Heavy metal, acid jazz, reggae, rap, Gospel, Afro-Caribbean, Gregorian Chants and Christian rock

Pope Benedict XVI may be the ‘rock star’ attraction of World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08), but many headline and emerging artists will also take centre stage during the week.

More than 165 outdoor concerts will take place during WYD08 week, 15 – 20 July, as part of the Youth Festival.

Headline acts include the likes of Damien Leith, Guy Sebastian, Paulini, the Tap Dogs, Diesel, Vanessa Amorosi and Australian Idol finalist Joseph Gateau.

They are joined by some of the world’s leading Christian artists, multicultural wonders, eclectic bands and emerging local and international acts.

“Dance and song is just some of the ways we can express our faith,” said Fr Mark Podesta, WYD08 spokesman.

“Apart from the Liturgy, they seem to be the most popular ways for young people with over 165 different acts performing during the week.”

“WYD08 will be a great celebration, and by the fantastic array of musical genres that will be on stage, there will be something for everybody.”

All Youth Festival acts are available to registered pilgrims and members of the public, and are listed at www.wyd2008.org/youthfestival

Highlights include:

** Resonaxis @ Sydney Opera House Concert Hall – A fusion of the secular and the sacred, acid jazz meets Gregorian Chant  – Wednesday 16 July, 3.00pm – 3.45pm                                                                         

** Metatrone @ Tumbalong Park – Catholic heavy metal band from Italy – Wednesday 16 July, 8.00pm – 9.00pm

** Scythian @ Palm Grove, Darling Harbour – Celtic, gypsy and Klezmer music with high energy rhythms – Wednesday 16 July, 9.00pm – 10.00pm

** World Youth 4 Justice concert by St Vincent de Paul @ Barangaroo – A concert raising awareness of the needs of Australia’s poor and oppressed, addressing social poverty and injustice in the world featuring DIESEL, Vanessa Amorosi, Rick Price and The McClymonts – Thursday 17 July, 6.00pm – 9.00pm

** Amanda Vernon and Psalm6Teen @ Harbourside Amphitheatre – Up-tempo gospel to ballads and rap Amanda Vernon collaborates with Psalm6Teen an exciting father and son Christian rock band – Thursday 17 July, 6.30pm – 7.30pm

** Internationally renowned Christian act, the Matt Maher Band @ Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC) – Christian pop rock from the USA with powerful teaching and prayer – Thursday 17 July, 7.30pm – 10.00pm

** Rexband @ Royal Hall of Industries – Contemporary Christian band from India incorporating Indian classical, western classical, rock, pop and R&B – Thursday 17 July, 8.00pm – 10.00pm                                                                  

** Tony Melendez, the “toe picker” @ Sydney Opera House Forecourt – Highly talented composer and musician, and an excellent guitarist with no arms, known as the “toe picker” – Friday 18 July, 6.00pm – 6.40pm 

** Receive The Power Live! featuring the Matt Maher Band, Hillsong United and Darlene Zscech @ Barangaroo – Friday 18 July, 7.00pm – 10:00pm

** Timothy Upshur and Jesus His Passion @ Sydney Opera House Forecourt – A multi sensory interpretation fusing Gregorian chant, jazz, drum rhythms and rich imagery of photographic artist Thomas Upshur – Friday 18 July, 7.00pm – 7.20pm

** Mustard Seeds Community Choir @ Tumbalong Park – African choral performance from Zimbabwe – Friday 18 July, 7.00pm – 7.40pm

** Handel’s Messiah performed by Australian Catholic Students Association, Artes Christi and Campion College Australia @ St Peter’s, Surry Hills – One of the world’s greatest choral works, performed with an 80 strong choir and orchestra – Friday 18 July, 8.30pm – 10.00pm 

** Judy Bailey Band @ Randwick Racecourse – Blend of Afro-Caribbean grooves with religious roots – Saturday 19 July, 5.00pm – 5.45pm

** Tongan Dance @ Randwick Racecourse – Traditional and contemporary Tongan dance – Sunday 20 July, 2.40pm – 2.55pm 

The WYD08 Youth Festival will take place from Tuesday 15 July – Sunday 20 July commencing at 2.00pm each day.

The Youth Festival will also feature performing arts, visual arts exhibitions, debate, film, national and community gatherings, street performers, workshops and a Vocations Expo.

A Report by The Mole