Sarah Levins – Opening Act

The wonderful Sarah Levins opened for Julian Lage the other night at City Recital Hall and it was an absolute joy to listen to her perform.

With only two propped up guitars onstage to keep her company, Levins turned the City Recital Hall into an intimate listening lounge with her stripped back set. Though her accompaniment may have been minimal, it let her beautiful, melodic voice soar. Joined by delicate guitar chords, her voice suited the theme of her discography, amplifying the yearning and lovesick feeling many of her songs pertain to.

While playing tracks from her 2025 EP ‘Eye Spy’ she also teased some new releases for an upcoming album allegedly due to release at some point next year. From what was heard it will definitely be music to keep an ear out for and we’re super excited to see what more Sarah has in store for us.

In addition to her magnificent performance Levins also thrilled the audience with crowd work shining a light on the backstories behind her songs, an example love letters from her parents youth, something so clearly echoed in the world building of her lyrics. She’d often included humour in these stories, like how she was inspired by local Sydney water fountains, ranking the Hyde Park fountain as her favourite (which was met with light-hearted disagreement from the audience).

In conclusion Sarah is truly a brilliant upcoming talent, which if you aren’t already tuned into what she’s been up to, you should definitely start as we’re sure we’ll be seeing much more of her and her music in the near future.

Julian Lage – Main Act

Julian Lage’s performance was a welcomed pleasant surprise, performing often over eight minute long compositions he demonstrated unprecedented skill alongside both technical and artistic craftsmanship. This appearance was one stop of a tour celebrating the tenth anniversary of Lage’s record ‘World’s Fair‘, an eclectic acoustic guitar album that rides the line between jazz, folk, and classical.

Lage’s work has earned him five GRAMMY nominations and for good reason; each piece felt like a well crafted story.

What Levins did with her words, Lage did with silence. In between his dexterously executed runs and rhythmic strumming, Lage used changes in tempo and intentional rests to build an emotional arc for the audience to sink into.

Throughout his act both Julian and the audience felt almost in complete synchronisation with a magnetic and palpable energy in the room. Audience members would lean over their seats to get a closer look, wondering how Lage moved his hands so fast or trying to anticipate his next musical move. Julian’s talent is easily recognised and cannot be understated which was telling from the two standing ovations he received at the end of the main performance and the final encore.

Overall it was a privilege to witness his performance live and the investment from the audience is truly a testament to his strength as an artist and to the ‘World’s Fair‘ record as a whole.

World’s Fair 10 Year Anniversary Tour

Julian Lage & Sarah Levins at City Recital Hall

17th September 2026

Review by Autumn Sagal & Rose Jennings

Posted in: Program Blogs, Reviews