Tasman Keith, Selwyn Burns and Sprigga Mek joining the powerful one-night only BLAKTIVISM event.
BLAKTIVISM returns on December 8 – this time at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall – to present one of the most powerful First Nations music lineups Melbourne has ever witnessed, galvanised in direct response to the Black Lives Matter movement and its wide-reaching significance for First Peoples, as well as contemporary discussions of Indigenous sovereignty.
GABA MUSIK’s artistic directors Deline Briscoe and Airileke have curated a collaborative performance from reggae pioneer Bart Willoughby, celebrated jazz and gospel artist Deline Briscoe, legendary soul vocalist Emma Donovan, composer, performer and archivist Lou Bennett, Kee’ahn, and the stunning flutes, drumming and dancers from Sorong Samarai.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Today, that lineup grows even larger, with Tasman Keith, Selwyn Burns and Sprigga Mek joining the powerful one-night only special event. Off the back of his highly anticipated debut album, A Colour Undone, a powerful show in his hometown Bowraville and joining Goanna as part of the AFL grand final halftime show, Tasman Keith (Gumbaynggirr) is on the up. The young artist was part of the BLAKTIVISM line-up in 2021 but returns for another set alongside powerful storytellers.
Selwyn Burns is a Melbourne based Yorta Yorta guitarist and songwriter who co-wrote some of the classics of Aboriginal rock music with the band Coloured Stone. He has also performed with No Fixed Address, Mixed Relations and Blackfire.
Sprigga Mek (PNG) is an artist with his people at heart. A vision and plan for his music, Sprigga Mek is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to his live performances where perfection is everything. He is currently working on his first album titled Kanaka Messenjah which is due to be released at the end of 2022.
Mundanai means embrace, a ceremonial opening, an invitation for the many multicultural communities to heal together, in Naarm. Kulin Nations songwomen – Mandy Nicholson (Wurundjeri), Renee Sweetman(Boonwurrung), Corrina Eccles (Wadawurrung), Isobel Paipadjerook (Taungarung) and Aunty Dr. Lou Bennett(Dja Dja Wurrung) – share the spirit of healing through the power of culture and the richness of ceremonial song.
Melbourne Music Bus tour add new dates
The Melbourne Music Bus Tour returns for its fifth instalment after a long two years away as part of the ALWAYS LIVE celebrations. The Melbourne Music Bus Tour, running from October 15 until December 10, sees Melbourne musicologist Bruce Milne and music journalist Mary Mihelakos lead Melburnians on a tour of their own rich musical history; the dimly lit band rooms, recording studio revelations, side-of-stage secrets and revolutionary musicians who called Melbourne home.
Guests confirmed to join the tours so far include Angie Hart, Clare Bowditch, Jane Clifton, Paul Stewart, Wilbur Wilde as well as a special 70s Melbourne punk scene tout with The Birthday Party and Boys Next Door drummer, Phill Calvert.
The music tour is like no other and travels to current venues, iconic laneways, important Indigenous music spots, music video locations and places which have inspired some of our most loved songs.
Due to popular demand, there is a bigger bus which means more tickets are now available for previously announced tours. Six new tour dates are also on sale now with some new and exciting special guests including Deborah Conway, Rebecca Barnard, Kylie Auldist, Billy Miller, Phill Calvert and members of The Ears.
And in honour of Uncle Jack Charles, the Melbourne Music Bus Tour scheduled for Saturday 12 November at 1pm will now be hosted by two incredible elders who will pay tribute to the late, great artist. Robbie Bundle and Bart Willoughby (Pitantjatjara/Mirning) will join music lovers to share stories of their own musical histories and tell tales of the beloved Uncle Jack Charles. Bart Willoughby will then of course be joining the BLAKTIVISM line-up on Thursday 8 December at Hamer Hall for a powerful night of musical storytelling.
Melbourne Music Bus Tour Dates
- Saturday 15 October, 1pm: Angie Hart
- Saturday 15 October, 4pm: Paul Stewart
- Saturday 29 October, 1pm: Jane Clifton
- Saturday 29 October, 4pm: Wilbur Wilde
- Updated: Saturday 12 November, 1pm: Robbie Bundle and Bart Willoughby
- Saturday 12 November, 4pm: Clare Bowditch
- New: Saturday 19 November, 1pm: Deborah Conway
- New: Saturday 19 November, 4pm: Dogs in Space with Sam Sejavka and Chuck Meo (The Ears)
- New: Saturday 3 December, 1pm: Rebecca Barnard
- New: Saturday 3 December, 4pm: Billy Miller (The Ferrets)
- New: Saturday 10 December, 1pm: Kylie Auldist
- New: Saturday 10 December, 4pm: Phill Calvert (The Birthday Party)
For tickets and more information visit artscentremelbourne.com.au
