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Marlon Williams
Live At The Gardens
March 6, 2026
A night with Marlon Williams’ Live At The Gardens at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens on 6 March 2026 unfolded as a beautifully curated evening that blended Aotearoa storytelling, te reo Māori songwriting, and Williams’ unmistakable vocal presence. Supported by Kee’ahn and Emma Donovan, and joined by The Yarra Benders and special guests Ngā Mātai Pūrua, the concert felt deeply rooted in place and culture, transforming the outdoor setting into an intimate, resonant musical space.
Drawing heavily from his 2024 album Te Whare Tīwekaweka, Williams delivered a set rich with emotional depth, from the atmospheric opener “Ko Tēnā Ua” to the soaring “Ngā Ara Aroha” and the reflective solo‑piano moments of “Kahore He Manu E.” Other fan favourites like “My Boy” and “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore” added warmth and familiarity, while traditional Māori songs and collaborative performances with Ngā Mātai Pūrua brought the night to a powerful communal close. The result was a performance that balanced artistry and cultural reverence, leaving the audience with a sense of shared celebration and quiet awe.
Words and images by Joshua Braybrook
