2016 Bush Bands Announced

BBB events to provide music opportunities for Indigenous artists | MusicNT

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Geoffrey Hulme

Congratulations to the six bands selected to perform at the 2016 Bush Bands Bash in Alice Springs on August 28. Lander River Band, Eastern Arrernte Band, Irruntyju Band, Iwantja Sunset Reggae, Kardajala Kirr-Darra (Sandhill Women) and Salt Lake. The six bands will also participate in the Bush Bands Business skills development camp.

Image courtesy of MusicNT

The Bush Bands Program brings together two of Central Australia’s premier music industry events. The Bush Bands Bash and Bush Bands Business provide specifically selected Indigenous musicians from remote communities across Central Australia an opportunity to hone their music and performance skills, gain industry knowledge and put it all to practise at an impressive concert in front of thousands. The program runs annually and has resulted in a number of great outcomes for Indigenous music including identifying and supporting young Indigenous band managers and creating opportunities for Bush Bands to tour nationally.

THE BUSH BANDS – 2016

In a record-breaking year, 16 bands from remote communities have applied to be part of the 2016 Bush Bands Program. And after a rigorous selection process six bands have been chosen to participate in the intensive skills development camp – Bush Bands Business – and then put it all to practise in front of thousands at the 13th annual Bush Bands Bash in Alice Springs on August 28!

The six bands performing at this year’s Bash represent six different communities and their music reflects the sounds and stories from their land. For the first time there is an all-female band, a band from East Arnhem Land and 5 of the 6 selected are joining the program for the first time.

The 2016 Bush Bands are: