Adelaide’s #1 community radio station, Fresh 92.7 has kicked off 2024 with a bang, for the first time ever, cracking 212,000 weekly listeners and unveiling fresh changes to their weekly line-up.

‘Davo, Tom & Callum’ from the Breakfast Show are farewelling one of Fresh’s most loved radio personalities, Lauren ‘Davo’ Davidson who scored a new gig in Darwin at Hot100 and jets off at the end of January.

The Adelaide-based duo ‘Tom & Callum’, have embarked on many on-air adventures across their time at Fresh from producing to hosting a Sunday show, to covering Drive, before teaming up with Davo in 2021 for the Fresh Breakfast show.

The boys are eager to take over the reins and will hit the Fresh 92.7 airwaves on Monday 22nd January, launching their new Breakfast show ‘Tom & Callum’. Tom Holmes says “I’m really excited to see what level we can take this new Brekkie show. The chemistry between us, the mates we’ve made with our listeners, and the strange different perspective we seem to put on trivial tasks make this show a dangerous combination of fun, fear and plenty of laughs!”

Callum Leaney says ‘We’ve had heaps of awesome opportunities at Fresh, from interviews with musicians we love to being able to host parties like the Top 92 Countdown. We can’t wait to get out and about even more this year in the community, meeting people who love having a laugh like we do.”

The Drive Home show is becoming a duo, with Drive announcer Cale Porter teaming up with newsreader and producer, Maggie Felton, bringing a Fresh way to Drive Home in 2024!

Cale Porter says “After 20 years in radio I’ve never actually done a duo show, ever! This is something I’ve wanted for a while and cannot wait to shift the show in this direction. Maggie is like the sister I never had. She’s a genuine chick with an infectious vibe, which we’re all going to feed off! We’ve got so many exciting things planned for 2024!”

Content Director, Sophie Campbell says ‘This wasn’t originally on the cards, but then along came Maggie...her quick wit, relatability and ability to pull Cale into line brought a new sound to our Fresh line-up. Everyone wants to be Mags’ friend and we can’t wait for Adelaide to get to know her and love her as much as we do!’

The revamped Drive show ‘Cale & Mags’ launches on 5th February 2024 and promises to be more local, outrageous, and amusing than ever before!

Step into an evening of shimmering sophistication and a saucy show that will simply drive you wild!

The Delinquents gives the audience a glimpse behind the curtain into the cabaret world of Prohibition London. Keeping the audience enthralled with both the on-stage and behind-the-scenes antics of Fafi D’Alour & her Delinquents.

We begin our evening with a mesmerising burlesque performed by none other than Madame Fafi D’Alour herself, transitioning beautifully into contemporary dance, crazy contortionist displays, and acrobatic sequences that are so technical yet look so seamless it’s enough to make your jaw drop.

Adelaide Festival Centre’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival has announced two new shows on sale this week - Australian music royalty and Adelaide Cabaret Festival Co-Artistic Director Kate Ceberano will celebrate her illustrious 40-year career with a special concert coinciding with her new album and world-famous French band Paris Combo will perform in an Australian exclusive at this year’s festival in June.

Kate Ceberano will be joined by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra on the Festival Theatre stage to perform songs from her 30th album, My Life is A Symphony, on Saturday June 10, as part of a national tour. 

My Life Is A Symphony, is a breathtaking celebration of Kate Ceberano’s song writing from across her 40-year recording career. Kate will take audiences through her incredible catalogue from pop anthems Brave and Pash to the iconic songs she has interpreted along the way I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Some Day I’ll Fly Away and more.

Kate Ceberano: “I am thrilled to release the album and embark on a national tour to perform the music live for fans across the country with Australia’s great symphony orchestras. Performing at Adelaide Cabaret Festival is always a highlight, and I can’t wait to reconnect with crowds there in both my role as Co-Artistic Director and a performer in this year’s program.”

Singer, songwriter, performer, artist, icon, legend of Australian rock, pop, soul and jazz, Kate Ceberano has enjoyed one of the most enduring and inspirational careers in Australian music and returns as Co-Artistic Director of Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2023 alongside previous Artistic Directors involved this year, Julia Holt, David and Lisa Campbell, Eddie Perfect, Ali McGregor, Julia Zemiro, Alan Cumming and Tina Arena. Kate held the position as Artistic Director of Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2012 – 2014 and has performed at Adelaide Festival Centre numerous times.

With 11 platinum albums, 10 Top 10 singles, 4 ARIA Awards from 19 nominations and over 8,000 live performances, Kate Ceberano is one of the most celebrated Australian artists of all time.

