The Deep South Festival returns to the iconic Governor Hindmarsh Hotel this November with a new format. Audiences will be immersed in a weekend of performances in The Gov Venue, with music, food and set design curated to create a distinctly different feel for each day of the event.
I Spoke to Dennis Kipridis, driving force behind the event, about the upcoming festival and what we can expect
Firstly Dennis, let me congratulate you on last years event and the depth and breadth of the talent over the four days. You advertise a new format, tell me a little of the history of the festival and about the changes you’ve made for this year’s event…
Past events took three stages, the main stage in the venue for feature bands, the more cabaret style seating in the dining room of The Gov as The Purple Pit and the Barn House in the front bar for the more rowdy rockabilly/jump blues bands. Last years event we had two stages running with alternating acts throughout Saturday's R& B extravaganza, there was an amazing array of talent, a lot going on and there was a lot to take in. As great as it was, we've decided this year to almost treat everyone to a "VIP" style of festival experience. Where you can book a dinner and show over the 3 whole days and have your own table with "A" class seating to the performance stage. This will give patrons an opportunity to enjoy the performance in a more relaxed and enjoyable way. There still will be general standing room as well as access to outdoor courtyards and dance areas for the people who seem not to be able to control their tapping toes.
This year's festival is condensed to three days and kicks off on Friday 25 November with the ever popular sell out event ‘Women Sing the Blues'. Day 2 with it's R&B madness continues as the flagship of the festival presenting some of the best Roots and Blues music in Australia and then we have also kept and roll into Day 3 with the popular "up close and personal" performance to wind down the festival, but in a different and more suitable space. So it’s about taking the best bits of the previous 4 year festivals and presenting it in a new, more relaxed and intense format.
Yes the high class ‘cabaret setting’ of Women Sing the Blues! I always feel like it’s a very special event. Made me feel like almost a VIP sitting down enthralled in the show while tucking into the set menu. Further to that I understand you’re doing a special themed menu, could you elaborate on that…
I’m so pleased our one day dedication to female Roots and Blues artists is regarded so highly. It’s also worth noting that 30% of all artists appearing during the festival are female, it demonstrates what we’re trying to do, to have a good and broad representation of Roots and Blues in Australia.
Yes the high class ‘cabaret setting’ of Women Sing the Blues! I always feel like it’s a very special event. Made me feel like almost a VIP sitting down enthralled in the show while tucking into the set menu. Further to that I understand you’re doing a special themed menu, could you elaborate on that…
I’m so pleased our one day dedication to female Roots and Blues artists is regarded so highly. It’s also worth noting that 30% of all artists appearing during the festival are female, it demonstrates what we’re trying to do, to have a good and broad representation of Roots and Blues in Australia.
So what can we expect over the three days of the refreshed festival…
This year is planned to be a treat for all the senses with the style of food matching the performances and decor.
On Friday 25 November, weaving their musical magic on an amazingly designed stage will be the superb trio of Gail Page Band, Chris E Thomas returns fresh from Tasmania after a two year absence, very exited to have her on the bill and also very pleased to showcase the winner of the 2015 ARBA Roots Album Award, Kelly Menhennett.
This year the festival focus will extend more than ever to the gourmet food especially curated to complement each day of the event. On the Friday night, a gourmet 2-course meal with three main and two dessert choices will be available with pre-booking.
On Saturday night it’s the Southern-style platters and to finish, a Cajun-style grill suits the more relaxed atmosphere of the festival’s Sunday afternoon session. (See Menu below)
The R & B Extravaganza, on the second day, the linch pin of the event, all the artists will be performing on the Main stage with the focus on performance complimented by the delicious gourmet food on offer and themed stage settings, and props as a complete entertainment experience.
On the evening of Saturday 26 November Lloyd Speigel will open as a solo performer promoting his new album, Hat Fitz Cara (Qld), will be back for the third time by popular demand to the main stage. Zkye, moved to the Saturday so she can let loose and do what she does best. You’ll also be hearing new songs from Zkye Blue who also have new product on the way. The Streamliners also return to the main stage, current album in tow and to the lead-up to touring early next year with a brand-new album currently in production. The Associates are doing big things fresh from the states after recording their new album, after taking out the ARBA Memphis Challenge along with Nikko & Snooks, winners of this years solo duo category. The fabulous Steve Brown Band plus other special guests. It showcases a wealth of local and interstate talent and our vibrant scene.
On Sunday - day three, a small central stage will be set up with an arc of tables 270 degrees around the stage to create an even more intimate yet spacious up close and personal experience.
