Bringing Music and Memories to the Stage at the Seniors and Better Ageing Expo

On 24 September, I had the privilege of performing at the Seniors and Better Ageing Expo at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston. The expo attracted around 7,000 visitors throughout the day. During my performance, about 150 people gathered in earshot of the stage — an enthusiastic and supportive crowd.

The Seniors and Better Ageing Expo 2025 had over 7,000 visitors

A Milestone Performance

This was a milestone for me — the first time I brought Music and Memories to a stage. Until now, the show has mostly been performed in senior living residences for groups of 20–30 staff and residents. Stepping up in front of a larger audience to share the songs was both nerve-wracking and exciting. Working with UpStaging Canberra made the leap to a bigger stage possible. I’m grateful for their support in making the show work in such a dynamic setting.

Richard Ings Music stage setup at the Seniors and Better Ageing Expo

A Memorable Setlist

I performed 15 songs, covering classics that spark memories and invite singalongs. The highlight was I Still Call Australia Home by Peter Allen. The crowd joined in, and hearing so many voices lift that song together was a moment I’ll never forget.

Instagram Reels of my performance at the Seniors and Better Ageing Expo presented by COTA ACT

Sharing Original Music

I also included one of my original songs, Banana Song. It’s a piece I wrote about family summer holidays in Australia — road trips, the beach, and that nostalgic sense of freedom. It’s light-hearted, a little cheeky, and built around the idea of everyone singing along to a simple refrain, just like families do in the car. I was delighted at how warmly it was received; people smiled, clapped, and a few even sang along by the second chorus. Sharing an original in that context was a leap for me, but it showed how well personal stories can fit within the Music and Memories framework.

Technical Setup

From a technical side, I used my JBL EON MK2 tower PA, a 1,500-watt battery-powered system. This is the PA I use for large spaces like markets or big indoor venues. It was perfect for the space. I added a gentle touch of reverb on vocals and guitar to give the sound some space. I controlled EQ and effects through the JBL app, right from my seat. My wireless Fender Telepath and Lekato system kept the stage cable-free, allowing me to focus fully on the performance. I use an iPad Mini with my set list, lyrics, and chords right in front of me. It’s a nice little setup suitable for any venue.

Conclusion: A Successful Transition

Taking Music and Memories from small community rooms to the expo stage showed me how well the show translates to bigger audiences. A big thank you to COTA ACT for inviting me, to UpStaging Canberra for their technical support, and to everyone who stopped by to listen and sing along.

This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of live music. It connects people across generations and creates lasting memories. I look forward to performing at more venues and events, sharing my music with even larger audiences. If you're looking for a solo acoustic musician who is professional and fully self-contained gear-wise for your venue, function, or corporate event, I would love to connect.