Adelaide 2019: Music Top Picks

Dusk till Dawn 

Never one to disappoint when throwing a late-night party, RCC Fringe's Dusk till Dawn promises to transform the grounds of Adelaide University into a night club each weekend with a strong local and international lineup that includes Riton and Kah-Lo, Aloe Blacc, Remi, The Presets and Motz. 

RCC Fringe – Maths Lawns, 9pm, dates vary, Free.

Alex Rossi and Friends – The After Party

Alex Rossi's fusion of high energy blues, hip-hop and rock will be just right to provide the soundtrack for all your late-night party needs. With friends like Jamie MacDowell and Tom Thum we're in for a treat.

The Garden of Unearthly Delights – Fortuna Spiegeltent, dates vary between 15 Feb-17 Mar, 11pm, $20-25.

WOMADelaide

As impossible as it is to pick a single highlight from what is arguably one of the best festivals in the world, it’s exciting to see the diversity and strength of contemporary Australian artists performing alongside WOMADelaide’s usual jaw-dropping line-up. Watch out for Tkay Maidza, Julia Jacklin, Mojo Juju, Ollie English, Ukulele Death Squad, Thelma Plum and Timberwolf.

Botanic Park, 8-11 Mar.

Pussy Riot: Riot Days

In an era of global protest and persecution there is probably no bigger name than Russia’s Pussy Riot.  An Australian exclusive, this is a rare opportunity to see the punk rock feminist arts collective tell their story, in their own explosive way, live on stage. See them before they get arrested.

RCC Fringe, 8pm, 27 Feb–3 Mar, $49.

The Garden Sessions

The Garden of Unearthly Delights continues its long-standing commitment to promoting contemporary Indigenous Australian artists with The Garden Sessions this year showcasing performances by Jessica Wishart, Dhungala Baarka, Hanna Yates, Nathan May and Corey Theatre. These free Sunday afternoon sessions are the perfect way to unwind after a week of show-hopping.

The Garden of Unearthly Delights, 2:30pm, 16, 23 Feb, 2, 9, 16 Mar, Free.

A Brief History of Time

An ambitious and exciting collaboration of European and Indigenous Australian musical traditions, this concert draws on musicians and vocalists from across Australia and Europe to create a contemporary musical meeting place. A Brief History of Time is just that – a display of the oldest living traditions on the planet from Indigenous performers from Arnhem Land through to the Western music of the Middle Ages and Enlightenment. Hosted by Paul Kildea. 

Adelaide Festival – UKARIA Cultural Centre, times vary, 8-11 Mar, Free.

Ella Hooper

Mention the multi-award winning Ella Hooper in any Australian indie music scene and you’ll grab attention, so it isn’t surprising that there is a lot of excitement and interest surrounding the Killing Heidi lead singer’s one-off Fringe solo show. Her punk rock attitude is sure to command the stage as she sings selections from her impressive 23 year career.

The Garden of Unearthly Delights, 7pm, 22 Feb, $40.

Hippo Campus

After making waves with their debut album Landmark in 2017 and again last year with the release of their follow-up Bambi, Minnesota five-piece indie rockers Hippo Campus are finally coming to Australia in what will be a standout performance at the Palais. 

Adelaide Festival – The Palais, 10pm, 8 Mar, $49.