Adelaide Guitar Festival Reveals 2024 Program
Celebrate the contemporary and the classical of one of the world’s greatest instruments this Adelaide Guitar Festival.
World class music performed by globally-recognised talent is the agenda of Adelaide Guitar Festival’s jam-packed 2024 program. From September 12 to 29, our UNESCO City of Music will play host to the world’s guitarhead community through a showcase of concerts, prestige competitions and experiences that connect genres, generations and cultures. It’s the biggest celebration of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – one that blends the best bits of classical music with contemporary sounds.
So, mark your calendars! Here are the best shows at Adelaide Guitar Festival 2024:
The Rolling Stones Revue
It’s been 60 years since the genesis of one of the world’s greatest rock bands, The Rolling Stones – an outfit that pioneered gritty guitar rhythms. The Stones’ music has defined generations and influenced countless artists, including the four all-star Australian rockers that make up The Rolling Stones Revue: Adalita (Magic Dirt), Sarah McLeod (The Superjesus), Tex Perkins (The Cruel Sea) and Steve Kilbey (The Church). Settle in for an electrifying homage where this supergroup plays seminal Rolling Stones record Sticky Fingers cover to cover – plus huge hits like ‘Satisfaction’, ‘Start Me Up’, and ‘Sympathy For The Devil’ – at Her Majesty's Theatre on September 14.
September 14 | Her Majesty's Theatre | Tickets
Blak Country
Curated by Barkindji songwoman Nancy Bates, Blak Country is a celebration of First Nations talent who have found resonance in country music through its roots to Country and in heartbreak and solace. In tow with a guitar, First Nations voices that span generations will perform throughout the powerful evening in a showcase that reclaims this instrument of colonisation and honours its use in the continuance of songlines.
September 13 | Dunstan Playhouse | Tickets
DUSTYN
If you’re a lover of the local music scene, you’ll know the breadth of talent Wanderers frontman Dusty Lee Stephensen possesses. But this Adelaide Guitar Festival, prepare to see this singer-songwriter in a new light when he debuts his debut solo project, DUSTYN. An exciting and fresh addition to this year’s AGF program, this soulful showcase moves through a series of ‘midnight moments’, underpinned by the texture of vocal harmonies and lush strings. DUSTYN will be joined by Melbourne muso Ross Irwin (The Cat Empire) and a 10-piece band.
September 15 | Dunstan Playhouse | Tickets
Lucas Day Band and Opelousas
A collaboration like no other, local legend Lucas Day (and his four-piece band) has joined forces with award-winning Melbourne blues band Opelousas for a spine-tingling Friday night double bill. It’s forecasted to be a series of funky and fresh sets cut with high-octane performances that make you go ‘wow’. This gig is one night only! Don’t miss out.
September 13 | Space Theatre | Tickets
The Princess Bride in Concert
A classic fairytale adventure-romance brought to life with the magic of a live symphonic orchestra. Adelaide Guitar Festival artistic director and acclaimed global guitarist Slava Grigoryan will lead this spellbinding performance of The Princess Bride, buoyed by the talent of the Southern Cross Symphony Orchestra, as the film unfolds on the big screen. These shows are in hot demand (a third has been added to keep up with interest) – don’t miss this Adelaide premiere!
September 28 and 29 (two shows) | Festival Theatre | Tickets
Guitars In Bars
If you need any more reason to get out and enjoy some live music in this city, Adelaide Guitar Festival has re-launched its fan-favourite Guitars In Bars activation! Designed to showcase South Australia’s dynamic live music scene, this touring program will be hitting up some of the best live music venues in Adelaide. Best of all, it’s all free! Check out the full program here.
September 16-27 | Various | Details
Guitar Winter School
The Guitar Winter School is an incredible opportunity to sharpen your skill set, connect with like-minded peers and add new bodies of work to your repertoire through this week-long intensive. It’s split into two streams Blues & Roots – suitable for beginner to intermediate players 14+ – and the Adelaide Guitar Festival Orchestra – aimed at those who can play at the equivalent of AMEB Grade 3 (or higher). The school takes place from July 15 to 19. Details here.
There’s so much more to see and experience this Adelaide Guitar Festival! Check out the full program here.
