Sydney Songs for Stories Concert Report
More photos below. Thanks to Prudence Upton
Everyone relates to stories, whether they are sung, written or spoken. Storytelling
brings us together and helps us to express our identities as individuals and groups.
It was with this in mind that the wonderful folks performing at the Sydney Songs
for Stories concert, brought us their stories in support of The Indigenous Literacy
Project. There was a wide spectrum of performances and the audience was treated
to a diverse range of sounds and inspirations from across Australia.
Katie Noonan was a spellbinding vocal force, thrilling the 700 strong audience,
with the backing of her band The Captains. Noonan’s mother, Maggie, later took us
soaring again with her operatic soprano. Koomurri Dance Troupe, a Sydney based Indigenous
dance group were joined by elder and Sydney identity Uncle Max, as they performed
traditional storytelling through dance. The dancers drew the audience into a natural
world represented by their fantastical bodypaint designs.
Abie and Warrick Wright, an indigenous hiphop duo called The Street Warriors, hit
the audience with high energy beats, performing songs from their album ‘Solid Rock’.
They blended the challenging and confrontational with a cheeky friendliness, and
rhythm that was hard to resist.
Freshwater A’capella group swept the audience away. These four women, Nardi, Jilda
and Lucy Simpson, and Kalina Briggs from the Naranderra & Walgett and Angledool
areas of NSW, formed their group in 2005, and since have been amazing audiences
with their songs - both contemporary and traditional - sung in the four indigenous
languages they have between them (Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri, Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay).
These girls are dedicated to celebrating and sharing their languages. By committing
their songs to writing, they are ensuring the preservation of their inherited languages.
Anita Heiss, author of Manhattan Dreaming, and member of the Wiradjuri nation, spoke
about the opportunities that The Indigenous Literacy Project is able to give to
children in remote communities to tell their own stories. She read to the audience
from two picture books, written and illustrated by children from Wilcannia in NSW,
called ‘The River’ and ‘Pig Hunting’.
Author David Malouf, spoke about the importance and power of literacy, and the difficulties
of existing in a culture built on oral tradition when so much in today’s world relies
on being able to read. He acknowledged the wonderful job that the people in The
Fred Hollows Foundation do in their daily work in communities, getting the ILP’s
projects up and running.
Balladeer Josh Pyke was the last act, his songs evoke strong imagery, and have a
wonderful narrative flow. Among others, he performed ‘The Middle of the Hill’, a
song which invites the listener into Pyke’s childhood in suburban Australia, and
is always a favourite with audiences.
A very warm thanks to all who were involved in the evening, to Julie McCrossin who
was a gracious and illuminating MC, to Jodie Mann and team for organising the event,
to Sydney Writers' Festival and the City of Sydney for sponsorship of the venue.
And thanks to the audience who gave $3080 in cash donations at the event!
Photos from the Concert - many thanks to Prudence Upton