MUSIC NEWS: Fairfield In Feb Curated by MzRizk and Habibi Hafla

Curators and tastemakers MzRizk and Habibi Hafla are bringing the party to FAIRFIELD IN FEB and it's FREE!

Fairfield in Feb is coming to Fairfield Amphitheatre this year, with two evenings of free concerts brought together by some of the best curators and tastemakers MzRizk and Habibi Hafla with City of Yarra. Much loved for over two decades now, Fairfield in Feb presents a surprising and ever-changing feast for your ears by the beautiful banks of the Yarra River for the last two Sundays of February. Come bask in two nights of live performances featuring a collaboration of classic and contemporary Arabic music Tarabeat x MzRizk, duo Sepideh and Mastaneh, local choir sensations HALO Vocal Ensemble and Pese Mai, with authentic homemade Palestinian food from Chef Aheda Kitchen and traditional BBQ from the kiosk from Maui’s Snack Bar; a delight for all the senses.

"I love collaborating on local events as it allows me to share some of the best talent we have in this city. There is something special about providing spaces for acts to perform in iconic locations and to share their musical traditions and culture with open-minded, music enthusiasts. In February, I want all those in attendance to be incredibly satisfied with their decision to spend the evening with us, as memorable evenings are always accompanied by delectable food and performances by incredible acts." - MzRizk

Sunday 18 February
Presented by Habibi Hafla: Tarabeat x MzRizk supported by Sepideh and Mastaneh

Tarabeat x MzRizk combines traditional Arabic music with electronic music, a celebration of the rich musical history and traditions of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region that is nostalgic and modernistic. Inviting artists from the wider MENA community to join in their performances, from drummers to belly dancers, their dynamic live show has taken to the stage at WOMAD 2023, Habibi Hafla, Moomba, and the main stage at the Docklands for NYE. For Sunday 18 February, they will be joined by vocalists Onur Kurt and Jacinta Elamarly accompanied by percussionists Rawdrum and Basma, with belly dancers Laila Shouha and Melanie Khanum.

Vocal and guitar duo Sepideh and Mastaneh use music to eliminate geographical boundaries and bring people together from different cultures and backgrounds. With music sung in French, Arabic, Azerbaijani (Folk song), Persian, and Turkish languages, their performances offer a magical experience, showcasing the beauty of each language.

Share in the cultural traditions and a night of Palestinian food and recipes from Chef Aheda Kitchen - "I have two secrets for cooking. The first is not my secret but my country’s: ‘Cook with your hands.’ The second is love. You need to put some love into your cooking. I’ve been cooking my whole life. In Palestine, I was a chef and I ran a catering business. All my favourite recipes come from my grandmother and her grandmother. I need to hold onto them and share them. These recipes are my culture and I need my culture to continue."

Sunday 25 February
Presented by MzRizk: HALO Vocal Ensemble supported by Pese Mai

Putting a modern spin on the definition of choir, Halo Vocal Ensemble is delivering a new sound to the masses, directed by vocal powerhouse Liona Tatafu. Bringing together a lineup of artists from different communities across Naarm/Melbourne, their ethereal harmonies and electric energy reimagine arrangements of modern RnB, Soul, Jazz, Gospel, and Hip Hop. No strangers to big stages, performing at Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Moomba, Loch Hart Festival, and more, their set at Fairfield Amphitheatre will feature their takes on RnB royalty Kanye West, Chaka Khan, Outkast, Kirk Franklin, Nina Simone, Destiny’s Child, and more.

Having previously performed alongside HALO Vocal Ensemble at Moomba and Christmas at Federation Square, choir group Pese Mai will join in a night of vocal and harmony prowess. Formerly known as the Pasifika Choir, Pese Mai is a collaboration between different students from South East Melbourne, performing a mixture of Pasefika songs and medleys that embody Samoan, Tongan, Rarotongan, Maori and Tokelauan languages.

Continue on a voyage to the rich culinary traditions of the Polynesian Islands, with Maui's Snack Bar and let your taste buds be transported to an unforgettable tropical destination.

Don't miss your chance to experience these two nights of unforgettable local talent on the banks of the Yarra River.

SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY
6pm - 6.15pm - Welcome and DJ
6.15pm - 6.45pm - Sepideh & Mastaneh
6.45pm - 7.00pm - DJ
7pm - 8.30pm - Tarabeat & MzRIzk

SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY
6pm - 6.15pm - Welcome and DJ
6.15pm - 7.00pm - Pese Mai
7.00pm - 7.15pm - DJ
7.15pm - 8.30pm - HALO Vocal Ensemble

Sarah GuppyJanuary 30, 2024