Live Review: Xavier Rudd, Donavon Frankenreiter, Nahko & Medicine For The People

It was a showdown of spiritual healing as three very different musicians met at Sydney's Luna Park last Friday night with one purpose in mind: to raise awareness of our ailing planet.

Nahko & Medicine For The People kicked off the night, performing to an already packed-out crowd and dedicating their performance to the Aboriginal people of both this country and their own.  In a word, their set could only be described as inspirational. Spreading a message of the power of healing through music, Nahko had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand and singing along with him: “We are part of something special.”

Next up was the incredibly talented and super chilled out Donavon Frankenreiter in an acoustic performance, supported by Matt Grundy. He opened his set with a rendition of Free, followed by Call Me Papa, which melted a few hearts and had every couple in the crowd locking lips. But it was when he invited a group of lucky girls from the audience – one of whom was actually quite talented – up onto the stage to help him sing a rendition of If It Don't Matter, that the crowd really went wild. Props to the girls for having the guts to get up there and sing in front of the crowd of thousands. What they may have lacked in experience, they certainly made up for in enthusiasm!

By the time Xavier Rudd took the stage, the crowd was well and truly primed, and there was the distinct smell of illicit substances floating in the air. His performance was powerful, moving and emotional, showcasing his amazing talent, but more importantly, his passion for the conservation of our precious planet.

From the first chord of Bow Down, the crowd was under his spell, with powerful images being displayed on the screen behind him of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the work they are doing to protect our whales. A real crowd pleaser was his rendition of Ain't No Sunshine, where he changed up the lyrics to “Ain't no sunshine if Mother Earth, she goes away…” and he had the whole crowd singing along with the “I know, I know, I know...” parts. The energy of the crowd was electric, which didn't go unnoticed by Rudd, who said, “Thank you for bringing all of your beautiful energy into Luna Park.”

More than just a concert, it was amazing to feel his passion and to see that he is using his talent to raise awareness for such a noble cause.