North Australian Festival of Arts: Xavier Rudd free show kicks off epic two weeks of entertainment

Bringing some of Australia’s most exceptional art and music acts to the heart of Townsville, NAFA will also hold a free night of live music and culture this weekend. SEE THE LINEUP

Xavier Rudd will perform as part of the North Australian Festival of Arts in Townsville this October. Photo: Supplied

Singer. Songwriter. ARIA nominee. Activist. Spiritual. Proud Indigenous man.

Many words can describe Xavier Rudd; but few could adequately sum up his distinctive, raw Australian voice that Townsville residents can hear for themselves this weekend.

Rudd is among the many amazing performers and acts heading to the city as part of the North Australian Festival of Arts, and will perform at Jezzine Barracks this Saturday night.

Bringing some of Australia’s most exceptional art offerings to the heart of Townsville, NAFA will also hold a free night of live music and culture presented by Queensland Country Bank.

The show will be headlined by national folk treasure Rudd, alongside Garrwa and Butchulla artist Fred Leone, who recently joined him on his European tour.

This free concert will also feature Cairns group Djawarray and local Yalanji, Jirrbal, Badu Islander artist Kee’ahn.

Soul, R&B and pop artist Kee’ahn, who grew up in Townsville. Supplied.

Born on the sandy beaches of Torquay in Victoria, Xavier Rudd has drawn fans from all over the globe with his distinctly Australian charm. Kickstarting his career in 2002 with To Let, Rudd now has 10 studio albums under his belt along with multiple ARIA nominations and chart placings.

A man of Wurundjeri background, Rudd is an activist carrying out work to champion the rights of Indigenous Australians and preserve his own heritage, intertwining themes of spirituality and environmentalism into his unique brand of indie folk.

“We are thrilled to partner with NAFA to bring a night of live music and culture to the community,” Queensland Country Bank CEO Aaron Newman said.

“This collaboration reflects our dedication to supporting local arts and fostering a sense of unity and celebration.

“By presenting this free concert, we aim to make the arts accessible to everyone. The line-up promises an unforgettable evening that showcase amazing talent in Queensland.”

Looking Forward Looking Back will see North Queensland’s emerging First Nations musicians share the stage with some of Australia’s best in a new performance that pays homage to

King of Country Slim Dusty.

This year-long project is the brain child of Bulldust Band’s Megan Sarmardin, aiming to highlight Slim Dusty’s enduring respect and recognition for First Nations people.

“There’s a lot to be said about the power of music: sharing it, playing it and being involved with it. It’s good for your mental health and wellbeing,” Ms Sarmardin said.

“It’s going to be a big celebration of music and the power of song. Australia’s got a very unique, rich, and sometimes not a very nice history, but that can all be shared in song.”

Jem Cassar Daley will be part of ‘Looking Forward Looking Back’ at NAFA. Supplied images.

The free performance will include a mix of reimagined Slim Dusty songs and originals, with emerging musicians accompanied on stage by popular Indigenous bands Black Image and Bull Dust. The musicians will be joined by household names Jem Cassar-Daley, Emma Donovan, Jungaji and the Briscoe Sisters.

Townsville Councillor Liam Mooney expected NAFA 2024 to be well attended.

“Townsville City Council is very proud to support community arts events. Having high calibre artists like Xavier Rudd perform alongside North Queensland-grown groups like Djawarray is what NAFA is all about,” Mr Mooney said.

“I’d certainly encourage residents and visitors to Townsville to mark September 28 and 29 in their calendars now to make the most of these great free events.”

The 2023 edition of NAFA saw 50,000 spectators and participants descend on the city to celebrate arts, community and culture, taking in a program of more than 471 performances and 912 artists from across the state, country and globe.

Lining the streets of Townsville with arts, events, live music and so much more, the fifth edition of NAFA will take place at Strand Park from September 26 until October 13.

LOOKING FORWARD LOOKING BACK

Saturday 28 September 2024

Garabarra (Jezzine Barracks), Gurambilbarra (Townsville)

XAVIER RUDD

Sunday 29 September 2024; 8pm

Garabarra (Jezzine Barracks), Gurambilbarra (Townsville)

Djawarray: 4.30-5pm | Kee’ahn: 5.15-6pm | Fred Leone and Plutonic Lab: 6.30-7.30pm

For the full NAFA program and to book tickets, visit nafa-tsv.com.au

Originally published as North Australian Festival of Arts: Xavier Rudd free show kicks off epic two weeks of entertainment