To quote Hugh Jackman, “Truly one of the great voices this country has produced. Kate sings with such passion, heart and joy it is impossible not to be completely carried to wherever she wants you to go!!!! Not only an amazing singer but an extraordinary performer - Kate’s singing simply melts your heart.”

In an Australian exclusive appearance, world-famous French cabaret act Paris Combo will also perform their show A Celebration Of Songs of Belle Du Berry at Dunstan Playhouse on the opening weekend of the festival – June 9-11.

Programmed by Co-Artistic Director Julia Holt, the ensemble returns to Adelaide with their fun-loving mix of swinging gypsy-jazz cabaret, French pop and world rhythms and will pay tribute to their late charismatic chanteuse and songwriter Belle du Berry, with selections from their shared final studio album, Quesaco?

“An incredible music force channelling the passion, quirkiness and love of love that the French are adored for.” - ArtsHub

Adelaide Cabaret Festival Executive Producer, Alex Sinclair: “The line-up for this year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival is as star-studded as ever and will add to the festivities of Adelaide Festival Centre’s 50^th Anniversary celebrations. The incomparable Kate Ceberano and Paris Combo will no doubt get the party started on the opening weekend of the festival and there’s more to come.”

Kicking off the celebrations on opening night, The 2023 Variety Gala will see a special reunion and appearances by iconic artists Kate Ceberano, David Campbell, Eddie Perfect, Julia Zemiro, Ali McGregor and many more at the Festival Theatre on June 9. Tickets are almost sold out.

Produced and presented by Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide Cabaret Festival has grown from modest beginnings in 2001 to become Australia’s major winter festival and the largest cabaret festival in the world.

Tickets for Kate Ceberano’s My Life Is A Symphony and Paris Combo are on sale Thursday, February 16 at 10am at adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au / 131 246

Kate Ceberano’s album, My Life Is A Symphony, will be released on 12 May and can be pre-ordered through ABC Music or purchased at Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2023 opens on June 9 and runs until June 24

ACTUALLY, Fringe 2022 feels like it was FOREVER ago! Last Fringe we were still wearing masks indoors! We were still obsessed with Euphoria! And I was still holding on hope to my 2022 situationship! (I dumped him again today - oh, Emma you dumbest of Blondes, when will you learn!).

Anyway, I'm totally fine. Fine because FRINGE IS HERE! Drinking overpriced alcohol out of coconuts while dancing IS BACK! Seeing a variety of world-class shows from across the globe IS HERE! Having an excuse to wear that bag with those shoes HAS RETURNED!

SO, for my 2023 top picks (aka, shows you absolutely have to see, and then tell me just how good you thought they were), are here for your fringe, type-A personality pleasure:

MAHO MAGIC BAR 

Everyone knows this show, it's the one in the really cool neon venue that no-one can pass without taking a cute pic their insta story. 

Returning by popular demand, Japan's 'Maho Magic Bar' will transport you to a glittering Tokyo night! Be ready to disbelieve your eyes as the ultimate line-up of Japan’s superstar sleight-of-hand specialists descend on Adelaide for the first time. 

With fresh tricksters, fresh tricks and even fresher cocktails, you’ll see these masters at work at point blank range, putting a wild contemporary spin on Japan's magic traditions. 

Fuelled by a carefully curated bar menu of premium Japanese cocktails and spirits, Maho Magic Bar is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you just have to do twice.

EVERYTHING IS A LIE

What's the secret to having it all? Don’t ask Lauren Edwards because she has no idea. What she does have, however, is a charming wit and cynical attitude.

Making her Adelaide Fringe debut, ‘Everything is a Lie’ is a wildly relatable hour of comedy and original pop music that will have you nodding your head so hard you might sprain a muscle. Lauren is the anti-capitalist girl next door who proves that, even in these uncertain times, existential dread can still be cute.

EXTRA CURRICULAR

Teachers are overworked and underpaid, with a high burnout rate and a mandatory caffeine addiction. Marking, reports, parent-teacher interviews, Professional Development hours, performance standards and relief lessons in Year 9 PE... Why would anybody do it? For the love of learning? For the holidays? Or perhaps just for the comedy-cabaret fodder.

From the award-winning creative team behind 'Endo Days' (★★★★★ Glam Adelaide, ★★★★1/2 The Advertiser, Fringe Weekly Award: Best Cabaret), 'Extra Curricular' pops the cork on the teaching profession. A show by teachers, for teachers, or anyone who has ever sat in a classroom. Attendance will count towards compulsory PD hours*.

