The Playford Community Christmas Carols are coming to town this Saturday (2 December) with ARIA award winner, Anthony Callea, headlining the event.
Playford News caught up with one of Australia’s finest singers ahead of the event at Fremont Park, Elizabeth.
Q: Why did you follow a career in music? A: It was something I didn’t really decide, I think it’s embedded in you…I tried to complete a business degree at uni, but whatever I did, I was always drawn to music, singing, recording and live performance.
Q: Where does your passion for music stem from? A: As a child, I grew up in a home filled with music. My parents loved music and still do, especially Australian music, so it was always in my life. When I sing, I feel at home, it’s hard to explain, really.Q: How would you describe your music? A: Whether I am singing my own lyrics or interpreting another artist's lyrics and story, it's always and has always been about connecting and communicating through song with truth and honesty. Music is such a universal language and it’s pure and honest, it’s a privilege to be able to do what I do and connect with people through music.
Q: What can the audience expect from the upcoming carols performance in Playford? A: Christmas for me and for many is the most exciting time of the year. It’s all about friends, family and music and this coming Saturday I look forward to celebrating the spirit of Christmas in song with so many families of SA. We are all going to sing at the top of our lungs and have a lot of fun together!
Q: What’s next for you? A: In September I released ARIA Number 1 Hit’s in Symphony which I recorded with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and was very humbled when it debuted at the number one spot on our charts. We launched it in spectacular style at Hamer Hall, which was filmed for a TV special that will air on the 8th of December on Foxtel. I can’t wait to kick off my national tour next year in Adelaide at The Dunstan Playhouse on the 6th July!
Joining Callea will be Adelaide singer/songwriter, Rachael Leahcar, while Adelaide’s leading gospel choir, the 14-piece vocal ensemble Gospo Collective, which mixes African-rhythm with western harmonies, will also perform.
There will be much entertainment for the kids, with the Boomstars, the Amazing Drumming Monkeys and Ellie Elf all appearing.
Here's everything you need to know for the Playford Community.
The night's activities:
Pre-carols entertainment (4.30pm to 6.30pm) • Children’s activities with balloon-making, face-painting and air-brushing • Life. Be in it activities including volleyball, frisby goals, stilts and much more • Children’s performers: Ellie Elf and the Amazing Drumming Monkeys • Local performers
Official carols program (6.30pm to 9.30pm) • Anthony Callea • Rachael Leahcar • Gospo Collective • Boomstars • Visit from Santa Claus • Fireworks spectacular
What to bring • Picnic blanket and chair • Something warm if it gets cooler in the night
How to get there Public transport - • For information on buses/trains to take, visit HERE.
Parking - • Limited parking off-street parking is available in Fremont Park off Yorktown Road, Elizabeth • On-street parking is available surrounding Fremont Park • Parking within walking distance is available distance from the Playford Civic Centre precinct and Elizabeth City Centre, Playford Boulevard, Elizabeth.
What’s available (to purchase) • Lions Club - hot dogs • Rotary of Elizabeth - sausage sizzle • Rolling Roast • Cool cones - ice-cream and coffee • Slushilicious • Yiros on the Run • Snowcones • Jollyfoods - pastries • SA tornado - chips on a stick
Other • Starlight super Christmas store - light up Christmas novelties • Can do for Kids - candles
Please note: This is an alcohol, smoke and drug, pet-free event.