Starting on Friday this week over 62 venues in Adelaide will begin a three and a half week music extravaganza of over 260 shows, which is all being brought under the one Umbrella. Oh man, that’s the best pun we’ve made this week! Yes, Umbrella: Winter City Sounds is certainly a gold mine for those of use who love a good double entendre, but beyond that it’s an unprecedented showcase of Adelaide talent and Adelaide venues. If there was any doubt of how Adelaide had earned our title as a UNESCO City Of Music, this should go a long way to demonstrating just what we have in our back yard.
So, how should you navigate it all? Well, that’s where we come in, sorting the highlights from the other lights to bring you this run down of concerts you simply shouldn’t miss. Because live music is good for your health, didn’t you know? As well as realising that this city houses some seriously world class musicians. Oh, you think we’re grandstanding? Hardly:
The Tram Sessions
Venue: The City Loop of The Adelaide Metro Tramline // Genre: Acoustic // Price: Free // Dates: Random!
Your favourite Adelaide artists, live & unplugged on trams across the city, anytime, anywhere during Umbrella. A concept that initially began in Melbourne is ‘On Tour’ to bring to you some incredible music on your commute across the city. Get a gauge of the magic of these by watching them on YouTube.
Shopfront. Presents: Adelaide Zoo Matinee Series
Venue: Sir Thomas Elder Rotunda, Adelaide Zoo // Genre: Acoustic // Price: The music is FREE, but you’ll need to pay to enter The Zoo. // Dates: July 17, 24 and 31st from 1.30pm.
This crew have been kicking around Adelaide since April hosting pop up concerts across small rooms in the city. Their artists are always top draw, and it’s going to be wonderful to hear the acoustics against the backdrop of all the animals! This series of matinee afternoon performances begins during the July school holidays, which is perfect for parents looking to make a full day of things.
Rundle Sounds
Venue: Amongst everything in Rundle Mall // Genre: Acoustic // Price: Free // Dates: Weekdays from July 15 to August 7.
Much like the heart of Adelaide itself, Rundle Sounds will be a mixed bag showcasing some outstanding local music talent around the precinct. There will be jazz and blues, folk and acoustic, all South Australian artists and plenty of opportunities to grab a bite to eat in one of Rundle Mall’s fantastic food courts including Rundle Place and the Myer Centre, or even while browsing through a variety of specialty shops in Adelaide Arcade.
Golden Era Presents: The Warm Up
Venue: The Ed Castle, 233 Currie St // Genre: Hip Hop // Price: $15 // Date: July 23 from 1pm
If you know Adelaide music, you know of the Hilltop Hoods. This line up is curated by their record label, Golden Era, and will be hosted by international beat box icon Tom Thum. DJ Trials (The Funkoars), K21, DJ Sizzle, Plutonic Lab and Faint One will provide the one stage atmosphere to a backdrop of food and drink, live graffiti and screen printing.
Aqua Beats
Venue: Victoria Square // Genre: Everything // Price: Free // Date: July 23 from 6:30pm
We’ve actually touted this one before as a must see Umbrella event. Inspired by the great musical fountains across the globe, the waters of the Victoria Square fountains will dance to live music created by the likes of indigenous performer Major Sumner, Amicus Strings (guess what they play), prog intrumentalist Molloy and electro-pop artist Nakatomi. Alongside the array of artists, there will also be Delectables (and their delicious meatball menu) available, alongside some very cool interactive activities including face-painting for kids and children in adult bodies.
Root Down
Venue: Hyde Street Adelaide will be closed off for this on street show // Genre: Hip Hop & Funk // Price: $30 + booking fee // Date: July 30 from 4pm.
This will be a true celebration of Hip Hop Roots & Soul Language, providing live music and visual expression to exhibit the history, expression and energy of true Hip Hop origins. Featuring the wonderful Sampa The Great, Oisima, Abbey Howlett amongst the line up, there’s no doubt this will have your ass shaking!
Electro Live
Venue: Cinema Place // Genre: Electronic // Price: Free // Date: July 20 from 6.30pm
Hosted by Fresh 92.7, in collaboration with some of Adelaide’s most progressive musical minds, this unique and intimate audio/visual feast will be a one of a kind showcase. The Cinema Place laneway canopy will be transformed into a performance space that evokes comfort and warmth with couches, lanterns, rugs, umbrellas and heaters. But the main draw is the music.
Snow Jam
Venue: Crown & Sceptre Hotel, 308 King William St // Genre: Alternative // Price: Free // Date: July 5 & 6 from 6.30pm.
Twenty-eight Alt-Pop acts, handpicked for their uniqueness, creativity and quality will operate across two stages for two evenings at the Crown & Sceptre Hotel. Snow Jam is the sequel to sister show, ‘Summer Jam’, which was held earlier in the year and will also feature a debut showcase of interactive art by M@, TRIP! and TOFU.
Adelaide Reclink Community Cup
Venue: Coopers Stadium, 4 Wood St Norwood // Genre: Rock // Price: $5 // Date: August 7 from 12pm
Adelaide musicians take on local media in a poorly executed yet epic footy match full of beers, jeers and outstanding entertainment. All money raised goes to support the work of Reclink Australia, with live music from West Thebarton Brothel Party, WOMADelaide legends the Shaolin Afronauts and Slick Arnold. Come for the charity, stay for the streakers.
Grab your tickets online now at the Umbrella: Winter City Sounds website. Or if you’re curious what else is coming up be sure to check out the full program.
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