Tickets:
By donation at the door.
Profits go to Tongberangi Ngarrga Inc.
Please note that this is a family friendly and focused gathering. Welcome any young people under 18 years old to join us whilst accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Accessibilty
For any questions on accessbility, please contact hello@lbmf.com.au
Abbots Yard celebrates NAIDOC week
Tongberang'i Ngarrga Inc. Presents: NAIDOC Week Dance Party + Dameeeela & Friends
Abbots Yard teams up with electronic music collective Tongberang'i Ngarrga Inc. to host a sonic celebration of contemporary Aboriginal identity and Country.
The event will pay homage to this year's NAIDOC theme 'Get up! Stand up! Show up!' by spotlighting the vital role that art and performance play in facilitating reconciliation and cultural understanding among the wider community.
Tongberang'i Ngarrga Inc.'s NAIDOC Week Dance Party will feature an all-indigenous lineup of fourteen artists and performers showcasing contemporary creative expressions of Aboriginal culture. Supported by triple j, RRR and Kiss FM, the founders of Tongberang'i Ngarrga Inc. are fast becoming known nationwide for their sold-out community events and unique brand of Aboriginal techno.
Joining the collective for the occasion on a newly introduced second stage is proud Yuggera woman and boiler room DJ Dameeeela and friends, brought to you by DJ Social Club. Dameeeela boasts a live resume that includes warming up stages for iconic artists from Skepta and Tyler, the Creator to Charli XCX, and Genesis Owusu, including appearances at Boiler Room, Splendour In The Grass, Falls Festival, Listen Out, Laneway, Pitch Music & Arts, and more.
Over nine jam-packed hours, Aboriginal techno, electronic production, visual art, dance, storytelling, and comedy will permeate the outdoor oasis that is Abbots Yard, supporting revellers to connect to Country through the open-air surrounds.
An advocate for art's innate ability to bring people together, Tongberang'i Ngarrga Inc. co-founder and proud Gunditjmara man Samuel Nolan reflects on the pertinence of music, dance and storytelling in indigenous culture:
"Aboriginal songlines are the arteries that carry life to every part of this Country, connecting knowledge, understanding and energy. For thousands of years, we have sung and danced these songlines to keep them, and therefore us, alive. Today, many songlines are fragile. They have been stomped on, blocked, covered over, and dug up. But they still exist, their patient pulse waiting for us to revive them."
As with all Tongberang'i Ngarrga Inc. events, this year's NAIDOC Week Dance Party will facilitate an inclusive, safe and culturally appropriate environment for individuals from all walks of life to learn about indigenous culture through art and performance. On the significance of celebrating NAIDOC week and what it means for indigenous communities, Samuel concludes:
"NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate Aboriginal culture, history and achievements and connect with the oldest continuing living culture on earth. This year's theme reminds us all to keep supporting systemic change at all levels to improve outcomes for mob."
Born to Dance is supported by the Victorian Government COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund.
