Congratulations to the concert series that changed outdoor events forever – a day on the green is about to celebrate its 500th show.
Back at concert #1 when a day on the green began, Huey Lewis and Gwyneth Paltrow were at number one on the charts, Steve Jobs had just started iTunes, and the iPod was about to launch. A litre of petrol was 88 cents, and we could never imagine that a lettuce could ever become a luxury item. Big Brother and The Secret Life of Us were the hot new TV shows, and winery concerts were the domain of classical acts or cover bands.
A few things have changed over the past two decades, but a day on the green remains Australia’s premier outdoor winery concert event and has become a blueprint for how Australians experience music outdoors – cleverly curated musical line-ups, stunning venues and quality food and wine.
A DAY ON THE GREEN FUN FACTS: Most shows: Jimmy Barnes (44 – 36 solo, 8 with Cold Chisel) • Most shows by an international act: Pretenders (16) • # of artist performances: 1,960 • # of venues that have hosted a day on the green shows across Australia and New Zealand: 48 • # of stubby holders sold: 172,000 • # of T shirts sold: 63,000 • Biggest show – Show #446 – Robbie Williams at Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, 3 March 2018 • Fastest-selling show – #464 – Red Hot Chili Peppers at Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, 2 March 2019 • a day on the green has donated more than $1.5 million through its support of local charities and community groups at every event.
After entertaining more than four million happy patrons, a day on the green is celebrating its 500th show, with the legendary CROWDED HOUSE at Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong on 19 November.
“It’s a remarkable milestone that a day on the green have reached. Congratulations – that’s a legacy to be proud of. We were there at 220 and now it’s our good fortune to be able to mark their special occasion, the big 500!!! We will be fully energised and singing our hearts out, under the stars with all the good folk on the Green.” – Neil Finn
Michael and Anthea Newton started a day on the green out of their garage in Elwood, calling it a “Big Day Out for grown-ups”. The concept was simple – and remains the same 21 years later: good food, fine wine and great music in magnificent locations.
Roundhouse Entertainment later partnered with Michael Gudinski’s Mushroom Group, a partnership that continues to this day with Michael’s son, Matt Gudinski.
“Doing shows in wineries was a unique concept when a day on the green first launched 21 years ago, so to have now hit 500 shows is an amazing feat. Credit to everyone involved in the journey which has seen some of the world’s greatest artists perform in truly amazing settings across Australia. There’s no slowing down and we are looking forward to the next 500. Congratulations a day on the green!” – Matt Gudinski, Chief Executive – Mushroom Group
“It was an honour to walk side by side with MG on the journey, and our vision remains the same. Being a concert promoter is a tough gig, as everyone has realised in the past few years, but thanks to our loyal audience and our great team, we’re still going strong. And we’re still having fun.” – Michael Newton, Director – Roundhouse Entertainment
Since 2001, a day on the green has given regional communities around Australia a much-needed economic boost, injecting millions of dollars into local economies while bolstering tourism in the regions. a day on the green has played host to international superstars such as Fleetwood Mac, Robbie Williams, Elton John, Blondie, Florence + the Machine, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Sting, Leonard Cohen, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rod Stewart. And it helped pioneer homegrown line-ups to showcase iconic local legends including Archie Roach, Cold Chisel, Crowded House, INXS, Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, Tina Arena, Kylie, Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly and Vika & Linda, as well as always promoting up-and-coming new talent, including the first outdoor shows by a young Missy Higgins.
The first a day on the green was at Mount Eliza’s Morning Star Estate on 26 January, 2001, with 1,800 people enjoying an all-Australian bill: James Morrison, Renée Geyer, Stephen Cummings and Rebecca Barnard & Shane O’Mara. “Everyone seemed to get the concept – that it was a day out, eating, drinking, hanging out with friends and enjoying the music,” recalls Michael Newton. “It was an indicator that we were onto something.”
And who’s played the most a day on the green shows over the past 21 years? It’s Australia’s working-class man himself, the heart and soul of Australian rock & roll, JIMMY BARNES.
“I don’t know what’s more amazing, that a day on the green is about to do their 500th show, or that between my solo and Chisel gigs I’ve played the event 44 times over the last 21 years! Congratulations to all the team at a day on the green on reaching this huge milestone.”- Jimmy Barnes
Thanks to the long-term support of major partner AAMI, to mark this milestone a day on the green and AAMI are giving away 500 tickets to music fans around the country to experience a day of live music at upcoming shows in Geelong, Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, Mount Cotton, Bowral and the Swan Valley.
Enter here today from 9.00am AEDT until 11.59pm AEDT Saturday 29 October. T&Cs apply*.
“AAMI is all about supporting our customers and communities, and a day on the green events have long been a favourite amongst the community. We are very proud of our decade-long partnership with this iconic Australian concert series, and to be continuing to support the music industry in a very real and impactful way. Music has a very special way of bringing people together, and like so many Aussies, we’re thrilled to see live music back stronger than ever as we celebrate this incredible milestone with a day on the green and the community through AAMI’s 500-ticket giveaway!”– Mim Haysom, Executive General Manager – Suncorp Group
And to celebrate the 500th show, a selection of limited-edition souvenir wines will be on sale from Mt Duneed Estate to commemorate the event.
“We’re very excited that we’re getting to celebrate our 500th show with Crowded House, a band that means so much to Australians,” Michael Newton says. “And what a great line-up – Crowded House, Angus & Julia Stone and The Waifs. We can’t wait!”
Often imitated, never bettered, a day on the green is turning 21, celebrating its 500th show – and looking to the future!
UPCOMING A DAY ON THE GREEN SHOWS
Sat 5 Nov Crowded House with Boy & Bear, The Waifs and Maistrato
Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, QLD
SOLD OUT
Sun 6 Nov Crowded House with The Teskey Brothers, The Waifs and Maistrato
Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, QLD
FINAL TICKETS
Sat 12 Nov Crowded House with Boy & Bear, The Waifs and Maistrato
Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley, NSW
FINAL TICKETS
Sat 19 Nov 500th SHOW
Crowded House with Angus & Julia Stone, The Waifs and Maistrato
Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, VIC
FINAL TICKETS
Sat 3 Dec The Killers
Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley, SA
SELLING FAST
Sat 10 Dec The Killers
Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, VIC
SELLING FAST
Sat 18 Feb Sting with James Reyne and Joe Sumner
Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley, NSW
Sun 19 Feb Sting with James Reyne and Joe Sumner
Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, QLD
Sat 25 Feb Sting with James Reyne and Joe Sumner
Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, VIC
Sun 26 Feb Sting with James Reyne and Joe Sumner
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral, NSW
Sat 4 MarTent Pole: A Musical Jamboree with Pavement, Spiderbait, Magic Dirt,
Floodlights, The Schizophonics, Clamm, Black Rock Band
Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, VIC
Tue 11 April Jackson Browne with The Waifs and Helen Shanahan
Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth, WA
Sat 18 Nov Robbie Williams
Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, QLD
SOLD OUT
Sun 19 Nov Robbie Williams
Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, QLD
SELLING FAST
Sat 25 Nov Robbie Williams
Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, VIC
SOLD OUT
Thu 30 Nov Robbie Williams
Nikola Estate, Swan Valley, WA
SELLING FAST
Fri 1 Dec Robbie Williams
Nikola Estate, Swan Valley, WA
SOLD OUT
Tickets on sale now for all events from Ticketmaster | ticketmaster.com.au
And to hear first about concert announcements and to receive early-bird discounts, become an a day on the green member here
For full event information visit adayonthegreen.com.au