The Adelaide Guitar Festival (AGF) is proud to present Blak Country: First Nations Country Music Showcase, a landmark event taking place at the Dunstan Playhouse on September 13th, 2024. Blak Country: Celebrating Indigenous Excellence in Country Music at the Adelaide Guitar Festival
Curated by a Country Music Powerhouse
Spearheaded by Barkindji woman and accomplished country musician Nancy Bates, Blak Country aims to highlight the vital role country music plays in contemporary Indigenous song practice. Ms. Bates, who has toured with the legendary Archie Roach, recognized the lack of dedicated showcases for Indigenous country music artists. “There’s a lot of gaps in opportunities for mob [Indigenous Australians] and country music is particularly hard to crack,” she explains. Blak Country seeks to address this gap by celebrating the “best country music in the world” being created by Indigenous artists.
A Global Song
Ms. Bates emphasizes that Indigenous country music is a global phenomenon, with thriving communities in North America, Scandinavia, and the Pacific. “We are a global people,” she states, “it’s not just Australian Indigenous people who have these stories to share.” Blak Country reflects this global perspective, offering a platform for artists to share their unique stories and experiences.
A Festival Experience
The event features a ticketed concert showcasing the talents of established and emerging artists like Aunty Penny Bonney, Nancy Bates herself, Glenn Skuthorpe, Scott Rathman Jnr, Jess Hitchcock, and the Rigney Family Band. Complementing the concert, the AGF program offers a free screening of the acclaimed documentary “Buried Country” (2000) and a free public panel discussion exploring the importance of platforming Indigenous country artists and the enduring role of the guitar in contemporary Indigenous music.
Beyond Borders
Blak Country aspires to not only celebrate Indigenous country music within Australia but also to propel it onto the international stage. With its focus on storytelling, themes of connection to land, and deep emotions, country music resonates deeply with Indigenous audiences. Ms. Bates states, “We have this, it needs to be shared.” Blak Country serves as a catalyst for sharing these powerful stories and fostering international recognition for Indigenous country music’s excellence.
Witness the Power of Blak Country Music
The Adelaide Guitar Festival invites you to be part of this groundbreaking event. Don’t miss Blak Country: First Nations Country Music Showcase, a celebration of Indigenous talent and a testament to the enduring power of country music as a platform for storytelling and connection.
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