Nevada (US), Dec 9 (ANI): Preparations are on for Oscar winner musician A. R. Rahman’s two-and-a-half hours free concert in Australia on January 16.

Authorities have closed the venue Parramatta Park to cars on that day for the smooth running of the event and are advising patrons to leave the car at home and take public transport for this “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

They have launched a transportation survey asking patrons how they plan to reach the venue. Although the event will start at 07-30 pm, but the gates to the Park will open as early as 12 pm.

Rahman will reportedly entertain with an entourage of over 40 musicians and Bollywood dancers, presenting various rhythms and melodies of contemporary India.

Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded Rahman for offering this free concert. Leading Australian musicians should reciprocate this gesture by offering free concerts in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai in India, Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, added.

The organizer, “Sydney Festival 2010″, describes this outdoor concert as “a night like no other” and adds: Rahman is the undisputed king of contemporary Indian music. His songs embrace Indian, Western and Asian influences, connecting with hearts and minds all over the world. Sydney Festival is proud to celebrate this inspiring and multidimensional artist - truly one of India’s international superstars. Oscar nominated Australian film director-screenwriter-producer Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!) has stated: “Whatever the style, A.R. Rahman’s music always possesses a profound sense of humanity and spirit.”

Historic Parramatta Park spread over 85 hectares and listed on National Heritage List, which celebrated its 150 years in 2008, is one of Australia’s most important cultural landscapes and receives over 1.5 million visitors annually. It is located in Parramatta, a suburb about 14 miles west of central Sydney in New South Wales (Australia). (ANI)