February for the Curious
We had a beautiful start to the year we had by holding space for our first nations community with two events under the banner of Murun-Dhu (I Live, I Breathe). This title represents the sentiment of the Wiradjuri Community who, while they felt let down by the result of the referendum in October, have commitment and courage to continue towards reconciliation.
Thursday the 25th was a big concert at the Riverside Stage. We had a beautiful joint welcome from Aunty Cheryl and Uncle James followed by heartwarming speeches by Uncle Hewitt and Audrina.
The music started with Shania giving us her first ever public performance with her mothers song ‘Wiradjuri’. This was followed by crowd favourite ‘Lollipop Lawrence’ who gave us his classic original country tunes and had us dancing. Dookie Thorne brought the tears (his and ours) singing about lives lost. He also sang in Wiradjuri language with was a special treat for all of the elders in the crowd. Rizdyray rap artist had all of the kids up dancing and we were treated to the caterpillar and break-dancing.
On the 26th we had an event that felt like a warm hug for the community. Yarning with the Elders, watching the extraordinary documentary The Last Daughter, with animations and poetry.
Looking forward we will continue to hold space for our Wiradjuri community as we host the 3rd ever Drag Pageant, What was the Wollundry Drag Pageant is now the Wiradjuri Drag Pageant that welcomes baby Queens and Kings that have an association with Wiradjuri lands. It is to be hold on the 24th of February in the Playhouse, hosted by our own Rose Quartz with performance and judging by another First Nations Queen JoJo Zaho and featuring a special performance by last years winner Strewth. A group performance and 6 performers vying to win the crown.
We have two book events Ainslie de Jong Could Dance - a chance to meet the creators of this harrowing real life event on the 9th and Katrina Roe as part of the Booranga Writers with an open mic at the end on the 16th. We also have another open mic for all new work on the Saturday the 10th at 1pm.
Two of Wagga’s favourite musicians Catseye Parish and Kayne Lyndon have teamed up for a live original music on the 17th at 3pm. And musical theatre tragic Eleanor Waters Jones shares her favourite things on the 25th at 1pm.
We have the Limes first gig on the 13th and a games night for single Valentines on the 14th.
Don’t miss the author talk with Jeremy Kruckel on the 18th t 1pm.
You think this month is busy - we have 4 Great Southern Nights music events planned for March.
Stay curious…