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This show belongs to the Adelaide Fringe 2026 season. This season is now over.

Promotional banner for “Once Upon a Time in Italy: The Spaghetti Western.” On the left, bold black lettering spells the title against a white background. On the right, a stylised image of a cowboy in shadow, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and poncho, stands before a burnt orange sky, with small silhouettes of riders below.
Adelaide Fringe 2026

Once Upon a Time in Italy: The Spaghetti Western

Nanni Calandro and his Cinematic Gang return with a live music show celebrating the iconic Spaghetti Western films of the 1960s and ’70s. This performance blends live music with storytelling, breathing new life into the soundtracks that defined an era of cinema. Audiences will journey through handpicked classics and hidden gems by legendary composers like Ennio Morricone, alongside lesser-known masters. These evocative scores, once the heartbeat of cult westerns, have gained renewed fame thanks to directors like Quentin Tarantino. The music is complemented by narrative elements that reveal the world behind the films and highlight the genius of Italian film scoring. A must-see for film buffs, music lovers, and Italian culture enthusiasts.

Presented by: Nanni Calandro's Cinematic Gang

Italian-born drummer and producer Nanni Calandro leads his Cinematic Gang, a powerhouse ensemble of musicians from South Australia’s Limestone Coast. Together they bring you Once Upon a Time in Italy, an electrifying live journey through the legendary soundtracks of Italian cinema from the ’50s to the ’70s. Blending storytelling, visuals, and bold new arrangements, the series celebrates both iconic and lesser-known composers, revealing the genius, creativity, and passion behind the music that shaped an era. A cinematic series of concerts bringing together film, music, and a live celebration of Italian genius and style.
Music
South Australia • World Premiere
 
Culturally and/or linguistically diverse
 
Fringe Fund Recipient

Suitability & warnings

Content rating: PG
Family friendly: No
Target audience: Middle School (12-14) | High School (15-17)
Depicts Violence: Occasional, Mild
Coarse Language: Occasional, Mild

Accessibility

 
High audio content
 
Suitable for audiences who may not have a comprehensive understanding of the English language

Presenter

Presented by: Nanni Calandro's Cinematic Gang

Italian-born drummer and producer Nanni Calandro leads his Cinematic Gang, a powerhouse ensemble of musicians from South Australia’s Limestone Coast. Together they bring you Once Upon a Time in Italy, an electrifying live journey through the legendary soundtracks of Italian cinema from the ’50s to the ’70s. Blending storytelling, visuals, and bold new arrangements, the series celebrates both iconic and lesser-known composers, revealing the genius, creativity, and passion behind the music that shaped an era. A cinematic series of concerts bringing together film, music, and a live celebration of Italian genius and style.