The remote Indigenous community of Beswick swelled by hundreds of people over the weekend as they gathered to remember Balang Lewis who passed away suddenly this month a year ago.
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The memorial was part of a new music festival Concerts on Country showcasing Indigenous talent from across Australia.
"Family and friends turned out in masses for the emotionally intense memorial for Balang," a spokeswoman for Djarmalak said.
It was one of those beautiful, sad events full of positivity and joy.
- Spokeswoman for Djarmalak
Back from the weekend away, she said she was still feeling the emotion of being a part of the crowd who walked from the small art centre in the town to the burial ground where a head stone was placed.
"The whole day was a celebration of his life, with local bands and dancing and really good community spirit," the spokeswoman said.
Hosted by Djilpin Arts, the first of three weekends aimed to create an intimate environment for cross cultural engagement.
"Djarmalak; come together is a homage to our late founding and artistic director Balang T E Lewis, whose vision was a culturally safe place where everyone could come together to learn, share, exchange and enjoy," a Djilpin Arts spokesperson said.
"Cutting-edge Indigenous performance combined with the dynamics and persistence of traditional practice, Djarmalak is a special invitation from the heart of the community and resonates Balang's belief that "culture is everyone's responsibility".
Off the back of playing Splendour in the Grass, triple j favourite Kira Puru, travelled to the remote town, 110km from Katherine, to perform.
The small music fesitval is putting the community of about 500 people on the map, with big name musicians making the trip to the largely unknown town.
With more than half the tickets sold for the inagural festival, organisers see a bright future ahead.
"The cultural adventure is on the increase and things like this where you are participating in genuine experiences are highly valued, especially for a certain demographic who want something different," the spokeswoman for Djamalak said.
Still to come:
- June 22
The Merindas
Jimblah
- July 27
Mojo Juju
Oetha
Lady Lash DJ set
To book tickets head to the website here.
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