What better way to start of 2023 in Sydney, than having a series of concerts in the middle of a closed down Cahill Expressway? It’s only five nights a year we get a chance to participate in such an event. It may be a little cold and windy in the city, but for the hundreds in attendance at the sold-out Elevate festival, the mood is about to get lifted.
On the decks throughout the night was DJ Nicole Tania keeping the party vibe going. First on stage for the main performances was Becca Hatch giving us some soulful dance beats to warm up the crowd.
The aptly named Long Bar was flowing all evening, and a variety of street performers were keeping the crowd entertained in between sets while we eagerly awaited the rest of the night’s performances.
Hosting the session and welcoming performers to the stage was Double J’s Zan Rowe, as she called upon Triple J darling Mallrat. Genuinely blown away by the occasion and the incredible view of the iconic Sydney Harbour, she and her band played a mix of older and new songs. Crowd favourites ‘Groceries’ & ‘Charlie’ had everyone singing along.
After a short break, it was time for the headliner of the night, Amy Shark. Considering the crowd were perched high above Circular Quay, it seemed highly appropriate that the set kicked off with ‘Everybody Rise’. ‘All Loved Up’ helped sum up how the crowd was feeling tonight. Although Travis Barker wasn’t in attendance for ‘C’mon’ or Keith Urban for ‘Love Songs Ain’t For Us’, it was still a great set by Amy and her band. Usually seeing a shark this close to Sydney Harbour would be frightening, but this one was just Adore-able.
Moments after the performances concluded, we were treated to a SkyShow – featuring the largest choreographed drone show ever performed in the Southern Hemisphere. Positioned in the middle of the two Australian icons; the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, the show told a story of the traditional Gadigal people featuring Chrissie the Cockatoo and Benny the Seal – a perfect way to acknowledge the traditional history of the beautiful city we get to call home.
Elevate Sydney was a night full of stunning displays of Australian talent and we will certainly be holding tight for the next instalment.
(Photos by Christian Ross)
