The Gathering: A night of First Nations rhythms to open Dark Mofo’s Winter Feast 2024

The countdown is on until the return of the darkly decadent Winter Feast, which will soon open with the “timeless rhythms” of Tasmanian Aboriginal music and dance.

Tasmanian Aboriginal dance troupe pakana kanaplila. Picture: Chris Kidd

The countdown is on until the return of the darkly decadent Winter Feast, which will soon open with the “timeless rhythms” of Tasmanian Aboriginal music and dance.

Come the night of June 13, Dark Mofo’s City of Hobart Winter Feast will open with The Gathering – a First Nations-led music line-up including performances by Tasmanian Aboriginal dance troupe pakana kanaplila.

The night will also feature both “luminaries and emerging” First Nations artists from both lutruwita/Tasmania and from “across the Strait”.

Winter Feast, Dark Mofo Picture: Rosie Hastie/DarkLab

These will include both contemporary and traditional artists, with a strong line-up of local palawa – Tasmanian Aboriginal – performers.

“For this year’s Winter Feast, we are honoured to spotlight the deep and layered traditions of First Nations music,” DarkLab Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural advisor Caleb Nichols-Mansell said.

Mr Nichols-Mansell said the line-up celebrated the “profound cultural heritage and contemporary creativity of First Nations artists”.

“By bringing together the tradition of storytelling with modern sounds and expressions, we aim to create an immersive and unforgettable experience,” he said.

“This initiative is not just about entertainment; it is a powerful platform for cultural exchange and understanding.

“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the timeless rhythms and stories that have shaped our land for generations.”

DarkLab Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural advisor Caleb Nichols-Mansell. Picture: DarkLab Media

Locally-based palawa and First Nations artists include Merinda Sainty, Warren Mason, Dewayne Everettsmith, Pyper Robertson, Fox Ransom, Madelena, and Boil Up!

Interstate contemporary artists include WILDFIRE MANWURRK, Kee’ahn, Eric Avery, LEO and Torres Green, plus Bart Willoughby (of No Fixed Address) and song and storyman, Yirrmal.

Following the opening night, more than 80 performers from across the world will perform at the Winter Feast in its nightly program of music and performance – including musicians from as far as Tibet, Mongolia and Afghanistan.

Wildfire Manwurrk. Picture: Wildfire Manwurrk/Dark Mofo

The Winter Feast is one of the key Dark Mofo events – along with the Nude Solstice Swim and the Night Shift dance parties – that will still go ahead this year, while the festival takes a 12-month break.

The beloved annual food event will this year feature 80 stallholders, with guest chef Vaughan Mabee collaborating with Mona’s Vince Trim to bring a “menu of mad genius to life”.

The Winter Feast will be held between June 13 to 16, and June 20 to 23 at Princes Wharf.

For more information on the feast, go to darkmofo.net.au/winter-feast, and for details on the music and performance line-up, visit darkmofo.net.au/winter-feast/music

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