*may not actually count toward PD hours

FASHION 4 PASSION

With the likeability of Princess Diana, the heart's of Mother Theresa and the sweatshop chic of SHEIN; Australia’s Got Talent rejects Samantha LeClaire and Jennifer Laycock unstitch the flaws and the breaking of laws in the fashion industry. Come see the ones that got away; the white privileged, underdogs of Australian television who have resorted to sketch comedy. Attend a sermon on SUPRE’, witness outfit repeaters sentenced to death and see why life is better when you’re a trendsetter. Bring your fast fashion fiends because this is their one-way ticket to salvation. A Fashion 4 Passion like you've never seen before.

TRIBUTE TO DAVID BOWIE

If you're a Bowie fan like me, Ashes to Ashes is for you (I saw them back in 2019, and it's still one of my favourite shows!). 2023 is a year to celebrate 2 seminal, yet distinctly different Bowie albums... the avant-garde 'Aladdin Sane' (50 years), and the commercially successful 'Let's Dance' (40 years).

Expect to hear choice cuts from both albums including 'The Jean Genie', 'Modern Love', 'China Girl' and of course 'Let's Dance'. But wait... there's more... much more! ...Space Oddity, Starman, Life on Mars, Ziggy Stardust, Sufragette City, Sorrow, Ashes To Ashes, Fashion, Fame, Golden Years, Rebel Rebel, Diamond Dogs... you'll hear them all! 

A rare opportunity for Adelaidian's to see Ashes To Ashes before they hit the eastern states to cement their status as Australia's best and most authentic tribute to Bowie and his incredible and eclectic musical legacy! 

A ROYAL NIGHT OF DIVAS

Come along to a fabulous night to remember, presented by your hostess with the mostess Hungry Jackie, featuring some of the hottest Queens in Adelaide.

Ali Holic, Hollie Graffix, Wundes & Izzy Goode will treat you to a night of laughs and drag! If you have never been to a drag show, this is your chance to come and be entertained by our queens. 

Jam-packed with dazzling feathers, wigs, headpieces, costumes and performances, you will not forget this glittering drag spectacular! Come to the Finsbury it’s out of the CBD so you will not have to pay for parking and walk a mile, drinks and supper will be available for purchase.

THE PARTY

The outrageous new headline production by creative geniuses Strut & Fret, creators of Blanc de Blanc and LIMBO. 

Calling all social climbers, rich kids, gate crashers and hangers-on; the lavish stage is set for The Party of the century, so make sure you’re on the invite list. This evening is destined to be one for the history books. 

The Party is a highly exclusive evening of the upmost sophistication with absolutely no rules. What could possibly go wrong? This show is the perfect fringe celebration. Unbelievably talented international circus artists, great music, extravagant costumes, and an escalating energy within a theatre set unlike anything you've ever seen before at Fringe

As they say – ‘if you've ever been to a wilder party - you're under arrest!

KALEIDOSCOPE

A mesmerising symphony of light and sound staged in a breathtaking mirror maze. Kaleidoscope is a simple optical device scaled to epic proportions allowing you to step inside a constantly shifting illusion.

It challenges preconceptions and provides the brave and adventurous with a new and different space to explore, contemplate and dream.

Kaleidescope is the new solo project by Keith Courtney, the mastermind behind House of Mirrors and 1000 Doors.

I'll continue to pad out this list as I come across more fabulous shows and events. Email me at theiconicblonde@hotmail.com if you'd like a show review.

A café in the heart of Adelaide has redesigned the blueprint for a better coffee experience that will attract a crowd beyond the standard office dwellers.

Bluprint is the newest cafe, coffee, and dining hotspot in Flinders Street’s grazing end. Reinventing the bottom of the Santos building, the new venture is led by industry natives who know that good coffee is the blueprint for a good day.

Co-Owner Frankie Mariofti spent his early-20s working at this exact spot and was approached to take 60 Flinders Street and turn it into a destination where South Australia’s produce gets the spotlight it deserves.

Frankie says, “We want to focus on bringing high-quality food and produce to the business district and highlighting the best of what SA has to offer — it’s a big thing for us.”

“The food is fresh and healthy using Secco Fine Foods in the kitchen, with bread and focaccias made in-house as well as dine-in meals and quick fresh takeaway options too,” Frankie says.

With interiors architecturally designed by Chris Rolands from Rad Studio, raw materials clash together in a considered way to evoke a feeling of organic elegance. Terrazzo stone, rake-rendered walls and stainless steel give you an insight into the brief — engineering turned chic.

“We wanted to create more than just a café. It had to be different, and we took inspiration from the Santos ethos and engineering as a whole. This is why the interiors reflect the raw, earthy grit of stones and minerals; the elements that engineers know so well,” Frankie said.

