Still Here:

Sending love to everyone in this most uncertain time. It is acknowledged by Still Here that all are suffering. There are many new ways peoples are being forced to find to cope. And so one of those ways can indeed be through song.
First Nations music can be a crucial piece in the collective Resillience as we brace for a period of tumultuousness that is unprecedented in contemporary society .
First nations peoples hold strong to country, connections and the deep well of cultural responsibility that is song in this time. And in song as First Nations peoples we continue to hold special Medicine . From 6:30 Eastern Daylight Savings time tomorrow night Medicine Songs will be going live via streaming on Instagram / and or Facebook for the next 5 nights.
Wed 25th Lady Lash
Thurs 26th Pirritu
Friday 27th Carissa Nyalu
Sat 28th BUMPY
Sun 29th Maylene

VMDO First Peoples, Folk Alliance International and Port Fairy Folk Festival are proud to present the VMDO First Peoples Showcase, featuring some of the most exciting First Nations musical acts in contemporary folk today: Allara, Kee’ahn, Robert K Champion, Pirritu and Alice Skye.

Presented as part of the 2020 The ExChange Conference.

WHEN: 4 March, 7.30pm - 10.30pm
VENUE: Beav's Bar, 77/79 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC

Set times:

• Alice Skye: 7.30pm

• Robert K Champion: 8: 05pm

• Pirritu: 8:35pm

• Allara : 9:15pm

• Kee’ahn: 9:55pm

A Ngiyaampaa man from the Wangaybon Nation in Western New South Wales, Brett grew up off country next to the Pacific Ocean in a little town called Forster 300km north of Sydney. Having spent his pre-20’s as an athlete, he began his musical journey at the age of 20. He quickly started crafting his own songs and now finds himself residing in the music metropolis of Melbourne, making tunes for the malleable hearted.
With his layback and structured approach to music, Brett's story telling matched with the natural and earthy tone of his voice makes you feel like a Rainbow Lorikeet in a Wattle Tree. His sound comes from listening to folk and acoustic surf music with hints of country hidden between the lines. His writing is honest and personal and set against a soundscape that goes from sunny and toe tapping to a rainy sadness felt by a lonely lover on a Sunday. His music often celebrates the love he has for his family and the people close to him.

Support Act: Jhana Allan
Jhana Allan is a progressive country folk singer and multi instrumentalist who explores themes of darkness and light, loss and self-acceptance. Her original tunes range from slow moody ballads to up-beat foot-stomping country numbers. She is influenced by artists such as Bjork, Mountain Man, and Tom Waits. Jhana delivers raw, honest lyrics wrapped up in sunlit mandolin, fiddle, viola and piano, with driving rhythms and pure vocals.

This event is FREE for local indigenous mob :)
Doors open at 6.00
First Act starts at 6.30

tea/coffee/refreshments in break

In Feb 2017, I recorded my first ever album in Trentham, Victoria. All songs were written and recorded on Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung country. They grew from my experiences trying to make a living as a musician in Melbourne, and of loves and losses during that time. Running through the album is a yearning for the stark, arid and beautiful countryside I grew up in. I am so excited to be finally launching this album at McCrossins Mill in Uralla, a sentimental place for me on many levels. I'm also thrilled to announce that I'll be supported by the wonderful Pirritu (Brett Lee) a new friend from Narrm (Melb).

Ngiyampaa man Pirritu’s (Brett Lee) music is gentle, intricate and highly melodic with beautifully framed chords overlaid with a story of sadness and hope. With his layback and structured approach to music, Brett's story telling matched with the natural and earthy tone of his voice makes you feel like a Rainbow Lorikeet in a Wattle Tree. His sound comes from listening to folk and acoustic surf music with hints of country hidden between the lines. His writing is honest and personal and set against a sound scape that goes from sunny and toe tapping to a rainy sadness felt by a lonely lover on a Sunday. His music often celebrates the love he has for his family and the people close to him.

Hope to see you there!
Much love, Jhana