Cockatoo Island Sunset Sessions

Everyone’s favourite live music series is back! Grab tickets for Sunset Sessions 2025 and spend your Saturday afternoons in the heart of Sydney Harbour!

22 March 2025 – Ashkan Shafei (5:45pm)

Ashkan Shafie is an Iranian singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist whose musical journey began in Iran and now flourishes in Australia. His music deeply rooted in Iranian folk traditions and the vibrant contemporary sounds of Tehran’s 60s and 70s – an era in Iranian music which silenced after the 1979revolution. Blending Eastern rich voice melodies with groovy, funk-like style, Ashkan is currently performing in Australia with his band, including himself on Rubab and vocals, presenting original compositions and reimagined Persian folk covers

 Supported by Bensu Arican (4:30pm)

Bensu is a musician and singer originally from Izmir, Türkiye, now based in Australia. Known for her stripped-back covers, she combines raw emotion with her soothing voice and guitar playing. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, she started her journey as a busker on the streets of Sydney, captivating audiences with her cultural roots and personal journey.

The series is presented by the Harbour Trust with a line-up by Music & Booze Co.

 View important notes about the event here.