Free Jazz at Fed Square
PRESENTED BY FED SQUARE AND THE MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
Kicking off the 2026 Melbourne International Jazz Festival with a bang, Fed Square comes alive with a free afternoon of brass, beats and boundary-pushing sounds, followed by a special program of Jazz on Film.
Saturday afternoon begins with the unmissable Second Line Street Party bringing the vibrant spirit of the New Orleans streets to Melbourne, with New Orleans legends Rebirth Brass Band leading the way and storming the Fed Square Stage.
Following this funk-fuelled brass explosion is Japanese, New York-based keyboardist, composer and producer BIGYUKI, in a special collaboration with Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio, blending jazz, hip-hop, soul and electronic influences into something entirely futuristic.
Closing the afternoon is local hero Allysha Joy, whose husky, soulful voice, formidable Fender Rhodes prowess and raw poeticism have garnered legions of attentive fans the world over.
If you feel like funkin’ it up, put on your beads, bright clothing and marching shoes and join in the fun! The party continues at Fed Square with an afternoon of free performances from Rebirth Brass Band, BIGYUKI and Allysha Joy.
Saturday 17 October at 1pm | Southbank to Main Square
New Orleans legends of the Second Line, Rebirth Brass Band make their long-awaited Australian debut, leading a joyous and jumping musical march along the Yarra. Channelling the same spontaneous and ecstatic all-in parades seen in the streets of New Orleans, this 8-piece, all-star brass band is guaranteed to get you moving.
Saturday 17 October at 1:45pm | Main Square
From the streets of the French Quarter to sold-out venues across the world, the GRAMMY-winning Rebirth Brass Band bring the same unstoppable party every time. And now, after four decades, they’re finally here. If you feel like funkin’ it up, there’s only one place to be…
Rebirth Brass Band are the sound of New Orleans — delivering second-line rhythms and deep jazz tradition cut through with funk, soul, R&B and the raw energy of the streets they grew up on. They’ve shared stages with James Brown, the Neville Brothers and Quincy Jones, and filled arenas alongside Red Hot Chilli Peppers and U2. Featured prominently in HBO’s acclaimed series Treme, they’re recognised as an essential part of the city’s cultural fabric.
Saturday 17 October at 2:30pm | Main Square
BIGYUKI is NYC’s musical secret weapon. The New York-based, Japanese keyboardist, composer and producer has built an international reputation for blending jazz, hip hop, rock, electronic and dance music influences into something wholly his own. His unique sound has attracted collaborators from across the musical spectrum, with credits including landmark recordings with A Tribe Called Quest and J. Cole, tours with Kamasi Washington, and collaborations with artists including Lauryn Hill, Robert Glasper, Meshell Ndegeocello, Snarky Puppy, ATARASHII GAKKO and more.
But on stage with his own trio is where BIGYUKI truly comes alive. This is music that demands to be experienced in person: high-energy, unpredictable and utterly immersive. Expect thunderous grooves, explosive improvisation, deep bass and moments that veer from hypnotic to euphoric without warning. Bold, bracing and built for late-night abandon, BIGYUKI doesn’t just cross musical boundaries. He erases them.
Saturday 17 October at 3:45pm | Main Square
Allysha Joy is a deeply-expressive singer, songwriter, producer & keys player hailing from Naarm (Melbourne), known for both her solo work and as front woman for 30/70. A uniquely-talented artist, her husky soulful voice, formidable Fender Rhodes prowess and raw poeticism has garnered legions of attentive fans the world over.
Allysha’s lyrics weave together a heartfelt mix of love, power, wonder, anger, faith and hope for change. An artist that presents a palette of intricate grace and optimism, whilst unafraid of adding uncomfortable truths. An incredible live performer; Allysha’s husky vocals sonically sync with her formidable Fender Rhodes playing, whilst her influences are a solid base of jazz, soul and R&B; all glazed with the unique sound the Melbourne / Narrm scene has become known for globally.
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