Vocalist Ben Francis returns to the Adelaide Fringe this year with a new show; The 60 Four. His is a world of nostalgic songs, as his four-piece band pay tribute to the 1960s hits. The quartet delivers a high energy hit down memory lane, covering the ballads and up-tempo hits of the ‘60s – think The Beatles to the Beach Boys.
Ben Francis spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
I travel a lot, and flying into Adelaide always feels like a warm hug. It’s easy, familiar and instantly grounding. Adelaide itself just works – great food and wine, great weather, a strong sense of community, and everything is close by. Plus, I truly believe we have one of the most vibrant and exciting creative arts scenes in the world. There’s always something happening.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Osteria De Fortunata in Italy. They make the pasta right in front of you, which already feels special, but the carbonara I had there is honestly the best thing I’ve ever eaten. I still talk about it, and nothing has ever quite compared.
FAVOURITE BAR
You can’t go past End Cellars on Vardon Avenue, especially during Fringe. Sitting outside on the closed road with friends, sharing a bottle of Pinot, watching street performers and then heading across the road for a show feels quintessentially Adelaide. I look forward to it every year.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
A gin and tonic. Simple, refreshing, not trying too hard, and rarely a bad decision.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Get up and get at it! You feel worse in bed. A strong coffee should do the trick. If it doesn’t – try a mimosa.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
The Night Cat in Melbourne. The live music is always great, the themed nights are fun, and the energy in the room is unreal. It’s the kind of place you pop into and end up staying all night.
OVERSEAS BAR
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. I’m a real sucker for a jazz club, and I always try to make it there when I’m back in the UK visiting family. It feels like you’re transported back in time – the music, the room, the atmosphere – it never gets old.
FAVOURITE WINE
In summer, I can’t go past Jim Barry’s Assyrtiko. It’s the bottle I most often grab to share with friends and family – a great celebration and unreal with fresh seafood.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Taylors Wines South Australia is up there for me. It’s a gorgeous cellar door, and their wines are award-winning and brilliant – at all price points! Plus, make a day of it and explore the Clare Valley. It’s one of the best spots in the world.
Tell us about your new Adelaide Fringe show The 60 Four
The 60 Four is celebrating its 10th Fringe anniversary, which we honestly can’t believe. Our very first show as a group was at this festival in 2016, and now here we are 10 years later doing this as a job, touring Australia and the world – we still pinch ourselves.
