Forbes Street Band to bring "Fusion" to Artspace album launch

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is delighted to announce the latest release from the Forbes Street Band (aka OLC Music Collective) – “Fusion” – showcasing a diverse range of styles and stories from artists across Sydney.

The Forbes Street Band will be launching “Fusion” with a free live performance at Artspace, Woolloomooloo on Wednesday 18 November from 6.00pm.

The Forbes Street Band is comprised of members who have been supported through music programs at the Ozanam Learning Centre (OLC) in Woolloomooloo.

“Connection is at the core of the Forbes Street Band with each member bringing their own background, circumstances and talents individually. Together, they are bonded by music, and we’re delighted to put the latest ‘Fusion’ they’ve come up with out into the world,” said Omar Abidin, OLC Activities Coordinator.

“It’s been a real joy seeing the members of the band grow in confidence, be there for one another in challenging times, and celebrate each other’s wins over the years.

“We had a great time launching our last release at Artspace last year, and look forward to putting on another great show later this month,” said Mr Abidin.

Featuring 12 original songs covering a diversity of styles from rock, blues, hip hop and world music, “Fusion” is the fourth release from the Forbes Street Band/OLC Music Collective following “All Our Tomorrows” (2025), “Alternate Voices” (2023), and “Music Plays You” EP (2022).

The Forbes Street Band regularly performs in the local community and has been featured on A Current Affair, 2SER and Rolling Stone Australia.

Lumi Sheffield, who performs the album’s lead single ‘Balancing Beam’, credited the OLC for being a safe space for people to connect and express themselves creatively.

“The OLC is really an amazing resource, it’s so nice that we have this place for creatives to exist,” said Lumi.

“We have all worked so hard. I want everyone to have a fun experience on stage, enjoy it, and be proud of each other.”

Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, said that the upcoming album release highlights the value of providing inclusive spaces to empower individuals to express themselves.

“The Forbes Street Band is one of the great successes of the support we provide every day at the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.”

“We tend to think of support in defined terms, such as meals served or beds provided, but being able to provide someone who has experienced hardship or homelessness with a space to share their story creatively can play a massive role in rebuilding their confidence and recovery.

“We’ve had the Forbes Street Band perform as part of our Vinnies CEO Sleepout and Good Works Summit a number of times, so it will be a real delight for the public to experience the artistry of ‘Fusion’ up close,” said Ms Saiz.

“Fusion” will be launched on Wednesday 18 November with a free performance at Artspace: The Gunnery, 43-51 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo from 6.00pm.