The Boomerang Festival, a unique celebration of Indigenous culture and music to be held on the long weekend of Friday 4th to Sunday 6th of October at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, the regular home of Byron Bay’s award-winning Bluesfest, today has a very special addition to its inaugural lineup.
Joining the already impressive array of dance, theatre, comedy, film, visual arts, and a musical lineup that includes Gurrumul with the 24 piece Queensland Virtuoso Symphony Orchestra, Archie Roach with Lou Bennett, The Medics, Thelma Plum, is a one of a kind concert experience.
Wantok SING SING will be performing Wan Solwara Pipel at the inaugural Boomerang Festival and arrive direct from two sell out performances at the Sydney Opera House in March, and their flushing success at the 2012 London Olympic Games Festival, representing Oceania amongst the 25,000 artists at the Olympian sized event to a storming reception.
Fusing music and dance in a sensation grabbing 17-piece display of world grooves, Wantok SING SING mixes tribal drumming, captivating vocals, Samoan street hip hop, reggae, dance and much more in a vibrant display of music and artistic skill. It’s multicultural lineup features artsist, dancers, and musicians from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, The Torres Strait Islands, The Cook Islands (Raratonga).
Its ranks also includes Indigenous Australians Frank Yamma, Djakapurra, accompanied by the amazing George Telek (Papua New Guinea), Vika and Linda Bull (Tonga), Airileke (Papua New Guinea), Albert David, Mariwo (Torres Strait Islands), Kas Futialo (Samoa), Tieni Ruapene (Rarotonga) – seventeen on stage in full costume under the musical direction of David Bridie. Wantok SING SING mixes tribal drumming, captivating vocals, Samoan street hip hop, reggae, dance and much more
Uplifting, exhilarating, the ensemble’s inimitable live show is titled Wan Solwara Pipel, an epic journey that follows the songlines of the indigenous peoples of Oceania in an exuberant fusion of music and dance.
The unique addition to the Boomerang Festival lineup is indicative of the unexpected surprises on offer in the program in an event that is much more than a music festival. Upon the announcement of Boomerang, Festival Director Rhoda Roberts said the event was about spreading Aboriginal people’s passion for land, arts, and culture, says Festival Director Rhoda Roberts, which in turn would help create more opportunities for indigenous artists.
“I want our artists to get work; I don’t want to see Archie Roach have to live below the poverty line because he believes in the music he does,” said Ms Roberts. “I’m so passionate about our artists, and it’s about them getting gigs and getting exposure but more importantly it’s about an inclusiveness in the local community and a sort of ownership.”
Meanwhile, Bluesfest promoter Peter Noble – who helped build the $1.2 million budget for Boomerang’s October launch at the Bluesfest site – was equally enthusiastic about the new festival: ”Hosting a significant cultural event on the Bluesfest site which is actually Bundjalung country not only makes sense, but makes me proud,” said Noble.
A very limited amount of 3 day and single day early bird tickets are now on sale through www.boomerangfestival.com.au or by phoning the Boomerang office on 02 6685 8310. Artist playing schedule will be available on www.boomerangfestival.com.au
Boomerang Festival 2013 Lineup
Wantok SING SING
Performing Wan Solwara Pipel at Boomerang on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of October
MUSIC
Gurrumul with the 24 piece Queensland Virtuoso Symphony Orchestra
Archie Roach with Lou Bennett, Emma Donovan & Deline Briscoe
and a ten-piece ensemble feat. string quartet
Shellie Morris
The Medics
Thelma Plum
DANCE
Arakwal Dancers
SPEAKERS
Ernie Dingo
Larissa Behrendt
COMEDY
Sean Choolburra- 50 Shades of Black
THEATRE
Tammy Anderson’s – I don’t Wanna Play House
FILM
Butcher Paper, Texta, Blackboard and Chalk
& many more to come with another astounding announcement on Wednesday July 3rd.
Boomerang Festival 2013
FRIDAY 4th OCTOBER – SUNDAY 6th OCTOBER 2013
Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay (the home of Bluesfest)
