Sara Berki Delivers a Stunning Live Performance of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at The Gabba
When Sara Berki stepped onto the Gabba stage in Brisbane to perform “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” the moment became an unexpectedly intimate experience amidst the excitement of an AFL clash between the Brisbane Lions and Carlton. As the stadium buzz turned into silence and the first chords rang out, a shift swept across the venue. Suddenly, a sports arena became a place of reflection, as Berki’s voice cut through the air and transformed the energy into something deeply emotional and captivating.
From her opening line, it was evident that Berki was not just covering a John Denver classic—she was reimagining it with profound emotion. Her expressive, soulful vocals offered a unique interpretation that pulled the audience into her world. What had moments earlier been a crowd immersed in competition became one united by nostalgia. The lyrics, so familiar, took on new meaning as her delivery wrapped them in warmth, sincerity, and personal connection.
Supported by a skilled band that included acoustic guitar and a soaring fiddle, Berki’s version took on added richness. The interplay between her voice and the accompanying instruments created a sweeping atmosphere that felt both grand and deeply personal. The Gabba’s open-air acoustics added a layer of natural reverberation, enhancing the effect. Audience members swayed gently, visibly moved, caught in a moment that blurred the lines between stadium spectacle and emotional storytelling.
Sara Berki’s journey from Bundaberg to becoming one of Australia’s rising country music voices is underscored by performances like this. Growing up in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, she found her footing in songwriting and began releasing music that immediately resonated. Her work has been praised for its honesty and vivid storytelling—qualities that are fast becoming her signature in the Australian country music community.
Still early in her career, Berki has already amassed significant recognition. Her win at the 2024 APRA Professional Development Awards in the Country/Americana category affirmed her growing influence. A nomination for New Talent of the Year at the 2024 Golden Guitar Awards further highlighted her emergence. Her chart-topping singles continue to solidify her reputation as a force in the genre, carving out space with every verse she writes and every stage she steps onto.
From CMC Rocks to Tamworth’s Country Music Festival, Berki has graced the stage at many of the country’s biggest events. Her sold-out EP launch showed her ability to build and command an audience, and her time on stage reflects both confidence and vulnerability. It’s this duality—commanding yet unguarded—that allows her performances to strike such a strong chord with diverse audiences.
That night at the Gabba wasn’t just another live appearance—it was a defining moment. Berki brought together footy fans and music lovers in a rare convergence. As she sang about the hills of West Virginia, her voice seemed to bridge the miles between Brisbane and Denver’s Americana heartland. For many in the audience, it was a first exposure to her talent, and she made sure it was one they’d never forget.
As the final chord faded, a brief silence fell over the crowd—a reverent pause before the wave of cheers broke out. The applause wasn’t just polite appreciation; it was a genuine response to an artist who had reached into people’s hearts. For those who witnessed it, that song will always be remembered not as a cover, but as a shared moment of beauty and connection.
This performance marked a milestone in Berki’s rising career. Her ability to hold space in a venue as large and high-energy as the Gabba demonstrated that she can transcend expectations. In breathing new life into a timeless classic, she also signaled her place in the future of country music—not as a copy of the past, but as an evolving voice with something honest to say.
Looking ahead, Berki continues to build on this momentum. With new projects underway and an ever-growing audience, she is embracing her role as one of country music’s most promising new voices. Her songs reflect lived experience and emotional clarity, suggesting that she is only just beginning to tap into the stories she has to share with the world.
The influence of her upbringing in Australia’s rural landscapes is deeply woven into her lyrics. The imagery of open roads, sunlit fields, and quiet longing gives her music an authenticity that is both grounded and poetic. This connection to place and memory gives her songs a rootedness that resonates across geographic boundaries.
Berki also maintains a direct connection with her fans through social media, ensuring that the relationship between artist and audience is not just through her music, but through real interaction. This accessibility, paired with her onstage openness, strengthens her bond with listeners who see in her not just a performer, but someone who represents their own stories and emotions.
In today’s music world, where trends often overshadow substance, Berki’s work stands as a reminder that stories and sincerity still matter. Her lyrics explore themes of longing, belonging, and resilience—universal ideas made personal through her voice. Whether at a local venue or a packed stadium, her music speaks to something deeper.
As her career continues to rise, Sara Berki remains an artist to watch. Performances like the one at the Gabba show how her storytelling ability can fill any space, large or small, and leave a lasting impact. With collaborations and future releases on the horizon, she’s poised to continue expanding her reach while staying true to the emotional core of her artistry.
In a time when mass appeal often takes priority, Berki’s journey is proof that there’s still room for music grounded in honesty. Her presence on stage feels less like a performance and more like an invitation—one that draws listeners in with its warmth and keeps them there with its truth. She’s not just singing songs; she’s offering pieces of herself in every lyric she sings.
