Homeground A Highlight Of The Corroboree Festival
The ten-day Corroboree Festival opens on November 20th. The word ‘corroboree’ is derived from a local Sydney language word ‘carriberie’, used to describe a ceremony of singing, telling stories and dancing. Therefore, this festival celebrates Indigenous culture, heritage, artists, writers, dancers and musicians with over 100 events in various venues across Sydney.
It is estimated that over the 10 days more than 100,000 people will attend the entertainment events. Each piece of art form showcases, represents and acknowledges traditional and contemporary Indigenous life in Sydney. These events aim to educate participants on the oldest living culture and welcome everyone to engage in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in their communities.
Igniting the event on the November 21st will be a Firelight Ceremony to signify the commencement of the festivities. And concluding, the Gadigal Klub Koori will launch five new artists with comedy and music at the Black Humour Comedy Night on November 28th. All in all, this Indigenous festival acknowledges the hard work, patience and talents of the many people involved.
But perhaps most exciting is the free outdoor concert, Homeground. Earlier this year, the Homeground festival debuted at the Sydney Opera House and with raving numbers by the thousands. Luckily for Sydneysiders, the organisers are bringing back the spirit once more.
During the weekend of November 22-23, the festival will exhibit first nation artists with contemporary and traditional dance, music and Indigenous culture.
“This is a wonderful family friendly free event that welcomes everyone to come down and participate,” Sydney Opera House Head of Programming, Rhoda Roberts says.
As it is a free event on the Western Boardwalk, the line up is split by two stages, the Dancestry and Bar Badu.
The line up consists of local, national and international dancers and musicians; Naisda, Rako, Kids of Leo, Benny Walker (Victoria), Oka, ACPA, Sean Choolburra, Jerome, Teddy Lewis King, Bow and Arrow, Ursula Yovich, Chris Tamwoy (Badu Islander), Richard Frankland & The Charcoals, Breabach (UK), Digging Roots and saving the best for last, Dan Sultan.
The Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts (ACPA), the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA), and Fiji-based artistic movement group Rako, will unveil contemporary and traditional dances and will also conduct workshops for children.
The organisers are waiting in anticipation to have Dan Sultan back on Australian soil after a successful UK and USA Tour. Blackbird is Sultan’s third studio album and was recorded with Jacquire King in the Nashville studio earlier this year.
The ARIA-nominated musician for Album of the Year (Blackbird), Best Male Artist, Best Independent Release, Best Rock Album and Best Australian Live Act for 2014 will resonate his infectious yet invigorating voice among audience members.
Canadian duo, Digging Roots, will also be joining the line up with their mash of genres from roots to hip hop. The husband and wife band released their album, For The Light, earlier this year inspired by their travels on the road.
“Music is the food for your soul and we have a banquet ready for you,” Roberts explains. And speaking of food, the Sydney Opera House Western Boardwalk will have a range of pop-up bars and food trucks of The House Eatery by George or the Opera Kitchens to cater for all ages.
With the beautiful Sydney spring weather, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background, it would be a shame to miss this free event.
“Come and enjoy the diversity of performances,” Roberts continues. Keep in mind, the Sydney Opera House is positioned at one of the most historic Indigenous places, Bennelong Point. With Bennelong Point and Indigenous music and dance echoing and thumping the ground, this event will demonstrate traditional Indigenous customs and rituals.
Music and dance is an important aspect towards Indigenous culture as it shapes the Indigenous way of life through the message behind the noise and movement. Before Homeground, there was an event called Message Sticks that had a lifespan of 14 years. It was developed by the Sydney Opera House and incorporated all forms of Indigenous art and entertainment. Homeground is considered a “reinvention, reinvigorating experience” as it focuses on music and dance.
Organisers are hoping that this event will occur annually, but from the attendance from April’s event and November’s line up, there is no doubt that the festival will continue for many years to come. (EV)
Homeground runs from Nov 22-23, FREE, Sydney Opera House, sydneyoperahouse.com/homeground
Corroboree runs from Nov 20-30, corroboreesydney.com.au
Written by Erika Vass
