Elder and culture worker Gene Blow has over 20 years’ experience sharing and teaching about his Aboriginal heritage. He demonstrates the didgeridoo and explains its origin and true name. He tells stories of the Dreaming and teaches sit-down dances which illustrate how stories are told through movement and introduces symbols found in Aboriginal visual art.
The Joys of Women Choir sings a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary Italian folk songs with a passion and enthusiasm that is infectious. A vibrant Group of women, La Gioie Delle Donne present traditional folk songs sung from their hearts with passion and enthusiasm. The aim of this remarkable showcase of mothers, wives and sisters is to retain and promote the Italian heritage, culture, arts and traditions through music and song.
The Mbira, sometimes called the ‘thumb piano’ is an African instrument. It has been played by the Shona people of Zimbabwe for over a thousand years! George Joe will introduce its origins and history before playing the Mbira and singing some traditional tunes in the Shona language which students will accompany with percussion and singing.
Astit and her group will show students the amazing diversity of the Indonesian community through dance and music from Sumatra, Java, Bali and more. Or, choose to focus a workshop on Gamelan music and the Angklung, Batik print making, traditional games, Balinese Offerings or even an Indonesian Cooking Class!
Colombian musician Hugo Salcedo teams with Latin dance instructor Julia Gonzalez to present this fun introduction to Latin dance styles like Salsa, Bachata and Brazilian Samba. Using traditional as well as contemporary instruments, the duo provide an energetic and insightful music and dance program and can incorporate Spanish language to suit the level of students.
In this interactive workshop, students will discover the rhythms and sounds of the traditional music styles of southern Italy. The castanettes, the diatonic accordion, the tamburello, the putipu and the ciaramella are some of the instruments that bring energy and melody to this program! Then, with the infectious live music backing them, students will practice the lively folk dance the Tarantella.
Victor Valdes performs with instruments including the Mexican harp, Mexican and Spanish guitars, violin and trumpet. Students will learn folk dances and meanings of Spanish lyrics found in La Bamba and other popular songs. Victor will explain the cultural history of the instruments and the Charro suit worn by the Mariachis.
The Shohrat Tursun Trio is a combination of ancient melodies and African rhythms woven into compositions that can only be found in Australia. Shohrat Tursun is a world renowned musician and Uygur Bard, Yaw Derkyi is a Ghanaian elder and percussionist and Richard Petkovic provides the modern twist by actively inviting the musicians to share their cultures in a new way.
Larry Brandy is an Aboriginal storyteller with thirty years of experience. He has an engaging and interactive style incorporating movement, history and artifacts. He introduces students to his Wiradjuri culture with a focus on the significance of family, the environment and everyday life. This program can be adjusted to three hours for a more in depth experience.
The multi-talented Walangari Karntawarra is an Arrernte Aboriginal elder from Alice Springs who lives and works in Sydney. He is an international award winning, contemporary “Western Desert” painter as well as an accomplished musician and performer. Join Walangari for an entertaining and educational program showcasing traditional dance, music and storytelling. Topics and Activities include: – Didgeridoo – describes how it is made and how to create the sounds – Bush tucker and bush medicines – Tool & artefacts – Language – Body and face design – Dreaming stories – Traditional song and music – Learn dances – Traditional game
