PRESS RELEASE: South Australian Music Museum launches and is set to celebrate local music history in historic Thebarton Theatre

The South Australian Music Museum (SA Music Museum) proudly announces its establishment as the first officially registered nonprofit organisation dedicated to honouring and preserving the rich musical heritage of South Australia. The museum will find its home in the iconic Thebarton Theatre, with curation activities slated to commence right after Thebarton Theate’s grand reopening following renovations, in October. Over the past 18 months, we have dedicated ourselves to building this nonprofit charity from the ground up, and we are thrilled to share that we have achieved tax-deductible gift recipient status. This will allow the SA Music Museum to accept donations that are tax-deductible, further encouraging community support as we embark on this exciting journey. Our mission is clear: to promote South Australian music history across the globe and ignite passion in future generations to pursue the same artistic paths as our celebrated local talents. South Australia has long been a crucial incubator for musical innovation, producing renowned artists that span various genres, including the illustrious violinist Carmel Hakendorf, world renown Baritone Peter Dawson, Australian Jazz Quartet, operatic tenor Thomas Edmunds AM, Sister Janet Mead, and pioneering Music TV host and performer Bobby Limb. Alongside SA’s popular music heroes such as James Taylor Move, The Twilights, Cold Chisel, Little River Band, Paul Kelly, Sia Furler, Hilltop Hoods and many others. Moreover, the museum will also shine a spotlight on contemporary talents like Electric Fields, West Thebarton, Bad//Dreems, Teenage Joans, and Germein.

The enthusiasm we have witnessed within the South Australian community has been nothing short of inspiring. We have received generous donations of rare gig posters and stage-worn memorabilia, which will help us tell the story of our vibrant musical past. We are also honoured to have the support of Victor Marshall, director of The Grape Organisation, along with a passionate team of music industry leaders, including Jordan Lennon from Lennon Entertainment, Rino Cufone from the House of SAP, and seasoned music scene veteran Bob Lott, who has been an integral part of Adelaide’s music community since the 1960s, running iconic Adelaide music institutions Central Booking Agency and Thebarton Theatre. We invite everyone to share their music memories through our newly established Facebook group. Whether it’s reminiscing about your favourite Uni Bar concert, the 1971 Myponga Music Festival, the infamous Bay City Riot of 1984 or the record-breaking attendance of Dire Straits at Football Park in 1986, we want to hear your stories. Share your photos, ticket stubs, flyers, and newspaper clippings, your contributions are vital to preserving our shared history.

Our website, samusicmuseum.com, will be regularly updated with news and curated content. We are currently developing a comprehensive guide to South Australia’s music landmarks, including self-guided tours to noteworthy sites such as the Town Hall Balcony, where the Beatles waved to a crowd of over 300,000, and cherished music laneways honouring our most illustrious musicians. We will also highlight legendary venues that shaped our music culture and iconic locations where memorable moments were captured with venues such as the Palais Theatre, Largs Pier Hotel, Apollo Stadium, The Old Lion, Tivoli Hotel, Le Rox and visiting stars like Debbie Harry, Bon Scott (AC/DC), Nirvana, and Paul McCartney. In addition, our curated playlist will showcase Adelaide’s biggest hits, along with songs inspired by South Australia from international artists such as Warren Zevon, Skyhooks, Ben Folds and Tom Waits.

Stay tuned for upcoming special events, workshops, and exciting projects we are working on.

We welcome all forms of contributions, physical items, mementos, and monetary donations alike. To offer your support, please contact us via our website. Join us in championing South Australia’s vibrant music history and securing its legacy for future generations. Together, let’s celebrate the sound of our community!

For more details, visit our website at samusicmuseum.com or follow us on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575678531693
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samusicmuseum/