closing his own party, this legend will grace the decks on Sunday, October 29 at the iconic Northcote Theatre.
Ros Bandt & Ariel Kalma
Icons of their fields, Ariel Kalma and Ros Bandt will sonically transport audiences with a special show at the Northcote Uniting Church on Monday, October 30. Ariel Kalma, from France, spans genres of “electro-acoustic”, “biomusicology”, and “ambient”, while Melbourne sound artist Ros Bandt performs on her ‘flagong’; a three-tiered, vertical glass marimba she made herself in 1978.
Unknown T
An exclusive performance by UK drill sensation Unknown T goes down on Thursday, October 26 at The Croxton Bandroom.
Bez In Conversation ‘The Nine Lives of a Happy Monday’
Legendary dancer Bez of Happy Mondays fame will appear in conversation at the Thornbury Theatre on Monday, October 23.
Dennis Bovell
Reggae pioneer Dennis Bovell, a founding father of lovers rock, soundsystem don and producer of some of dub reggae and post-punk’s finest moments, will appear at Bar 303 on Friday, October 27.
The Preston Records Revue – A Tribute to Graeme Thomas
A special tribute show to local music hero Graeme Thomas, with live performances by The Straight 8’s, Ezra Lee & His Rockin’ Piano, The Wraylettes, and The Breadmakers, is set to go down at the Thornbury Bowls Club on Sunday, October 29.
Additional dates for shows already announced
Otoboke Beaver
Japanese band Otoboke Beaver, known for their intense live performances, will be adding an extra show at the Thornbury Theatre on October 24.
Los Bitchos
London psychedelic surf-disco combo Los Bitchos will also be performing an additional show at the Thornbury Theatre on October 26, accompanied by Bananagun, Cool Sounds, and redlab (DJ).
These newly announced acts and shows will join the previously revealed lineup, which includes:
Makaya McCraven
In his Australian premiere, this extraordinary collaboration between The Eighty-Six and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival promises to deliver an exceptional musical experience.
How Long Gone Live
There will also be an exclusive, live performance of cult-podcast How Long Gone. What started as a savvy take on pop culture for the in-crowd has now transformed into a podcasting juggernaut, amassing over 500,000 downloads. Chris Black and Jason Stewart are set to head to Thornbury Theatre on October 29.
Built To Spill
Indie rock heroes Built To Spill will have a sold-out intimate three-night residency at the Northcote Social Club on October 24, 25 and 26.
Connie Constance
The Eighty-Six is also set to present the first Australian show of rising British star Connie Constance. The Nigerian-British has quickly risen to noteriety, captivating audiences with her unique fusion of indie, punk, and dance influences.
Gear up for The Eighty-Six Festival from October 23 to 31. Find out more by heading here.