Under threatening grey skies, Sydneysiders flocked back to The Domain for the latest in Sydney Festival's free concert series. Tonight drew more members of the rock community with vocal extraordinaire Mike Patton's (Faith No More, Mr Bungle, Fantomas, Peeping Tom, Tomahawk to name a few) latest offering Mondo Cane: an ensemble including a twenty five piece orchestra performing Italian pop songs of the 1950 and 60s. While many of the crowd probably never listened to the album released in the later half of last year, you never miss an opportunity to see Mike Patton perform.

First up were Tango Saloon, a mostly instrumental band who played a mixure of genres, ranging from jazz to gypsy to experimental and everything in between. The band are also signed to Patton’s label Ipecac and the variety in their music is reflective of Patton's own complex musical tastes. A perfect backdrop for sitting in the park with champagne corks popping around.

Melbourne songstress Brous was next as patches of near blue sky peeked through the grey. Her songs had a folk feel behind them, with beautiful melodies. Vocally brilliant, her songs sat nicely in the background as the Domain filled, friends got reacquainted and we all settled in for Mike Patton’s Mondo Cane.

Dressed in a sharp white suit and trademark slicked back hair, Patton walked out on stage just as the downpour started. Three songs in, they had to pause to move the orchestra back out of the rain to protect the instruments. Sadly the rain was enough for some punters to call it a night, but those who stayed were treated to an amazing show. Not many of us would have heard these songs, but watching this man sing them was amazing. His voice is versatile and he can switch from smooth croons to almost barking snarls and back in the space of a second. He draws you into the music and makes you stop and take notice.

Performing entirely in Italian, songs by famed Italian 50s and 60s artists such as Ennio Morricone, Elmer Bernstein and Gino Paoli were featured in the set. Mondo Cane rewarded the patient - and somewhat drenched - crowd by putting on a fantastic performance. Patton himself went from being seated to stalking the stage like a man possessed with all the theatrics of an Italian performer. The open air performance suits the Mondo Cane sound. Having performed in piazzas and outdoor theatres in Italy over the past few years, they were able to project their sound out across the Domain and through the pouring rain with a crisp, clean sound.

It didn’t matter that it was wet, it didn’t matter that I didn’t understand a word that was sung, what mattered was seeing a musical genius in Mike Patton performing. I urge you to take a look at Mondo Cane footage on YouTube to appreciate the brilliance of this man, or better yet - head along to the State Theatre and see it live!