Published 4 March, 2020

VMDO First Peoples, Folk Alliance International and Port Fairy Folk Festival are proud to present the VMDO First Peoples Showcase, featuring some of the most exciting First Nations musical acts in contemporary folk today: Allara, Kee’ahn, Robert K Champion, Pirritu and Alice Skye.

Presented as part of the 2020 The ExChange Conference. 

WHEN: 4 March, 7.30pm - 10.30pm 
VENUE: Beav's Bar, 77/79 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC

Set times:

• Alice Skye: 7.30pm

• Robert K Champion: 8: 05pm 

• Pirritu: 8:35pm 

• Allara : 9:15pm 

• Kee’ahn: 9:55pm 

Artist Bios

Alice Skye
Singer-songwriter Alice Skye is an exciting emergence in the Australian-Indigenous music scene. Since early 2016, Alice has been garnering attention for original songs that sparkle with a sensitivity and maturity well beyond her years. Honored in 2018 as the inaugural recipient of the First People Emerging Artist Award Alices 2018 debut album had the industry sitting up and paying attention as it stayed at the top of the AMRAP metro and regional charts for weeks, was premiered nationally on the ABC local radio network, playlisted on Double J and was chosen as a feature album by Spotify and Apple.  Alice was also honored to be announced as  Fbi  radio’s  independent  artist  of  the  week  and  Triple  J  Unearthed’s  feature  artist  for  a  week. Alice has just signed with Bad Apples Music with plans for a world wide release of her second album later this year. 

Allara
Allara is a Yorta Yorta, musician, composer, filmmaker, and involved in the climate justice movement. Using a double bass and loop station at the core, she is inspired by ancient oral traditions and is a natural storyteller based in Melbourne. Allara harnesses hard-hitting spoken word taking the listener on a journey reflecting cultural, spiritual and environmental empowerment. Gently lulling audiences into a united chorus of unadorned melodies, her sound is unique and soul- stirring.

Kee’ahn
Kee’ahn is a proud 22-year-old Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal and Torres Strait Islander woman who ventured from her home of Townsville, to pursue her dream in Birraranga (Melbourne). With a name coming from the Wik people, meaning to dance, to sing, to create, Kee’ahn aims to honour her name and ancestors through her soulful music weaving lush melodies and words reminiscent of heartbreak and healing. Since moving to Birraranga, Kee'ahn has performed with and featured on DRMNGNOW's single: “Ancestors”, and added an impressive number of performance credits to her name. These include performing in DRMNGNOW band with Neil Morris at Golden Plains, St Kilda Festival, BIGSOUND, Splendour In The Grass Forum, and Dark Mofo.

Robert K Champion
Robert K Champion moves audiences with his haunting guitar music and compelling stories of life, love and loss. With guitar in hand and a cup of tea always by his side, Robert’s skilful storytelling warms audiences. A Gubrun, Kokatha and Mirning man now living and making music in Narrm (Melbourne), Robert’s performances are unique moments of song and storytelling, enthralling audiences with their warmth, poignancy and humour. A legendary guitar player, Robert moves between contemporary folktales and country ballads. He is joined by the finest country-folk musicians as, together, they weave striking melodies with captivating tales.

Pirritu
Ngiyampaa man and First Nations singer-songwriter Pirritu’s music is gentle, honest and melodic, enticing you into the depths of his personal journey, to sing you a story of sadness, love and hope. Pirritu will release his debut album in 2020.