Legendary Performer Grace Jones Leads Modulations Program At Vivid Sydney

Veteran, acclaimed icon of stage, screen and catwalk alike Grace Jones has been announced as the headline act for this year's second-ever Modulations program at Vivid Sydney.

Jones, who — depending on your interests — should be known to you as everything from Bond villain to chart conqueror and Vogue cover star, will perform two exclusive shows for Australian audiences as part of the annual festival, gracing the Carriageworks stage on Sunday, 31 May, and Monday, 1 June for what will be her only appearances Down Under this year, her first a sell-out trip since 2011. 

"This year's Vivid Sydney program continues to expand and attract international stars, and Grace Jones' two Australian-exclusive performances are set to be another standout of the festival's music program, NSW Trade, Tourism & Major Events Minister Stuart Ayres said in a statement.

"After the huge success of the inaugural Modulations program in 2014, where audiences were treated to intimate performances from iconic pop duo the Pet Shop Boys, Modulations has raised the bar once again."

Ayres is not wrong — as Carriageworks Director Lisa Havilah elaborates, the Modulations program extends beyond the boundaries of music to embrace art, design and food, celebrating multiple art forms and the creativity expressed therein, all of which makes the multifaceted Jones a natural main event.

"Grace Jones is the perfect artist to headline our second Modulations program," Havilah said. "Jones is the quintessential cross-disciplinary artist, having worked in film, music, art and design; she has collaborated with countless world-renowned artists.

"She is one of the original female music-industry pioneers and a true cultural innovator of our generation. We are thrilled to be bringing her to Sydney in partnership with Modular Music and Destination NSW."

As great a coup as two live sets from the inimitable Jones may be, Modulations has stayed true to its word in offering an expanded palette of options for your cultural palate, being held across two weekends and six days of live music, contemporary ideas, and consumables to keep your belly happy.

For example, on 31 May, 1-2 June, and 5-7 June, Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta, Fratelli Paradiso and 10williamst unite at Carriageworks for "the ultimate food and music partnership", Italo Dining & Disco Club (free entry, too!); on 5-6 June, legendary jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders will play two shows on the back of a lauded appearance at January's Sydney Festival; on 6 June, veteran muso Bill Drummond — half of early-'90s Brit outfit the KLF — will present a keynote address about his work and unveil a new piece of art; and on7 June, city dance-club institutions Pelvis, Kooki and Motorik join forces for a massive party in celebration of dance music, art and imagination.

Tickets for Grace Jones' two performances at Carriageworks are on sale from 10am today (28 April). For bookings, see the venue's website.

For more information about Modulations, also see Carriageworks' website.

The wider Vivid Sydney program runs for 18 nights, from 22 May to 8 June — see the event's website for more information.