Having spent weeks creating, preparing and fine tuning both original and cover songs through a series of workshops facilitated by Grow The Music, the excitement is building among the Wallaga Lake Koori Community who are presenting a special concert tonight at their community hall. The event is shaping up to be another hit after a hugely successful concert in February 2015 with over 350 attendees from the Aboriginal and wider community. The events which are also made possible through South East Arts are proving to be a catalyst for greater connection within the community.
Jazz Williams, South East Arts’ Aboriginal Creative and Cultural Engagement Officer, told Narooma News online that there is a power in events like these.
“I grew up in Bermagui, and I can’t recall many events that have energised both the Aboriginal and non Aboriginal community like these concerts,” Ms Williams said. “People seem to be very grateful for the chance to visit the Wallaga Lake Koori Village and connect with people. Music is a brilliant healing tool, and our local Aboriginal communities have talent in spades.”
Music is a brilliant healing tool, and our local Aboriginal communities have talent in spades.
Grow The Music is a creative music and arts program that aims to empower remote communities through extensive workshops that are delivered on an ongoing basis, building relationships with communities and nurturing creative dreams.
Opening with traditional song and dance, this years concert will feature a group of local women have formed a choir, the Ngaardi Sisters who will be singing live for the first time, Bermagui musician Gabadoo debuting an original song and a special appearance by well known musician and one of the original Warumpi Band members, Neil Murray.
Murray will be performing a song he has written partly in local Djiringaj language, alongside local musician Warren Foster, as well as some of his famous hits, which includes favourite 'My Island Home' and a finale collaboration with the kids.
Professional filmmaker Dean Brosche has been present through the workshops capturing the creative journey through a series of short films, which will also be shown tonight.
The concert will begin at 7pm tonight, Friday 18th November at the Community Hall, Umbarra Road, Wallaga Lake Koori Village. To find out more about the Grow The Music projects check out their Facebook page. Check out South East Arts here.
