Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Friday 5 September 2025. Adelaide Town Hall, Adelaide, South Australia
The Scene
Adelaide Town Hall – built in 1866 and oozing architectural charm – was a perfect venue for a night of nostalgic R&B with a modern twist. The stage, framed by ornate arches and poised to glow under warm spotlights, drew an expectant hush. By 6pm the hall buzzed with multi-generational crowd: Filipino‑Australian families, OPM die‑hards, and Adelaide locals all ready to sway (myself being one).
Garahe – Local Pride, Big Heart
Opening the night with Aussie‑Filipino flair, Garahe, headed by Danee Golding, showed why they’re the reigning champions of our local OPM scene. Vocal harmonies soared, the rhythm section locked in tighter than your mate’s hug after a long week, and cheeky banter with the crowd cracked smiles all round. Their set blended soulful originals with clever covers (Nothing Compares To You), setting a sweet, romantic mood and earning hearty applause. Not even a warm-up act – it was a cultural embrace and a show that stood alone. Bravo.
South Border – Legends Reawakened
When South Border took the stage, the room rippled with reverent energy. The band – icons forged in the smoky ’90s R&B revolution of Manila – delivered a setlist that felt both timeless and urgent. Opening with a groove-laced rendition of Kahit Kailan, they had fans singing into the rafters before the first chorus even hit.
Jay Durias (musical director) commanded keys like he was wringing emotion out of eight ivory keys, while the rhythm section laid down that signature mellow-insistent pocket. Newer members – probably including Vince Alaras or Duncan Ramos-era voices – shifted into heartfelt ballads, and when Sa ’Yo hit, the crowd turned into a sea of swaying lights.
Highlights? Rainbow – its soaring hooks refracted like stained-glass in that historic hall. Ikaw Nga brought tears to eyes with its nostalgic tinge. And their encore? A powerful, heartfelt Love of My Life that left the room gently winded and fully wooed.
Crowd Vibes & Cultural Resonance
What made the night shimmer wasn’t just the music – it was belonging. Filipino pride intertwined with Adelaide warmth, creating a shared emotional groove. From young couples swaying to Brix-era tunes to older fans mouthing every lyric like an old love letter – they were all in this together.
Final Thoughts
South Border in Adelaide was a moment – it was also a soul‑healing reunion. A generational handshake across time, gloriously bridging OPM nostalgia with today’s energy, all wrapped in the elegant embrace of our stunning Town Hall.
If you’re reading this wondering whether it was worth your time – yes, yes, a thousand times yes. This was a night of smooth grooves, heartfelt melodies, and cultural affirmation. Consider those who missed it suitably jealous – this was a classic.
Visit our professional GALLERY of the night here
