This September, Maggie travels to Port Pirie to watch dear friend Eva Kong perform in Madama Butterfly and gives an exclusive on the close family connection the Beer family will have to this year's Barossa Baroque & Beyond Music Festival!

Madama Butterfly in Port Pirie

The last week in August saw a quick trip to Port Pirie for one night for a very special reason. My friend Eva Kong, whom I first met ten years ago when she was a rising star, singing with Pacific Opera Company, was the lead in Madama Butterfly, directed by Australia’s John Bell.

I have followed Eva’s career over these years, and it was such a thrill to see these wonderful performances brought to regional centres all over Australia, and for me, the extra emotion of seeing my friend perform as Cho-Cho-San. I should also mention the after-party with the cast and musicians made it an extraordinary night! (See Photo)

Barossa Baroque & Beyond Music Festival

It’s the BBB music festival this weekend coming which is such a highlight of my calendar every year. Everything I love comes together in the Barossa- food, music, family and friends.

My friend Margaret Lehmann is the driver of this special event and Sharon Grigoryan is the creative director. There is a host of intimate performances and wonderful food to be enjoyed across the long weekend.

Saturday night the Festival dinner is being held at The Eatery on the Pheasant Farm with a mix of my daughter Saskia’s food and music from the Tawardos Brothers will be a special treat. If you’re in the Barossa and reading this, I know there are a few seats left for this great event which can be purchased on thefarmeatery.com/events.