Some of WA’s best young artists will be showcased during this year’s One Day in Fremantle event on Saturday.
The free, all-day event will commence with a traditional smoking ceremony at Bathers Beach in the morning and conclude with a sunset ceremony featuring the burning of six balga trees, signifying reflection and renewal.
From 11am-4pm the stage will be thrown open to some of WA’s brightest young talent, including 2015/16 WAM Song of the Year winner Beni Bjah, 2018/19 WAM Song of the Year runner-up Joshua Flewnt, 2018/19 WA NAIDOC Music Award Winner Indigo Ellis and emerging rapper Trent Howard.
The program has been put together by Perth singer/songwriter and Abmusic Aboriginal Corporation representative Natasha Eldridge, who will also be taking to the stage with her band Kruize Control.
“I’m so excited about the line-up of young performers we have for One Day in Fremantle and I just can’t wait for everybody to hear and see their amazing talent,” Ms Eldridge said.
“Indigo Ellis is absolutely incredible. Her talent is just phenomenal and you just have to see her live to experience it.
“Trent is a rapper and this will be one of his first on-stage performances so he’s really excited about it.
“He’s got some awesome music and is just writing his own stories and telling the world what he wants to share with them.”
13-year-old Indigo Ellis said she couldn’t wait to perform in front of the One Day crowd at Bathers Beach on Saturday.
“It’s beautiful here and it’s a great opportunity to sing for everyone,” she said.
Rapper Trent Howard said it was an honour to be able to perform at an event that promoted reconciliation and encouraged everyone to come together to celebrate Australia.
“I’m very excited about putting on a good show with some good music,” he said.
“It’s very important because it gives us an opportunity to perform but it also gives the people an opportunity to see what the Aboriginal culture is really about in Australia.”
Beginning with an 8am smoking ceremony at Bathers Beach, One Day will incorporate Aboriginal artwork, music, workshops and food at Kidogo Arthouse and around the grassed area at Bathers Beach.
Activities include boomerang painting, rock mandalas, weaving, an art exhibition, storytelling and poetry readings along with Uluru Statement from the Heart and a number of other information stalls.
Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, Walyalup Kannajil and Madjitil Moorna choirs will be among many other performers.
The event will culminate with a sunset service including the ceremonial burning of six balga trees carrying a closing message of renewal through dance, story and song.
The free celebration will also serve as a fundraiser for the Australian Bushfire Appeal with attendees encouraged to donate to the Fremantle Foundation’s Freo Fire Fund which has been set up to support affected communities in the wake of the recent devastating bushfires.
