Kelly Manhennett is a national award-winning South Australian Singer Songwriter who has released two full-length albums and graced the stages of WOMADelaide, Woodford Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Americana Festival in Nashville.

She’s also Life Care’s Musician In Residence.

Kelly’s tireless national touring, both solo and with her band, has seen her developing a reputation around the country as a unique and charismatic performer. She has been invited to support some great Austrialian and International musical acts (Charles Jenkins, Steve Poltz, Anne McCue, Patty Larkin, Sandi Thom, Monique Brumby, The McClymonts), shared the stage with her idol, Paul Kelly, in Nashville.

As Life Care’s Musician In Residence, Kelly regularly performs to groups in each of Life Care’s five Residential Care Homes, and conducts one-on-one music lessons for those so inclined. (Photo credit: Kimberly McKenzie.)

“I take requests and play the residents’ favourite songs, then we talk about why they like the songs and the memories they bring back,” said Kelly.

“Their smiles at the end of a performance are priceless. I think that gives me as much joy as my music does for them.”

“My nanna had dementia and I’d often play for her, that led to a few performances in aged care homes across Adelaide, where I saw the joy music could bring – it made me want to do more,” she said.

“It wasn’t long before I started performing at Life Care’s homes three days per week as their musician in residence,” she said.