Kankawa, accompanied by Archer + Darren Hanlon

Old Stone Hall will host First Nations Artist Kankawa Nagarra, the Queen of the Bandaral Ngadu. Kankawa will be performing in Beechworth for the first time. This show is a part of a national tour to promote Kankawa's new album ‘Wirlmarni’ with support artist, Archer and accompanied by Darren Hanlon on guitar for the East Coast tour.

Kankawa Nagarra is a Walmatjarri Elder, teacher and mentor, human rights advocate, and a passionate environmental activist, born in the traditional lands of the Gooniyandi and Walmatjarri peoples of north WA. She sings in the Aboriginal Australian blues, country, and gospel styles and writes songs filled with empathy about the great struggles she sees around her.

In July last year, her friends Archer and Darren Hanlon traveled to her home community of Wangkatjungka, in Western Australia to record a collection of her songs on Country, that became her first vinyl LP. 

Kankawa chose specific locations between Wangkatjungka and Fitzroy Crossing to record and sing the songs that hold meaning for her.

The centrepiece title track song ‘Wirlmarni’, which means ‘disappearing’, is a plaintive duet between Kankawa and Archer and laments the passing of the great tribal men that she remembers fondly. 

Archer will open this intimate evening with a set of his own folk songs, he's a country blues crooner poet and a truly captivating live performer. Darren will sit with Kankawa on guitar, lending a few harmonies throughout the evening.

For the Beechworth audiences only, Darren Hanlon will host a Q and A with Kankawa, an opportunity to listen to stories and insights of her incredible life journey.

Doors open 6.30pm, pre show drinks under our courtyard festoons, performances start at 7.30pm sharp, with two sets + interval.
Join us for this very special event.

Old Stone Hall is an artist-run live music venue that is passionate about bringing intimate live music experiences to our community.

Event Partner Indigo Vineyard