The coffee of choice was always going to be a no-brainer for Bluprint. Willow Bend will be headlining the beans, including the if-you-know-you-know The GodFather – a stunning roast that holds the title of ‘Home Baristas Award’ from the 2020-21 Coffee Selectors competition.

No stranger to ambitious offerings, Bluprint will also turn piccolos into Pinots on Thursday and Friday nights with sit-down dinner menus complemented by their licensed bar, ideal for those in the area looking for a sophisticated knock-off after work.

Co-Owner Claudia Marafioti says, “We don’t like to define ourselves as just a café. We’ll be providing a hybrid experience that fuses daytime eats with elegant night dishes, and everything in between.”

For the team, Bluprint represents the foundation of a well-executed day, “The concept behind the branding was to illustrate that everything built with integrity, structure, and consideration starts with a blueprint. It’s the beginning. Without good coffee and food, what comes next often gets boiled down to just an off day. We’re here to change that.”

“Sometimes your barista is the first person you’ll interact with every day. As soon as you walk into the Santos building and see Bluprint, the palette greets you in a way that puts you on the right course — subtle whites mixed with cobalt blues to set a new rhythm in motion for what follows,” Claudia Marafioti says.

Bluprint is located at 60 Flinders Street, Adelaide.

The air is warm, activities are endless and travelling to SA's top spots are on all of our lists! 

One event you should already have on your radar is the Sealink Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival featuring the Dudley Wines KI Cup.

Joining a crowd of over 3,000 people trackside, the weekend of racing celebrates all that is great about country racing as the best horses from far and wide race for the $25,000 Dudley Wines Kangaroo Island Cup.

Each year the Cygnet River Racecourse comes alive - Thursday's event is a casual affair, with the main race day, the Dudley Wines Kangaroo Island Cup, held on the Saturday. Punters dress up in true racing style and enjoy trackside entertainment, colourful marquees, fashions on the field competitions and an abundance of local Kangaroo Island food and wine. If you're a fashionista, foodie or fancy a great local drop, the KI Cup has something for you.

If you’re planning to head to the island just for the day, SeaLink actually has the 'KI Cup Package', which includes return coach and ferry transfers from Adelaide and general admission entry. Race-day packages are only available for Saturday's Cup Day.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Location: 1 Hog Bay Road, Cygnet River, South Australia, 5223

KI Cup takes place across the 17th to 19th of February 2022

Local South Australian salon, ETCHER, has taken home a myriad of awards in recent weeks as the location long revered for its impeccable interiors and on-trend styling team has been recognised nationally for its design and skills.

The gender-neutral, sustainable salon that celebrates diversity has taken home two awards in as many months, being:

• ETCHER Owner Lauren Cooper winning the 2021 SA/TAS Hairdresser of the Year Award at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards 
• ETCHER Salon winning 2021 Newcomer of the Year at the Australian Hair Industry Awards 

Ran by (serious power) couple, Lauren and Matthew, the two combined their skills, Lauren with her love of hair and Matthew's magic with management, to create ETCHER. The name is simple: The word “Etch” means to cut, carve and create art with a sharp instrument – with the artist who etches being the ‘Etcher’. I don't know about you, but if find a hairdresser that actually takes off that half inch when you ask them to, that is ART.

The couple originally found the warehouse space in January 2020 and held off signing the lease until May, until they were a little more certain of the South Australian Government’s concerning COVID lockdowns and restrictions - officially launching in August of 2020.

The space has been transformed into Adelaide's most stylish salon, designed by Lauren herself in a pastel pink palette and topped off with a unique mural by local Adelaide artist, Dave Court.

We also have an incredible processing table custom designed and made by Adelaide furniture maker Remington Matters, and our curved pink concrete terrazzo front desk made by Adelaide company Create with Concrete. It was important for us to use Adelaide local companies with our design, as we wanted to celebrate the amazing talents we have here in this city!

To top it off, they have a huge pink neon sign with lyrics from one of Bowie's most iconic songs, Rebel Rebel.

ETCHER uses Sustainable Salons to recycle all of the salons waste, which prevents 95% of it ending up in landfill. Lauren says it's extremely important for them to do their part in making sure the planet stays beautiful for generations to come.

With Sustainable Salons, 100% of the foil is recycled and reprinted back into foil sheets to use again, and all of the hair clippings that are swept off the floor are compacted into cotton sausage logs and used to soak up oil in the event of oil spills. 

Visit ETCHER at 3/45 Gilbert Street, Adelaide, SA 5000.