Music In The Park will take place on the Hindmarsh Park stage on Sunday December 15th, from 2pm to 6pm. This free event will feature a mix of local talent, ranging from grassroots performers to professional acts, including The Swamp Critters and The Ramoans.

The event is being organised by Charlie D'Amico who has worked across NSW in the live sound industry for over 35 years. As an audio technician and licensed electrician, D'Amico has done lots of corporate work as well as putting on his own events.  

His concerts in Hindmarsh Park include Australia Day Events, Music in the Park, Tsunami Fundraising Concert and Farm Aid Drought Fundraisers, where he was honoured by receiving a Healthy Cities Illawarra Award for two Farm Aid concerts in Kiama and Wollongong.

In a nice synergy, D'Amico was the first and last person to use the old Hindmarsh Park Stage, and now will be the first to use the newly renovated stage. 

After a few years' break, D'Amico is keen to resurrect the ‘Music in the Park’ initiative on the new Hindmarsh Park stage. 

“Council has provided the community with a fantastic new playground and stage. I had some input into the technical side of the stage set up and I am determined that this great new facility be used to its fullest potential” he said. 

D'Amico also wants to encourage other groups, schools or performers, to utilise the new stage. “When I have been putting on events I have paid up to $5000 to have decent staging constructed so we are very lucky in Kiama to have this amazing stage at our disposal.” he said.

In a post covid world, people like Charlie D'Amico are working hard to give local artists the chance to perform. D'Amico said “Times are particularly tough for musicians at present and this event will give a paid performance opportunity to some of our local acts.”

D'Amico hopes next year will see the event happen again, and on a regular basis. 

“Kiama has always had a reputation as a musical community and when this event was held in the past it was very much appreciated by the local musos and audiences” he said.

Music in the Park is proudly supported by Kiama Municipal Council, The Bugle, and D’AmicoSound. The event is funded through a small Cultural Grant from Kiama Council, and D’Amico hopes that, with continued support, the event can grow and secure a greater level funding in future years so that it is a viable option for organisers and performers..

There will also be a spot for a band from the Youth Centre. Any performers interested in future events please email Charlie at [email protected].

Our LGA is certainly lucky with the calibre of shows, music and entertainment on our shore!