Brisbane Powerhouse is set to host the third annual ΩHM Festival of Other Music from February 28 to March 22. Thanks to the success of the previous two editions, which showcased a diverse lineup of artists and explored the fringes of sound and performance, the festival is coming back better than ever!
Its lineup includes both homegrown and international talent and is not easily categorised, embodying the spirit of diversity that runs through the whole event. Starting with an American folk supergroup, Bonny Light Horseman, featuring Anais Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson and Josh Kaufman performing their latest album Keep Me On Your Mind/See You Free, the festival will kick off tugging at your heartstrings with this heartfelt ode to the messy beauty of humanity.
Speaking of beauty, Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra will be presenting Interludes – Music for Meditation, a 60-minute concert-meditation experience to which audiences are invited to BYO yoga mats and practice mindfulness as they journey through timeless classics.
And because community and connection is the name of the game, that’s not the only interactive event! ΩHM is bringing the party with the city’s largest neuro-inclusive silent disco: Sound-Space Silent Disco. Led by globally recognised DJ KSMBA, along with Update Prayer and local DJs curated by Quivr, this celebration of music and joy will also feature a range of sensory-friendly activities led by autistic artists, including creating music with unconventional objects and collaborating in a community soundscape. Inclusivity will be a priority, so there will be specifically-trained volunteers on hand to assist visitors and quiet rooms available for those needing a sensory break.
Ireland’s Camille O’Sullivan, the queen of cabaret will also be gracing the stage with a spellbinding performance, weaving songs and stories from artists like Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, Bowie and Radiohead. Electric desert rock band Etran de L’Air, hailing from Niger will be drenching Brissy with a true whirlwind of rhythm, and legendary Japanese band The 5.6.7.8’s will bring their retro vibes and infectious energy to the festival.
But it’s not all talent from abroad! King Stingray, the surf rock trailblazers will also delight the audience with their irresistible sound, blending English and Yolŋu Matha, and Toby Wren will lead a powerful exploration of love and loss with the live performance of his jazz album, Songs for Dead Sailors.
The concerts, visual art installations and immersive activities already make this a festival not to be missed, but the moments of joy and connections that we can share through music and dance are what make it a truly remarkable event and what have made it a success over the past three years.
See the full program and get your tickets here!