The unique sounds of international multi-ARIA Award nominee Xavier Rudd will help close this year’s Quandamooka Festival in style.
The Australian singer-songwriter will be joined by a strong lineup of Indigenous dance troupes, plus local and nationally recognised acts on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) at the closing event Kunjiel (Corroboree) Saturday 17 September.
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) CEO Cameron Costello said having such a well-known artist to help close this year’s festival was a huge coup.
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“Xavier Rudd is not just one of the country’s finest contemporary musicians, he is also well-known for his environmental passion and support of Australia’s Traditional Owners,” Mr Costello said.
“His respect for first Australians and recognition of the importance of their connection to country fits perfectly with the Quandamooka Festival and all that it stands for.”
Fresh from wowing audiences in Europe and America with his unique multi-instrumental style, it will be Rudd’s second visit to Minjerribah having travelled to the island in 2012 to shoot the film-clip for his hit Follow the Sun, which featured local Yulu-burri-ba dancers.
Rudd described Follow the Sun as a “homecoming song”, a perfect fit for Minjerribah the spiritual home of the Quandamooka people and an island Rudd describes as “a sort of medicine” for those who visit.
“It’s been a real special song. It is all about country, all about Australia and coming home and the power of this place we love, all people of all cultures and it’s a special song for me for sure,” he said.
Rudd said he was looking forward to catching up with Yulu-burri-ba dancers and paying respects to Minjerribah’s Traditional Owners as part of this year’s Quandamooka Festival.
“In my time touring it’s been always at the forefront of what I do to promote reconciliation and respect for Aboriginal people in Australia; it’s hugely important to me,” he said.
“I’ve been wanting to get over to Straddie to play, it’s a special place and I’m aware of the history of reconciliation that’s going on there, so for me to be able to come over and do something involved in culture is something that feels right to me.
“There is a lot of spirit on that island and when things are done the right way it’s like a medicine for people and it’s not something that’s seen or heard it just lives within the spirit and it has done on country for thousands of years.
“This (Kunjiel) will be a special opportunity and for people; they will certainly feel it when they leave, they will feel it into the future because that’s the power of the culture.”
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Xavier Rudd’s appearance at this year’s Quandamooka Festival would offer local artists the chance of working with him to celebrate the festival’s closing season at Dunwich.
“The Kunjiel event will feature plenty of entertainment for the whole family, including many Indigenous dance troupes and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists such as Quandamooka musician Adam James,” she said.
“The program also features young Torres Strait Islander musician and Australia’s Got Talent finalist Chris Tamwoy. There will also be plenty of fresh local food, markets, art and kids’ activities on offer.”
Division 2 Councillor for North Stradbroke Island Peter Mitchell said: “Celebrating the rich indigenous culture of the Redlands and surrounds, the Quandamooka Festival is a three-month calendar of events featuring activities and interests for all ages.
“This year’s jam-packed program included whale watching and cultural tours, art exhibitions, music, song and dance, markets, weaving, poetry, spoken word, traditional foods, sporting events and more.”
Early bird tickets to the Kunjiel are $65 and on sale now through the Redland Performing Art Centre. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate.
Redland City Council is a proud sponsor of the Quandamooka Festival
Event details:
Saturday 17 September, 11am – 9pm,
100 East Coast Road, Dunwich (Goompi),
North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).
Visit Quandamooka Festival for the program and follow Quandamooka Festival on Facebook for updates throughout the festival.
