The first in a series of three unique musical concerts curated and performed by new migrants and local indigenous Australians took place last week.
The All Pasts Lead to Now concert series premiered with a First Nations focus and took place in the forecourt at Riverlinks Eastbank on Friday, February 21.
Yorta Yorta artists DRMNGNOW, Allara, Bricky B and Lillie Walker performed following a Welcome to Country by project artist and Kaieltheban man Neil Morris and a smoking ceremony by Michael Bourke.
Musical genres spanned a cappella in Yorta Yorta language, experimental jazz and spoken word and hip-hop.
Project artist and Kaeiltheban man Neil Morris said the second and third concerts in the series would introduce Pasifika and African community members living on Kaieltheban country.
“Ultimately this series is about supporting these communities who have shared similar experiences in finding a home and a safe space on our custodial lands by sharing our song and culture and supporting their expression of art and culture within an exchange context,” Mr Morris said.
Local rising talent Ree Peric will host the next concert on March 6 which will feature Yorta Yorta country and indie singer-songwriter Madi Colville Walker, local rapper Vince the Kid, and visiting from Melbourne, Pasifika soul vocalist Silao, boom-bap and trap hip-hop artist Titan Debirioun, "IPU TI" Pacific Island Maori storytelling, and song and dance by Fipe and Peti.
Ms Peric said being able to create a platform for people of colour and First Nations to perform in one safe space was humbling.
“There is a lack of opportunity for people of colour to come together to present a show that ties together the diversity that can be seen around Shepparton. Not only is it the deep infusing of our identities and cultures together but it is also the exchange of respect and understanding that is warming and exciting,” Ms Peric said.
The two remaining concerts will be held in the courtyard at Riverlinks Eastbank on Friday, March 6 and Friday, March 20 from 6 pm to 9 pm. The concerts are free, family-friendly, open to people of all ages and alcohol free.
The project is supported by Creative Victoria’s Regional Partnership program.
More information at www.multiculturalarts.com.au