Brendan Simpkins

PETER Combe, a legend of South Australian music, was in Gawler on Friday, holding two special performances at learning institutions.

The children’s entertainer performed two sets, first at Gawler Riverside Early Learning Centre mid-morning and closing the day at Immanuel Lutheran School a few hours later.

At Riverside, Combe opened with Three Billy Goats Gruff and surged into his back catalogue of crowd favourites, including Newspaper Mama, Spaghetti Bolognaise and Juicy, Juicy Green Grass before closing with the timeless Wash Your Face in Orange Juice.

Crowd participation was a key element of the performance, with Combe encouraging the kids to get up and interact during songs such as If You’re Feeling Crook.

At times, it was difficult to tell who was enjoying the performance more, the kids or staff.

Combe was invited to perform at Riverside by director Bec Myers.

Ms Myers said the children each had a focus project, and this term’s one had been music.

“Peter’s performance was going to be a great way for the children to experience live music and hear the music they all know and enjoy,” she said.

“It was a privilege to have Peter attend the centre. Some children will never have the opportunity to see or listen to live music and sing a dance to a well-known musician. With the last 18 months and COVID-19, we have had to put a pause to all our family events and this was a great opportunity to welcome them back into our spaces.

“The children’s response to Peter was great; many of them have grown up with his music through their parents.

“His music is cheerful and funny and this is a fantastic way to engage and teach our children.”

As part of the project, the children will spend the next few weeks listening to Combe’s music and the instruments used to put it all together.

Speaking to The Bunyip following his performance, Combe said he did not normally perform to small crowds such as Friday’s at Riverside, but he enjoyetaking a step back from the big settings.

It is part of a bigger tour of schools around Adelaide, with Combe saying he is playing two or three shows a week.

A three-time ARIA award winner, he has been producing children’s music since the 1980s.

Asked if he is surprised by his longevity, Combe said children’s music could stand the test of time.

“Honestly, I am not really because I think any children’s music that is any good lasts,” he said.

“...a good children’s song is timeless, and you can think of massive examples like Puff the Magic Dragon, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, all those traditional songs will be around forever because they are just timeless songs.

“I suppose I’m not really (surprised), no. I was hoping they might be passed down from generation to generation and they have, which is lovely.”