Each artist has their own backing band. Phil Manning and Chris Finnen will perform both separately and together during the Up Close and Personal format which this year has concentrated mainly on duos. Abbie Cardwell with her brother master guitarist Jebb will be performing together as a duo for the first time. Favourites Nikko & Snooks and Sweet Baby James & Rob Eyers will also return to grace the small stage.
On Sunday - day three, a small central stage will be set up with an arc of tables 270 degrees around the stage to create an even more intimate yet spacious up close and personal experience.
Each artist has their own backing band. Phil Manning and Chris Finnen will perform both separately and together during the Up Close and Personal format which this year has concentrated mainly on duos. Abbie Cardwell with her brother master guitarist Jebb will be performing together as a duo for the first time. Favourites Nikko & Snooks and Sweet Baby James & Rob Eyers will also return to grace the small stage.
Sounds like a lot quality acts to catch over the three day festival, i know last year my head was spinning, taking it all in …
Each days entertainment will focus on the one stage this year and be finished by midnight so you can return fresh and bushy tailed for the next installment. Giving the opportunity to experience all three days with plenty of room to enjoy the wonderful food and atmosphere, it’ is meant to be a fun, civilised experience for all.
Once again, Deep South Festival delivers a stellar line up of local and interstate performers in the ideal setting of the Gov Venue. Table seating is selling fast, so read on for details and booking links…
Peter Allan 10 Nov. 2016
Each days entertainment will focus on the one stage this year and be finished by midnight so you can return fresh and bushy tailed for the next installment. Giving the opportunity to experience all three days with plenty of room to enjoy the wonderful food and atmosphere, it’ is meant to be a fun, civilised experience for all.
Once again, Deep South Festival delivers a stellar line up of local and interstate performers in the ideal setting of the Gov Venue. Table seating is selling fast, so read on for details and booking links…
Peter Allan 10 Nov. 2016
For your tasty gourmet meals to go hand in hand….buy your tix here http://bit.ly/2c7wKkN & read on for more details and menu below…
Upgrades for inclusion of meals or Dinner and Show tickets are available by phoning 8340 0744 and speaking to Deb or by email at deb@thegov.com.au
MENU:
Friday - Women Sing The Blues
MAINS: A choice of either:
- Poached salmon and pan seared scallops with silver beet & vanilla cauliflower purée
- Eyre Peninsula back angus porterhouse 290gm served on rosemary cream potatoes, caramelized onion jam, soy and garlic jus
- Free range chargrilled chicken breast stuffed with pork and pistachio wrapped in speck served with parsnip, mash zucchini flowers served velour of Portobello mushrooms
DESSERTS: A choice of either:
- Raspberries, Chocolate soil & ice cream flower pots
- Belgian chocolate & wattle seed panacotta served with barrie compot
SIDES:
- Steamed vegetables or mixed salad.
Meals on the individual day and/or all three days, are available by phoning 8340 0744 and speaking to Deb.
Saturday - R&B Extravaganza
“Southern-Style” mixed platter (shared platter for 2 people): (..
Note : Vego platter also available..
Maple Buffalo Wings
Fried Jalapeño Peppers
Fried Shrimp
Chicken Fried Steak with Pepper Milk Gravy
Hush Puppies
Corn Bread
Collard Greens
Gumbo Mussel Pots
Condiments
Sunday Up Close and Personal
Cajun Style Grilled Skewers – Chicken, Veg and/or Beef
with corn bread and potato salad
Deep South Festival
25 Nov - 27 Nov
@ The Gov
59 Port Rd, Hindmarsh, South Australia, Australia
FRI
DEEP SOUTH FESTIVAL - "Women Sing the Blues", 6pm @ The Gov
59 Port Rd, Hindmarsh, SA. Tickets here
SAT
DEEP SOUTH FESTIVAL - "R&B Extravaganza", 4pm @ The Gov
59 Port Rd, Hindmarsh, SA. Tickets here
SUN
DEEP SOUTH FESTIVAL - "Up Close & Personal", 12pm @ The Gov
59 Port Rd, Hindmarsh, SA. Tickets here
3-DAY FESTIVAL PASS: $125
2-DAY PASS (SAT-SUN): $90
FRI: $44 SHOW ONLY | $79 DINNER & SHOW
SAT: $54 SHOW ONLY | $84 MEAL & SHOW
SUN: $44 SHOW ONLY | $64 MEAL & SHOW
* BOOKING FEE APPLIES TO ALL TICKET PURCHASES
* MEAL UPGRADES by calling 8340 0744 or emailing deb@thegov.com.au
Fri: Doors at 6pm | Sat: Doors at 5pm | Sun: Doors at 12pm
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