ARETHA - Joondalup Festival 2024

ARETHA is a powerful memoir, live on stage, that celebrates the life and music of one of the greatest voices in history. Experience an unforgettable night of music and memories honouring the legacy of the global superstar Aretha Franklin.

Narrated and directed by the multi-talented Jada Alberts, the concert features outstanding Australian vocalists Emma Donovan, Thandi Phoenix, Thndo, Mahalia Barnes and Karen Lee Andrews, with music direction by Joe Accaria and a nine-piece band. 

Celebrate and groove along to her most cherished hits; ‘Respect’, ‘I Say a Little Prayer’, ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’, ‘Think’ and more. 

Aretha Franklin is one of the most influential voices in the history of pop music. Discover more about the woman behind the voice, from her early gospel roots and rise to fame, to her legendary hits and lasting impact on music. Celebrate the life of a woman who broke down barriers and paved the way for generations to come. The spirit and fire behind her voice earned her many accolades, including 18 Grammy awards, over 75 million records sold, and the number one place on Rolling Stone’s ‘Greatest Singers of All Time’.

An incredible evening of entertainment, this production will chart not only the music but the ups and downs of an extraordinary career and life. It’s time to dance, celebrate and show a little respect.

The Artists

• Emma Donovan: A legendary ARIA-nominated, award-winning First Nations singer and songwriter.


• Thandi Phoenix: An Australian-South African vocal powerhouse with a unique tone and magnetic energy, touted “One of Australia's most promising up and comers”


• Thndo: A singer, songwriter and actor who reached the final of The Voice in 2014, she is considered Australia’s ‘First Lady of Soul and R&B’


• Karen Lee Andrews: A compelling soul and blues virtuoso who has headlined at WOMADelaide, Woodford, the Sydney Opera House and countless summer music festivals.


• Mahalia Barnes: Australian Soul, blues, rock’n’roll singer, following the lead of her father Jimmy Barnes.


• Jada Alberts: Director, writer and narrator – an outstanding Australian actor, writer and director whose credits include ‘The Seven Stages of Grieving’, ‘The Dance of the Brolgas’ and ‘Title and Deed’. 

Event Information

Gates open: 6.00pm 
Event begins: 7.30pm

Seating
The concert is a reserved seating event. 

Tier 1: High back chairs situated close to the stage for best viewing.
Tier 2: High back chairs situated further from the stage, and a concrete Grandstand at the rear of the venue. Please note that seating in the Grandstand is unallocated. Guests are welcome to bring a billow or blanket for extra comfort.

Additional information

• Ticket row and number will be noted on your ticket. Follow the directions of ushers and signage to find your seat.


• This show runs for 2 hours and 50 minutes, including a 30-minute interval. Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.


• The weather can be predictable in the evenings. Please bring a jacket as this is an outdoor event.
  


• As a licensed event, minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult and purchase a valid ticket to gain entry to the event. Ticketholders must present a valid driver’s license, passport or proof of age card to gain access to the event if requested. 


• Edith Cowan University, Joondalup Campus is a smoke free venue.

Getting There

• Public Transport - ECU Joondalup is accessible by train via Joondalup Train station. The concert site is an 11-minute walk from the station. 


• Driving - ECU Joondalup campus has ample free parking located near the concert site. The best available parking is accessible from Kendrew Cresent or the Joondalup Drive entry to ECU Joondalup. Follow the event signage to access these car parks.  


• Drop-off/Pick up - A drop-off pick up point will be located in Carpark 4, adjacent to the event entry. Follow signage to access this area.


• VIEW THE SITE MAP HERE.

Accessibility

• An accessible seating area is available at the venue for wheelchair user, plus up to one additional person. To access these tickets, please email Ticketbooth at [email protected] with number of seats required and your preferred seating location. You will then receive a reservation code via email to purchase their seats. For all other accessibility related seating requirements, please call Joondalup Festival 9400 4912 to discuss your needs. 


• The concert on Friday 8 March will have an Auslan interpreter present. A section of seats are available adjacent to the stage where the Auslan interpreter will be located for patrons with hearing or vision requirements. To access seats in this area, please email [email protected] who will allocate you the best available seats and provide a code to purchase online. Alternatively, the Auslan interpreter will be visible on the vision screens if you wish to sit in an alternative area.


• Both accessible seating areas are allocated on a first come first served basis until sold out. 


• The best available parking for ACROD permit holders is carpark 4 (see site map or existing signage on arrival to the venue) with additional bays also located in other nearby carparks. Alternatively, patrons can use the drop-off pick up point to access the concert site. SEE THE SITE MAP.


• Patrons with a mobility aid or wheelchair who have purchased standard seating and do not require their mobility aid during the event can notify a member of staff who will store it for the duration of the concert.
  Patrons with access needs should note the event entry is on a sloped paved pathway.


• The concert seating area is situated on grass with a paved pathway around the outside of the seating area. Customers with tickets in the Accessible Seating Area (Tier 1) will be able to access their seats via a paved pathway.


• Grandstand seating is tiered and not accessible for wheelchairs

Food and Drink

• Tommy Taco will be there on the night selling a range of delicious Mexican food options. VIEW THE MENU.


• A delicious range of gourmet grazing boxes are now available for preorder via Cocktail Gastronomy. VIEW THE MENU AND PLACE YOUR ORDER.


• A licensed Drinks Bar will be operating at the concert, offering beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. A valid ID must be presented for purchases of alcohol.


• BYO alcohol is not permitted.