Free Jazz at Fed Square

Kicking off the 2026 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 our unmissable Second Line Parade 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. Fresh from a residency at Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio (MESS), he brings his boundary-pushing sound to Fed Square, drawing on instruments and ideas developed during his time in the studio to create a futuristic blend of jazz, hip-hop, soul and electronic music. 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. Saturday 17 Oct 1:00PM – Second Line Street Party (starts at Southbank and finishes at the Fed Square Stage — click here for more details) 1:45PM – Rebirth Brass Band 2:30PM – BIGYUKI 3:45PM – Allysha Joy Plus DJ Steely Ann spinning tracks throughout the afternoon. Sunday 18 Oct 3:00PM – Jazz on Film: Soul Gallery Allysha Joy BIGYUKI Rebirth Brass Band Steely Ann Presented in partnership with