The much anticipated line-up for the 2012 Saltwater Freshwater Festival at Queen Elizabeth Park, Taree on Australia Day has been confirmed.
With three performance areas — one for all the family and the others focused on cultural performance — there will be something to please all ages.
The day kicks off at 11.00am, with acts such as Microwave Jenny, The Black Turtles and The Stiff Gins rocking out with plenty of local and imported talent on the main stage.
“This Festival is an awesome opportunity for emerging talent to share the stage with the greats. Who knows, we may discover the next Gurrumul,” says Festival Director Rhoda Roberts, who urges any local talent to contact the Festival for the chance to perform.
For the first time in 2012, we are excited to introduce the Dancestry Grounds – a fusion of the old and new.
This will provide a diverse selection of performance and workshops reflecting local and regional NSW chants and stomps.
Imagine your feet in the sand circle as you sit and witness a modern day corroboree and gathering.
GenerationOne returns as the Festival’s principal sponsor and will again host the GenerationOne Yarn Tent featuring lively forums focused on Aboriginal employment strategies for the Mid-North Coast as well as a panel discussion themed “Can we change in one generation”.
“We see our relationship with Saltwater Freshwater as a great way to support the Mid-North Coast communities and their artists who will be sharing their culture at the festival,” said Tim Gartrell, CEO of GenerationOne.
“GenerationOne believes that Saltwater Freshwater is leading the way in bringing communities across the Mid-North Coast of NSW to shift the dialogue.”
A highlight of the program will be the closing performance by Casey Donovan featuring her Big Beautiful & Sexy show.
Casey has just completed a run in Melbourne with the new international musical production The Flower Children (based on the story of the Mamas and Papas with Casey featuring as Mama Cass).
Casey will also perform in the farewell ceremony, joined by a line-up of intergenerational community performers to reignite the old calls of gathering, music and stomp celebrating our National day.
There will be plenty of other entertainment throughout the day, with hands-on cultural experiences including weaving, dance, didgeridoo workshops and a youth and children’s precinct; something for all the family!
