There is a range of music offerings in the area but you can’t get away from the fact that Mount Gambier is mad about Jazz!

Music
Arts

Generations in Jazz Festival

Mount Gambier becomes Australia’s weekend music epicentre each May when the city stages the largest youth jazz jam session the nation has ever seen. Thousands of high school students flock to Generations in Jazz to make music and learn from the world’s best.

The three-day Generations in Jazz festival has been held in a paddock on the city’s outskirts for more than 30 years, and with world-renown jazz virtuoso James Morrison at the helm, it simply hasn’t missed a beat.

Schools from every state and territory take part, while several thousand music lovers also come to listen in awe to the magic being created inside the gigantic big top tent dubbed the ‘Disneyland of Jazz’. 

James Morrison Academy of Music

The overwhelming success of the community-driven Generations in Jazz led to the opening of the James Morrison Academy.

The program was affiliated with the University of South Australia, and young musicians from across Australia moved to Mount Gambier to perform under the expert guidance of James Morrison and a host of high-profile international artists-in-residence.

James Morrison Academy has since evolved into a ‘pop up’ academy, working as an outreach organisation by taking music to wherever it is needed and inspiring young people who may not otherwise get an opportunity to hear, play and learn about music – and particularly jazz.

ART GALLERIES & THEATRE

Riddoch Art Gallery Mount GambierIn the heart of Mount Gambier’s city precinct, you will find the superb Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre.

The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre emerges from the historic dolomite building, connecting Mount Gambier’s history, with interactive displays that will appeal to adults and children.

Incorporating the Riddoch Art Gallery, South Australia’s premier regional gallery, the centre features local artists, community groups and both state and national touring exhibitions.

The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre is also home to daily screenings of the movie ‘Volcano’, the story of Earth, Fire and Water. This big screen cinematic experience wows the senses as it weaves its way through its incredible story of how eight major eruptions created Mount Gambier. This exciting adventure takes you through the spectacular history of eruptions that shaped the Kanawinka region.

sir-robert-helpmann-theatreThe Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre offer an array of shows throughout the year. Plan ahead and put a night at the theatre into your trips itinerary.

The theatre is named after the late Sir Robert Helpmann, a world renowned performer. He was born in Mount Gambier before pursuing an international career as an actor, dancer, choreographer and director.

Centrally located in Mount Gambier, the centre is within easy walking distance to the main retail shopping precinct, cultural attractions and fine restaurants.

This theatre is equipped with wheelchair accessibility, hearing aid loop and disabled car spaces. There is also a fully licenced bar on the premises where patrons can grab a drink before the show.