Thousands of concertgoers descended on The Australian 精东传媒app University (ANU) over the weekend for , a student-led celebration of Australian music marking the University鈥檚 80th anniversary.
Held at Chifley Meadows on Saturday 17 October, the outdoor concert brought students, staff, alumni and Canberra locals together on campus for a night of live music and community spirit as part of the ANU 80th anniversary celebrations.
Presented by the ANU Students鈥 Association (ANUSA) and ANU, After Hours celebrated the people who make the University what it is, while bringing established Australian acts and emerging Canberra performers to the heart of campus.
The line-up featured seven-time ARIA Award winner Genesis Owusu, chart-topping Rum Jungle, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, winners of the 2024 Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist Award. They were joined by Canberra-based rising pop artist Chloe Parch茅, and the University鈥檚 own Lamb Legz.
Highlights included Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers performing their , and Genesis Owusu鈥檚 high-energy closing set.
For Lamb Legz, the festival was an opportunity to represent the University鈥檚 student music scene alongside established Australian artists. Formed at ANU, the 12-member band is made up of students from Griffin Hall. The group won the , marking Griffin Hall鈥檚 second consecutive win in the competition.
Band member Dylan Adams said performing at After Hours was an opportunity to connect with audiences and celebrate live music in the region.
鈥淎s a campus and Canberra muso, we have tried hard to connect with the local music scene and make sure music is open and accessible,鈥 Adams said.
鈥淎fter Hours gives the Canberra community a chance to celebrate the importance of supporting local gigs and the artists who make our music scene what it is.鈥
ANUSA President, Charley Ellwood, said the festival celebrated local talent and helped make live music more accessible to students.
鈥淟ive music should be the beating heart of any campus and any city," said Ellwood.
"We know the sector is struggling, and the cost of tickets can be a significant barrier for students who want to experience live music."
The event offered discounted tickets to the ANU community and students from other universities. A limited release of exclusive show merchandise also gave lucky concertgoers a memento to mark the celebration.
ANU Interim Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Rebekah Brown, thanked everyone involved in bringing the concert to campus as part of the University's 80th anniversary celebrations.
鈥淚t was wonderful to see so many students out enjoying the evening, joined by alumni and friends from across Canberra. The energy in the crowd was electric, and I loved being part of it," said Professor Brown.
"The concert was a fitting way to celebrate 80 years with the students who make this place what it is.鈥
Brooke Disney, ANU Interim Vice-President (Advancement and Engagement), said After Hours was a welcome opportunity for alumni to return to campus and reconnect with the University.
"One of the great things about our 80th year has been seeing generations of the ANU community come together, and Saturday night was no exception," she said.
