Overview
Bringing together country, folk, and pop with his irresistibly captivating voice, Aotearoa/New Zealand’s Marlon Williams (Kāi Tahu, Ngāi Tai) returns to Brisbane for a special performance at On the Banks.
Known for his distinctive tone and heartstring-plucking vibrato, Williams effortlessly moves across genres, drawing on folk and country traditions while infusing his award-winning records with a fresh, modern edge. He’ll perform songs from his acclaimed new album Te Whare Tīwekaweka – the first original album entirely in Te Reo Māori to top the New Zealand charts – blending traditional Māori forms with playful, inventive touches inspired by everything from mid-century New Zealand showbands to Sardinian folk, Elvis Presley to Elliott Smith.
With a career that includes collaborations with Bruce Springsteen, Lorde, and Florence + The Machine, plus festival appearances worldwide and acting roles in film and in Netflix series, Williams brings his magnetic presence to the riverside for an unforgettable night of music, connection, and pure artistry under the Queensland sky.
Singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko will join Marlon Williams in Brisbane for On the Banks. Fresh from releasing her seventh album I Just Need To Conquer This Mountain – a late-night meditation on goodbyes, grief and new beginnings – with multiple Platinum records, three ARIA Awards and a career spanning six solo albums plus Seeker Lover Keeper, Sarah remains one of Australia’s most acclaimed and compelling voices.
Listen to Marlon Williams on Spotify:
Lineup
- Main Act Marlon Williams (NZ)
- Special Guest Sarah Blasko
About On the Banks
On the Banks is an outdoor concert series presented in collaboration between QPAC and South Bank Corporation. Hosted at the Cultural Forecourt, South Bank, against the stunning riverside backdrop of the Brisbane City skyline, this celebration of live music captures the essence of a Queensland summer – warm evenings, world-class performances, and an inviting community atmosphere. As the sun sets, On the Banks transforms the riverside into a hub of sound, connection, and creativity.
Discover More
Explore On the Banks, an outdoor music series held on the Cultural Forecourt at South Bank.
-
King Stingray On the Banks King Stingray
25 Feb 2026, from 6pmCultural Forecourt, South BankKing Stingray bring their soaring harmonies, surf-rock spirit and huge hearts to On the Banks for an unforgettable night, riverside.
-
MARINA On the Banks MARINA
26 Feb 2026, from 6pmCultural Forecourt, South BankMARINA steps back onto Australian soil this February, for the first time since 2011 at On the Banks in Brisbane.
-
Droppin’ Science: De La Soul On the Banks Droppin’ Science: De La Soul
1 Mar 2026, from 6pmCultural Forecourt, South BankTaking it back to the essence, Droppin’ Science is a night dedicated to hip hop in all its forms. From the golden age to the present day.
-
Grace Jones On the Banks Grace Jones
5 Mar 2026, from 6pmCultural Forecourt, South BankAppearing at the inaugural On the Banks series, Grace Jones brings her iconic, ever-evolving artistry to the heart of the city.
-
The Streets On the Banks The Streets
6 Mar 2026, from 6pmCultural Forecourt, South BankThe Streets, led by the inimitable Mike Skinner, return to the stage with a landmark tour of Australia performing for the first time ever in full, A Grand Don’t Come For Free.
-
Disco Club On the Banks Disco Club
7 Mar 2026, from 6pmCultural Forecourt, South BankAustralia’s feel-good phenomenon, Disco Club, is set to light up On the Banks for International Women’s Day weekend on Saturday, 7 March 2026.
-
Bernard Fanning On the Banks Bernard Fanning
15 Mar 2026, from 3pmCultural Forecourt, South BankPerforming his ‘Final Encore’ for his Tea & Sympathy 20th Anniversary tour with special guests Kasey Chambers, The Paper Kites, Troy & Jem Cassar-Daley and Georgia Mooney.
-
Peach PRC On the Banks Peach PRC
19 Mar 2026, from 6pmCultural Forecourt, South BankPeach PRC is set to bring her signature glitter-pop energy, magnetic personality and irreverent humour to the riverfront for On the Banks!
-
Blockbuster On the Banks Blockbuster
21 Mar 2026, from 6pmCultural Forecourt, South BankA colourful blend of Punjabi music, food and cultural flare, the program Blockbuster will come to Brisbane’s On the Banks for the first time.