YOU know summer’s really arrived in Canberra when the annual Summer Sounds concert series kicks off at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

It all starts this this Saturday, January 16, on the Eucalypt Lawn, when emerging talent, national performers, Big Band sounds, jazz and bush ballads take to the outdoor stage.

Gardens’ General Manager, Peter Byron said this year’s performances over four weekends during January and February would include Justine Clarke, Triple J Unearthed Young Monks, and Canberra’s own ‘The Voice’ finalist, Amber Nichols.

“The Gardens showcases the diversity of Australian flora, ranging from the cool Rainforest Gully to the expanse of the Red Centre Garden. The outdoor Summer Sounds concerts offer a relaxing and rejuvenating evening surrounded by family and friends, beautiful native trees and plants, and a great selection of live music,” Byron said.

He is naturally excited to have on board a new presenting partner for 2016 — Maliganis Edwards Johnson, along with other partners Icon Water, Mix 106 and Hotel Realm.

“Summer Sounds is one of Canberra’s most popular outdoor summer events and we are delighted to be supporting this community program,” says Deborah Rolfe, partner at MEJ.

The  concerts will be held each Saturday and Sunday evening from January 16 to February 7, 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Entry is $5 per adult, $2 concession and children 12 years and under are free. bring a picnic or purchase food and drink options including wood-fired pizza, slow cooked pork, handmade gelato ice-cream and a cold bar.

The full Maliganis Edwards Johnson Summer Sounds program is as follows:

Sat 16 Jan – Amber Nichols (2015 ‘The Voice’ finalist) and Micky Sulit

Sunday 17 Jan – Lulu Swing a Manouche (gypsy jazz swing)

Sat 23 Jan – Big Boss Groove (big band party sounds)

Sun 24 Jan – Franklyn B Paverty and Humbug (toe-tapping bush ballads/Irish jigs)

Sat 30 Jan – Annie & the Armadillos (popular jazz and blues)

Sun 31 Jan – Belle Whyte (Indigenous singer/songwriter)

Sat 6 Feb – Justine Clarke (ABC performer/actor) with Mr Tim and the Fuzzy Elbows

Sun 7 Feb – Young Monks (Indie pop and Triple J Unearthed band)

For further information, visit anbg.gov.au/gardens