ARIA award winner and former Australian Idol contestant Matt Corby has been announced as the headline act for Canberra’s Australia Day eve celebrations later this month.
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The Australia Celebrates Live concert on the lawns of Parliament House is in its 11th year, and is expected to attract about 30,000 to see the 2014 Australians of the Year announced.
Corby, whose song Resolution was voted ARIA Song of the Year by the public, will play a full set for the evening after concert organisers the National Australia Day Council took on board feedback from previous celebrations.
“In previous years they’ve only played two or three songs. With a performer like Matt Corby, three songs just isn’t enough. We want to give the Canberra audience the best experience possible,” Australia Day Council chief Jeremy Lasek said.
“We expect a terrific crowd. It’s a Saturday night, we’ll have just heard who the new Australian of the Year is, and then what a way to celebrate.”
Corby, who also won ARIA Song of the Year in 2012 for Brother, is expected to play some new music as well has his hits.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with people and spreading some positive musical energy. We have all had some time off so it will be the band and my first show of the year,” Corby said.
The concert takes on a new format for 2014, with ARIA nominated singer-songwriter Lior playing an hour-long tribute to the outgoing Australians of the Year, comprised of both his own songs and Australian classics chosen by previous award-winners.
A further three artists will also be announced next week, and Mr Lasek says all will be playing longer sets than last year to make sure fans get their fill.
“It’s going to be a great atmosphere. We expect not only Canberrans but we hope people from around the region take advantage of a long weekend, come to Canberra, settle in for a fantastic show, and hopefully stay for the weekend,” he said.
Australia Celebrates Live is free and begins at 5pm on January 25. Gates open at 3pm.
