Following sold out shows at Adelaide Fringe 2025 and performances along Australia’s eastern seaboard, South Australia’s own Bonnie Lee Galea returns with her powerful tribute concert, Nina Simone – A Musical Life.
Presented by Bonnie Lee Galea Live Music & Entertainment, this mesmerising production honours the legendary Nina Simone, celebrated as the “Goddess of Piano” and “High Priestess of Soul”.
With four shows across four venues in 2026, including regional South Australia, audiences in Clare, Bowden, Adelaide and Loxton will have the opportunity to experience this compelling musical journey.
A powerful International Women’s Day tribute
With city performances on 1 and 14 March, the season ties in beautifully with International Women’s Day on 8 March. Nina Simone was not only a musical genius, but also a fearless civil rights activist whose voice became a defining force of social change.
Her music blended jazz, gospel, blues, folk, pop and classical influences into a sound that was uniquely her own. This show explores both the brilliance of her artistry and the intensity and passion that fuelled her life.
As Weekend Notes’ Jon Cocks wrote in 2023:
“Not only for fans of Nina Simone’s music but for any soul moved by the intensity and passion that drives soul music.”
The music that moved generations
Audiences will relive many of Nina Simone’s most iconic masterpieces, including:
- Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood
- Sinnerman
- Four Women
- My Baby Just Cares for Me
And of course, the anthem that continues to resonate across generations, Feelin’ Good.
Backed by her acclaimed Jazz in Cheek Quartet, Bonnie Lee Galea brings passion and authenticity to every note.
The ensemble features:
- Bonnie Lee Galea – voice, bringing the passion and soul
- Richard Coates – keys, the professor
- Quinton Dunne – double bass, the heartbeat
- Steve Todd – drums and percussion, the engine room
The result is an immersive concert experience that captures the spirit, strength and musical genius of Nina Simone.
★★★★★ “Impressed!” Fifty Plus SA
★★★★½ “I’m still singing today” Glam Adelaide
Four shows, four venues
Nina Simone – A Musical Life will tour both metropolitan and regional South Australia:
Friday 20 February 2026, 7.30pm
Knappstein Wines, Clare
Sunday 1 March 2026, 5pm
Plant 4, Bowden
Saturday 14 March 2026, 3.20pm
The Garage International at Adelaide Town Hall
Friday 20 March 2026, 7.30pm
The Precinct, Loxton
This is more than a tribute concert. It is a celebration of a woman whose music and message remain as powerful and relevant today as ever.
For lovers of jazz, soul and unforgettable live performance, this is your chance to be spellbound.
Enter for your change to win
Book now: adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/nina-simone-a-musical-life-af2026
