With an array of the world's most extraordinary guitar slingers, both Australian and international, performing everything from classical, blues, rock, country and much more, Adelaide Guitar Festival returns in 2025.
Set to celebrate Adelaide's tenth year as a UNESCO City of Music, this year's line-up is highlighted by the festival debut of stalwart John Butler (performing with his three-piece band and guest vocalist Emma Donovan), who'll showcase material from his new solo album 'Prism'.Radio, TV and podcast presenter Zan Rowe (ABC digital and Double J) will unveil the world premiere of her new show Riffing With Zan Rowe, with a series of guests (including Adelaide Guitar Festival's Artistic Director Slava Grigoryan and Troy Cassar-Daley) chatting about foundations, inspirations, and techniques.
Speaking of Troy Cassar-Daley – a musician with a staggering 45 Golden Guitars as well as 6 ARIA Awards, 4 CMAA Entertainer Of The Year titles, 3 APRA Song Of The Year awards and induction into the Australasian Roll of Renown – he will return with his full band performing from a back catalogue that has produced 33 #1 singles.
Local legend, Barkindji songwoman Nancy Bates (a longtime collaborator with the late Archie Roach) will open for Troy, weaving themes of heart, vision and the power storytelling from her new album 'Share Your Love'.
"Whether it's a performance in Adelaide or in our stunning regions when we go On The Road, it's a thrill to host brilliant artists from Australia and across the globe in South Australia," Slava Grigoryan says.
"I hope you can join me in welcoming this year's exceptional artists to our stages, many who come to our festival for the very first time. On behalf of myself and the team, we hope that you enjoy the 2025 Adelaide Guitar Festival."
Other highlights of the 2025 programme include Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti Live In Concert, a collaboration between the Southern Cross Symphony and a number of Zeppelin aficionados, performing the band's 1975 double album (which Robert Plant has said is his favourite Zeppelin album) in full with a selection of Led's other classic hits.
In a festival exclusive, Lau Noah comes to Australia for the first time. From Catalonia to New York's most prestigious stages, Noah is fast becoming known as one of this generation's most distinctive guitarists (who has received praise from Phoebe Bridgers and Jackson Browne as well as collaborating with Jacob Collier, Chris Thile and Jorge Drexler). Noah will be joined by beloved performer Lior and his full band, showcasing his newest album 'The Blue Parade'.
The extraordinary talents of Cecilia Siqueira (Uruguay) and Fernando de Lima (Brazil) will bring an unparalleled fusion of classical precision and Latin passion to the stage. Their concert commences with a recital by South Korea's Young Taek Jo, winner of the 2024 Adelaide International Classical Guitar competition.
"We are delighted to welcome artists to Adelaide as it celebrates its 10th year as a UNESCO City of Music, for the 2025 Adelaide Guitar Festival," Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM says.
"There is much to enjoy at this year's festival which celebrates the guitar in its many forms and my thanks to Slava and the team for putting together a wonderful programme celebrating the world's favourite instrument."
Tickets are on sale.
2025 Adelaide Guitar Festival takes place 10 September to 12 October.
