2009

In Lindy Hume’s first year as Festival Director, Sydney Festival opened with another spectacular Festival First Night. This time the Domain stage was headlined by Al Green, in his first ever Australian performance, along with The Black Arm Band featuring Jimmy Little, Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter and Dan Sultan.

Sydney Festival hit the national spotlight with their first ever Festival First Night. Taking over the CBD and surrounding areas, the party was headlined by none other than The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson. Meanwhile on other stages, there were performances from Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Paul Kelly, Sydney Youth Orchestra, Shooglenifty, Babylon Circus, Airvag, Pink Martini, Shuffle Club Big Band, Plump DJs, Spank Rock and many more.