RENOWNED Aboriginal singer and songwriter Kutcha Edwards is bringing his latest show, Circling Time, to the Gannawarra as part of celebrations marking Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.
The Creative Gannawarra-organised performance on June 17, from 6pm, will form part of a free evening of family-friendly events celebrating two important weeks for the Gannawarra’s Indigenous population.
“Kutcha is a songman, not simply a songwriter. He draws on a profound sense of all those who have gone before him on this land, along with his own life experiences, to help his audiences understand themselves, reconnect with their culture and promote cultural understanding,” Gannawarra Shire Council chief executive Tom O’Reilly said.
Circling Time is based on the album of the same name, recorded during 2020 during Victoria’s first COVID-19 lockdowns, and is arranged in sequences exploring Kutcha’s life through the themes of Country, Birth, Youth, Politics, Love, Culture, Healing and Hope.
“People are enriched by their encounter with Kutcha and left with a broader understanding of Aboriginal culture and how the policies of yesterday have impacted and continue to do so,” Mr O’Reilly said.
“Without a doubt Kutcha leaves audiences enthralled with his performance, his beautiful voice, charismatic stage presence and with a deeper understanding of the Australia’s first people.”
Other events occurring on the night include a Welcome to Country, an Aboriginal art exhibition featuring local works and items from council’s art collection, Story Time, and a performance from Kinja.
“Kinja members, Uncle Ron Murray and Sarah James are no strangers to the Gannawarra, having performed at past Reconciliation Week celebrations and the Koondrook Retreat official opening in 2020,” Mr O’Reilly said.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic, with food available to purchase on the night.
Bookings are essential at www.trybooking.com/BZIDX.
