Country Arts SA’s new live music series Soundworks will give attendees their first look at Mount Gambier’s refurbished Varcoe Foundry this August.

Soundworks offers regional communities a rare experience amid rising costs that deter artists performing original work from visiting many towns.

The series launches with country and folk singer-songwriter Nathan May’s Stories in Song, first visiting Robe, Mount Gambier, Warooka, Port Lincoln, and later Renmark, Whyalla and Port Pirie.

Teaming up with violinist Julian Ferraretto, the Arabana-Yawuru man reflects on family, connection to Country and truth-telling, prioritising connection with the audience over showmanship in welcoming and relaxed venues.

From the rhythm of a train line through the landscape to the quiet pull of home, Nathan’s music explores themes of place, identity and belonging.

Opening each event is Ngarrindjeri-Gunditjmara singer-songwriter Katie Aspel, whose lively vocals and soulful acoustic guitar will set the tone for evenings of heartfelt music ahead.

Country Arts SA executive programmer Sarah Knight says Soundworks started from a problem she kept hearing: touring contemporary music is getting harder for 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.”

Artist Nathan 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 says.

“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.”

Soundworks: Stories in Song will be in Robe on July 31, Mount Gambier’s Varcoe Foundry on August 1, Warooka on August 6, Port Lincoln on August 8, followed by Renmark on October 23, Whyalla on October 30 and Port Pirie on October 31.

Refurbished Varcoe’s first event

Renovations are complete for Varcoe Foundry, the former windmill factory adjacent to the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre in Mount Gambier.

Soundworks: Stories in Song ticketholders and VIPs, including Assistant Minister for Arts Sarah Andrews, will get a first look at the conversion of the heritage-listed building’s interior into a thriving artist hub and flexible performance space.

While Varcoe Foundry has been used as a creative space for the best part of two decades, it is now fit-for-purpose with a 100 square-metre black box, green room, backstage crossover, reception and bar area, office space, amenities and climate control.

Accommodating up to 100 patrons, Varcoe Foundry can host intimate dance, theatre, music and cabaret performances, small-scale productions, conferences and community events.

It will primarily be used as an artist development and residency space where local and visiting creatives can experiment and develop new work, Country Arts SA chief executive Anthony Peluso says.

“Significant work has been created at Varcoe Foundry that has toured nationally and internationally, won Ruby Awards and contributed to the cultural fabric of Mount Gambier,” Anthony says.

“Varcoe Foundry is respected, loved and valued – we seek to continue and build this legacy.

“The current focus is on delivering the upgraded venue, with programming to be developed as further funding and partnerships are secured.

“The venue will also support the presentation of Music SA’s Regional and Remote Music Summit, held in Mount Gambier in October 2026, attracting musicians, music experts, producers, policy makers, academics, and community leaders from across the country.”