Country Arts SA Launches New Live Music Series Soundworks
The regional live music series runs from July to October.
Image supplied
Huge news for regional country music fans, with Country Arts SA announcing the launch of new live music series Soundworks.
The original initiative kicks off this month and is headlined by country and folk singer-songwriter Nathan May's Stories in Song.
Teaming up with violinist Julian Ferraretto, the Arabana-Yawuru man will take audiences on a journey through family, connection and Country, performing in welcoming and relaxed venues across regional SA, including the newly renovated Varcoe Foundry in Mount Gambier.
Opening up for May each night will be Ngarrindjeri-Gunditjmara singer-songwriter Katie Aspel, providing soulful acoustic guitar numbers sure to make the heart flutter.
Stories in Song commences on Friday 31 July at Robe Institute in Robe, followed by shows at Mount Gambier's Varcoe Foundry on Saturday 1 August, Ballarat’s Art and Lifestyle Retreat on Thursday 6 August and Port Lincoln Brewing Co in Port Lincoln on Saturday 8 August.
May then plays Chaffey Theatre in Renmark on Friday 23 October and Whyalla’s Middleback Arts Centre on Friday 30 October, wrapping up the series at Port Pirie’s Northern Festival Centre on Saturday 31 October.
Tickets are on sale now via countryarts.org.au.
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Soundworks is the brainchild of Country Arts SA executive programmer Sarah Knight, who wants to make touring easier for contemporary artists.
“Country Arts wanted to respond in a practical way – not a one‑off event, but a touring model that shares risk and allows artists to spend more time on the road,” she says.
“It brings live music into local spaces and gives people the chance to experience it together, close to home.
“We know there is a strong link between arts experiences and wellbeing, and shared events like this help people feel connected in a simple, everyday way.
“Soundworks also focuses on supporting emerging to mid‑career artists, particularly those from culturally diverse and First Nations backgrounds, who often face greater barriers to touring.”
May says it feels “really special to be part of something at the very beginning.”
“Music has a way of bringing people together, starting conversations and making people feel seen,” he continues.
“Sometimes one performance can really stay with someone, especially in places where opportunities to experience live music aren’t always as frequent.
“People can expect a really honest and intimate night of music – there’ll be moments that feel reflective and emotional, but also warmth, connection and a few laughs along the way.”
Catch Nathan May performing as part of Soundworks across South Australia from July to October 2026. Tickets on sale now via countryarts.org.au.
Nathan May Soundworks Tour 2026
with special guest Katie Aspel
Friday 31 July – Robe Institute, Robe, SA
Saturday 1 August – Varcoe Foundry, Mount Gambier, SA
Thursday 6 August – Ballarat Art and Lifestyle Retreat, Ballarat, VIC
Saturday 8 October – Port Lincoln Brewing Co, Port Lincoln, SA
Friday 23 October – Chaffey Theatre, Renmark, SA
Friday 30 October – Middleback Arts Centre, Whyalla, SA
Saturday 31 October – Northern Festival Centre, Port Pirie, SA
