Surprise Chef

24 September 2026

Enter the ballot
Jazz-funk

Surprise Chef are a Melbourne-based quintet whose cinematic blend of soul, funk, jazz and forgotten soundtrack worlds has taken them from humble home-studio sessions to stages around the globe. Formed in 2017 in Coburg VIC, the band began by chasing spontaneous grooves recorded straight to tape, only to uncover a creative chemistry that would become the foundation of one of Australia’s most distinctive instrumental groups. Their analogue warmth, deep musical curiosity and unmistakable sense of groove have earned them a devoted international following.

Following their acclaimed releases All News Is Good News, Daylight Savings, Education & Recreation and Superb, Surprise Chef continue to evolve their richly textured sound.

For this special show, the band will bring new material to the stage, offering a glimpse into the next chapter of their ever-expanding sonic world.

Opening DJ

Setwun

Setwun is the musical brainchild of singer-songwriter, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and DJ - Josh Panakera-Molony. Sitting at the cross-section of many music worlds. Shapeshifting through sound, instinctively soulful, his brand of futurist fusion weaves through the purview of contemporary jazz, beats and electronica with feeling. Whether psychedelic neo-soul, broken grooves, or rhythmic experimentation, Setwun makes affecting music, no matter the twist. The Eora based Solomon Islander-Australian is as versatile as he is prolific. A much respected figure within Australia’s ever-fertile music scene, the hype has been bubbling with every small offering and tip-offs from some of the world’s most revered.

Setwun will DJ from doors at 6:00pm + 8:00pm.

Performances

Performances

Thursday 24 September 2026
6:30pm + 8:30pm

Location

Phoenix Central Park
49 O'Connor St, Chippendale

Tickets

Free, by ballot only

Enter the ballot

Ballot closes in

Ballot draw date: Tuesday 15 September 2026

Ticketing FAQs

  • All performances at Phoenix Central Park are free.

  • Phoenix Central Park is an intimate performance space and tickets are limited. Due to high demand, tickets will be issued at random to those who have entered each ticket ballot. Each performance has a separate ballot, so if you would like to attend multiple performances, you will need to enter each ballot separately.

    We advise you to listen to the artist you are entering the ballot for, and consider which shows you’d really like to attend. Entering more ballots does not increase your chances of attending.

    Please only enter our ballots with your own details - if we catch you using false details, you won’t have any luck. We reserve the right to cancel any tickets we believe are obtained through false information at any time.

  • If you are successful you will receive an email up to ten days prior to the performance with instructions on how to claim your tickets.

    This offer is only valid for a limited time. Unclaimed tickets may be forfeited. You will have the option of confirming up to two tickets for a performance.

  • No, your tickets will be valid for a specific performance only. If you are unable to attend, please pass the ticket onto a friend or contact us at tickets@phoenixcentralpark.com.au to allow someone else the opportunity to attend.

    You can enter ticket ballots for your chance to attend another performance.