“Recording Holley is akin to trying to capture lightning in a bottle, and his music represents a devotion to the very act of creation.” - The New York Times
“He makes the kind of sculpture–and produces the kind of music–that changes people.” - SF Weekly
“The avant-garde singer’s seventh album is a big-hearted, transcendental testimonial.” - Pitchfork
Since 1979, Lonnie Holley has devoted his life to the practice of improvisational creativity. His art and music, born out of struggle and hardship as a survivor of Jim Crow-era Alabama, has manifested in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, performance, music and filmmaking. Vital as ever at the age of 75, his work is now featured in collections of major museums throughout the world.
As a musician, Holley has released seven full-length albums, including 2025’s powerful, lushly produced Tonky and its predecessor, 2023’s Oh Me Oh My, which featured experimental guest turns from admirers including Michael Stipe, Bon Iver and Sharon Van Etten.
In his performances, Holley’s music and lyrics are improvised on the spot and morph and evolve in unison with the setting - no two performances are ever the same. For Sydney Festival, each night this one-of-a-kind artist and his masterful improvisational style will be joined by a different surprise icon of the Australian music scene in a local-international collaboration that is sure to wow you.
Partial lockout applies – latecomers will be admitted at an appropriate break in the performance. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
- 70 mins (no interval)
