Rhythm shifts up for Nightjar Festival’s second night

The second night of Torquay’s Nightjar Festival will lean into the strength of its line-up, bringing together soul, indie songwriting, funk-disco and late-night dance under the Big Top at Torquay Common this weekend.

GRID Series alum Wild Gloriosa opens the night at 4.30pm. The award-winning Tamil-Australian artist blends neo-soul, R&B and jazz, with songs grounded in self-love, identity and community, setting an early tone that is as thoughtful as it is powerful.

Melbourne singer-songwriter Jess Ribeiro follows at 5.30pm, bringing her intimate, finely observed songwriting to the early evening slot, before the pace lifts from 6.30pm with Suneden.

Known for their soul-funk boogies and dancefloor energy, the band’s sound draws on 70s disco while keeping one foot firmly in the present.

 

 

From 7.45pm, the night turns inward and expansive with folktronica singer-songwriter, Gordi.

Since emerging with her 2016 EP Clever Disguise, the artist born Sophie Payten has released the acclaimed albums Reservoir and ARIA- and J Award-nominated Our Two Skins.

She has collaborated with big-name artists like Troye Sivan, Julien Baker and Bon Iver, and performed at venues such as the Sydney Opera House. Her latest work, Like Plasticine, continues a deeply personal exploration of identity and resilience.

DJ Sunshine will then close out the night from 9pm, drawing on two decades behind the decks. Raised on the dancefloor, her sets move between house, disco and techno, keeping the focus on shared energy late into the evening.

 

 

Now in its 16th year, festival director Lyndelle Flintoft said Nightjar’s identity had remained consistent.

“Nightjar’s always been a place where people come and connect,” she said. “They come and connect, the kids run around, they have a great time, they see great music, they see all their mates.

“It’s a rite of passage … there’s people that went to Nightjar as kids [who are] now taking their kids to Nightjar.”

Affordability remains a priority.

“In Nightjar style, we’ve tried to keep it really affordable for everyone,” Flintoft said. “We want families to be able to come – [it’s] what Nightjar is all about.

 

 

“It’s all under the Big Top, which has been so beautiful the last few years because it keeps you warm if it’s colder and it keeps you cool if it’s warmer.

“Everybody just hangs out under there – [there’s] kids everywhere, kids in the mosh pit – and it’s great to see kids on their parent’s shoulders right up the front having a great time.”

Beyond the music, a children’s entertainment area will keep young festival-goers engaged, while market stalls, food trucks and bars will be available across the site.

 

 

Flintoft encouraged locals and visitors to the region to support the long-running Surf Coast event.

“Come on down. Support a small, independent, local event,” she said. “I think it’s really important these days when you see so many multinationals coming in with big music festivals.

“It’s great to support and keep things local.”

Nightjar Festival Night Two takes place this Friday, January 9 at the Torquay Common.

For tickets, head to nightjarfestival.com.au