Walker Place will host the Gawler Fringe Opening Event on Friday 17 February, from 3pm to 10pm. The Opening Event will be an afternoon and evening of fantastic entertainment with performances by local musicians, Welcome to Country and dance performance by Kuma Kaaru, children’s activities, as well as food and drinks available for purchase from local businesses and service clubs.
Well-known powerhouse performer Andy Seymour will treat the audience to the feature performance at the Opening Event. With his larger-than-life, charismatic stage presence, Andy and his band will belt out an hour of legendary rock n roll songs from Elvis. Andy will most definitely bring something extra special to the opening night of the Gawler Fringe.
The Gawler Civic Centre will again be one of the Town’s main venues for this year’s Fringe festivities. Across the month of Fringe, the Gawler Civic Centre will host a range of exciting events including live music, comedy, film, cabaret, quiz night, Nunga Fringe, Gawler Fringe Art Exhibition, workshops, demonstrations, Library events, Youth Space activities, and more.
“The Fringe is a wonderful and vibrant time of year, when Gawler becomes a hive of activity across February and March. Our community can enjoy the festivities of Fringe without the need to venture too far from home” said Mayor Karen Redman.
“The Gawler Fringe supports many local artists and performers, and some from further afield as well. It’s a great opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate and support the arts.”
“With well over 30 events and activities, the 2023 program covers a wide range of genres and is our most comprehensive to date. There’s sure to be an exciting event, show or activity to suit every member of the community.”
Some highlights of the 2023 Gawler Fringe program include:
- The Queen of Cool: Miss Peggy Lee – Join multiple five-star narrative cabaret singer, actress, writer, producer and artistic director, Brigitte Baden-Rennie, on Saturday 18 February, as she pays homage to the great jazz/pop icon Peggy Lee.
- The Gawler Fringe Art Exhibition – This exhibition of local artists will be on display across the entire month of Fringe, showcasing ‘Away from the Busy’ by Martin Johnson, ‘South Australia in Focus’ by various photographers, ‘Women at Large’ by various artists, ‘Connect’ by various MegaWaves artists, and ‘Mosaics’ by Gawler Youth. The Gawler Community Gallery will be hosting three exhibitions including ‘Black and White’ by Carol Clue, ‘Textile Art’ by Annette McRae & Marilyn Tucker, and a ‘Members of the Gallery’ exhibition. The Gawler Fringe Art Exhibition opening night is on Thursday 23 February at the Gawler Civic Centre.
- Nunga Fringe – will feature artist in residence Thomas Readett from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 February. Tom is a well-established artist and Ngarrindjeri man. His practice spans drawing, painting, video, music, advocacy and education. Join Tom as he creates a spectacular 3D piece for the Gawler Civic Centre. Then, throughout the month of Fringe get involved in a range of Aboriginal cultural activities including Kaurna language, art, music, story-telling and song.
- SAGA Gawler: Women’s International Film Festival – This unique event on Friday 24 February is a celebration of women-behind-the-camera films. A culturally diverse cacophony of ideas and world perspectives, SAGA is a culturally inclusive women's film festival based on the notion that the stories of women and girls matter.
- Something for the Library lovers
- On Thursday 23 February, join local writer Suzanne Verrall for the Read. Write. Submit. Repeat. workshop, as she shares insights and tips on publishing stories and poems in journals and anthologies. Consider style and fit, themes and deadlines, fees, simultaneous submissions, and how to keep track of it all as you build a publication portfolio.
- The Adelaide Writers’ Week: Live Streaming will take place from Monday 6 to Friday 10 March in the Gawler Civic Centre Library, providing the opportunity to view a range international author talks right here in Gawler.
- Something for the Kids
- On Saturday 25 February, Put on Your Dancing Shoes with Humphrey and his friends in this interactive live show extravaganza. All members of the family will enjoy this moving and grooving musical experience with Australia's favourite bear.
- On Wednesday 8 March, the award-winning show, Children are Stinky, attempts to prove that kids are stinky, but met with messy, ridiculous and hysterical twists it only succeeds in proving that kids are awesome. Expect loads of laughs and fun.
In addition to all of these amazing events, the community can also expect many of the Gawler Fringe favourites including a Night of Big Laughs, CrowdChant, So You Think You Know Music?! and Fringe in the Park.
The full 2023 Gawler Fringe Program is available online at www.gawler.sa.gov.au/gawlerfringe or in hard copy at a range of Council’s customer service points and other venues around Town.