Review: Marlon Williams and Sarah Blasko – Cultural Forecourt, Brisbane

It was a little more quiet than usual on the Cultural Forecourt at South Bank last night as a smaller, more intimate crowd gathered for the night's performers. Part of the "On the Banks" series, this concert headlined by Marlon Williams warmed up with a beautiful, deeply introspective set by Sarah Blasko.

The Artists

Sarah Blasko: A cornerstone of Australian indie-pop for over two decades, Sarah Blasko is a three-time ARIA Award winner and 18-time nominee. Known for her cinematic arrangements and hauntingly clear vocals, her 2024 album, I Just Need To Conquer This Mountain, has been hailed as her most personal work to date. Her influence on the Australian landscape is profound, with platinum-selling records like As Day Follows Night (2009) and a body of work that spans film scores, theatre, and the beloved trio Seeker Lover Keeper.

Marlon Williams: Hailing from Lyttelton, New Zealand, Marlon Williams is a once-in-a-generation talent who seamlessly bridges the worlds of country, folk, and Māori tradition. A two-time winner of New Zealand's prestigious APRA Silver Scroll (2018 and 2026), Williams has recently garnered global acclaim for his work in both English and Te Reo Māori.

Sarah Blasko: Live at the Banks

Accompanied by Ellis King on piano and guitar, the performance felt like a late-night meditation. Ever so gracious, Sarah would thank the audience between songs, her voice carrying effortlessly across the river. Things were kept to a minimum — just Sarah and her accompanist executing a set of select pieces, giving the audience an intimate look into the magical performing and writing style of Blasko.

Marlon Williams & Ngā Mātai Pūrua

After a brief pause, the Ngā Mātai Pūrua (Kapa Haka Choir) walked on stage. They treated the audience to a handful of traditional Māori songs, the organic earthiness of the performance providing a deep sense of Aotearoa's culture.

Then, quietly, the slender shape of Marlon Williams made his way to the centre microphone; the main event was to begin. The crowd erupted as Marlon burst into song with tunes from his recent Māori-language repertoire. He is a classic crooner who blends country, pop, and traditional Māori songs together in one cohesive evening of heartfelt entertainment. Towards the end of his set, the choir rejoined the stage, and the sound and energy were both electric.