About

Click the button below to donate to the South Australian Music Museum.All donations are tax deductable. Thank you for your support!DonateThebarton TheatreNestled in the heart of Adelaide, Thebarton Theatre stands as a revered landmark, richly steeped in cultural and architectural heritage. Since its grand opening in 1926, this iconic venue, affectionately known as "Thebbie," has hosted an eclectic array of performances, from theatrical productions to rock concerts. Its Art Deco design and acoustically superior environment have made it a beloved venue for both performers and audiences alike, earning its place as an integral part of South Australia's cultural fabric.Founding of the South Australian Music MuseumRecognising the need to honour and preserve South Australia's vibrant musical legacy, a group of passionate music historians, educators, and community leaders came together to establish the South Australian Music Museum. Housed within the historic Thebarton Theatre, the museum serves as a dedicated space to celebrate and document the rich tapestry of South Australian music. From folk traditions and classical compositions to contemporary rock and electronic music, the museum aims to capture the diverse soundscape that has shaped South Australia's cultural identity.DirectorsVictor MarshallVictor Marshall is a music historian who is co-director of The Grape Organisation, one of South Australia’s best-known music production and promoters. Victor is passionate about preserving South Australian music history. He is in completing his PhD in Adelaide music history at the University of South Australia. Victor served on the South Australian Premier’s inaugural 2023 Music Advisory Board. In 2021, he published a book with Fraternity, famous for having Bon Scott of AC/DC fame on lead vocals. He also released their long-lost recordings, which gained international attention. Victor has also written liner notes for many well-known bands, such as The Masters Apprentices, The Twilights and Little River Band. In 2021, he also launched the largest online museum dedicated to a band, the Little River Band shorrockbirtlesgoble.com. From 2014 to 2024, Victor was the voluntary secretary and curator of the South Australian Music Hall of Fame. Curating exhibitions in public spaces like the State Library of South Australia, Adelaide Festival Centre and St Paul’s Creative Centre. In 2022, Victor was featured on ABC’s Australian Story as an expert historian and assisted in putting together ‘On the Brink: Bon Scott’.Jordan LennonJordan Lennon is a multi-instrumentalist from Adelaide that has been amongst the professional music scene for over 10 years. Having played/playing in various bands such as Breezin, The Fab Four, The Beatles Experience, The Stones Aus, Wa Wa Nee, Gavin Wood’s Countdown, The Incredibles, Jungle Jooce, CC Jerome’s Jetsetters (Holland) to name a few. Most famously, Lennon is one of the lead singers for the Hindley Street Country Club, which has gained international fame from Adelaide through hundreds of millions of streams on YouTube. Lennon has performed thousands of live shows both locally and nationally, this year travelling to Italy and working at the Singapore Grand Prix with Kylie Minogue and Kool and The Gang. Currently teaching in multiple private schools around Adelaide he is surrounded by music 24/7. Lennon has a driven passion for music that is evident throughout every project he is involved in. He established Lennon Entertainment in 2013, offering music tuition, production, rehearsal and recording facilities. Jordan and Victor are passionate young enthusiasts of Australian music history. They recognise the importance of preserving this rich history for future generations, especially as older generations begin to fade away. They are committed to ensuring that the legacy of Australian music is not lost and continues to inspire those who come after them.Rino CufoneRino Cufone has been part of Adelaide’s music industry for over 35 years. Starting as a musician in bands such as Child’s Play and Tim Prestwich band, he then transitioned to venue and nightclub owner (City Nightclub) and recording / rehearsal studio owner. Rino has organised many community events and is passionate about encouraging youth in music. ‘Young Guns’ was a self-funded initiative that brought together talent from various South Australian schools and put like-minded musical kids together, forming a number of bands. This included providing youth with opportunities to perform at venues and open with established, well-known bands they would otherwise have no access to. Through his company The House of SAP, Rino provides production, sound and lighting services to many of Adelaide’s well known venues and international artists. Today Rino also performs as drummer in Pink Floyd tribute band 'Just Floyd'.Bob LottOver the past 60 years Bob Lott has been involved with the promotion, marketing, ticketing, venue management and security for thousands of events in South Australia. He has run Adelaide's iconic Thebarton Theatre since 1980. Lott has served on numerous boards and councils, including the Festival of Arts, the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society, Come Out Youth Festival, the South Australian Canine Association and was Deputy Chairman of the Jubilee 150 Board with the late Kym Bonython as Chair. Lott directed the State's Opening Ceremony for its sesquicentenary in 1986, the Adelaide City Council's sesquicentenary year celebrations in 1987 and the official national closing ceremony for Australia's bicentenary in 1988. He programmed Adelaide Festival Centre for its first year and the Adelaide Convention Centre for its first year of operation. Qantas Opera in the Outback, which Lott directed and managed, was awarded the Best Major Event in Australia during the Bicentennial year. He is an enthusiastic environmentalist and supporter of Indigenous artists. Lott has been a Nature Foundation SA Councillor since 2003. In 2007, he became Vice President, and was the President since late 2010 until recently.PurposeThe South Australian Music Museum is committed to preserving, celebrating, and promoting South Australia's musical heritage. We strive to inspire a deeper appreciation of South Australia's musical contributions and influence through meticulously curated exhibitions and educational programs. Our vision is to become a premier cultural institution that fosters a greater understanding of South Australia's musical history while encouraging the next generation of musicians and music enthusiasts. We envision a dynamic and inclusive space where local and tourist music lovers of all ages and backgrounds can come together to explore, learn, and be inspired by the rich musical traditions of our state and country. The South Australian Music Museum at Thebarton Theatre is dedicated to a multifaceted mission encompassing preserving, educating, and inspiring through the rich tapestry of South Australia's music history.Preserve South Australian Music HistoryAt the core of our purpose is preserving South Australia's vibrant musical heritage. Our museum serves as a guardian of the past, meticulously curating and conserving artifacts, memorabilia, recordings, and documents that chronicle the evolution of music in the region. By safeguarding these invaluable pieces of history, we ensure that future generations can explore and appreciate the diverse musical influences that have shaped South Australia. Local music history is not currently represented in South Australia’s museums and libraries.Educate the PublicEducation is a cornerstone of our mission. The South Australian Music Museum aims to be an accessible educational resource for all visitors. Through interactive exhibits, detailed timelines, and informative displays, we strive to illuminate the stories behind the music, the artists, and the cultural movements that have defined South Australia's musical landscape. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the region's musical legacy, from its early beginnings to contemporary achievements.Inspire Future GenerationsInspiration is a vital component of our purpose. By showcasing the achievements and journeys of South Australian musicians, we aim to ignite a passion for music in visitors of all ages. We believe that by highlighting the successes of local artists, we can motivate budding musicians, composers, and performers to pursue their dreams. The South Australian Music Museum is a place where the past meets the present and where the seeds of future musical innovation are sown. The purpose of the South Australian Music Museum is to act as a custodian of music history, an educational hub, and a wellspring of inspiration. Through our dedication to these principles, we aspire to enrich the cultural fabric of South Australia and foster a deeper appreciation for the power of music.