Hitting Adelaide Again: A Legacy Reborn
Last time she touched down, Adelaide was left captivated by Lisa Simone’s festival show – and one year later, with her Australian 2025 tour, the excitement returned to Her Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday, 26 July 2025. Following her previous ‘dazzling” cabaret performance, she came back with a tighter concept and a powerful new backing band: the All‑Star Quartet, featuring some of Australia’s most skilled jazz musicians.
Storytelling Meets Soul: The Performance
Lisa opened with a gentle nod to her mother’s legacy with ‘Black Is The Colour’ and a story while dressed impeccably in black with a distant fashion nod to her mother, before launching into a set woven with personal anecdotes and emotional truths. She balanced classic Nina Simone tracks like ‘I Put a Spell on You‘, ‘Feeling Good‘, ‘Mississippi Goddam‘, ‘My Baby Just Cares For Me’, and deeper‑cut gems too to boot.
The band’s solos – particularly the drums and brass – were given space to shine. Lisa often stepped aside mid‑song to let them breathe and build the musical atmosphere, showcasing her confidence as a performer who trusts in her collaborators. Bravo and credit.
A Night of Voices, Stories & Surprises
Although there’s an undeniable Nina shadow to the show, Lisa brought her own presence – her voice rich with experience, her delivery tempered with heartbreak, resilience, and joy. The night was authentic and very much was driven by the heart. We, the audience, were encouraged to sing along, dance, take photos and videos and engage in conversation. A rewarding experience all-round. Lisa is an exceptional artist and also an masterful performer who knows how to hold the audience AND give them what they want. Kudos.
The pacing shifted beautifully: slow, contemplative tracks followed by livelier blues numbers. When Lisa launched into ‘Pay Them No Mind‘, moved wistfully across the stage. Entrancing us.
‘Feeling Good’ involved a wander through the audience and it was magical, especially when handing the microphoen over to an audience member who sung with overwhelming precision that had us, the audience, mouth-wide-open.
Lisa Originals
The second set saw Lisa slip into her own. And while we still received some Nina tracks we were delivered songs of Lisa’s that were inspired by her mother. These were beautiful, ‘Tragique Beauty’, ‘My World’ and ‘Legacy’ being shining diamonds in the set.
Final Impressions: Flame‑Keeper and Trailblazer
This was far, far, far from a tribute concert – it was a living extension of Nina Simone’s musical spirit through Lisa’s soulful grace. With dynamic vocals, confident musical transitions, and heartfelt storytelling, the show felt like a personal conversation as much as a concert.
It’s safe to say: Lisa Simone is Keeper of the Flame – a torch‑bearer who honours her mother’s memory while making her own path illuminated by authenticity and artistry.
Final Word
From the opening chords to the final standing ovation, Lisa Simone’s Adelaide show in 2025 was a tribute in motion – an emotional, musical journey bridging past and present with dignity, depth, and joy. Fans of Nina, jazz, or simply superb live performance won’t want to miss her next appearance, which I;m sure will be soon.
Follow Lisa Simone
Website: https://lisasimonemusic.com/
Check out my interview with Lisa:
