2019 Helpmanns: Mona Foma, Live Nation among music winners

Night two of the 2019 Helpmann Awards took place overnight (July 15) at the Arts Centre Melbourne, recognising artistic excellence on Australian stages over the past year.

Mona Foma was awarded Best Contemporary Music Festival, defeating opposition including WOMAdelaide, Vivid LIVE and CMC Rocks.

It was the third consecutive year that the Mona has taken out the gong.

Mona Foma also won Best Special Event in the Industry portion of the awards.

“Australia and Tasmania in particular are home to the most vibrant festival scene in the world,” said Mona Foma festival curator Brian Ritchie.

“To be honoured for the third year running as The Helpmann Awards Best Contemporary Music Festival is mind-boggling in that context.

“Moving to Launceston was a big challenge but the Mona and Insite Arts teams bridged the gap by not compromising on our diverse and inclusive program philosophy.”

https://www.facebook.com/MONAFOMA/photos/a.324363386956/10156230549006957/?type=3&theater

Within the Contemporary Music category, Live Nation Australasia took the award for Best Australian Contemporary Concert for their Tim Minchin tour.

Also nominated was Frontier Touring for their Paul Kelly & Kylie Minogue tours.

Frontier got the last laugh in the Best International Contemporary Concert category for their David Byrne tour, beating AEG Presents for Celine Dion, and Christine & The Queens at Perth Festival in the process.

Musician Kev Carmody was awarded the 2019 JC Williamson Award – Australia’s most prestigious live performance industry accolade, presented by his good mate Paul Kelly AO.

Musician, singer-songwriter, Kev Carmody, honoured with Australia's most prestigious live performance industry accolade, the 2019 JC Williamson Award. Presented by fellow singer-songwriter and friend, Paul Kelly AO. #Helpmanns pic.twitter.com/9bHVwqdvaK

— Helpmann Awards (@HelpmannAwards) July 15, 2019

Full list of winners at helpmannawards.com.au