PERFORMANCE AND WORKSHOP PROGRAM
BIPPERA-KYMEL - SOUNDS OF FNQ AND THE TORRES STRAIT
Friday 21 August
Christine Anu and Zennith headline this special event that brings together some of Queensland's best known Indigenous artists with some of the state's most exciting new talent. Performers include King Kadu (Ricardo Idagi) and Will Kepa, and when you tire of dancing browse the art work on display at Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. A great way to spend the evening!
Christine Anu stepped into the Australian music spotlight fifteen years ago with her version of Neil Murray's classic song My Island Home. Since then her career has gone from strength to strength, encompassing music, theatre, dance, film, television and children's entertainment. From performing her 'signature' tune at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, to winning ARIA awards and penning her own autobiographical theatre production, Christine is recognised as one of the country's most successful female recording and performing artists.
Zennith is a highly popular five-piece ‘roots' act from Kuranda offering a mix of hip hop, soul, rhymes and reggae. With an enviable reputation built around their live shows, the band came to national attention in 2008 following a series of festival gigs including Woodford, Island Times, Kuranda Roots and The Dreaming. Finalists in the 2008 QSong Awards, Zennith were invited to showcase at The BIG SOUND Music Industry Summit but it was their acclaimed performance at the inaugural Australasian World Music Expo in Melbourne last year that set tongues wagging. Since then, the band has been overwhelmed by offers to perform around the world, including invitations from New Zealand, North America and Europe. The band is currently working on its debut album, set for release late 2009.
Will Kepa is a Torres Strait Islander singer-songwriter, drummer, bassist, guitarist, audio engineer, and producer with connections to Yam Island. A gifted and consummate all-rounder, Will is equally comfortable behind the drum kit as he is behind the mixing console, singing or playing guitar. He holds a Diploma in Music from Far North Queensland TAFE and has worked with many of Australia's leading Indigenous musicians including Seaman Dan, David Hudson, Wilma Reading, Zennith, Emma-Louise Lobb, The Briscoe Sisters, Tribe of Jubal, Kamarunga, Patrick Levi, and Cygnet Repu. His musical tastes are as varied as his abilities and encompass rock, roots, jazz, folk and traditional island sounds - to name but a few.
King Kadu aka Ricardo Idagi is a prominent Indigenous musician from Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait. Inspired by his ancestors and the recent history of the Torres Strait, King Kadu's performance incorporates authentic Merian music and traditional instruments such as the Warup (a traditional drum) and the Gor (a rattle made of seeds). Kadu, who now resides in Melbourne, often performs with his uncles, whose island melodies contribute to the authenticity of the Murray Island experience. Kadu's music transcends boundaries and incorporates a range of genres including JuJu, Jive and Taybobo. An acclaimed visual artist, Ricardo's artworks have been acquired by the National Galleries of Australia and Victoria and are included in many private collections around the world.
Tanks will be paying tribute to 80-year old legend, Henry ‘Seaman' Dan, with tracks from his just released farewell CD ‘Sailing Home' being played throughout the evening. Enjoy songs celebrating his love of the sea, and his Torres Strait Islander culture. Meet this remarkable musician and community ambassador and enjoy his passion for the unique music of the Torres Strait.
Doors open: 6.30pm
Show starts: 7pm
Cost: $35 / $30 (Concession) Book at Ticketlink
Venue: Tank 5
PERFORMANCE AND WORKSHOP PROGRAM
Friday 21 - Sunday 23 August
Featuring some of Queensland’s most exciting artists, the performance program at Tanks Arts Centre will celebrate Indigenous dance storytelling and music with performances, workshops and exhibitions scheduled over three days. There’ll also be a chance to see artists at work with Djumbunji Press KickArts Fine Art Printmaking holding demonstrations by leading printmakers.
The program will appeal to families, tourists and arts enthusiasts with free and ticketed events showcasing the region’s rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Come and celebrate Indigenous dance, storytelling and music with performances from the Aurukun Dancers and Songmen, the Ariw Poenipan and Kulkal Baba (Blooded Feather) dancers from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait, the Woomera Dancers from Mornington Island and the Baiwa, Lagaw Tituil, Mayi Wunba and Gimuy Waddama dance troupes from Cairns and surrounds.
See artists at work at demonstrations at Djumbunji Press KickArts Fine Art Printmaking and take part in free workshops, artist talks and activities at the children’s art station.
Performers
- Ariw Poenipan, Saibai
- Kulkal Baba - Blooded Feather, Saibai
- Baiwa
- Eastern Island Djarragun College, Cairns
- Aurukun Songmen and Dance Troupe
- Woomera, Mornington Island
- Mayi Wunba, Kuranda
- Gimuy Waddama, Cairns
- Yidinji, Djarragun College Cairns
Times: 11am - 8pm Friday-Saturday, 11am - 3pm Sunday
Cost: Free
Venue: Tank 5
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Dreaming Festival, Lime Photography.
