After a six-year hiatus, California Crooners Club returns to the Adelaide Fringe with warmth, charm, and an unmistakable sense of joy. Adelaide’s own Hugh Sheridan reunites on stage with Emile Welman, blending vintage crooner sentiment with contemporary rhythms, this time joined by acclaimed First Nations singer Isaiah Firebrace. The result is a heartfelt and engaging celebration of words and music that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

The performance carried the relaxed energy of an artistic rehearsal, with Welman having flown in just two days earlier. Rather than detracting from the show, this looseness added to its appeal, giving audiences a glimpse into the creative chemistry of artists finding their groove together in real time. What truly stood out was the performers’ infectious enthusiasm and genuine delight in connecting with the crowd. Audience members were encouraged to sing, sway, and clap along, quickly transforming the venue into a shared musical experience.

Backed by a stellar trio of instrumentalists, the ensemble was beautifully balanced, with the rich, deep, earthy tones of the double bass grounding the sound and completing the musical picture. The musicianship complemented the vocals well, creating an inviting and immersive atmosphere throughout.

If there was one drawback, it was that the microphones occasionally needed to be turned up, with some vocal moments losing clarity, particularly during ensemble sections. It was a minor technical issue, but noticeable given the strength of the performances.

Ultimately, California Crooners Club is great fun; an uplifting, interactive show that clearly delights both audience and performers alike.