The award-winning North Australian Festival Of Arts (NAFA) is adding two free events to its 2024 programme.
The festival is bringing some of Australia’s most exceptional art offerings to the heart of Townsville. First up in these new events is a free night of live music and culture, headlined by national folk treasure Xavier Rudd, along with Garrwa and Butchulla artist Fred Leone, who recently joined him on his European tour. The free event will also feature Cairns group Djawarray, and local Wik artist Kee’ahn.
Xavier has drawn fans from all over the globe since kickstarting his career in 2002. Plus, he’s an activist carrying out work to champion the rights of Indigenous Australians and preserve his own heritage.
“We are thrilled to partner with North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) to bring a night of live music and culture to the community,” Queensland Country Bank CEO Aaron Newman says. “This collaboration reflects our dedication to supporting local arts and fostering a sense of unity and celebration.”
“By presenting this free concert, we aim to make the arts accessible to everyone. The line-up, featuring incredible artists like Xavier Rudd, Fred Leone and local artists Djawarray and Kee’ahn, promises an unforgettable evening that showcase amazing talent in Queensland.”
Next is Looking Forward Looking Back – as emerging First Nations musicians share the stage with some of the nation’s best in a new performance, paying homage to Australia’s King Of Country, Slim Dusty. It’s a year-long project; the brainchild of Bulldust Band’s Megan Sarmardin, aiming to highlight Slim’s enduring respect, and recognition for First Nations people.
“This project is a way to give back to the community. There’s a lot to be said about the power of music: sharing it, playing it and being involved with it. It's good for your mental health and wellbeing.” Megan Sarmardin says.
“It’s going to be a big celebration of music and the power of song. Australia’s got a very unique, rich, and sometimes not a very nice history, but that can all be shared in song.”
The free performance includes emerging musicians accompanied on stage by popular Indigenous bands Black Image and Bull Dust. They’ll be joined also by household names Jem Cassar-Daley, Emma Donovan, Jungaji and the Briscoe Sisters.
Check out the 2024 programme for North Australian Festival Of Arts.
Looking Forward Looking Back takes place on 28 September. The Xavier Rudd-headlined show takes place at Jezzine Barracks (Townsville) on 29 September. North Australian Festival Of Arts is on from 26 September-13 October at Strand Park (Townsville).
