Media release – DarkLab, 5 June 2024
THE GATHERING—A FIRST NATIONS-LED OPENING FOR WINTER FEAST 2024
The opening night of this year’s City of Hobart Winter Feast 2024 will showcase The Gathering — a First Nations-led music line-up, co-curated by DarkLab Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural advisor Caleb Nichols-Mansell and DarkLab Music Director Kimberley Galceran.
The Gathering at Winter Feast 2024 will feature performances by Tasmanian Aboriginal dance troupe Pakana Kanaplila, followed by an evening of prominent contemporary and traditional First Nations artists, as well as many local Palawa performers.
Contemporary artists include Wildfire Manwurrk, Kee’ahn, Eric Avery, LEO and Torres Green, plus respected rocker Bart Willoughby (of No Fixed Address) and the legendary song and storyman Yirrmal.
Locally-based palawa and First Nations artists include Merinda Sainty, Warren Mason, Dewayne Everettsmtih, Pyper Robertson, Fox Ransom, Madelena, and Boil Up!
“For this year’s Winter Feast, we are honored to spotlight the deep and layered traditions of First Nations music,” Caleb Nichols-Mansell said.
“Our programming celebrates the profound cultural heritage and contemporary creativity of First Nations artists. By bringing together the tradition of storytelling with modern sounds and expressions, we aim to create an immersive and unforgettable experience for all attendees.
“This initiative is not just about entertainment; it is a powerful platform for cultural exchange and understanding. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the timeless rhythms and stories that have shaped our land for generations,” he said.
Following opening night, more than 80 performers will take to the Feast’s stages across the two weeks, with a diverse selection of local, interstate and international artists.
International musicians and performers at the Feast hail from Tibet, Mongolia, Afghanistan, north east Arnhem Land, Senegal, Cuba, Mali, Guinea, Gambia, Ethiopia, Guinea, Arab world, and Pakistan. The program also highlights our own locally-based international artists, who hail from India, China, Pakistan, Japan, South America, Balkans, Colombia, Brazil, Malawi and more.
WEEK ONE
Thursday 13 June — The Gathering
A First Nations lineup for opening night, featuring luminaries and emerging artists from Lutruwita and Aboriginal Nations from across the Strait. Curated by Caleb Nichols-Mansell.
Bart Willoughby (No Fixed Address), Boil Up, Dewayne Everett-Smith, Eric Avery, Fox Ransom, Jodi Haines & Friends, Karai, Kee’ahn, LEO, Madelena, Merinda Sainty, Pakana Kanaplila, Pyper Robertson, RooBoy, Uncle Dougie Mansell, Warren Mason, Wildfire Manwurrk, Yirrmal.
Friday 14 June
Anna Wang, Ausecuma Beats, City of Hobart Highland Pipe Band, Daniel Townsend, Eric Avery, Jode Brewster Duo, Francesca Mountfort, Iluka, Mambo Afro Duo, Matsuri Taiko Ensemble, Meyers & McNamara, Mona Music Ensemble, Shindig Quattro, Honmono No Gaijin 本物の外人, XIXA, Yirrmal.
Saturday 15 June
Arauco Libre, As the Crow Flies, Harry Edwards Trio, Ilyas Hussain, Jarabi Band, Jed Appleton, Jethro Picket, Kattleya, Little Pine, Mangus & Co, Svetlana Bunic, Tash Zappala, Teresa Dixon, Honmono No Gaijin 本物の外人, Xenos, Yirrmal.
Sunday 16 June
Arya Ensemble, As The Crow Flies, Ben Walsh Quartet, Black Swans of Trespass, CC Thornley, Fflora x Grace Chia, Francesca Mountfort, Harry Edwards, T&L, Les Coqs Incroyables, Little Pine, Matsuri Taiko Ensemble, Pep Talk, The Stranded Wailers, Timothy Johannessen, Unearthly Frequencies, Ustad Mustafa Faizi.
WEEK TWO
Thursday 20 June
Anna Wang, Bruny Island New Orleans Jazz Band, Celtic Muse, Francesca Mountfort, Jed Appleton, Jolley Hatters Morris Dancers, Les Coqs Incroyables, Lolo Lovina, Madelena, Mambo Afro Duo, Meyers & McNamara, Tash Parker, Teresa Dixon, Tim McMillan & Rachel Snow, WolfeFolk, Xenos.
Friday 21 June
Bruny Island New Orleans Jazz Band, Chikchika, Barefoot Nellie, Django’s Tiger, Folk Yeah, Immy Owusu, Immy Owusu & Kojo Noah Owusu, LJ & Lucy, Mangus & Co, Son Del Sur, Southside Steppers, Teresa Dixon, Tash Zappala, Tenzin Cheogyal, Tiff Norchick, Tim McMillan & Rachel Snow.
Saturday 22 June
Bukhu Ganburged, Tiff Norchick + Amber Clark + Tash Zappala, Cygnet Cello Choir, Georgia Shine, Ipshita Pratap, Karai, Berimbau, Pep Talk, Tenzin Cheogyal, Chikchika, Tim McMillan & Rachel Snow, Shade, East Africa Project, Wagaan, WolfeFolk, Xenos.
Sunday 23 June
Ally Oliver, Baba Bruja, Barefoot Nellie, Daniel Townsend, Farhan Shah & Sufi Oz, Ilyas Hussain, Ipshita Pratap, Mona Music Ensemble, Runaway Belles, Sam McMeekin, Shanasheel, Southside Steppers, Svetlana Bunic, Tenzin Cheogyal.
