Nina Simone - A Musical Life (Adelaide Fringe 2025)

'Let Us Put A Spell On You'

FIVE SHOWS - FOUR VENUES
3 DAYTIME SHOWS & 2 EVENING SHOWS

Experience this mesmerising 4pc music cabaret show from SA, which honours the legacy of the legendary NINA SIMONE.
“Goddess of Piano” and “High Priestess of Soul”

South Australia’s own Bonnie Lee Galea in her JAZZ in CHEEK Quartet, pay homage to the exceptional, one and only NINA SIMONE from the perspective of being fans of this musical genius who marked history in many of her songs and unique renditions of famous compositions. Taking the audience on a journey through her music and her life that blended jazz, gospel, blues, folk, pop and classical.

They do not use backing tracks and they do not try to impersonate Nina, but rather respectfully provide a glimpse into her remarkable life and those timeless melodies in the style of Nina Simone. Brilliant masterpieces, from uplifting tunes to soulful classics such as ‘Feeling Good’ 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' 'Sinnerman’ 'Four Women’ & her most world known hit we all remember, ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’. Transporting audiences back in time, singing along with the band on other memorable tunes like ‘Little Liza Jane’ ‘Sea Line Woman’ and ‘Do I Move You’.

Nina’s music influenced many great legends including David Bowie, Aretha, Jeff Buckley, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Michael Buble to name just a few. This show is upbeat and poignant, providing some insight to her remarkable life through dialogue betwixt her timeless songs. This show aims to keep her music alive and her stories remembered, connecting existing and new fans to her inspirational music and to each other, leaving you ‘Feelin’ Good’ ….

- Bonnie Lee Galea (voice) embodies the passion and soul of Nina Simone's style, paying homage through her vocal tone and connection to the lyrics and stories behind the songs.

- Richard Coates (piano) the professor of the show, channels Nina Simone's diverse talent through his extraordinary skills, interpreting her songs in a way that's ever-evolving and uniquely captivating.

- Quinton Dunne (double bass) serves as the heartbeat of the show, acting as the musical director, double bass player, and a walking encyclopedia on Nina Simone, sharing fascinating facts and trivia between compositions.

- Steve Todd (drums & percussion) the engine room, keeps the show's energy flowing, providing the pulse that ties it all together.

Weekend Notes Review 2023 (Jon Cocks):-
“This is a show not only for fans of Nina Simone’s music but for any soul that is moved by the intensity and passion that drives soul music, the fun, the funkiness that is jazz and the raunchy, steamy rage at the world that are the blues.”

Audience Testimonial 2022:- “great show, great music & great vocals. Thank you”

Presented by Bonnie Lee Galea – Live Music & Entertainment
Producer of Simply SADE, The Blonde Bombshells of JAZZ & BESSIE * BILLIE * DINAH

- Sun 23 Feb / 12 noon (100min) Parker Estate Coonawarra for Coonawarra Fringe
- Mon 24 Feb / 8.30pm (60min) The Jade, Flinders St, Adelaide
- Wed 12 Mar / 8pm (60min) Woodville Town Hall
- Sat 15 Mar / 3.20pm (60min) The Garage International @ Adelaide Town Hall
- Sat 22 Mar / 4.40pm (60min) The Garage International @ Adelaide Town Hall