Barangaroo Reserve will come alive for an uplifting evening of songs, stories and hope at the only Sydney show of Songs for Freedom. Continuing their national tour at Barangaroo Reserve on September 2, this free outdoor performance tells stories of the striking beauty of Pilbara (Roebourne, Western Australia) and its people.
The Songs for Freedom national tour marks the 40th anniversary of John Pat’s passing, whose tragic death in custody in 1983 was the catalyst for The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
Guided by Ngarluma and Yinjibarndi Elders, a passionate intercultural group of artists from the Pilbara town of Ieramugadu and beyond will join local musicians in this moving tribute to John Pat and his family’s vision for a country united in peace. Feel the energy as their voices rise in harmony with a unique mix of original soul, blues and country songs.
Artist and cultural advisor, Patrick Churnside said “Songs for freedom is a body of work and a campaign… Essentially, we are singing for freedom for our country... we are singing for freedom for our children."
This passionate performance is presented by The Freedom Collective and Big Hart, with musical direction from Grammy award-winning artist, Lucky Oceans, and powerful narration by Ngarluma man, Patrick Churnside. Special guests on the night include Aria-nominated Indigenous singer and songwriter Emma Donovan; proud Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta and Nari Nari songman Kutcha Edwards; and award-winning singer-songwriter and Yanyuwa and Wardaman woman Shellie Morris.
You can witness this family-friendly concert experience for free at Barangaroo Reserve on Saturday, September 2 at 6pm. More details of the artists will be revealed soon here.