Premier NT community event the Barunga Festival has announced that its 29th-anniversary celebrations this June will be capped off with the one-off reformation of the legendary Saltwater Band.
Though they have been largely inactive in recent memory, the Elcho Island collective notched up more than 30,000 album sales - and a handful of ARIA nominations - during their career, and are perhaps best known for being Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu's first project after leaving renowned indigenous outfit Yothu Yindi.
Gurrumul will be joined by the full original line-up of the band for the show, including lead vocalist Manuel Dhurrkay and ensemble members Joshua Dhurrkay, Andrew Yunupingu, Barra'kuwuy Yunupingu, Jonathon Yunupingu, Adrian Garrawitja and Lloyd Garrawitja.
Further new additions to the festival's line-up include Alice Springs' Tjintu Desert Band, who, alongside former John Butler Trio drummer Nicky Bomba with his Bustamento quartet, are set to help round the festival out in style.
Manuel Dhurrkay will also appear on the program for the festival's APRA music tent, with Darwinians Ali Mills and Sietta, and Nabarlek's Terrah Guymala. These performances are designed to provide an intimate experience among the meta-excitement of the festival atmosphere.
The festival boasts several activities and community programs this year, including walking tours, the Barunga Fashion Parade, a showing from acclaimed youth circus the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, performances from the Red Flag and Groote Eylandt Dancers, and an special performance from the Kormilda School Band following the event's opening ceremony. In addition, locals have a chance to showcase their creative and remixing talents in the Barunga Beats! program, the results of which will be played during a Kids Remix Dance Party on the Friday night.
The annual camping celebration of sport, music and culture is the country's largest Indigenous community festival, and will be held from June 6-9 in Barunga. Tickets are available now. Check the festival website for more full line-up, program and other details.
