AO Finals Fest Day 3 Recap

Photographs by Jean Ngooi

Leading up to the Men’s final between Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev, Day 3 of the Australian Open Finals Festival kicked off at John Cain Arena to hype up the anticipation for the match. Predominantly featuring a lineup of DJs, Sunday’s musical acts transformed John Cain Arena into a dance floor with their infectious energy and groovy beats, all while being illuminated by the beaming sun.

Kicking off the performances was Naarm local 18-year-old DJ Cooper Smith. Despite gates opening later than usual and Smith beginning his set at the same time, patrons were quick to enter the arena and gather by the front barricade. Going through a catalogue of electronic and afro-house beats, Smith warmed up those who were arriving at the arena and laid the groundwork for what would later turn into a massive dance party. Having played a few festivals already, Smith’s talent is undeniable at his young age. Although his set ran for only 40 minutes, Smith made a couple more appearances throughout the 5-hour event between artists to keep the momentum in the arena going.

After Smith, Latifa Tee took the stage to spin a mix of hip-hop, pop, and dance tunes. Hailing from neighbouring Sydney (Eora), Tee was beaming and enthusiastic during her set, interacting with the crowd and sending out hearts. With an incredibly inviting and joyful stage presence, Tee was a very welcome addition to the stellar lineup.

Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir was up next. Consisting of a 10-piece choir and a DJ, the group brought to those at John Cain an infusion of gospel pop, disco with techno and house beats. Furthermore, their outfits were a clear stand out of the afternoon. Designed by FM/C, their customised choir gowns were designed to resemble electric rays of sunshine and detailed with metallic fringing. Smoothly blending the group vocals with the upbeat electronic beats, Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir covered a few iconic hits including Adele’s Rolling in the Deep and Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams. With an enchanting stage presence and powerhouse vocals, Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir easily kept spirits high and vitalised.

Moving onto the international acts and first headliner of the afternoon, British three-piece Rudimental took to the stage. Along with their touring vocalists Afronaut Zu and Chenai, the time spent with the band felt too short as they commanded the stage with their high spirits and vigour. DJ Locksmith was pivotal in getting the crowd moving, encouraging arms to be lifted and jumping around on stage with Afronaut Zu. The latter at one point even went into the crowd to further engage with fans and spread their infectious energy.  Telling the crowd how happy they were to be back in Australia, Rudimental made sure to include a blend of newer tunes like Dancing is Healing, and older hits like Feel the Love and Waiting All Night on the setlist. With a contagious spirit, Rudimental’s return to Australia was enthusiastically embraced by fans old and new.

Before heading into the last performance of the night, presenter Louis Hanson came on stage and briefly spoke about how the event made history, with this iteration of the Finals Festival being the first-ever festival to play at John Cain with the roof open.

Finally closing out the night, Groove Armada got behind the decks to host a 75-minute dance party. Also hailing from the UK, Groove Armada’s decades-long experience was on-show as they managed to get the crowd jumping so heavily that it was felt in the stands. The large wrap-around screen was also put to great use during Groove Armada’s set with graphics pulsing along to the beat. As a final flourish during Groove Armada’s final song Superstylin’, fireworks were launched into the air to close out the festival with a bang!

With a festival to celebrate the final night of the Australian Open, the second year of the Finals Festival demonstrated to be a major hit for Tennis Australia and Untitled Group. Fuelled by the electrifying line-up of Cooper Smith, Latifa Tee, Sunshine and Disco Choir, Rudimental and Groove Armada, John Cain Arena was transformed into a 10,000-capacity dancefloor that encouraged people to relax and dance under the gleaming sun.