In past gigs, Narana has hosted such icons as Xavier Rudd and the Black Keys back in 2006 before they became big-time names. If the pattern serves itself true, it’s likely the performers at this year’s Narana Unplugged event (following on from the inaugural event last year) will become even bigger names in a few years time. So best get onto them now.
The first Unplugged session welcomed a long list of local and national acts to the cultural hub for a weekend of great music. Ezekiel Ox, City Lights and Olly Friend were just a few to make the list. This year’s event sees headline acts Yirrmal and Josh Seymour take the stage, with performances also lined up from Jayden Lillyst, Alister Turrill, Olly Friend, Lyndon Arthur Perry and the Deadly Duo.
Yirrmal is a familiar face to Narana and is a new-gen Indigenous Australian artist. Originally from Yirrkala, North-East Arnhem land, Yirrmal is known for touching the hearts of those who hear his music through his heartfelt lyrics of his home. Related to Geoffery Gurrumul Yunupingu on his mother’s side, and his father, Witiyana Marika, a singer and dancer in Yothu Yindi, following music was always on the cards for the young musician.
“My music is about my culture, my land, my home and my people. And mostly just representing my culture,” Yirrmal explained to Forte in 2015.
Narana Unplugged is one of the greatest ways for you to acquaint yourself with some great local talent as well as the space and facilities Narana offers. The cafe, known for making dishes inspired by indigenous ingredients, will be open all day and a wander around the space certainly isn’t off the cards either.
This event will serve as a teaser to the later scheduled NaranaFEST, which made a return last year with Archie Roach, Kutcha Edwards and Fraser A. Gorman a few of the acts who performed. The festival is expected later in the year, until then, be sure to savour the musical talents dished up on April 9.
This is an all ages event and tickets are $20 (kids under 12 are free). For more information on the venue, the event itself or tickets, call 03 5241 5700 or visit the website: www.narana.com.au.
When & Where: Narana Aboriginal Cultural Expo, Grovedale – April 9
