A dedicated live music program returned to the Royal Adelaide Show in 2022 after a 20-year hiatus, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the State Government of South Australia.
Under the initiative, the BankSA stage, on Hamilton Boulevard, featured 100% South Australian and Indigenous artists for the first time, giving them a great opportunity to perform in front of a large audience at SA’s biggest event and supporting local artists who have done it tough during the pandemic.
Feature artists included Aboriginal dance and culture group, Yellaka, who presented ‘Old Wisdom-New Ways’ - cultural knowledge, story and ceremony that emphasised the importance of coming together as family; Aussie Big Bands - a showcase of professional musical talent from the Elder Conservatorium; and ‘School of Rock’ starring SA’s finest student musicians and best young rock voices.
Following a call-out to solo artists, duos and bands all over the State, four new stages in Kingsway Gourmet, the Taste SA Pavilion Stockman’s Bar and Goyder Forecourt, were also created as part of the State Government-funded live music program.
The ‘See it Live’ initiative saw over solo artists, duos and bands play over 100 paid shifts at the Show.
Former Royal Show General Manager Michelle Hocking said it was an honour to be able to provide a platform for a variety of industries, especially those most impacted by the pandemic.
“We are thankful to the State Government who enabled us to present an entirely revitalised entertainment program.”
Nearly 500 performers entertained show-goers over the nine days of the Show, culminating each night with the RAA Fireworks display with the theme ‘Colours of the Outback’.
