We are a group of South Australian performers based in Adelaide's southern suburbs, who meet regularly to improve our skills and promote creative collaborations.
poetry, music and storytelling
SPIN was founded in 2012, with the aim of encouraging local poets and musicians of all calibres to come and perform on stage in a friendly, non-judgmental environment. Until the end of 2022, we ran a monthly poetry, storytelling & music open mic, with alternate guest poet/storyteller and guest musician features, on the second Wednesday of the month from 6.30pm - 9.00pm. We began with two performances at Shakespeare's bookshop in Port Noarlunga, then moved to the Ripple and Swirl Café in Christies Beach in 2013, and for almost two years we were based at the beautiful Singing Gallery in McLaren Vale. After a brief space of time at Moana Surf Life Saving Club and McLaren Vale Bowling Club, we finally moved to the Alma Hotel, Willunga.
In 2023 we decided that we needed to devise a fresh format. Our sound man and front man for the band Bards' Brew, Barry Timmins, has now created his own musicians' open mic, Bards' Club, that meets monthly at the Tin Shed in McLaren Vale. Our poets meet more occasionally at various cafes and other venues in the region, and along with two or more guest poets, we feature one or more acoustic musicians.
SPIN was originally conceived by poet/musician Deb Stewart , who now performs with her husband Ash Stewart. Ash was the SPIN sound man for two years, and SPIN is where he and Deb first met. SPIN is currently managed by poet/visual artist Julia Wakefield and poet/musician/teacher Maria Vouis.
the singing gallery
The SINGING GALLERY had always been recognised as a unique performance space for acoustic music with local, interstate & overseas performers. It hosted spiritual & healing workshops, markets, live theatre, music groups, weddings, children's concerts & festivals……. it is now a cellar door run by Sabella vineyards, so we have had to move.
Kate townsend and dave clark
Having toured as a folk singer-songwriter for many years, DAVE CLARK established the Singing Gallery in 1992. Dave and and his partner, songstress, musician and sound wizard Kate Townsend, created a unique venue in the heart of one of South Australia's most celebrated wine regions. They still host occasional performances at the Gazebo at their home in Clarendon.
Our former sound man is Barry Timmins. He is a songwriter and lead singer in his band Bards' Brew, which also features singer Anne Timmins, our former banner designer, all-round publicity agent and general peace-maker.
