As soon as you play One by U2, Hey Jude by The Beatles, or Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, where does it take you?

Certain melodies transport you instantly to a different place. It could be back to your high school years, your first serious relationship, or the heart-ache of the subsequent break-up. Emotive stuff, and no wonder there’s 120 million plus iPods around.

The Australian Institute of Music is putting on four performances this week; nostalgic journeys through 40 years of music styles, from 1968 to today. During each concert, significant world events like the Vietnam War, the untimely passing of legends Elvis Presley and John Lennon, and the effects on music throughout these years will be played out on a multimedia big screen.

The Showcase will feature seventies disco and rock, hardened war time classics, and songs of the eighties. There’ll be world music, UK punk, the Three Tenors and a global anthem from Michael Jackson.  Expect a finale of new music theatre, hip hop and rock.

Music can take you to a destination that only you have the directions to. Treat this like a very good map for memory lane.

The Australian Institute of Music AIM Showcase 2008
AIM Concert Venue, 1-51 Foveaux St, Surry Hills 2010
15-19 May, bookings essential (02) 9219 5444