Set on Bundjalung country in the picturesque town of Byron Bay, the Arakwal people hosted this year’s Blues Festival. The five-day festival transported lovers of music into a world of soul and blues with a touch of hardcore hip-hop with the inclusion of Kendrick Lamar. No matter what your musical preference is, you certainly get absorbed into the sound and energetic vibe of live music.
One of the main attractions at this year’s Blues Festival was the partnership with Boomerang.
Audiences were treated to a plethora of cultural knowledge featuring dance, music, food and thought provoking conversations.
Each afternoon the dance ground came alive with performances by The Malu Kiai Mura Buai Dance troupe from the Torres Strait Islands, Jannawi Dancers, Excelsior, Going Wanhurr and East Journey, plus local Arakwal dances and the Rako dancers from Fiji.
One of the many highlights was the closing ceremony on Monday afternoon; this powerful performance certainly drew a massive crowd and redefined the importance of the continuation of this amazing cultural festival.
Archie Roach once again took audiences on a musical journey with his engaging and emotive songs. While Nancy Bates, Troy Brady, Gettano Bann, East Journey and Richard Frankland performed each day in front of packed out venues. It was a whirlwind festival for Canadian group Digging Roots, they wrapped up their Australian tour on the Boomerang Stage and had the crowd up on their feet grooving along to their rhythmic sounds.
Archie Roach captivating crowds at the boomerang Festival Source: Orlando Sydney
Festival Director Rhoda Roberts stated “to have Boomerang at the Blues festival is a wonderful gathering that is special and unique and promotes Australia’s oldest living culture. It’s something everyone should experience”
