Winter is coming…

A lot of people loathe winter. But WHY? Winter in Sydney is excellent. Stylish and fashionable men and women line the streets, probably secretly winking at you as you pass. Soup-of-the day awaits your consumption at every pub, and getting cosy with strangers on peak hour public transport might even be considered pleasant. The most charming thing of all is that winter in Sydney means Vivid. Yes, Vivid is back for another year and their innovative programme will warm even the coldest, winter-hating hearts and will most likely excite you in the pants.

We are so, so damn excited to tell you about the 2013 Vivid events FBi will be presenting.

*Deep breath*

Bobby Womack

Bobby has been ruling the world of music for over 50 years, writing and performing with everyone, and I mean everyone; from Ray Charles to Aretha Franklin to Gorillaz. Just last year he released the incredible, “The Bravest Man In The Universe”, his first original album of eighteen years since 1994’s “Resurrection”. Now this May he is making his Australian debut (!!!), joined by a 13-piece soul band. As they would say on that Andrew O’Keefe show with the suitcases and unnecessary girls dressed in gold tasselly dresses/terrible wigs; BOO-FREAKING-YEAH.

When :: 24th & 25th May
Where :: Sydney Opera House (Concert Hall)
How much :: $59-$89

Tickets on sale Wednesday 27th March

Cloud Control

Have you been wondering where in the world Cloud Control have been? Did they run off with their glorious Australian Music Prize-Winning album ‘Bliss Release’, never to return? Well, kind of. sadly they relocated to the UK, seemingly into hibernation, but gladly it seems in their ‘hibernation’ they’ve been making irresistible new harmonies and rhythms, refreshing their sound so that they can eventually re-win our hearts (not that they need to), and then, probably unintentionally take over the world.

With a recent, brief return to Australia as support-act for Weezer, the band’s new sounds have had nothing but praise. And so it is; Cloud Control will journey back to their homeland, playing in none other than the Sydney Opera House to premiere their forthcoming sophomore album.

When:: 31st May
Where :: Sydney Opera House (Joan Sutherland Theatre)
How much :: $35

Tickets on sale 27th March

Sounds of the South

If you missed Bon Iver’s Opera House shows early last year, well.. you missed out. But Justin Vernon will be fronting a new artistic community, Sounds of The South at Vivid this year. Joining Vernon are members of Megafaun and Fight the Big Bull, plus a to be announced female vocalist. These artists will join forces to delve into the legendary American songbook of famed folklorist, Alan Lomax. The songbook will tell the tale of Lomax as he embarked on a two-month venture through Virginia, the Mississippi Delta and the Georgia Sea Islands to capture a landmark series of raw roots recordings during the summer of 1959. Think old-time hymns, porch-side blues and nostalgic folk ballads. Glorious.

When :: 1st & 2nd June
Where :: Sydney Opera House (Concert Hall)
How much :: $59 – $79

Tickets on sale Wednesday 27th March

Of course there are countless other amazing events spanning Vivid Music, Vivid Light and the new Vivid Ideas. The Spinifex Group’s lighting of the Opera House sails and the MCA is always spectacular, as well as endless interactive light designs, including this year’s dance floor in front of Customs House which in turn makes Customs House DANCE ALONG WITH YOU. There will be conferences and panels involving people as diverse as clothing guru, Johnny Cupcakes to biologist animator, Drew Berry. You can view the full Ideas event listing here.

Other music events that will satisfy your souls range from Bish Bosch: Ambisymphonic, a reimagining of Scott Walker’s unique album of last year, Australian rock legends Sunnyboys will play at the Opera House, as does Matthew E. White making his Australian debut. Or maybe your thing is more a 45-piece Heritage Orchestra performing Vangelis’ retro-futuristic score of Blade Runner.

Vivid Sydney 2013 goes from 24th May – 10th June.

For more info, you can head to their website here.