Type: Community event, live music, silent disco, DJ
If You Liked: Dylan Alcott’s Ability Fest or Relaxed Sensory Friendly Performances
Ending Fringe season on a high note, Amplifii Music Festival returns aligning with the Festival’s mission to be as accessible and inclusive to its audiences than ever before. A small volunteer team runs the award-winning festival (Best Community Event of the Year, Fringe Fund and Social Impact Grant recipient), founded by Karren Kelly, a local mother inspired by her son James who lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder, James loves music however found regular live music festivals to overwhelming and overstimulating to attend. The festival provides a safe, accessible live music experience for people living with a disability and those who support them. This year was no exception, it was a night full of fun, music, belonging, and connection that could not be matched elsewhere.
Amplifii had something for everyone featuring Adelaide’s hottest DJs and Bands on its main indoor stage, acts like ICASPA, Pop Inc, Mr.Buzzy, DJ Josh, DJ Caroline Tucker and Princess Layla and Fifi La Douche. Or Outside in the Courtyard acts such as Hannah Smedley, Zac Waterhouse, DJ Kyyot, True Music Band and The Sisters of Invention. Wherever you went the welcoming atmosphere was in full force allowing everyone to let loose and just be themselveswith DJs spinning well known hits that had the crowd dancing and applauding for more after each set. Whether you preferred the high energy of the indoor dance party or the low key silent disco or grabbing a bite at one of the many food vendors everyone was welcomed to dance, stimand express themselves. The team thought of everything from Auslan sign language interpretation, SA Care carers lounge and sensory zone to a silent disco with vibrating haptic feedback vests for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing or sensory sensitive by Silent Disco 4kids by Party Higher.
With community involvement from The Colon Project who had teens practicing their social skills and interviewing skills in real time to Adelaide Audio Institute allowing everyone to record themselves singing their own tracks. To the various community sponsors and the volunteers donating their time and Hidden Disability Sunflower and Adelaide Fringe Access Line supporting families to access the event. It’s clear to see why Fringe goers come back every year for the most welcoming community event in town, suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s a true masterclass in inclusion and sets the bar high for the rest of Adelaide’s events to follow in Amplifii’s footsteps.
